Dr Sarah Shoaf is a native of Winston-Salem, and completed her undergraduate work at Wake Forest University with a major in Physician Assistant Studies. She practiced as a PA for six years in Philadelphia and New Orleans, earning a Masters of Education at the University of New Orleans. When she decided to go to dental school, she matriculated to the UNC School of Dentistry. Dr. Shoaf graduated in the top 10% of her class, earning membership in the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honorary fraternity that is comparable to the Phi Beta Kappa of all dental schools. From there, she earned her Orthodontic Certificate from Eastman Dental Center, as well as a Masters degree in Biochemistry/Genetics from the University of Rochester in New York.

In 1992, Dr. Shoaf returned to her hometown and was on faculty at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine until 2009. While there and at University Dental Associates on Miller Street, Dr. Shoaf was active with dental graduate, medical school, and physician assistant program teaching. She was a member of the North Carolina Center for Cleft and Craniofacial Deformities at WFUBMC, as well as the Sleep Disorder Team. Dr. Shoaf also has a great interest in forensic odontology, and is still called upon to make dental identifications for the area medical examiners. From 2009 to 2011, Dr. Shoaf continued her orthodontic work in private practice in Mount Airy. Dr.Shoaf attained Diplomate status from the American Board of Orthodontics. Less than a third of presently-practicing orthodontists have achieved such distinction.

Dr Shoaf is married to Alan G. Miller, an underwater photographer who has a studio space on Trade Street in the Winston-Salem Arts District. They enjoy scuba diving around the world, playing golf, and watching Wake Forest Demon Deacons sports. Dr. Shoaf also attended culinary school at Guilford Tech, and is a baker making cakes, sourdough bread, and other goodies throughout the year. She enters her homemade jams and jellies in both the Dixie Classic and NC State Fairs, and has won many top awards.