CarolinasDentist Blog

Back-to-School Dental Checklist

Back-to-school is the perfect occasion to reevaluate your child’s health and their preventive care needs. After a summer of snow cones and ice cream, you’ll want to make sure your child is on track for a healthy smile throughout this new school year. Here’s a back-to-school dental checklist for all the busy parents and caretakers out there.

  • Establish an Oral Hygiene Routine

Make sure your kids gently brush their teeth every morning and before bedtime, and floss at least once day. If your family was more relaxed about oral hygiene over the summer, it’s time to start again!

  • Change Out Old Toothbrushes

We recommend replacing toothbrushes every 3-4 months. Now is a great time to start fresh with a new one. When you’re out getting new pencils, tissue boxes, dry-erase markers, new shoes, and a lunchbox, let your child pick out a fresh toothbrush that will make their oral care routine more exciting.

  • Pack Tooth-Friendly Lunches & Snacks

Lean proteins, vegetables, whole grains, and fruits are better for teeth than sugary snacks and refined starches like potato chips and cookies. Pack fun and bite-sized snacks like carrot sticks and guacamole, celery with nut butter, low-sugar yogurt and fresh berries, turkey pinwheels, and string cheese. These are all tasty and tooth-healthy options. Help them consume juice and soda in moderation, since these sugary drinks increase the risk of decay. Send them with a refillable water bottle that has their favorite character on it so staying hydrated is fun!

  • Get an Athletic Mouthguard

If your child plays a sport or participates in physical activity that puts them at risk for mouth injuries, get them fitted with a custom mouthguard. A well-fitting mouthguard will protect their teeth from getting knocked-out or damaged by elbows or sports equipment. Ask us about our custom-fitted mouthguards for kids at your back-to-school appointment.

  • Schedule Your Child’s Checkup!

Be sure to schedule your child’s next dental appointment before school gets busier with end-of-year projects, papers, and examinations! We will clean your child’s teeth and make sure their oral health is in good shape and ready for success. Back-to-school is a busy time for doctors and dentists, so call us today! CarolinasDentist has offices located in Fayetteville, Fuquay-Varina, Raeford, Southern Pines, Spring Lake, and Wilmington. We look forward to helping your child look and feel their best this school year.

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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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