Dr. Lauren Steddum

Cary
doctor headshot

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 for undergrad and then immediately continued on to dental school at East Carolina School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2016.

Dr. Steddum went on to complete a 1-year residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center from 2016 to 2017. During her residency, she had advanced training in all aspects of general dentistry with a focus on treating medically compromised patients as well as placing and restoring dental implants.

Dr. Steddum joined CarolinasDentist in 2017 and became a partner and part-owner of the group practice in early 2020. She opened the CarolinasDentist Cary office in November 2020 and was ecstatic to be practicing closer to home now. Dr. Steddum and her husband, Chris, met in dental school and married in 2015. She and Chris recently welcomed a baby girl in December 2020. In her little spare time, Dr. Steddum enjoys baking, yoga, and spending time outdoors.

Dr. Steddum is a graduate of the Nash Institute, where she studied techniques in cosmetic dentistry under the instruction of Dr. Ross Nash; her continuing education focuses on veneers, esthetic crowns, esthetic composites, and full mouth rehabilitation. She now serves as a mentor at the Nash Institute. Recently, Dr. Steddum became an Invisalign Gold Provider and is a member of the AACA (American Academy of Clear Aligners). She is an active member of the Raleigh AACA study club led by the nation’s top Invisalign provider, Dr. David Galler. She believes she owes it to her patients to stay as up-to-date as possible on the latest technology, as dentistry is an ever-changing field.

She loves helping patients achieve their best smiles. She believes in making smiles not only beautiful but also functional. There is a balance you have to achieve between esthetics and function. Both are crucial in achieving overall great oral health and patient confidence. Dr. Steddum cannot wait to meet you and make all your smile dreams a reality!

Affiliations:

  • American Academy of General Dentistry – Pre-fellow (actively working on fellowship award)
  • American Academy of Clear Aligners
  • ADA
  • Raleigh Wake County Dental Society 
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Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.

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