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Hygiene/Periodontal Services in North Carolina

Offering High-Quality Hygiene/Periodontal Services in NC

Routine Dental Care

Routine dental care allows us to continuously meet and craft a personalized preventive oral health plan as you progress in your smile journey. We take this step to save you time, stress, and money by utilizing preventive care that keeps problems from occurring or stops them in their tracks altogether. Our variety of hygiene services will keep your teeth and gums healthy and limit your risk of future problems!

Dental Exams & Cleanings

It’s said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is truly the case when it comes to your oral health. Even if you don’t have any pressing dental concerns, you should still visit our dental team for a professional teeth cleaning and exam every six months so we can make sure everything is in tip-top shape. That way we can deal with problems (like cavities and gum disease) while they’re still small.

During these dental clinic visits, we evaluate your overall oral health; take X-rays to detect issues; remove stains, plaque, and tartar; polish your teeth; and provide an oral cancer screening. We use an ultrasonic scaler that sprays away debris from teeth, which is a big improvement upon the uncomfortable scraping of traditional tools. We are also happy to give you pointers for at-home oral care.

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Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a highly effective agent in preventing tooth decay. It is a natural mineral that strengthens teeth against acid and decay, and you’re probably most familiar with it via toothpaste. But it’s also present in most cities’ water supplies. Some people at a high-risk for cavities, or who have a fluoride deficiency, may require a bit more to help maintain a healthy smile. If your teeth need a boost in protection, we can topically apply fluoride to them in a simple, quick procedure.

Gum Disease Treatment

A healthy mouth is more than just a fantastic smile. Your gums need care, too. Gum disease has been linked to a variety of other health issues including heart disease and diabetes. If you have red, swollen, bleeding, or receding gums (or if you have bad breath or loose teeth), then you may have gum disease.

We have different gum disease treatments available depending on the severity of your case. Two of these include a professional dental cleaning as well as scaling and root planing (removing plaque and tartar from around the gum line and then smoothing rough spots).

Tooth Decay Prevention

Tooth decay is something many people don’t realize they have until their dentist breaks the bad news or a painful infection occurs. When decay is left untreated, it can result in a toothache, gum swelling, bad breath, and even tooth discoloration.

To better fight tooth decay, you should keep up with your regular dental office visits and practice good oral hygiene at home. At CarolinasDentist, we use the state-of-the-art CariFree device to detect cavities as early as possible. If you’re diagnosed with tooth decay, we can determine the best treatment for you. Otherwise, our dentists can discuss best practices for tooth decay prevention.

Between Visits to Your Family Dentist

Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining excellent oral health and hygiene. It allows our team at CarolinasDentist to diagnose potential problems, but these visits are not a fix-all solution. Thorough oral homecare routines should be practiced daily to avoid potential dental problems.

Periodontal disease (also called gum disease and periodontitis) is the leading cause of tooth loss in the developed world, and is completely preventable in the vast majority of cases. Professional cleanings twice a year combined with daily self-cleaning can remove a high percentage of disease-causing bacteria and plaque. In addition, teeth that are well cared for make for a sparkling white smile.

There are numerous types of oral hygiene aids on supermarket shelves, and it can be difficult to determine which will provide the best benefit to your teeth. Before trying to resolve a dental problem yourself with an oral hygiene aid, we encourage you to reach out to our team for assistance. We’re happy to recommend products that will benefit your teeth and gums!

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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.

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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.

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.