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Children’s Dentistry in North Carolina

Our Children’s Dentistry Standards Are A Top Priority

Children’s Dentistry

At CarolinasDentist, we’re devoted to fulfilling the dental needs of your whole family—and yes, that definitely includes the little ones! It’s so important to make sure your child has positive dental experiences early on so they can grow up with a healthy smile and zero fear of the dentist. Our experienced, compassionate team knows how to make visits fun and easy for our younger patients, and they always work with a gentle touch.

Our Pediatric Dental Treatments Suit All Your Little Ones’ Needs

We offer an array of essential oral health services that deliver bright smiles and prevent serious issues from developing. The goal of preventative oral care is to evaluate and preserve the health of your child’s teeth. We examine the teeth for signs of early decay, monitor any orthodontic concerns, and track jaw and tooth development.

As your child grows, we’ll continue to tailor their treatment to their specific needs so they can have their very best smile year in and year out. Our treatment includes:

Kids’ Dentistry FAQs

An effective guide is to remember the rule of one. The American Dental Association says you should take your child to the dentist as soon as their first tooth comes in or by the time they turn one-year-old. Bringing your kid in at an early age ensures they have a foundation of healthy habits to build on as they get older.

The same as you! You and your child should adhere to the same dental clinic schedule. After their first visit, your child should see the dentist once every six months. Sometimes, certain dental conditions will require more frequent visits, but your child’s dentist will let you know if that’s the case.

Don’t stress it too much because that’s totally normal. The dentist’s office can seem like a scary place for kids, and plenty of adults have their own phobias about it, too. We’re always ready to offer useful tips and strategies for helping your child be more comfortable with our team. For example, you can bring them by for a casual meet-and-greet ahead of time. All our offices have special amenities just for kids (plus other nice touches such as warm blankets) so they can have a relaxing and positive time with us. We strive to create a friendly, fun, social atmosphere for visiting children. That’s our normal!

Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, that doesn’t mean they’re unimportant. Quite the opposite actually! Baby teeth are placeholders for where permanent teeth come in, so if they fall out prematurely it can end up negatively affecting their bite (tooth alignment), and possibly even their speech development. Baby teeth are also still capable of developing cavities, so it’s crucial to keep problems at bay so other issues like gum disease don’t occur.

It totally depends on their age. You can start brushing your child’s teeth twice a day as soon as their first tooth arrives. Use a small, very soft toothbrush (even better if it’s one specifically designed for their age) with a rice-grain-sized amount of toothpaste. Make sure to replace the brush once the bristles become rough and frayed! If you want more insight about getting your child to brush independently, we are always eager to share our tips—just contact our team!

A Dental Experience to Remember

We believe in creating a positively different dental experience by always putting our patients first and using state-of-the-art technology and techniques. You can count on our hardworking team to provide the finest dental arts care to meet your needs—from routine cleanings to Invisalign to crowns, bridges and implants. Our practice caters to the dental care of both adults and children with our array of services.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.