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The Best New Year’s Resolutions for Your Smile

new year's resolutions, smile resolutions, Young good looking man having dental treatment at dentist's office.

As we kick off the new year, it’s the perfect time to set some resolutions for a healthier, happier smile! Not sure where to start? These six simple and friendly suggestions can help you enhance your oral hygiene and keep your smile shining all year!

    Brush and Floss Like a Pro

    Make a commitment to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. It’s a small effort with big rewards! Set a timer, play your favorite song, or make it a family affair to make oral hygiene a breeze.

    Stay Hydrated for a Happy Mouth

    Water is not just good for your body; it’s fantastic for your smile too! Drinking water helps wash away food particles, keeps your mouth moist, and supports overall oral health. Plus, it’s sugar-free!

    Choose Tooth-Friendly Snacks

    Snacking doesn’t have to be the enemy of your smile. Opt for tooth-friendly snacks like crunchy veggies, cheese, or nuts. These choices not only satisfy your cravings but also promote saliva production, helping to keep your mouth clean.

    Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups

    Make 2024 the year of regular dental check-ups! Regular visits to your dentist can catch potential issues early, ensuring a healthy and happy smile. Also, it’s a great way to keep up with your oral health goals.

    Kick the Tobacco Habit

    If you’re a tobacco user, consider making this the year you kick the habit. Smoking and chewing tobacco can wreak havoc on your oral health, from staining your teeth to increasing the risk of gum disease and oral cancers.

    Smile More – It’s Contagious!

    Last but not least, make smiling a habit. It’s contagious, and it’s an effortless way to spread positivity. Plus, smiling is good for your mental health, creating a win-win situation for you and those around you! If there’s something you’d like to enhance about your smile, we encourage you to explore cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. Janaki Barot-Gajjar, DDS
Dr. Janaki Barot-Gajjar, DDS, at our Southern Pines location, consults with a patient.

Comprehensive Dental Care at CarolinasDentist

With these smile-friendly resolutions, you’ll be on your way to a brighter, healthier, and happier set of teeth in the new year. While you’re at it, don’t forget to schedule a dental appointment with a CarolinasDentist location near you!

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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.