Melissa helps to make our office run smoothly and efficiently from day to day. As our office manager, she works to ensure our doctors and staff have everything they need to perform their jobs effectively. She feels truly blessed to get to know our patients and be in a position to help them smile more. At home, Melissa enjoys doing crafts, singing karaoke, riding her horse, and spending time with her husband, son, and two dogs.
Registered Dental HygienistLynn is dedicated to keeping her patients teeth clean and healthy through preventive cleanings and education about effective home care. She loves meeting new people and giving them the tools they need to lead a fuller, healthier life. Lynn came to us about six years ago and has more than 16 years of experience providing gentle yet thorough care. Lynns free time is spent reading, in the garden, or with her beloved cats.
Amanda helps to promote the good oral hygiene of our patients while teaching them proper home care techniques. With a careful and gentle hand, she removes plaque to prevent and treat periodontal disease, performs oral cancer screenings, and provides preventive treatments like sealants and fluoride. Amanda loves helping her patients achieve smiles they can be proud of. For our anxious patients, she always has a calming demeanor. When shes not at work, Amanda spends her free time with her husband, son, and three dogs.
Our mission is to provide the highest quality comprehensive oral care to all patients in a timely, professional and respectful manner. We strive to have a positive impact on the quality of life for our patients and for the community.
Dr. Piper is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. In June of 2004, Dr. Piper answered his nations call to service and joined the United States Air Force (USAF) Dental Corp, where he completed his residency in Prosthodontics at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. Dr. Piper earned his Masters of Science Degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. In addition, he competed in the inaugural American Prosthodontic Society research competition and was awarded first place for his efforts. Dr. Piper successfully completed the rigorous board certification process and was awarded his Board Certification in Prosthodontics in November 2007.
After graduating from the prosthodontics residency in 2007, he joined the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD-1) teaching staff at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska where he mentored recent dental graduates and trained them to perform advanced dental techniques as they entered the USAF dental corp. His mentoring earned Dr. Piper the 2009 United States Air Force Dental Educator of the Year. In 2011, Dr. Piper returned to San Antonio to undergo a Fellowship program in Maxillofacial Prosthetics. This fellowship enabled him to complete multiple complex multidisciplinary treatments for our nations wounded warriors and multiple other service members, retirees and family members. Dr. Piper remained on the staff of the United States Air Forces only Prosthodontic Residency Program for the remainder of his commission in the USAF. During his tenure he published multiple articles to include: The use of a laser-level paralleling device for the fabrication of a unilateral auricular prosthesis and Novel Magnet-Retained Prosthetic System for Facial Reconstruction.
Dr. Piper has been invited to lecture at multiple local and national meetings. His responsibilities with the Air Force has allowed for the unique opportunity to attend multiple CE opportunities as well as stay at the forefront of the Prosthodontic and surgical fields of dentistry, and the ability to provide some of the most advanced comprehensive care to his patients. Dr. Piper maintains membership in the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, American Board of Prosthodontics, American Dental Association and, now, the North Carolina Dental Society as well a a Tumor Board in Winston Salem, NC. He looks forward to becoming involved in the local dental community.
In 2015, Dr. Piper resigned his commission as an officer in the United States Air Force to join Dr. Carnaggio in his dental practice. Dr. Piper prides himself on providing the highest level of care and compassion to his patients. His ultimate goal is to provide his patients with an understanding of their dental condition and to improve the quality of life for his patients. Dr. Piper values family time with his wife, Shannon, and their four beautiful children: Eliana, Jimmy, Avonlea and Tate. They enjoy a variety of sports and activities and look forward to the exciting new ones that North Carolina has to offer. Dr. Piper also looks forward to having the opportunity to give back to the community.
From a very young age, Dr. Carnaggio knew he wanted to be a dentist. He began his pursuit of a career in dental medicine observing in the office of a family friend, who was a prosthodontist. His interest became his passion as he saw the difference a prosthodontist can make in a persons life by improving not only their oral health but also the patients quality of life. Dr. Carnaggio continues to be inspired by advancements in dental medicine that allow him to improve the oral health and overall wellness of his patients. Dr. Carnaggio is grateful for the opportunity to serve the Hickory community and interact daily with his patients.
Some of the most exciting advancements Dr. Carnaggio has seen have been in the areas of Prosthetics and Implant Dentistry. He routinely attends lectures and Continuing Education (CE) courses on these topics to stay atop of the latest developments and advancements. In addition to attending CE courses, Dr. Carnaggio has also served as a lecturer, presenter, and recently published an article in the prestigious Journal of Prosthodontics. He also was awarded first place for a presentation to the American Prosthodontic Society, which focused on CAD/CAM dentistry and serves on a Tumor board in Winston Salem, NC.
Dr. Carnaggio is originally from the Pittsburgh area and relocated to North Carolina after completing his residency program in 2007. He and his wife, Robbie, have three children: Lilly, Nyah, and Grayson. In his free time, Dr. Carnaggio enjoys family activities such as biking, rollerblading, hiking, and swimming.
Dr. Carnaggio enjoys giving back to the community and regularly volunteers and supports local dental clinics and participates inGive Kids A Smileday. He has served as a fundraiser for theNorth Carolina Missions of Mercyorganization and also supports local animal charities along with his family. His oldest daughter, Lilly, is an avid animal lover and enjoys collecting donations and fundraising for animal charities. The family is rounded out with three pets, Golden Doodles Lucky Lou and Chewbacca, and a cataptly named Bella.