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Your Experienced North Carolina Dental Team

Meet the CarolinasDentist Team

Skill and compassion go hand in hand when providing exceptional patient care. Our highly trained and skilled dental clinicians at CarolinasDentist stay up to date on the latest advancements in dental care to ensure you enjoy excellent oral health and wear a beautiful smile for a lifetime. No matter what you need or which office you visit, you’re in caring, capable hands here.

Our dental offices are staffed with highly trained, caring dentists and hardworking team members. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted with a smile and given the first-rate CarolinasDentist experience. If you ever have questions about your dental health, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d love to help!

Dr. Laura Johnson

Dr. Laura Johnson grew up in Lakeland, Florida. She attended the University of Florida, where she received her Bachelor of Science in biology with honors. Following undergrad, Dr. Johnson attended…

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Dr. Sean Dekow

Dr. Dekow grew up in North Andover, MA, but was born in North Carolina. He attended Boston College and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Dr. Dekow then…

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Dr. Lauren Steddum

Dr. Steddum is originally from Flemington, NJ, but primarily grew up in Raleigh, NC. She attended Cardinal Gibbons High School, where she graduated Valedictorian in 2008. She attended UNC-Chapel Hill…

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Dr. Chris Steddum

Dr. Steddum attended UNC-Chapel Hill as an undergraduate and completed his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the ECU School of Dental Medicine in 2016. Following dental school, Dr. Steddum completed…

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Dr. Rachel Desch

Dr. Rachel Desch is originally from picturesque Mountainside, New Jersey, a suburb of New York City and noted as one of the best places to live in New Jersey. Dr.…

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Dr. Josh Zukerman

Dr. Josh Zukerman graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2006 with distinction and highest honors, earning his BA in Anthropology. Most importantly, during his college…

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Dr. Amruta Bahekar

Dr. Bahekar was born and raised in India’s great city of Mumbai. She continues to celebrate her Indian heritage through various forms of art. She completed dental school with a…

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Dr. Naseem

Dr. Zoia Naseem

Dr. Zoia Naseem grew up in South-East Michigan, in West Bloomfield, also known as the "lake township of Oakland County" due to the numerous small and medium-sized lakes that dot…

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Dr. Carroll

Dr. Ross Carroll

Dr. Ross Carroll is a North Carolina native who grew up in historic and patriotic Fayetteville. Dr. Carroll attended Jack Britt High School and later earned a Bachelor of Science…

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Dr. Courtney Lavallais, DDS

Dr. Courtney Lavallais

Dr. Courtney Lavallais is a native from the vibrant state of Louisiana. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Master of Science…

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Dr. Krista McDaniel

Dr. McDaniel is a proud member of the CarolinasDentist team in Fuquay-Varina, NC. Dr. McDaniel became passionate about dentistry in high school as a volunteer with the Medical-Dental bus that…

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Dr. Erin Diskin, DDS

Dr. Erin Diskin

Dr. Diskin was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. Drawn to the warmer weather, she attended the University of North Carolina Wilmington as an undergraduate, where she received her bachelor’s…

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Dr. Demi Renfro

Dr. Demi Renfro

Dr. Demi Renfro is originally from NW Arkansas, in the heart of the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Her lifelong love of dentistry began as a child in her mother's dental practice.…

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Dr. Shelby Stoltz, DMD

Dr. Shelby Stoltz

Dr. Shelby Stoltz is from Lexington, SC, and has wanted to pursue dentistry for as long as she can remember. Growing up in a family of dentists, she has always…

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Dr. Kathrin Gallick

Dr. Kathrin Gallick graduated Cum Laude with distinction in Biology from the University of Florida and went on to receive her doctorate of dental medicine degree with honors from the…

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Dr. Clanton

Dr. Jacksyn Clanton

Dr. Clanton grew up in a military family but considers Alabama her home state. She attended the University of Alabama for her undergraduate degrees in biology and nutrition, followed by…

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Dr. Woolf

Dr. Daniel Woolf

Dr. Woolf was born in Redding, CA but spent most of his early years in Washington State. He also lived in Arizona and Virginia before serving a church mission in…

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Dr. Britta Lundgren

Dr. Britta Lundgren was born in New Haven, CT., and raised in Guilford, CT. From a young age, Britta had an interest in nutrition and health and wanted to make…

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Dr. Taylor Berto, DMD

Dr. Taylor Berto

Dr. Taylor Berto grew up in the small town of Moosic, PA, which is also known as a small town next to Scranton, PA. Dr. Berto completed her undergraduate B.S.…

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Dr. Claudia Garcia Sanchez

Claudia Garcia Sanchez was born and raised in Pinar del Rio, Cuba, and embarked on her journey in dentistry after earning a degree in chemistry from the University of Kansas.…

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Dr. Brad Langley

Dr. Brad Langley grew up in the small town of Staley, North Carolina. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received his Bachelor of Arts…

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Dr. Conor Gessell

Dr. Conor Gessell, DDS, grew up in Brainerd, Minnesota. He attended Concordia College for his undergraduate studies and graduated from Creighton Dental School with his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)…

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Dr. Magdalena Langley (formerly Dr. Blaszczec)

Dr. Langley was born in Poland and at the age of three, her family moved to the United States and settled in New Jersey. Dr. Langley attended Rutgers University and…

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Dr. Kirsten Grismer

Dr. Kirsten Grismer, DDS, brings her dedication and expertise to CarolinasDentist Raeford, having spent her formative years in San Antonio, TX. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree…

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Dr. Singh

Dr. Pawandip Singh

Originally from India, Dr. Singh attended Boston University to earn her Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree at Henry Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Since then, she has been providing exceptional…

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Dr. Alexandra Wexler

Dr. Alexandra Wexler was born in Orange County, California but grew up in Seattle, Washington. She completed her Bachelor’s in biology with minors in Chemistry and Psychology at Central Washington…

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Dr. Graham

Dr. Will Graham

Dr. Will Graham was born and raised in the warm, welcoming city of Vineland, New Jersey and spent much of his time at the popular Jersey Shore, home to wide…

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Dr. Briana Sambuchi

Dr. Briana Sambuchi was born and raised in the vibrant city of Buffalo, New York, where she developed a love for the outdoors, spending winters skiing since the age of…

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Dr. Mullen

Dr. Corey Mullen

Dr. Corey Mullen is a proud native of Fayetteville, NC. After graduating from Terry Sanford High School, he attended The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill for both undergraduate and dental…

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Dr. Vamsi Kalavacharla

Dr. Kalavacharla now calls North Carolina home after obtaining his DDS degree from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, at the University of Southern California. He also obtained his Masters…

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Dr. James Lohr

Dr. James Lohr was born and raised in the quaint and historic town of Salisbury, and now he has returned to provide quality dental care to his community. Dentistry had…

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Dr. Alexia Dewane

Dr. Alexia Dewane grew up in the beautiful state of Wisconsin, which is home to amazing natural beauty, sports and of course, its cheeses. Dr. Dewane attended undergrad at Silver…

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Dr. Bodah

Dr. Nolan Bodah

Dr. Bodah was born and raised in Syracuse, NY but now calls beautiful Wilmington, North Carolina home. After receiving his undergraduate degree, Dr. Bodah attended the University of Buffalo School…

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Dr. Lefeber

Dr. Andrew Lefeber

Dr. Andrew Lefeber was born and raised in Racine, WI. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater earning his Bachelor of Science. After his undergraduate degree was completed, Andrew continued his…

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Dr. Finster

Dr. Sydney Finster

Dr. Finster grew up in the small historic town of Watertown, New York where the Black River flows directly through the center of the city. She attended Syracuse University as…

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Dr. Sarah Kinsley

Dr. Sarah Kinsley grew up in Greenville, NC, and attended East Carolina University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, earning her B.A. in Chemistry, with a minor in Biology and Hispanic Studies.…

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Dr. Erika Elliott

Dr. Erika Elliott grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She attended Purdue University to earn her Bachelor of Science, followed by The University of Michigan School of Dentistry to earn…

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Dr. Garrett Lewis

Dr. Garrett Lewis grew up in Homer, NY, and started his undergraduate studies at St. Thomas Aquinas College before transferring to SUNY Geneseo, where he earned a B.S. in Biology.…

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Dr. Pilon

Dr. Olivia Pilon (formerly Roten)

Dr. Olivia Pilon is a North Carolina native, born and raised in the Triad. She received her bachelor of science in Biology at The University of North Carolina at Chapel…

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Dr. Laurent Pilon

Dr. Laurent Pilon was born in Montreal, Canada and his family moved to Raleigh, NC in 1996. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology at The University of North…

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What We Strive For

At CarolinasDentist, we provide a positively different dental care experience. How does that benefit you? Well, we always put our patients first and use leading-edge technology and techniques to ensure you leave our office with a stunning, healthy smile. Our goal is to provide you and your family with high-quality dental care, providing the smiles you deserve along the way.

You’ll discover that we aren’t your average dental office. During your visit, feel free to take advantage of our different amenities, including WiFi, warm blankets, aromatherapy, refreshments, and noise-canceling headphones. We have fun, kid-friendly amenities too!

But it’s not just our approach that sets us apart. Our team goes the extra mile as well.

Choosing a trusted family dentist means that you don’t have to make multiple trips across town to seek dental treatment for your whole family. Not only does a family dentist save you time, but they also provide a comprehensive suite of service offerings to ensure that they can provide the care that your family needs.

Our Compassionate, Exceptional Team: Positively Different Dentistry

As lifelong learners, our dentists make it a habit to participate in continuing education on a regular basis so they can offer their patients exceptional care. Maintaining a standard of excellence in personalized dental care enables us to provide the quality dental clinic services our patients deserve. We provide comprehensive treatment planning and use restorative and cosmetic dentistry to help you achieve your optimal dental health.

At CarolinasDentist, our compassionate, highly-skilled dentists are dedicated to making sure you enjoy excellent oral health and a beautiful smile for a lifetime. No matter what you need or what office near you that you visit, you’ll be in good hands. Reach out to us today to begin your journey to an amazing smile!

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Clifton Cameron

Founder, Chief Dental Officer

Dr. Clifton Cameron founded CarolinasDentist in 2013 with a vision to create an unparalleled patient experience and transform the dental industry. His passion for leadership and technology has shaped CarolinasDentist as the premier dental group in the Carolinas, with over 40 affiliated doctors, 16 doctor partners, and practices that boast the latest and greatest dental technology.

Dr. Cameron also serves as Chief Dental Officer for Lightwave Dental and is an esteemed member of the Invisalign Faculty, where he trains doctors and teams on the digital workflow of clear aligners across the US, Canada, and the UK. Dr. Cameron boasts an impressive career, including 15 years in private practice, where he also played a pivotal role in educating dental students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels as an Adjunct Faculty at the East Carolina School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Cameron holds an undergraduate degree from Duke University, a DDS degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and has earned a prestigious Fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry. His diverse background and extensive experience make him a valuable asset to the dental industry as a frequent guest on numerous dental and entrepreneurial podcasts. He loves serving others as well and is a frequent volunteer locally and internationally through a variety of mission trip experiences.

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Gabrielle Smallwood

Senior Regional Director

Gabrielle, a seasoned professional, began her journey with CarolinasDentist in 2015 as the Practice Manager for the Fayetteville location. Swiftly showcasing her passion for growth and effective leadership, she transformed her Fayetteville team into the largest and most profitable practice in the CarolinasDentist network, earning her a spot on the CarolinasDentist Leadership Team in 2018.

Her impact extended behind the scenes, where Gabrielle played a pivotal role in facilitating CarolinasDentist's partnership with Lightwave. Recognizing her contributions, she was promoted in 2020 to Regional Director of Operations for Lightwave and Integrator for CarolinasDentist. A firm believer in the EOS Operating Platform, Gabrielle exemplifies her commitment to streamlined operations which helped her earn her promotion to Senior Regional Director of Operations.

Originally from Western Pennsylvania, Gabrielle is a proud graduate of Slippery Rock University, holding a degree in Health Services Administration. She brings a wealth of leadership experience from multi-location medical and dental practices. Her dedication to continuous improvement is evident in her enthusiasm for professional development and executive coaching.

Now based in Raleigh, NC, with her husband Nathan, Gabrielle shares her home with her two furry companions, Teddy and Peach, who are likely familiar faces on her Teams calls. Outside work, she loves getting lost in books and finds joy in diving into DIY projects, effortlessly merging her love for stories with hands-on creativity. With a book in one hand and a toolbox in the other, she brings literature and craftsmanship together in her own unique way.

lourdes

Lourdes Sisk

Marketing Director

Lourdes's journey in the professional landscape has been a rich tapestry woven through multiple industries. With over 20 years of experience, she has honed her skills across different sectors, gaining invaluable insights that enrich her strategic approach to marketing. At the core of Lourdes's leadership style is her ability to blend creativity with analytical prowess. This versatility allows her to approach challenges with a holistic perspective, ensuring that every aspect of the business is considered in the pursuit of strategic goals. Customer satisfaction lies at the heart of Lourdes's philosophy. Her customer-centric approach permeates every aspect of the marketing strategies she crafts, ensuring that our efforts resonate with our audience and create lasting connections. Lourdes embodies an entrepreneurial spirit that fuels innovation and drives growth.

Beyond the boardroom, Lourdes is a music enthusiast who finds inspiration in the rhythm and melodies that surround her. Her love for music reflects her creative spirit and adds a unique dimension to her leadership style. Lourdes cherishes her role as a loving spouse and a pet parent to three fur babies. Her commitment to family values extends beyond the workplace, fostering a culture of care and compassion among the team.

Lourdes is far more than our Director of Marketing; she is a multifaceted leader whose journey, skills, and passions converge to create a unique and powerful force within our organization. Her customer-centric approach, entrepreneurial spirit, and love for both her work and personal life make her an inspiring leader, shaping the future of marketing at CarolinasDentist.

Lauren

Lauren Collins

Hygiene Director

In 2018, Lauren Collins, originally from sunny Santa Rosa, California, happily joined the CarolinasDentist team in Raeford after graduating with a dental hygiene degree from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Lauren's positive energy and dedication to oral health quickly propelled her into the role of Hygiene Lead for the Raeford office in 2019.

Riding on the wave of her infectious enthusiasm, Lauren went on to apply for and secure the position of Hygiene Director in 2021. In this role, she supports and mentors all hygienists across CarolinasDentist, creating a workplace filled with positivity and professional growth.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Lauren’s life is enriched by her love for animals. Currently sharing her home with two dogs and three cats, she exemplifies her caring nature not only in her career but also in her personal life. An outdoor enthusiast, she finds joy in kayaking and soaking up the beauty of nature. Lauren's lively personality shines in her social life, where laughter and shared references from The Office are always on the agenda.

Engaged to be married, Lauren cherishes the moments spent with her fiancé, laying the foundation for a future brimming with love and shared adventures. Lauren Collins symbolizes a fulfilling professional journey where her love for healthcare effortlessly merges with her love of caring for people. Her appreciation for life's simple and delightful moments adds a layer of joy to her overall career experience.

Sam

Sam Cernosek

Revenue Cycle Manager

Samantha Cernosek, a native Texan and proud alumna of Texas Tech University, moved to North Carolina in 2015. Her professional journey with CarolinasDentist began in May of 2016 and quickly led to a passion for the intricacies of dental insurance.

Her expertise lies in navigating the complexities of the dental revenue cycle, ensuring optimal financial performance for the practices. With an acute understanding of industry nuances, Samantha has implemented strategic financial solutions, enhancing revenue streams and contributing significantly to the practices’ growth and stability.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Samantha enjoys a variety of fitness activities, particularly cycling and self-defense with a focus on Krav Maga. In addition, she is an animal enthusiast, caring for three dogs of her own and actively contributing her time to volunteer at local rescues.

Paulina Franco

Area Manager

In 2017, Paulina Franco Gil earned her degree as Chemical Engineer from the University of Antioquia. The Colombian native who found her heart divided between the vibrant valley of Medellin, Colombia, and the rolling landscapes of North Carolina moved to the US in 2018, where she not only found a new home but also the love of her life. Paulina embarked on a journey of resilience and adaptability being a proud military wife.

Joining CarolinasDentist in 2021 as a Treatment Coordinator in the Raeford location, Paulina swiftly climbed the professional ladder. Within a year, she transitioned from Treatment Coordinator to Assistant Practice Manager and was promoted to Practice Manager. Another year unfolded, and the opportunity to serve as the Area Manager for the Sandhills region knocked on her door.

Paulina’s passion extends beyond the office walls. She thrives on helping others grow and achieve their goals. When she is not immersed in the world of dental management, she is fostering an active lifestyle. Paulina enjoys going to the gym and loves outdoor activities, whether it's soaking up the sun at the beach, conquering mountain trails on a bike, or skiing down snow-covered slopes during winter.

While Paulina’s heart is firmly rooted in Colombian traditions, her spirit embraces a global perspective. Traveling is her way of expanding horizons, and sampling international cuisine. Paulina lives by the philosophy that energy is neither created nor destroyed; it simply changes form. That means you!

Bonnie Heath

Bonnie Heath

Regional Director of Operations

Born in Missouri and raised near Baltimore, Maryland, Bonnie embarked on a journey that led to a fulfilling career in the dental field. Achieving an associate's degree from Carroll Community College laid the foundation for Bonnie's professional pursuits.

Initially entering the veterinary field, Bonnie transitioned to dentistry, drawn by a keen interest in dental hygiene and inspired by her mother, a seasoned dental assistant of over 25 years. However, upon entering the dental field, Bonnie discovered that her true passion lay not in the intricacies of a patient's mouth but in the gratification of helping patients and the joy of training and mentoring others.

In 2019, Bonnie joined CarolinasDentist, taking on the role of managing the Porters Neck location. As time progressed, Bonnie expanded her responsibilities to support the Wilmington and Triangle regions, showcasing leadership and dedication to the dental community.

Beyond the professional realm, she finds joy and balance in her personal life. She and her husband, Chase, have two dogs, who are more like children. Bonnie unwinds by playing beach volleyball, indulging in reading, and immersing herself in the world of music.

Samantha Roman

Samantha Roman

Area Manager

With over four years of specialized experience in dental administration, Samantha has cultivated a keen understanding of the intricate workings of dental practices. She is passionate about leveraging her skills to assist patients with their administrative needs. She strives to mentor others, allowing dental professionals to focus on delivering exceptional care. She is a Winston-Salem native and raises her family in the area. She is deeply rooted in her community and is committed to contributing positively to its well-being. In her leisure time, she loves attending baseball games with her husband and two sons.