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.
