Our Doctors
Dr. Samantha Britt
Hi, I’m Dr. Samantha Britt! I was born in Texas and lived in a few different states growing up, but spent the majority of my childhood living in Trumbull, Connecticut. In high school, I learned of my passion for dentistry while working as an assistant at my neighbor’s dental practice. After graduating high school, I went to college at the University of Connecticut. I graduated with honors with a degree in Molecular and Cell Biology and a minor in Spanish. I loved every minute I spent at UConn, but knew I needed to live somewhere warmer, so I moved to North Carolina in 2010 for dental school. I graduated from the UNC School of Dentistry in 2014 and advanced my training by completing a General Practice Residency in 2015 at the Mountain Area Health Education Center in Asheville, NC.
Since I have been practicing dentistry, I have become a member of the American Dental Association, North Carolina Dental Society, American Association of Women Dentists, and the Academy of General Dentistry. I truly enjoy being in a profession where I can interact with people every day, create and improve the beauty and health of others, and utilize the ever-changing and evolving technology that defines modern dentistry. There is always something new to learn, which makes dentistry so exciting for me.
I met my husband, Phillip, in 2010, and we got married in 2015. We are parents to 2 small dogs, a rescued miniature dachshund named Slinky, and a chiweenie (chihuahua-dachshund mix) named Moose, who we adopted as a puppy. They are extremely high energy and loving, and definitely keep our lives exciting and unpredictable!
When I am not treating the amazing patients at Village Dental or home playing with my dogs, I love to read, watch movies, and cook. For exercise, I love cycling, practicing yoga, and hiking. My husband and I really enjoy traveling as well. Our favorite places to go locally are to the beach and especially to Asheville, which is our favorite place to visit!
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be your dentist here at Village Dental, and I look forward to meeting you soon!
Dr. Catalina Escobar
I continued my studies at NC State University and graduated as a proud Valedictorian with a degree in Human Biology, Genetics, and Nutrition. I continued at ECU School of Dental Medicine and earned a Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree.
I feel privileged to be part of the Village Dental family once again and to work alongside such an amazing team of doctors and dental professionals. My passion for dentistry stems from my own experiences as a fearful dental patient and I strive to help all my patients overcome this barrier. Outside of work, my husband and I enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. Our home is filled with pets and joy, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
I look forward to meeting you and helping you along your journey toward better oral health.
Dr. Saul Gonzalez
Dr. Jacob Hyer
Dr. Chris Martin
Dr. Maya Martin
Hi, and welcome to our website! A little about me…
I am a Tar Heel!!!! I attended the University Of North Carolina for both my undergraduate (BS in Biology ’96) and dental school training (DDS ’02). I played basketball for UNC from ’92 to ’96 and was on the 1994 National Championship Team. GO HEELS!!!
I am originally from Yugoslavia. I was born and raised in the city of Kragujevac, Serbia. I came to the United States as part of a student exchange program in 1991 and decided to stay at the UNC for my undergraduate training on a basketball scholarship.
I love the practice of dentistry. I find myself to be an extremely detail-oriented person, and the intricate, precise nature of this profession seems to suit me well. I actually LOVE fixing teeth!
I am happily married to Chris Martin. Chris is a dentist in West Raleigh and is also a Tar Heel. We have two daughters, Ava and Ella, and a son, Noah… all Tar Heels in training!!!
I look forward to meeting you. Thank you for visiting us online!
Dr. Martin has received the Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry and received Mastership in the AGD in June, 2018.
Dr. Imran Rauf
Hey all! I was originally born and raised in New York, but moved to North Carolina during my later childhood years. I’ve grown to love North Carolina and attended East Carolina University where I received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a minor in Neuroscience.
Initially I moved to Washington D.C. to work for the National Institutes of Health following a path in research and medicine, but I discovered an interest in dentistry and found it as a career to channel my interests in problem solving, creativity, hand skills, and being able to improve the lives of others. Seeing dentistry as a perfect match, I went on to receive my dental education at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry where I received my Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree. I then went on to further my training with an Advanced Education in General Dentistry at East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine.
In my free time, I enjoy lifting weights, biking, playing video games, cooking delicious Pakistani food, as well as Korean food for Dr. Jaehee Yoo! I look forward to meeting you soon!!
Dr. Octavio Rodriguez
I grew up in the mountains of western North Carolina in a small town called Hendersonville. I earned my undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University. While attending NCSU, I fell in love with dentistry by participating in various pre-dental and medical programs at UNC Chapel Hill and West Virginia School of Dentistry. Upon graduating, I worked in a dental office in Cary, NC for one year in order to gain more experience in the dental field. That year, I was fortunate to be accepted to UNC School of Dentistry where I obtained my Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree. During my years in dental school, I had the honor to treat veterans at the Asheville VA Hospital, children residents of the Cherokee reservation in the mountains of NC, cancer patients in Mexico City, and children in Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos Orphanage in Morelos, Mexico. When I am not here at Village Dental North Raleigh, I love spending time with my beautiful wife and our new son. My wife is a dental hygienist and we enjoy volunteering in various non-profit clinics providing dental care to the underserved in our state.
The artistry of dentistry, the ability to work with my hands, and most importantly the ability to help people on a very personal level were some of things that first attracted me to this profession. With experience and time, I have come to realize that coming to the dentist can be an uncomfortable experience that can cause anxiety and fear for many patients. It is my mission to help ease my patients’ fears while providing the most gentle and highest quality dentistry. I look forward to meeting you soon!
Dr. Christina Ruhala
I found my love for dentistry during my time at Michigan State University (Go Green!) where I graduated with honors with a degree in Human Biology and minors in Health Promotion and Bioethics. I then went on to earn my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. Although most of my dental journey has been spent back in Michigan, I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic multiple times in my career to provide free dental care to individuals who otherwise would not have had access to care.
Connecting with my patients and earning their trust as a provider brings me so much joy. Especially in a field that is shrouded with fear. I strive to make every patient feel comfortable and at ease and I love that I get to combine my passion for patient care with the intricacies and beautiful challenges of saving teeth. The artistry and precision that high quality dentistry demands fuels my passion as your dentist and I can’t wait to be entrusted with your care here at Village Dental!
When I’m not in the office, you can most likely find me eating my way through Raleigh with my husband and baby boy! I love staying active outdoors and traveling with my family. Please feel free to bring me your favorite food place recommendations the next time you’re in!
Dr. Sara Valencia
Hey, I’m Dr. Sara Valencia! I was born in Wisconsin (though I have zero recollection of it) and spent my early childhood in Texas, but pretty much grew up in the Cary/Raleigh area attending high school not far from here. After high school, I attended North Carolina State completing a Bachelors of Science in Microbiology with a minor in Spanish. Unsure of what I wanted to do career-wise, I moved to Santiago, Dominican Republic where I was able to fine-tune my Spanish and work for a year. Upon returning to the States, I started working in dental research, which exposed me to dentistry as a career working alongside the residents on their research projects. After realizing I wanted a career allowing me to work with my hands but also be involved in the medical field helping people, dentistry was a great opportunity. I then attended UNC Chapel Hill and received my DDS degree there. With a desire to continue learning and challenging myself, I participated in the UNC Hospital General Practice Residency program. I have since worked in public health and private practice seeing patients of all ages.
Being a dentist allows me to work with my hands and meet new people every day. I really love the artistry of fixing teeth! As someone who wasn’t born with a perfect smile I can relate to many of my patients and their desire to improve their smiles.
In my spare time, you can find me with my amazing husband, Miguel, and two children, Sam and Amelia, exploring parks and craft breweries. When not running after my kids, I enjoy cooking and trying out new restaurants.
I’m so excited to join the Village Dental family and am looking forward to meeting you!
Dr. Monica Wheeler
I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. At a young age I discovered the art and science of dentistry through numerous summer science programs, and fell in love with it.
I graduated from Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana in 2006 with a degree in Biology and Chemistry, and from Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee in 2011 . In 2012 I completed a General Practice Residency Program at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, New Jersey, where I received advanced training and mentorship in various fields of dentistry.
I practiced dentistry in Nashville/Brentwood, Tennessee for a few years, after completing my residency and moved to North Carolina in 2014.
I love the field of dentistry, I believe that it encompasses being a doctor, artist, and engineer all in one, while it allows me the chance to help others achieve improvements that will affect their overall health and confidence.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, reading, pilates and community outreach programs with the local chapter of my sorority, and of course attending Dental Continuing Education courses.
It is truly a privilege to be a member of such a highly trained team here at Village Dental. I am excited to meet you and would love to help you achieve a healthy mouth for life. I look forward to seeing you soon!
Dr. Jaehee Yoo
Hi everyone! I am originally from Seoul, South Korea, but I grew up in a small town of Hendersonville in the mountains of Western North Carolina. The Triangle is my ‘home’ as I attended the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham (Go Unis!) and UNC School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill (Go Heels!) for both my Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and Doctorate of Dental Surgery degrees.
Before joining the amazing team at Village Dental, I had the privilege of providing dental care locally in Cary, NC, Snow Hill, NC,and Atlanta, GA. I also provided dental care internationally in Brazil, India and Honduras. I have seen and experienced how dentistry can impact lives and hope to help you reach your oral and overall health goals through meaningful care. I am extremely detail-oriented, love to work with my hands, and absolutely love the marriage of art and science in the dental profession. I am passionate about all aspects of general dentistry for all ages, including preventative, restorative, surgical and cosmetic care. I am committed to providing the highest possible level of dental care, treating you all as if you were my family!
I am a proud member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, North Carolina Dental Society and Triangle Christian Medical and Dental Association. To best serve you, I love reading about the latest dental research and learning through Continuing Education courses.
Outside of dentistry, I love spending time with friends and family, traveling and learning about different cultures, enjoying good food and coffee, being outdoors, sweating through hot yoga, crafting and… thinking about dentistry. I feel very blessed to be able to do something that I love everyday and I look forward to meeting you and your family very soon!
Dr. Abdul Zalal
While at the School of Dentistry, I was lucky to have the opportunity to explore my passions, leading me to working with underserved patients locally and internationally, engaging in scientific research, and advocating for dentistry on a local and national level.
Leaving the school only signalled the beginning of my learning journey, and I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue advanced training in many aspects of dentistry, from surgery to complex rehabilitation.
I live in Raleigh, where you can find me enjoying the outdoors, riding my bike, getting ice cream, roasting coffee, or boarding a plane to travel and explore.
Kristy
Hi, my name is Kristy. I’ve been in the dental field since 2008. I am originally from Pennsylvania and that’s where I started my dental career as an oral surgery assistant. I moved to North Carolina in October of 2012 and I have been part of the Village Dental team since July of 2013.
In my spare time I enjoy playing with my two dogs, camping, going to the beach, and working out. I look forward to meeting you and assisting with your dental needs!
Jennifer
Hey! My name is Jennifer and I am so happy that you’re considering Village Dental for your dental home. We strive to have the best customer service and hope to make your dental visit as smooth as possible. A little about myself – I grew up in Clayton, NC. My husband and I have a beautiful black lab, and we are new parents to our sweet son, Parker! We enjoy spending time together as a family, going to the beach and spending most of our summer at the pool! I look forward to meeting you soon!
Angie
Greetings everyone! My name is Angie, your Director of Learning and Development. I was born and raised in the Philippines, and lived in Denver, Co for 12 years before moving to the Triangle area. I have been an assistant since 2009 and I am grateful to say that I have found my passion and purpose in life. Besides being a mom, I enjoy the outdoors, love the beach, and cooking is my stress reliever. Village Dental has the most passionate people when it comes to your dental needs. I am truly grateful to be a part of the practice, because each one of us here will deliver a very satisfying and most comfortable visit with our dentist. Let’s all smile confidently!
Joi
Hello!! My name is Joi. I was born and raised in Rochester Hills, Michigan. I graduated from Michigan State University in 2006, with a degree in Merchandising Management. After working in the retail industry for eight years I decided to make a career change and I now enjoy working at Village Dental at North Raleigh!!
I moved to North Carolina eight years ago to escape the long cold Michigan winters. Outside of work, I enjoy spending my time with my boyfriend Jon, and my wild mini schnauzer Tedy. We spend our days eating good food, taking long walks and watching Detroit Tigers baseball! Thank-you for visiting our website and I look forward to meeting you soon!!
Sarah
Hi! I’m Sarah and I recently moved to Raleigh from Maryland however, this is not my first time living in North Carolina. I attended Catawba College in Salisbury and then had a great opportunity to work in the spa and beauty industry. As much as I enjoyed working at spas and salons, I always wanted to get into the dental field and I am so excited to be a part of Village Dental’s team! Outside of work I love exploring Raleigh with my boyfriend, listening to live music, and hanging out with friends. I look forward to seeing you soon!
Chloe
Hello! My name is Chloe and I am the Treatment Coordinator here at Village Dental North Raleigh. I was born in Western Maryland but moved to Raleigh in elementary school. I studied at Meredith College where I got my degree in Fashion Merchandising. After spending years in retail, I wanted to take my customer service skills to the next level. I love helping others, especially here at Village Dental where I get to see everyone’s beautiful smile.
At home, I love spending all of my free time with my son, Kylan. He is my world and always puts a smile on my face! I look forward to meeting you here at Village Dental.
Shannon
Hi! My name is Shannon, I became part of the Village Dental Family in 2019. I moved here in 2018 from New Port Richey, Florida where Dentistry from the Heart was established! I have been in the dental field for over 30 years. I was an assistant for all those years and now I am a recruiter. I look forward to meeting you and going over any dental questions or concerns you may have.
Diane
Demetria
Hi! My name is Demetria. I am what you would call an (OG-original) native of North Carolina (I have never lived outside of Raleigh, NC). Spending time with my husband and family is a big part of my life that I enjoy. I love traveling to different places. Just to name a few, I have traveled to Alaska, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, The Bahamas, and Ohio. I hope to keep adding to my list. I started my journey with Village Dental in May of 2021. To be a part of such a great team is an understatement. I’ve enjoyed every moment of it and I can’t wait to see you at your next visit!
Whitney
Hi there, my name is Whitney! I was born and raised in the beautiful little town of Edenton, North Carolina. I met my husband while studying in Greenville, NC and his job relocated us to Raleigh. We have two fur babies, love to travel, enjoy being outdoors, and are big hockey fans (GO CAPS!). I have worked in various restaurants on all levels, in both front and back of the house roles. I have over eight years of experience in the food and beverage industry, and my most recent role was managing a bar.
When the pandemic hit in the Spring of 2020, I was laid off. I took the unemployment period to reevaluate my goals in life and figure out my next steps. I have always pictured myself working in healthcare and have completed an Associate in Science. However, after shadowing I learned that I am better suited for a more administrative role. So, I decided to make a career change, focusing on finding office experience while providing patient care. Village Dental has been the perfect opportunity to explore my career goals and satisfy my passion for customer service. I was extremely anxious about making this career change and diving into a field having no experience. But the staff has welcomed me with open arms, and I feel right at home. I know that they will be able to do the same for you!
Julie
Robyn
Hey y’all, my name is Robyn! I am North Carolina born and raised. I am a summer time girl that enjoys every bit of sunshine. I am stoked to have found my tribe at Village Dental and my passion of helping others through their smile and oral hygiene. My love of dentistry is derived from the veterinary field where I was a technician for five years and decided to make a career change and help the humans instead.
On my down time from Village Dental, you can find me spending time with family and friends, at craft breweries or concerts, riding horses, going on walks around the farm with Jade (my fur child), being a beach bum, or catching up on my sleep with Sunday afternoon naps. My hobbies include: barrel racing, baking, being on the lake, golfing, running (for fun), fishing, playing co-ed softball and volleyball, and going on random adventures. Jeremiah 29:11 is what I live by, and I look at and live everyday as “another day in paradise” because I am BLESSED! I look forward to meeting you all very soon!
Miranda
Hello! My name is Miranda and I am a New Patient Coordinator at Village Dental North Raleigh. I was born and raised locally in Morrisville. I fell in love with patient care working as a pharmacy technician for 5 years. I then moved into retail for a change of scenery. After working in retail management for 5 years, I realized how much I missed patient care and the medical field, so I am now at Village Dental! When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones and friends. If I could, I would pack up and move to the coast in an instant. I look forward to greeting and meeting you at Village Dental!
Ashley
Hello! My name is Ashley Godwin. I am a native of North Raleigh with strong, deep family roots in North Carolina that date back to the 1700s. I can’t imagine living in any other state! After graduating from Wingate University in 1999 with a history degree, I found myself trying to figure out what I would like to do. I fell into the world of medical software which I thoroughly enjoyed. After 18 years, I found myself wanting to make a change to spend more time with my family. When a friend told me there was an opportunity at Village Dental, I jumped at the chance! I love working at Village Dental!
Sally
My name is Sally. You’ll see me as soon as you enter our welcoming office. Let me tell you a little about myself; I was born and raised in the Middle East. As soon as I came to the USA, I realized how important diversity is, especially where you work! Village Dental is a fantastic, diverse practice with awesome people who would love to succeed in helping you as one of our core values is kindness. My job is to kindly check you in. I am looking forward to seeing you in our office!
Lindsay
Hello! My name is Lindsay and I am a Patient Coordinator here at Village Dental North Raleigh. I was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and moved to North Carolina 15 years ago. I lived in Winston Salem for a few years and then moved here to Raleigh a few years after that. I married my high school sweetheart and we have two beautiful daughters, Addyson and Emersyn. We are huge Pittsburgh sports fans; I love to watch hockey (Go Penguins!) and football (Go Steelers!). I have been in retail management all my life and realized I needed a change, but I still wanted to work in customer service. I love being able to help people. When I am not working at Village Dental, I enjoy spending time with my family at our family beach house in Emerald Isle. I am looking forward to meeting you at Village Dental!
Amani
Hello! My name is Amani, I am a patient concierge here at Village Dental North Raleigh. I grew up in the Eastern Shore of Maryland. I was introduced to the dental field by my grandfather and uncle who are both amazing dentists. They have always been my role models, very selfless and always honest with their patients. I moved to Mississippi in 2013 to attend the University of Southern Mississippi where I majored in biological sciences. I moved to Raleigh in 2019 to continue my journey in the dental field. I had the opportunity to work as a dental assistant and shadow many dentists over the years.
In my free time, I enjoy spending my time travelling with my boyfriend Darius, working out, and playing with my cats. I enjoy seeing new smiles and patients react to their new smiles! I’m looking forward to making you smile!
Brittnei
Hello! My name is Brittnei. I was born and raised in Durham, NC. I graduated from Dental Assisting school in April of 2019. My first job was helping at the front desk at my family dentist office in high school. After that, I knew I loved dentistry and have not looked back since! I have done almost every specialty from orthodontics to periodontics! Though I love assisting, I decided to make a slight career change and become a patient care coordinator here at Village Dental. I am so glad I made the change – I love it! When I am not working, I am spending most of my free time with either my daughter, Saleah, or my two boston terriers, Bentley and Louie! I look forward to meeting you!
Amber
Hi! My name is Amber, and I am the hygiene coordinator here at Village Dental. I am originally from Yonkers, New York but was raised in Raleigh since the age of five. I have always enjoyed customer service and the opportunity to meet new people. After working in retail customer service for four years I wanted to spread my wings and venture off into a new career field. I started off in an orthodontic practice and that is when I became passionate about dental care once I saw the bond that could be created between patients and their dental team.
In my free time I enjoy watching true crime shows, traveling and a night out on the town with my friends. I am so excited to be a part of the Village Dental Team and I cannot wait to meet you and your beautiful smile!
Destiny
Tiffany
Sam
Hillary
Hi, I’m Hillary! I am a Registered Dental Hygienist here at Village Dental. I am from a small town called Lucama, which is a little outside of Wilson, NC. I went to hygiene school at Wayne Community College. I absolutely love working here and providing the best care possible to every patient who walks through the door. Outside of work, I love to hang out with my boyfriend Matt and my mini dachshund, Keeler, doing anything from going to the beach to just watching a movie on the couch. I am a very laid back person and enjoy meeting new people! Come and see me on your next visit. I can’t wait to meet you!
Emily
Hi! I’m Emily! I’m a registered dental hygienist here at Village Dental! I was born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina and just recently moved to the Raleigh area. I discovered a love for teeth when I worked as a dental assistant at a pediatric dentist office in Greensboro. I decided to go back to school to become a dental hygienist and obtained my dental hygiene degree at Guilford Technical Community College.
When I’m not working at Village Dental, you can find me working out at the gym, enjoying a charcuterie board, spending time with my family and friends, and my dog, Yogi-Bear. I’m a big adventure junkie and love anything and everything involving the outdoors. I am so excited to be a part of the Village Dental team and can’t wait to meet you!
Jeeni
Hi, I’m Jeeni! I’m a dental hygienist at Village Dental North Raleigh, and I work with the best team members! I have been a hygienist for a long time (Who’s counting?). I love being able to meet the great patients we have and getting to know all of them. I also enjoy being able to help our patients whenever I can. Out of the office, my husband, Gary, and I like to work in our yard. Honestly, I don’t like the weeding but I love the results. We have a crazy cat named Garfy. He loves watermelon juice.. told you he was crazy! I can’t wait to meet you all soon!
Aubrey
Katrina
Melissa
Shelby
Hi, my name is Shelby and I am a dental assistant here at Village Dental. I enjoy spending my free time with my family, friends, and animals. I am so excited to meet you at your next visit!
Alex
Hi, my name is Alex. I was born and raised in Raleigh, but now call Johnston County home. I have been in the dental field for 5 years and have loved every minute of it. When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my 4-year-old son who keeps me busy! I also love spending time at the beach, the lake, fishing, crafting and baking. I’m so proud to be a part of the Village Dental family and I look forward to meeting you!
Bridgette
Hi! I’m Bridgette and I am a dental assistant here at Village Dental North Raleigh. I grew up in Wendell, but relocated to Henderson about three years ago with my better half and his wonderful children and our Vietnamese potbelly pig, Hercules.
I graduated from Miller Motte College in 2016 with a bachelor science degree in dental science and I love being able to help make people smile. I look forward to growing my knowledge of dentistry at this amazing practice. I know coming to the dental office for any person is not enjoyable, and I can relate growing up. I did not like going to the dentist at all so I was right in your place, but I quickly found that there are so many ways to make the patient comfortable. I love my job and I love being able to comfort and inform patients of their dental needs. The dental field is always changing and we are finding ways to improve on giving you, the patient, the best dental care possible. I hope to see you soon!
Joice
Hello, my name is Joice and I’m a dental assistant here at Village Dental North Raleigh. I’m originally from Brazil, but immigrated to the United States with my family in 2004. My husband and I recently moved with our baby boy from Florida to North Carolina to be closer to family. I came upon the dental field a bit by accident, but immediately fell in love with it. I love being a part of such a great team that always strives to help people overcome their fears of this field and to regain their confidence through their smiles. I hope to meet you at your next appointment!
Elizabeth
Bio coming soon.
Nicole
Hello, my name is Nicole and I have been assisting for about 11 years. I’m from Miami, Fl and moved to Raleigh about 13 years ago. I have two beautiful children, Jordyn and CJ. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside with my kids, going to the beach and traveling. I look forward to working with you at your next appointment!
MJ
Indira
Hello! Welcome to Village Dental North Raleigh! It is my pleasure to introduce myself – my name is Indira. I was born and raised in Venezuela, where I graduated from dental school and practiced as an Endodontist. In 2014, I moved to Raleigh with my husband and obtained the credentials to work in the U.S.A. as a Dental Assistant. My goal is to continue to work in the dental environment as I love this profession and enjoy working with patients. I am proud to say I have the marvelous opportunity to work here at Village Dental where I am part of a hard-working, dedicated team with excellent professional skills. I love that at Village Dental the comfort of each patient and the quality of the dentistry provided are most important. When I am not at work, I enjoy time with my husband on our boat and anything else as long as we are together. I look forward to assisting you at your next visit here at Village Dental North Raleigh.
Karli
Hey everyone, I’m Karli! I am a dental assistant here at Village Dental. I have been in dentistry for three years and I am super excited to see you! I live in Johnston County, but I was born in Delaware. When not at work I enjoy learning new things, crafting, and spending time with my family and friends. I love being a part of a team as great as Village Dental, and can’t wait to meet you at your next visit with us!
Ally
Hey there! My name is Ally and I’m a dental assistant here at Village Dental. I am a native Raleighite that attended Appalachian State University in the beautiful mountains of Boone, NC. I’m an avid music listener, animal lover, traveler, hiker, and dancer. While I’m not at work you can find me spending quality time with friends and family, seeking out local live music, or exploring the great outdoors. I love being part of the Village Dental team and look forward to working with you soon!
Marcus
Howdy! My name is Marcus and I’m a dental assistant here at Village Dental. I’ve always had the want to make a career out of helping others in a medical setting. I decided to take the path of a dental assistant after remembering a great job I had many years ago in a very small dentist office near my hometown of Raeford. Back then I worked the front desk. Greeting patients and gathering insurance information. Now I get to be right there helping our patients and awesome doctors. I couldn’t ask for anything better! Right now I’m concentrating most of my free time energy into cooking and a podcast my girlfriend and I have started. Once we finally get a house of our own I’ll also indulge in my other two favorite hobbies: wood working and PLAYING DRUMS!
Cheyanne
Hey there! My name is Cheyanne. I was born and raised in Youngsville, NC. A little bit about myself, in my free time, you can find me riding four wheelers in the beautiful West Virginia Mountains with my family, hanging at the beach, being crafty, or even fishing with friends. I love being outside and exploring all of nature’s beauty. When I was in high school, I wrote my senior paper on dentistry. After spending majority of the semester researching the field, I knew I had a passion for teeth right away. While in high school and then after graduating, I worked at the daycare inside of my church for four years. Even though I loved those children and they held a very special place in my heart, I knew I had a calling outside of child care. I then attended NC Dental U and received all the certifications needed for dental assisting in May of 2019. Shortly after working as a dental assistant, I fell in love. I have such a heart and passion for helping people and I’m so very excited to be a part of the Village Dental family where I’ll now be able to help you achieve your perfect smile! I look forward to meeting you and your beautiful smile soon!
Elysa
Hello! My name is Elysa! I was born in Morehead City, NC, but was raised in the Wake Forest area. I was introduced to the world of dentistry by a family friend, and shortly after I decided to make it my career. I graduated from NC Dental U in June of 2021 as a dental assistant. A few days before I graduated I began working with Village Dental. I’m very passionate about educating patients on decay prevention and helping everyone achieve a beautiful smile. I love being part of a team who shares that passion and encourages me to learn more every single day.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy hiking, spending time with my friends and fiancé, worshipping with my church family, and going on trips. I look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your smile goals soon!
Tanya
Hello my name is Tanya! I was born in Fort Knox, Kentucky and lived in a bunch of different places due to my dad being in the Army. We moved a lot but my junior year in high school we made Fayetteville, NC our home, this is also where I met my amazing husband. We have been married now for 24 years and we have two boys Marcus II and Malcolm. I started dental assisting in 1999 at Charleston AFB, SC where my husband was stationed. I was just starting out and needed a job and the American Red Cross had a dental assisting program. I fell in love with dental assisting and I have been doing it on and off for 20 years.
My favorite thing to do outside of work is spending time with my family, and I am an avid reader. I enjoy baking, cooking, and going to the beach. I am proud to be a part of this dental team and I am looking forward to meeting you!
Allandra
Hello everyone! My name is Allandra! I was born and raised in Jackson Springs, NC. I recently moved to Cary. I became a dental assistant because I am fascinated with dentistry. I attended Sandhills Dental Career Center.
When not at work, I spend most of my time with my family. I enjoy watching Netflix and seeing new people and places. I am so glad to be a part of the Village Dental family and cannot wait to meet you all!
Jeremiah
Hello! My name is Jeremiah! I was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Growing up as a military kid, I was fortunate to travel often and live overseas at a young age due to my parents being in the Air Force. Enlisting in the Air Force myself in 2018, I became a dental assistant in the USAF 2019.
In my free time, I enjoy working out, playing basketball, and spending time with family. I look forward to meeting you!
Fernanda
Hi, my name is Fernanda and I am a sterilization tech here at Village Dental North Raleigh. I am from Mexico and moved to North Carolina at a very young age. I am fascinated by dentistry, and I have always wanted to grow my career in the dental field. I am looking forward to meeting you and providing a great quality of patient care.
Yaritza
Hello everybody, I welcome you to Village Dental North Raleigh. My name is Yaritza and I am a sterilization technician here who just graduated from Miller-Motte College with a Dental Assisting Associate Degree. I was born in Queens, New York but was raised in Raleigh ever since I was 6 years old. During high school, I got the opportunity to shadow a dental practice and quickly fell in love with it. In my free time, I enjoy biking and walking on beautiful park trails with my family. I look forward to meeting you here soon!
Katie
Austin
Hi, my name is Austin. I grew up in rural northeastern North Carolina in a little town called Hertford. My family has a rich history of working in public service and I jumped at the opportunity to become a paramedic about 6 years ago. I served the citizens of Johnston County for 3 years before moving over to Wake County EMS to serve the community in which I live. To better serve you, I continue to work part time with Wake County EMS to keep up with all the advances and current training involved in emergency medicine. I graduated from Johnston County Community College with an AAS in Emergency Medical Science and have a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in psychology and health science from Liberty University. I have furthered my training by attending Western Carolina University and taking all available EMS classes.
When I’m not at Village Dental or running 911 calls, I enjoy spending time with my wife and 1-year-old son, perfecting recipes on my smoker, building rustic furniture, or visiting local breweries. I can personally relate to the anxieties of having dental work completed and am honored to provide safe, effective, and stress free sedation at Village Dental.
Kena
Hello! My name is Kena (pronounced key – nah). I have lived in the Raleigh area for 28 years. I am a mom to two young kids, wife of 13 years, and pet mom to two pups. I love learning and exploring and baking. I have been a paramedic for 10 years, practicing in Wake County for all of that time with Wake County EMS.
Having dental work is stressful, but as a patient, the Village Dental team calmed and reassured me during my own care here. I knew I had to be part of this great team. I am excited to be a calming light for our patients.
Gus
Hi! I’m Gus and I am a paramedic here at Village Dental! I grew up in Holly Springs and moved to the coast when I started high school. I became a paramedic in 2011 and worked both in the field running 911 calls and in the emergency department in Wilmington, NC before finding my way back to the Raleigh area in 2018.
In my spare time I enjoy doing anything on the water and traveling with my partner and our goldendoodle, Barnum. I am excited to have joined the team at Village Dental and take pride in providing our patients a safe, comfortable, and effective dental experience.
Travis
Hi, my name is Travis! I graduated with honors from Coastal Carolina Community College with an associate degree in applied science for EMS. I have worked in medicine since 2014. I worked on an ambulance in a 911 system for four years. I then worked as a cardiac stress tech for a mobile nuclear imaging company for two and a half years, and then moved to Village Dental as a paramedic on the Sedation Team. I absolutely love everything about Village Dental, and look forward to providing the highest quality of care to each and every patient.
In my spare time, I thoroughly enjoy spending time with my family, watching football, playing some video games, and enjoy satisfying my sweet tooth. My long-term goal is to keep giving back to my community through medicine. My short-term goals are to enjoy today for today, provide for my family, to help my boys and my wife continue and successfully complete their college educations, and to spoil my 3-year-old little girl (princess)!
Blair
Bio Coming Soon!
Tyler
Bio Coming Soon!
Justin
Bio Coming Soon!
Spenser
Hi, my name is Spenser! I’m from Philadelphia, born and raised (Go Eagles!), and I moved to North Carolina over ten years ago. I began my public service career in 2016 as a fireman and shortly after started working as a full-time paramedic in a local 911 system. I am currently taking classes to obtain an Associate’s Degree in EMS. I am also an adjunct instructor for EMT and paramedic classes. Working at Village Dental, I hope to provide an enjoyable and worry-free experience.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing games with my four-year-old daughter, watching movies with my fiancé, and playing outside with my two dogs, Lola (German Shepherd) and Bella (Newfoundland).
Carolina Dental Learning Center
Do you want to increase your knowledge and experience in the dental field? If so, enroll in our Dental Assisting School today! We offer hands-on training and monthly study clubs that are designed to help you achieve your career goals. To learn more about the courses we offer and our upcoming class schedule, click here!
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