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About CarolinasDentist

Offering comprehensive dental services for all ages and stages of oral health.

CarolinasDentist is a local dental practice with 13 convenient locations

across North Carolina.

We believe in “positively different dentistry” that offers patients a relaxing environment with high-quality dental care. Our work is centered on making sure our patients’ needs are understood, having convenient scheduling and financial options, and upholding a high standard of care using modern technology in all our dental clinics.

We offer many different dental services, ranging all the way from cavity prevention to dramatic smile makeovers. We’ll be there for you when your little one gets their first tooth, and we’ll be there for you if you ever need to restore your smile back to great condition. You can think of us as your trusted dental home that you can turn to year after year throughout all stages of your oral health.

10+

Years of Caring for Patients

13

North Carolina Locations

35+

Experienced Providers

135K

Lives
Impacted

Our Mission

Our mission at CarolinasDentist is to offer positively different dentistry that’s based on creating meaningful relationships, constantly striving for greater heights, and improving our patients’ lives. Our purpose says it all:

Having Fun.

Improving Lives.

One Smile at a Time.

Our Dentists

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 your 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!

Our Technology

We use a suite of leading-edge dental tools and technologies at CarolinasDentist to provide the dentistry of tomorrow, today. Your best experience is our top priority, and our state-of-the-art technology allows us to enhance your comfort, keep you safe and in great health, and maximize your time with us. Your smile will say it all!

Digital radiography (digital X-ray) is the most efficient and comfortable way to take dental X-rays. It uses electronic sensors instead of traditional film, which means they can be viewed immediately (no waiting for processing!). Another benefit is that they’ve been shown to emit less radiation than traditional X-rays (radiation reduced 80-90%).

Our cone beam X-ray rotates around your head to get a high-definition, 3D view of your mouth, jaw, and neck. Such a comprehensive, detailed look is extremely useful when planning complex treatments like dental implants.

You don’t have to deal with the uncomfortable process of getting those goopy impressions taken anymore. We use iTero to take precise digital impressions of your teeth. In just a couple of minutes, we’ll have a 3D model of your mouth to show you and use for treatment planning.

 

The sooner we spot concerns, the sooner we’ll be able to prevent further damage and be able to use more conservative treatments. With CariFree, we can detect cavities in their earliest stages (like ones hidden from the naked eye) using its laser technology.

Have you ever wanted to see what’s happening inside your mouth with your own eyes? Observing and understanding what’s going on with your teeth and gums is vital to feeling confident with your level of dental care. It also helps you take a more active role in your own treatment plan, which is what we want for you! We use intraoral cameras to take pictures and video of your mouth and then project them onto a screen, so you can see what we see for yourself.

Now you can eliminate all those extra visits and stop having to wait weeks for your dental crown to be made by an outside lab. Our single-visit CEREC system allows us to do it all right from our dental clinic, the same day as your appointment. In under two hours, CEREC turns digital impressions into a virtual design for a custom-fitted restoration with its on-site milling unit. You can learn more about same-day dental crowns on our Restorative page!

Using lasers isn’t just for science fiction. They’re an incredibly helpful tool in modern dental clinics. Soft tissue lasers treat issues such as gum disease with precision, resulting in a more comfortable procedure overall and a speedier recovery time. Talk about your win-win! Today’s hard tissue lasers have replaced those noisy, vibrating dental drills of yesteryear, which were the cause of much fear and anxiety about the dentist’s office. In fact, these leading-edge lasers have even eliminated the need for anesthetic use. And that’s another win for you!

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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.

gabrielle

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.