CarolinasDentist Blog

Wild Teeth of North Carolina State Animals

Across the animal kingdom, you’ll find unique sets of teeth. Some animals have pointy teeth to kill prey; others have flatter teeth because they eat a vegetarian diet. Let’s take a closer look at the teeth of animals from North Carolina.

Colonial Spanish Mustang

Wild horses have roamed the Outer Banks for hundreds of years. They are direct descendants of the Colonial Spanish Mustangs brought to America by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. In 2010, North Carolina named this breed as the official state horse.

Teeth

Horses, like humans, develop 2 sets of teeth in their lifetime, and by age 5, they will have their full set of adult teeth. Also similar to humans, horses can experience their own dental issues like worn-down or loose teeth.

Vintage black and white photos of a father and son hunting with their 3 Plott Hounds in the woods in North Carolina

Plott Hound

This pack-hunting dog was first bred in North Carolina over 200 years ago to help humans hunt bears and wild boar. Today, Plott Hounds continue to be strong pack hunters, and many are still used as hunting dogs. They are very active dogs that need daily exercise. Plott Hounds are best suited in homes with acres of land or a big yard that will allow them to roam.

Teeth

Plott Hounds start with 28 baby teeth. Due to rapid growth, they have a full set of 42 adult teeth by six months old!

Are You a Dog Parent?

More than 80% of dogs show signs of gum disease, according to the American Veterinarian Dental Society. Therefore, it is imperative for you to regularly brush your pup’s teeth to prevent bacteria and tooth decay!

A female black and white striped Marbled Salamander burrows in the mud over her eggs

Marbled Salamander

The marbled salamander is a medium-sized salamander ranging from 3.5 to 5 inches in length. They may be hard to spot because they are nocturnal amphibians and bury themselves or hide behind logs during daylight hours. At night, they roam to find food and breed. They feed off of insects, including centipedes, snails, spiders, and other terrestrial invertebrate.

Teeth

To hold prey, marbled salamanders have tiny vomerine teeth on the upper jaw and in the front part of the mouth.

Sepia image of 2 large Megalodon shark tooth fossil from a giant extinct shark mirroring each other

Megalodon Shark

Did you know the Megalodon shark tooth is the official North Carolina state fossil? The Megalodon was a massive shark that lived over 1.5 million years ago. Archaeologists believe the Megadolon shark may have reached over 40 feet in length and weighed up to 100 tons!

Teeth

The Megalodon fossil shark tooth is heart-shaped with a pointed tip, growing up to 7 inches in length.

Let Us Take Care of Your Teeth!

As you can see, dental health isn’t just a human concern. To make sure your own teeth are healthy and plaque-free, call our team to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to seeing you at one of our five locations!

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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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