Your Dental Team in Hickory, NC

Brittany joined our front office team in 2022 after previously working at Dr. Straka’s office since 2017. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services with a minor in Psychology from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2011. Her academic background and years of experience help her provide welcoming and efficient service to every patient who walks through our doors. Brittany enjoys being part of a practice where everyone feels like family. She contributes to the success of the office by being a team player and always striving for efficiency in her role.

She lives in Alexander County with her husband and their three energetic boys. In her free time, Brittany enjoys baking and gardening.

Destiny joined our team in January 2024 and brings versatility to her dual role in the front office and as a dental assistant. She completed an accelerated program at the Dental Assisting Academy in Charlotte, that equipped her with the skills to support both clinical and administrative areas of patient care. She plays a vital part in the success of the practice by efficiently scheduling treatments, assisting patients with insurance questions and providing clear communication about recommended care. Destiny enjoys helping create a smooth and welcoming experience for each patient.

Outside the office, Destiny enjoys spending time with her husband and their two sons. She loves being outdoors, relaxing with family and friends, and cheering on her son at ball games.

Houa has been a part of our front office team since October 2017. She holds an X-ray Certification from NC Dental U and brings a strong background in patient relations and administrative support to the practice. She enjoys connecting with patients, helping them understand their dental insurance and working alongside a supportive team. Houa plays a key role in the success of our office by engaging with patients, answering questions about their accounts and treatments, and clearly explaining recommended procedures and insurance policies.

Outside of work, Houa enjoys sewing handbags and cross-stitching. She also treasures quality time with her husband, Tou, and their four children.

Allie began her journey with our practice in June 2021 as a dental assistant. She returned full time in July 2024 as a registered dental hygienist after earning her associate degree from Catawba Valley Community College the same year. Allie brings a strong dedication to patient care and works hard alongside the team to ensure the highest standard of efficiency and service. She enjoys forming meaningful connections with patients and values being part of a team that supports long-term oral health. Allie takes pride in helping patients maintain healthy smiles through quality hygiene care.

Outside of the office, Allie loves bass fishing, playing cornhole and spending time with her friends and family. She shares a close bond with her mother, Wendy, and her grandmother, Frances. She is also active in her church community.

Courtney has been a part of our team since 2022, bringing over a decade of experience in dental hygiene. She graduated from Catawba Valley Community College in 2011 and is committed to delivering personalized and comfortable care to every patient. She values the strong sense of teamwork within the practice and takes pride in the confident, high-quality care the team provides. Courtney’s approach is centered on building lasting relationships with patients and helping them understand the importance of investing in their oral health.

Courtney and her husband have two children. When she is not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, serving in her church and working on needlecraft projects.

Gina joined our practice in 2014 and brings nearly four decades of dental experience to the team. She earned her associate degree from Catawba Valley Community College in 2001 and has been dedicated to the dental field since 1985. As a hygienist, Gina values building strong relationships with patients and educating them to improve their oral health. She is passionate about making a positive impact and enjoys every opportunity to connect with the individuals she cares for. Her love for the profession, respect for her team and positive outlook contribute greatly to the success of the practice.

Gina is also a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. Outside the office, she enjoys kayaking and camping.

McKenzie has been a valued member of our team since 2018. She began her college journey at Lenoir-Rhyne University and went on to complete her dental hygiene training at Catawba Valley Community College. Her dedication to preventive care and patient comfort has made her an integral part of our practice. She enjoys working in an office that feels like family and takes pride in creating a peaceful, positive dental experience for every patient. McKenzie sees herself as more than just a hygienist — she contributes to saving smiles and improving gum and tooth health with every visit.

McKenzie is married to a paramedic and proudly shares that while he saves lives, she saves smiles. Many patients recognize her as “the blonde girl with the dog on her TV” and know she is a devoted dog mom to her pup, Hank. Outside of the office, McKenzie enjoys playing acoustic guitar and singing both solo and with a band.

Molly graduated from the dental hygiene program and received her Associates of Applied Science degree from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College in 2022. She joined our team in January 2023, and enjoys being part of a team that values the needs and wants of our patients. She loves seeing our patients smile with confidence, and working with our doctors and team to provide exceptional treatment to give our patients the best possible experience in the dental office. As a hygienist, Molly is fortunate to be in a position where she can contribute to the overall health of our patients. It is important to her that patients can keep all their teeth for the rest of their lives and enjoy a better overall quality of life as a result.

Molly and her husband have two wonderful children. When not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her family at home, where they have a garden, horses, cows and two dogs.

Lillie joined our practice in July 2023 and brings a positive and welcoming presence to our clinical team. She earned an Associate of Arts degree from Catawba Valley Community College and completed a six-month dental assisting course to begin her career in dentistry. She enjoys connecting with patients, meeting new people and being part of a team that feels like family. Lillie helps support the success of the practice by creating a comfortable environment for patients and maintaining a consistently positive attitude each day.

Lillie is a triplet with one brother and one sister, and she deeply values the support and encouragement of her parents. In her free time, she enjoys playing pickleball, softball and volleyball, spending time at the lake or beach, walking her dog and making memories with family and friends.

Check back soon to read about Aleisha!

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