I was raised in Zebulon, North Carolina, and I am proud to be a third-generation dentist. Growing up in a dental family (with a grandfather who was a general dentist and a father who is a periodontist) allowed me to see both the pros/cons of working within the dental field, as well as how they were proud to serve their community. When deciding on my career path, I wanted to pursue a profession which combines my passion for science, art, and service – which is what led me towards dentistry.
I have been an advocate for the special needs community since I was 6 years old – since my younger brother was diagnosed with autism. When my parents began taking him to speech therapy sessions, I was also allowed to attend, and I would observe how the therapist interacted with him. Throughout our childhood, my parents and I would make flashcards, draw pictures, create games, and quiz him in ways we deemed fun (to help him develop his communication skills). My constant involvement with my brother allowed me to develop empathy, compassion, patience, and a desire to help others, and it spurred me to become actively involved within the special needs community during high school, college, and dental school. And now, my brother’s influence has steered me towards a career where I can provide dental care to both children and the special needs community.
I enjoy building rapport with my patients through mutual interests (ex: Disney, video games), watching them overcome initial fears, and watching them smile with pride at their accomplishments after a visit. For me, one of the most rewarding aspects of pediatric dentistry is watching patients grow over time into their confident selves.
I graduated with distinction from UNC-Chapel Hill (with a B.S. in Biology and minors in Chemistry/Archaeology). Afterwards, I graduated with honors from ECU School of Dental Medicine (with a Doctorate in Dental Medicine). Thereafter, I completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency through NYU Langone/Greene County Health Care in eastern North Carolina (earning an AEGD certificate). Finally, I completed my pediatric dental residency through University of Florida-Gainesville and Shands Hospital.
Our profession is often called “the practice of dentistry” because we are continuously learning throughout our careers. I love learning, and integral to the “practice of pediatric dentistry” is staying up to date with the best practices/research within the pediatric dental field. Every child is unique, and I strive to provide the best evidence-based care to help each child grow into his/her confident self.
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