Dr. Straka is a native of Ohio where he earned both a bachelors and a masters of science degree in biology at the University of Toledo. He later taught biology at the College of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, NC. Dr. Straka went on to further his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he earned his DDS degree in 1985. He was a member of the faculty at the School of Dentistry in 1985 and 1986, teaching in the Department of Operative Dentistry. He is a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and has taken additional training at the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education and at the Center for Restorative Excellence. Dr. Straka has been extremely active in the profession of dentistry and in the community. His professional and community activities have included:
Melissa attended York Technical College in Rock Hill, SC, and worked as a certified dental assistant for over 15 years before returning to hygiene school at CVCC in Hickory. She joined our team in July 2017, after graduating with honors from that program.
Melissa is a certified assistant with the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and is a licensed dental hygienist in both North and South Carolina. She is an advocate for dental healthcare for all and volunteers her time to various dental organizations, such as Veterans Stand Down and the Sandy Ridge Baptist dental bus. She is very active in the ADHA and NC Dental Hygienists Association and serves as the current chair (president) and trustee of the Foothills Dental Hygiene Component, a component of the NCDHA.
Lisa completed the Dental Assistant Program at Bowman Gray in Winston Salem in 1982 and has since worked as a Certified Dental Assistant. She has worked in with Dr. Straka since 2015. She is also an instructor at the Lake Norman Dental Assisting School in Mooresville.
Chasity attended the University of Phoenix and later decided to pursue a career in dentistry. She completed the Dental Assistant program at Western Piedmont Community College and joined our team in June 2018.
Nancy graduated from Western Piedmont Community College in 1985 as a Certified Dental Assistant II. She joined Dr. Strakas practice in 1992 with nine years of business experience and seven years of dental office practice management experience. During her initial employment of nine years with Dr. Staka, Nancy worked as an Administrative Assistant. She also completed courses with The Center for Professional Development, located in Scotsdale, AZ. After a 14-year hiatus, Nancy rejoined Dr. Stakas staff and now has over 25 combined years of business and dental practice management experience.
Brittany graduated from Lenoir Rhyne University in 2011 with a degree in Human Services. She joined our team in April 2018, as the Treatment and Financial Coordinator. Brittany is also our office insurance specialist. She has seven years of customer service and financial business experience.
Reviews
Rating 4.3 out of 5 based on 16 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestRD Pyatte
3 years ago
I have been going to Dr. Straka for about 9 years. He is phenomenal. He has a great sense of humor and is very personable. He does excellent dental work. His staff is great , everyone really goes out of their way to make a dental visit as good as going to the dentist can be. I mean who doesn't love a good trip to the dentist.
Alexis Teague
3 years ago
I just started going here and my first cleaning was amazing and so was the dental assistant. Dr. Straka just performed my fillings and I felt no pain with the needles or during! The numbness has worn off and I can say I've had no pain which is very surprising with the amount of decay I had. Also he did a great job I've never had a filling that's looked so natural and I've never been to a dentist that hasn't caused pain afterwards so I'm very very happy with his work! Also he's super funny and was very nice ! Strongly recommend.
Wayne Kight
3 years ago
I started at Dr Straka with bad teeth and gums (which I didn't know) and with regular cleaning, checkups, and procedures, my mouth and teeth have improved to healthy. I can see and feel the difference. The staff are always friendly and helpful.
RD Pyatte
3 years ago
I have been going to Dr. Straka for about 9 years. He is phenomenal. He has a great sense of humor and is very personable. He does excellent dental work. His staff is great , everyone really goes out of their way to make a dental visit as good as going to the dentist can be. I mean who doesn't love a good trip to the dentist.
Alexis Teague
3 years ago
I just started going here and my first cleaning was amazing and so was the dental assistant. Dr. Straka just performed my fillings and I felt no pain with the needles or during! The numbness has worn off and I can say I've had no pain which is very surprising with the amount of decay I had. Also he did a great job I've never had a filling that's looked so natural and I've never been to a dentist that hasn't caused pain afterwards so I'm very very happy with his work! Also he's super funny and was very nice ! Strongly recommend.
Wayne Kight
4 years ago
I started at Dr Straka with bad teeth and gums (which I didn't know) and with regular cleaning, checkups, and procedures, my mouth and teeth have improved to healthy. I can see and feel the difference. The staff are always friendly and helpful.
Chaz Suttles
4 years ago
Dr. Straka is an amazing dentist to his patients as well as staff! It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to be apart of his wonderful team and a blessing to be chairside with Dr. Straka throughout the week!
Samantha Gaither
4 years ago
Dr. Straka is the BEST dentist you will ever find in Hickory North Carolina. He communicates with you, and makes sure you know what is going on. I come in for my appointments and every time his staff as well as himself makes me feel very comfortable and at ease. I will always go here. Best place hands down.
Clara Williams
4 years ago
Friendly doc, but something's up with method of practice. Found "pocket of decay" necessitating treatment on X-ray, and two cavities. Before I scheduled appt. to fix, called the office and asked to see the X-ray, because I know people who can read/understand X-rays. Was told by the hygenist that the X-ray looked fine. That seemed fishy, so I scheduled an appointment at a different dentist, who told me my teeth looked good. Went back to the different dentist 8 months later, got new X-rays, and was told teeth looked fine, no cavities. That was several years ago, and I have suffered no complications as a result of not treating whatever it what the DDS noticed. So either the cavities healed themselves somehow, without a change in my diet or oral hygiene regimen, they were never there in the first place, or they were so minor that they continue to not affect my life in any way and go unnoticed by other dentists. A fine place to go for a cleaning, but I'd be cautious about jumping on DDS's recs for treatment. At the very minimum, the recs are not always necessary.
Chaz Suttles
5 years ago
Dr. Straka is an amazing dentist to his patients as well as staff! It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to be apart of his wonderful team and a blessing to be chairside with Dr. Straka throughout the week!
Samantha Harkins
5 years ago
Dr. Straka is the BEST dentist you will ever find in Hickory North Carolina. He communicates with you, and makes sure you know what is going on. I come in for my appointments and every time his staff as well as himself makes me feel very comfortable and at ease. I will always go here. Best place hands down.
Brittany Reece
5 years ago
Fabulous Dentist!
Clara Williams
5 years ago
Friendly doc, but something's up with method of practice. Found "pocket of decay" necessitating treatment on X-ray, and two cavities. Before I scheduled appt. to fix, called the office and asked to see the X-ray, because I know people who can read/understand X-rays. Was told by the hygenist that the X-ray looked fine. That seemed fishy, so I scheduled an appointment at a different dentist, who told me my teeth looked good. Went back to the different dentist 8 months later, got new X-rays, and was told teeth looked fine, no cavities. That was several years ago, and I have suffered no complications as a result of not treating whatever it what the DDS noticed. So either the cavities healed themselves somehow, without a change in my diet or oral hygiene regimen, they were never there in the first place, or they were so minor that they continue to not affect my life in any way and go unnoticed by other dentists. A fine place to go for a cleaning, but I'd be cautious about jumping on DDS's recs for treatment. At the very minimum, the recs are not always necessary.
David Eller (Dave)
5 years ago
Great Staff, Great Service and a Super Great Dentist! Wouldn't go anywhere else!
Todd Hagee
5 years ago
I've always had great experiences going here and seeing Mr. Straka. His whole staff are always friendly and professional! Couldn't imagine going anywhere else. Go Heels!
Arturo Ballabeni
5 years ago
Best dentist in town. Now all my family goes here when they need dental work.
Brittany Reece
5 years ago
Fabulous Dentist!
Arturo Ballabeni
6 years ago
Best dentist in town. Now all my family goes here when they need dental work.
David Eller (Dave)
6 years ago
Great Staff, Great Service and a Super Great Dentist! Wouldn't go anywhere else!
Todd Hagee
6 years ago
I've always had great experiences going here and seeing Mr. Straka. His whole staff are always friendly and professional! Couldn't imagine going anywhere else. Go Heels!
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