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.
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.
Southern Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, loves working with parents and children to create positive experiences at each visit, for every child. We believe our role is to provide all the information needed to help parents make informed choices about their childs oral healthcare, and to develop a plan that balances the wishes of parents with the wellbeing, health and wellness of the child. You can, and should expect to have all your questions answered, to have open and honest discussions about your dental concerns, and to have an outstanding experience for parents and children during every visit.
Take a second to meet the doctors that are here to work with you and your special ones. Each doctor brings a love for children, a gentle, compassionate heart, and a genuine interest in providing your child with an outstanding experience each and every time, combined with rigorous and outstanding academic and clinical training.
Monica comes to us with many years of general, oral surgery, and pediatric experience. She started her career in dentistry as a patient care coordinator and advanced into a management position where she has dedicated her time to helping patients and parents have an outstanding dental experience. In her downtime she likes to spend quality time with her son and husband, who is proudly serving in our armed forces.
Alexis is a native of Fayetteville and has worked at several dental practices in the Raleigh and Fayetteville area. Her calm and cool demeanor help our young guests and families feel welcome, whether they are visiting in person or calling us . Whether you are new to Southern Smiles, or a returning guest, Alexis is here to make sure that your visit is pleasant and relaxed.
Amanda comes to us from Ohio where she has had several years of experience working in general dentistry and pediatric dentistry. She has worked in the dental field for 7 years and her favorite thing is communicating with patients and creating lasting relationships with each and every patient. As our insurance coordinator, Amanda will make sure your insurance questions are answered, and that we are helping you to use your insurance benefits to the max. Her mastery of all things related to insurance will help to make sure your experience is pleasant, streamlined, and easy to understand.
Jennifer is a native of Fayetteville, and has lived in NC her whole life. After completing the dental assisting program at Fayetteville Tech in 2007, she successfully passed her state certification to become a certified dental assistant. Jenn has a natural way with children, and also has two children of her own. Jenn loves being a pediatric dental assistant, and believes If you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life. Jenn loves photography, jewelry, going to the beach, eating ethnic foods and traveling!
Although Ashleigh is from Florida originally, she now considers herself a native of Fayetteville. After all, shes lived in Fayetteville for the last 18 years! She graduated from Terry Sanford High School and Fayetteville Technical Community College. She has been working in the dental field for eight years, primarily with children in pediatric dentistry. Ashleigh is our Frenectomy Coordinator, and handles all aspects of the patient experience when it comes to lip ties and tongue ties. As a mother of a child who had both lip and tongue revisions done, she has firsthand knowledge of what mothers are going through. 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.
Courtney graduated from Wayne Community College in 2011 with a diploma in dental assisting and, following graduation, successfully passed the Dental Assisting National Board exam. Since graduating, she has worked exclusively in pediatric dentistry, loving every minute of it. Courtney is from Autryville, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband and two little girls. She spends her free time with family, enjoying all sorts of outdoor activities. She and her family especially love spending time at the lake.
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.
Angela is native to North Carolina and comes to us after having worked at several dental practices in Raleigh, Fayetteville, and Holly Springs. With over 7 years of Dental experience and a love of working with kids, we are excited to have her as an addition to our team! During her spare time, she loves spending time with her adorable son, Emmitt.
Sadie comes to us from a Florida but the military has brought her to Raeford. Sadie worked for several years in Florida at both general dentistry and orthodontic practices, and has a natural way of making kids feel at ease. As a mother herself, Sadie knows how important it is to help children feel relaxed and safe at the dentist, and her outgoing and relaxed nature helps kids to settle in immediately. Sadie enjoys spending time with her husband and her young son.
From our unique waiting room to our treatment areas, every space is designed to cater to our most important visitors- your children. We follow strict OSHA and sterilization guidelines to assure your child a safe, modern, and fun place for their dental visits.