We're pediatric dentists dedicated to the dental and emotional needs of children and adolescents in a loving and caring atmosphere. We are here to help your child have good dental health in a positive environment as we work together to create a smile for a lifetime.

Dr. Tyson graduated from the School of Dentistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1995. He completed his post-doctoral residency training in pediatric dentistry at the Medical University of South Carolina Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina in 1997.

He is on the professional medical and dental staff at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. He is a visiting faculty member at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, as well as, the Medical University of South Carolina Postgraduate Program in Pediatric Dentistry. In 2006, Dr. Tyson completed his board certification in pediatric dentistry and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Tyson has served on the Board of the Wilmington Tri-County Dental Society and served as the President of the Society in 2008-2009. He is currently on the Board of the NC Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry. He has served on these boards since 2008. In 2015, Dr. Tyson was nominated by his peers and inducted into the American College of Dentists. This is a select organization that has as its mission to advance excellence, ethics, professionalism, and leadership in dentistry.

Dr. Stephanie Heaney is a 1996 graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. In 2001, Dr. Heaney graduated with distinction from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry. In 2004, she completed her pediatric dental residency at the Childrens National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Heaney served as a surface warfare officer in the Navy aboard the USS Ross (DDG 71), a guided missile destroyer, after graduating from the Naval Academy. Dr. Heaney practiced general dentistry in Apex, North Carolina for one year after graduating from dental school and prior to specializing in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Heaney is on the professional medical and dental staff at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. In 2007, Dr. Heaney completed her board certification in pediatric dentistry and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Katie Payne graduated with honors from the UNC School of Dentistry in 2015, after completing her undergraduate degree at UNC in 2009. She then went onto obtain her Masters of Science and Certificate of Pediatric Dentistry from The Ohio State University and Nationwide Childrens Hospital in 2017.

Dr. Katie practiced Pediatric Dentistry in Chapel Hill, NC for two years before she decided to return home to Wilmington! Dr. Katie is on theprofessional medical and dental staff at New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Brunswick Medical Center. In 2018, Dr. Katie completed her board certification in pediatric dentistry and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Katie lives in Wilmington with her fur-child Tucker, a 2 year old golden-doodle. When she isnt at Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry, you can find Dr. Katie either close to the water, or spending time with friends and family.

Our experienced staff is especially interested in making all our patients feel right at home! We put your needs first to achieve efficient and comprehensive treatment. Our staff is trained and skilled, and we strive to provide energetic and fun-loving service to each patient. Each member of our treatment team is a registered assistant, and our office staff has years of experience in treating patients with the highest level of care. We strive to stay abreast of the latest in technological advances by regularly attending continuing education courses and seminars.

Beth is our Office Administrator and a Certified Dental Assistant who has been with us from the beginning. She lives with her husband Anthony, son Kendall, and dogs Buster and Milo. She enjoys the Yankees, the Panthers, the beach and spending time with her family and friends.

Dawn is our scheduling coordinator who has been with us for 22 years now. She lives with her husband, Kevin. Dawn has a son, Cory, who attends UNCC. Her daughter, Courtney, and son-n-law, Nathan, reside in Raleigh, NC. She enjoys the mountains and concerts with her family.

Amber, who joined us in 2016, is a part of our upfront staff. She lives with her husband, Jimmy, and they have one son, Cannon, and one daughter, Everlee. They also have a rambunctious dog named Dallas. She enjoys going to the beach, going to the movies, and spending time with family.

Halley is our greeter. She was born and raised here in Wilmington, NC. She has an older brother and sister, a brother-n-law, and a niece. Halley loves being around her family, friends, and boyfriend, Derek. She enjoys the outdoors, the Appalachian Mountains, the beach, and country music.

Megan is a Certified Dental Assistant and is currently our Clinical Coordinator. She has been with us for 21 years. Megan is on staff at New Hanover Regional Medical Center where she assists with dental surgeries. She lives with her daughter, Melody. She enjoys arts, crafts, and spending time with friends and family.

Kathi is one of our Certified Dental Assistants. She is originally from Wake Forest and relocated here to be with us. She has been in the pediatric dental profession for over 20 years. She is a dedicated volunteer for ministries in her church, enjoys bike riding, and spending time with her spiritual twin grandsons. She also loves to spend time with her dog, Phoebe, and her cat, Randy.

Liz is one of our Dental Assistants. She is also our Education Coordinator, Lab Tech and assists with Dental Surgeries. Liz has been with us since December 2006. She lives with her husband, Cliff, and their daughter, Morgan. Lacey, Molly, and Slate complete the rest of her family. She enjoys spending her free time with family and friends.

Ashleigh is one of our Certified Dental Assistants and OSHA Coordinator. She joined our team in October 2013. She lives with her husband, Josh. Together they have one son and one daughter, Maddox and Kennedy. She enjoys spending time with their fur babies, Bella and Monroe, hanging out on the North end, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Staci is one of our Certified Dental Assistants who graduated from Cape Fear Community College in 2005, and joined our team in May 2014. She is our Preschool Education Coordinator and directs students from various assisting programs. She lives with her husband, Tom and their son, Emrick. They also have a Maltipoo, Sophie. In her free time she enjoys spending time at the pool or at the beach with family and friends.

Krystal is one of our Dental Assistants who joined our team in May 2016. She has been working in the dental field since 2012 and enjoys her experiences in pediatric dentistry the most. Krystal lives with her son, TyNique (Ty). On her free time she enjoys spending time with Ty along with her friends and family. She is an avid bowler, pool goer, and traveler to Raleigh.

Candice is a Certified Dental Assistant from Coastal Carolina Community College. She lives with her husband, Turner, and they have one daughter, Paislyn, and one son, Camden. She loves going to the beach, spending time with her family, and going to church.

Krystal is one of our Certified Dental Assistants who graduated from the Dental Assisting program at Cape Fear Community College in August of 2020. She lives in Leland, NC with her boyfriend, Tyler and yellow lab, Rivv. Krystal enjoys spending time with her family, hanging out at the beach and golfing.

Kristen is one of our dental assistants. She is originally from Long Island, but likes the warmer weather. She has worked in pediatrics since 2007 and loves working with children. She lives with her fianc, Dennis, and their adopted dog, Spence. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and reading.

Tricia is one of our dental assistants. She moved to Wilmington in 2004. She is married to Daniel and has two sons, Ian and Carter. She enjoys going to the beach and spending time with friends and family.

Taylor is one of our dental assistants. She graduated from NC Dental U. She lives in Leland, NC with her boyfriend, Garrett, and two cats named Friday and Alastor. She enjoys going to the beach to swim, reading, hanging out with family and attempting to play golf with Garrett.

Andrea is one of our dental assistants. She graduated from Jacksonville Dental Assisting School in 2021. She was born and raised in Wilmington. She lives with her boyfriend, Evan, and her Ragdoll cat, Cinco. In her spare time, she enjoys the beach, exercise and going shopping.