As a specialist in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Ray places your childs health and happiness as our top priorities. Everything we do goes toward ensuring that your little one receives only the most beneficial and effective treatment in a fun and non-threatening environment. We are committed to playing an important role in your childs oral health from a very early age through adolescence and beyond. Our goal is to meet the dental needs, as well as the mental needs of each child. By seeing children starting at the age of 1, we are able to diagnose any dental issues early on, partner with parents to let them know what to expect as their children grow, all the while providing gentle and patient-focused comprehensive care on each step of their journey.
As a father, Dr. Ray knows that we all have a lot to balance when it comes to our children! We listen and work closely with parents to develop a customized treatment plan that is realistic, that can be accomplished, and builds on finding small changes in the daily routines of our children that will support good oral health for years to come.
As a scientist, Dr. Ray knows that there is a lot of information out there that might be confusing or scary. We all want to do the best for our children, but sometimes it hard to separate fact from fiction. With his research and scientific background, Dr. Ray reviews the latest studies to make sure that he uses materials and technique that work, and are supported by science. Dr. Ray treats every child as his own, and works with parents to make sure they have accurate, and correct information when it comes to the oral health of their children.
For parents with infants, the North Carolina Integrative Tongue Tie Center, a division of High House Pediatric Dentistry, provides support and treatment for mothers experiencing issues with breastfeeding due to lip ties or tongue ties. In addition to treating infants in an integrative and supportive group setting, our center also treats children who have problems with eating (slow eating, picky about foods, gagging/vomiting) or speech. Dr. Rays research training is translated into practice through this new center, which is also focused on research in the hopes of providing better experiences for future moms and babies. From birth to adulthood, our practice and services are here for parents with children of all ages.
Dr. Ray completed his Bachelors of Science (BS), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. He also completed a four-year residency/fellowship in pediatric dentistry and nutrition at the University of North Carolina Hospitals and School of Dentistry. Dr. Ray enjoys working with children of all ages, and has been focusing on tethered oral tissues in infants and children with functional difficulties in breastfeeding, eating, or speech. A parent himself, Dr. Ray works with parents to find solutions to improve oral health that are practical, evidence-based, and easy for parents and children to implement. In his spare time, Dr. Ray enjoys spending time with his wife and son and traveling.
Dr. Mark Herring is a North Carolina native, born and raised in Wilmington, NC. He earned his dental degree from the ECU School of Dental Medicine, and his pediatric certificate from The University of Pennsylvania and the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Mark enjoys working with patients from all walks of life, especially children with special healthcare needs and complex medical histories. He is fluent in Spanish, which he has used extensively in clinic in Philadelphia and while attending East Carolina University. He enjoys running, and traveling in his spare time.
Dr. Emilee was born and raised in West Virginia, and earned her DDS from West Virginia Universitys School of Dentistry. She completed her pediatric dentistry residency training at Texas A&M and Childrens Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. She loves all things outdoors, as well as baking, working out, and cheering on her beloved Mountaineers!
June comes to us from Fayetteville with over 10 years of working in general and pediatric dentistry and oral surgery. As an office leader, June is here to make sure that every experience meets our high standards and that parents have a point of contact for any concern or compliment they have for our practice. June enjoys spending time with her family and traveling in her spare time.
Although Ashleigh is from Florida originally, she now considers herself a native of North Carolina. She has been working in the dental field for nine years, primarily with children in pediatric dentistry. Ashleigh is married and has one son, who is basically a big ball of energy! In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her family by going to the beach or to any Carolina Panthers game. Shes also an avid Tar Heels fan. Ashleigh is the Frenectomy Coordinator for the North Carolina Tongue Tie Center, and also works with our sister practice, Southern Smiles Pediatric Dentistry of Cameron.
Originally from Michigan, Dominee has extensive experience in working with children and individuals with unique and special healthcare needs. In her 10 years of experience, Dominee has worked with children and adults and can put everyone at ease with her calm demeanor. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling.
Anna graduated with her Bachelors degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has worked in the triangle area as a hygienist with both adult and child patients. Her gentle demeanor puts children at ease during their dental cleanings. Anna enjoys working with children to improve their oral hygiene using fun and innovative techniques. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, and exploring new cities.
Payton comes to us from Sanford, NC. After graduating from Central Carolina Community College, she joined Dr. Ray at High House Pediatric Dentistry and has earned her designation as Certified Dental Assistant. Paytons calm and relaxed demeanor helps her make friends with our guests easily and allows her to make any situation easy for children.
Diana was born and raised in Mexico City and moved to Clinton, NC in 2002. Diana has over 10 years of experience working in adult and pediatric dental practices. She loves what she does, and enjoys making visits fun and relaxing for kids when they come to visit for their dental cleanings. Her calm demeanor and great smile put children at ease instantly! Diana has two children and spends her free time with her family going to the movies, and spending time outdoors. Diana has also served on international service trips to Guatemala with the High House clinical team to serve children in need.
Tatianna comes to us from South Carolina, where she worked in general and pediatric dentistry, and was also faculty at a local college in the dental assisting program. Tatianna enjoys working with children of all ages, and helping them to be more relaxed at their dental visits. In her spare time, Tatianna enjoys traveling around the world, with her most recent adventures taking her to Morocco, and the Caribbean.
Zaidaly graduated from Central Carolina Community College with her dental assisting degree, and has worked at High House Pediatric Dentistry before and after her graduation. As a native spanish-speaker, Zaidaly helps our young guests feel at ease in the dental chair, whether its their first or fifteenth visit. In her spare time, Zaidaly enjoys spending time with her family and her young son, and traveling to new places.
Ellie has lived in the Raleigh area for several years. She is Cuban and is our resident Spanish-speaking dental assistant. She comes to us with several years of experience in pediatric dentistry and has a natural ability to make kids feel comfortable and at ease. Ellie has also accompanied Dr. Ray on a dental service trip to Nicaragua where she helped serve over 475 kids with dental needs. Ellie enjoys movies and traveling.
The pediatric dentist has an extra two to three years of specialized training after dental school, and is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years. You may know someone who had a bad dental experience as a child- The pediatric dentist is dedicated to making sure that this never happens. The very young, pre-teens, and teenagers all need different approaches in explaining dental procedures, guiding their dental growth and development, and helping them avoid future dental problems. The pediatric dentist is best qualified to meet these needs because of their extensive training in areas like behavior/fear/anxiety management, use of sedation/anesthesia when needed, and a focus on growth and development throughout the years
Theyre just baby teeth, right? Wrong! While the front 4 teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth (cuspids and molars) arent replaced until age 10-13. Also, primary teeth are much smaller and thinner than adult teeth, so cavities form a lot faster- in as little as a few weeks! For young children, this can lead to pain, inability to eat, and ultimately may lead to teeth having to be extracted. But it doesnt end there! If a child loses their primary teeth too early, problems can arise with spacing and drifting of other teeth, and can result in blocking out the permanent teeth from eruptiong.
Primary teeth, or baby teeth, are also important for (1) proper chewing and eating, (2) providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and (3) permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive appearance. Regular brushing and flossing is a step in the right direction on your journey to good oral health.
Reviews
Rating 4.7 out of 5 based on 289 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestTyler McGee
a year ago
This place canceled my sons appointment a few days before we were scheduled to go, after I waited months to get him in. After numerous calls and voicemails I finally got through, where they told me they scheduled someone else in my sons spot and we'd need to wait two more months to be seen. As a warning, you may want to at least have a plan B in case this place cancels your appointment randomly (due to there long wait list.)
Samantha Sharp
a year ago
I can not say enough good things about this dentist. We live in Southport NC (about 2 and a half hours from this practice) and we couldn't find anywhere local to fix my sons lip and tongue tie. Well his dentist here referred him to high house pediatrics and when we went for my sons consultation I just knew we made the right choice. Dr. Ray sat with us for a good 20 minutes going over our options for my sons lip and tongue tie along with fixing a few cavities he had. The assistant Dr. Ray had even took my son down the hall to get a toy so we could speak about our options without interruption. The day of his surgery came around, he was put under anesthesia, he had all four front teeth crowned, he had 3 other teeth fixed, and his lip and tongue tie revised, almost 24 hours post op, and my son isn't even acting like he had dental work! This office has such a compassionate team, Wendy is an absolute sweetheart my son adores her, Dr. Ray is so knowledgeable in every aspect of dentistry, I just don't have enough good things to say about here!! I definitely think we've found a great dentist for my son, even if it is a little bit of a drive, knowing my son is in good hands with this dentist makes it worth it.
sandeep kumar
2 years ago
Dr Emilee is very hard to work with, she is rude and not ready to listen to patients at all. This is not one time thing but happened on every visit.
Tanya Vanosdol
2 years ago
I have a somewhat difficult toddler (as most do I suppose ha); but I'd say mine is slightly more difficult having been diagnosed with Autism and having had a bad experience with a prior dentist at different dentist's office. But this place was amazing from the front desk checking me in to the dental hygienist (I believe her name was Peyton but going to be honest and say my son was being a bit loud when she introduced herself). She was amazing, so gentle and calm with him. Then we had Dr Mark and he was also the most gentle and calming dentist I've had. Just made me feel like I'm not the worst mom around! Which I think most moms feel at one time or another! To the last person who checked us out that was also super sweet and listened to my son being super loud while I tried to fill out paperwork and never once made me feel bad and or got irritated. You can't train compassion and I felt it from everyone here. But on top of compassion they were also were very knowledgeable and thorough with their assessments. Couldn't ask for a better visit! Thanks to everyone!! Amazing experience and will definitely be back!!
Maritza Quiles
2 years ago
Excellent first time visit even my husbsnd was impressed ! Everyone was very professional even the front desk I love it ! My children will be long term patients here.
Priti Patel
2 years ago
PARENTS please be aware!! Doctors are super busy and generally over pressured!! Not willing to try at all. TWICE they stopped process in middle of it because kids was little teary! This kid has been under dental treatments before so I know they can get it done. I highly recommend not going to these people!!!!!!!!
store 007
2 years ago
The staff is very friendly and patient with my kids. I am happy to find a local dentist that I trust and my kids are comfortable with!
Lauren Demberg
2 years ago
The staff here are incredible and really know what they are doing when it comes to the consideration and care of children. I would recommend anyone with kids go to this practice!
Girum E
2 years ago
We have a special need child who needed dental care. We have been looking for a Dr. Who has experience with kids special needs. We found high house pediatric dentistry. We had a visit today and our daughter got her first deep cleaning for a first time. We are so pleased the care we received. Dr. Herring was professional, caring and knowledgeable, he made us feel comfortable. He took his time explaining the procedure. Dr. Henderson the anesthesiologist was great he re assured us he will take care of our daughter. Overall we had a great experience and delighted with the out come. Thank you so much.
Jay Ha
2 years ago
Highly recommend Dr. Herring, hands down the best pediatric dentist in the area. My 3yo daughter was very nervous but left the office smiling. Kid friendly office setting and amazing office staff.
Julia A. Melzer
2 years ago
We have twins and this is a great place. I'm and out in less than 45 minutes. Which is great! My daughter does outstandingly but my son is more apprehensive. I wish the technician was a little less abrasive with him. My fear is that experiences like this will make him hate the dentist. Giving a few more minutes can make or break an experience for a 22-month old. I understand that they have to get people in and out but this is an impression that will last a life time for a young one.
CC
2 years ago
Had a wonderful experience here releasing our infant child's Tongue and Lip tie (frenectomy). Firstly, in the initial consultation, Dr. Ray did an excellent job both ensuring that we understood the physiology of our child's mouth and what would be involved in the procedure. However, more importantly, Dr. Ray and his staff were interested in the negative symptoms we were experiencing during feeding and helping us understand whether a frenectomy was the right choice for our child. We were not pressured at all. The procedure day was extremely well structured which included an extended session with other families undergoing the procedure that day. The session was facilitated by a wonderful duo of doulas: Jessica, a lactation consultant, and Joanne, a bodyworker. Together they walked through everything we needed to know about the multi-week journey of stretches to ensure the procedure is successful. The procedure itself took mere minutes. Our child took it very well, and--following the excellent documents, hands-on guidance from the staff (they encourage you to record a video of the stretches they perform on your child for reference later), we felt extremely prepared over the following few weeks to continue the regular stretches. There is also a private online Facebook group for additional support. Our child responded very well to the increased mobility in his mouth, and we loved the decrease in reflux and improved feedings. We would absolutely recommend a frenectomy consultation with Dr. Ray to understand if it's right for your child.
Jessica Weihs
2 years ago
This place is amazing! My daughter had a pretty bad lip and tongue tie. We finally figured it out a little before she was one. From birth she had issues latching both the bottle and while breastfeeding. She would scream and cry and we chalked it up to her reflux which she also had. After a while it did get a little better and we didn't investigate anymore until she started eating and drinking real food. The water would spill back out of her mouth, she started to pocket food in her cheeks, and her speech was suffering. That's when I really noticed there were issues. Her local dentist diagnosed her and from there started the hunt for a specialist. I did tons of research on places and doctors. High House Pediatric had great reviews. During the consult I knew they would be amazing. Dr. Ray explained the process and what we should expect. We set her appointment up and the day of was a normal day. We gave her some tylenol before the procedure to help. The worst part of the whole thing was us holding her down so they could numb her with numbing cream, and then when we had to walk out and she was crying for us thinking we were leaving her. They use a laser so no-one else can be in the room except the doctor and assistant. It was an amazingly fast procedure. I went out to make a couple of phone calls and update people for about 5 mins and as soon as I walked back in they were calling for us. She was clearly upset we left her but over all fine. She wasn't really bleeding. After the visit she was still pretty numb and she wanted to eat so we got some food and then she napped. That afternoon she was back to normal. The next 2 weeks were a challenge as I had to do stretches on her lip/tongue 4-6 times a day. That meant opening up her wounds multiple times daily and stretching them so they would not heal back like before. I had to even wake her up to do it. I didn't realize I had to do it for 4 weeks. That was my fault. Luckily it healed great anyways. The stretches bothered me more than her honestly. The following 2 weeks after surgery she could finally say mama and dada along with so many other things. Eating was faster and way easier. No water spilling out either. It was a day and night difference. I would do it over again and again. It was worth every second. She is a whole new kid. Now she is about to turn two, all of this is behind her and no longer "delayed" in anything. She doesn't remember any of it and at a recent regular dentist check up all looked well. She had her frenectomy in Sept 2021. I wanted to wait a while to give a full accurate review. I cannot recommend Dr. Ray and the staff and High House Pediatric enough.
Jennifer Layne
2 years ago
My daughter has been a patient of Dr. Ray and Dr. Mark for 7 years. We are so pleased with the level of professionalism and care at every visit. My daughter is never scared or nervous at her visits which says so much for everyone at the practice. We appreciate how focused they are on making the children feel comfortable while providing the very best care. We highly recommend High House Pediatric Dentistry.
Eileen P
2 years ago
The Dentists and the staff are absolutely the best! I would never send my children to another dentist.The Drs. are amazing and the staff is super friendly.if you want a dentist that your child will actually like going to, this is the place!
Katelyn Fryar
2 years ago
Great office, very welcoming and the front desk staff are so friendly-Wendy is great! I am thankful for an office that cares about my family's safety during this pandemic and I appreciate the policies they have in place to help keep us all healthy! Thanks to you I feel safe taking my children to their very necessary dental visits, and my kids have healthy beautiful smiles! Keep up the great work!
Amanda Crook
2 years ago
We had a very bad experience, left the office in tears without a prize. I 100% would not reccomend. Zero stars.
Rachel Enkey
2 years ago
I highly recommend Dr Ray at High House Pediatric Dentistry! I would rate 10 stars if I could! He was wonderful! The day we came in for my 3m old sons lip and tongue tie consultation, he had a flight to catch but stayed late anyways to do my sons lip and tongue tie procedure. The procedure was quick and effective, we noticed an immediate difference. Afterward my son didn't seem to be in any distress. My son eat better afterwards and moved his tongue more and just seemed happier. Dr Ray was knowledgeable and thought us some things we didn't know. He was super friendly and kind. My son loves him! He was so good with my son and treated him so well. He is a great doctor. He is so caring and takes the time to be personable and give us the good quality care my son needed. I couldn't have asked for a better doctor to do my sons lip and tongue tie procedure. 10 stars hands down, best lip and tongue tie specialist around. We can't thank him enough for all he has done for us and especially for my son and for all his kindness. We just love him!
Sandra Prudente
2 years ago
This office is the CUTEST!! I appreciate Dr Mark Herring, Always so kind and very respectful. Best Pediatric Dentist I've Ever Seen. Ellie is the First assistant that helped she's so freaking awesome so is Rachel!! Both ladies are literally the best! Cant forget about the front desk ladies. Wendy, You're amazing! i can keep on going but i'll leave that for next time <3
O. M.
2 years ago
If you love your kids, never come here. We don't need rude people...
Load more