Staff

	Dr. Rick Howdy, DDS.   Dr. Rick graduated from Davidson College in 1975 with a B.S. in Pre-Medicine. He received his D.D.S. degree from the University of North Carolina Dental School in 1979. He has taken advanced training in orthodontics and practices total family and restorative dentistry with an emphasis on cosmetic dental care.
	Dr. David Howdy, DDS.  Dr. David graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1981 with a B.A. in Chemistry. He continued his education receiving a B.S. in Nutrition from U.N.C. School of Public Health. He obtained his D.D.S. degree in 1986 from the U.N.C. Dental School and he has had advanced training in implant dentistry. Dr. David currently practices total family and restorative dentistry with advanced training in implant dentistry.
	Dr. Marcus Jones, DDS.   Dr. Marcus graduated from the University of North Carolina in 2001 with a B.S. degree in Biology.  He went on to receive his dental degree from the U.N.C. School of Dentistry, where he graduated in 2006.   Dr. Marcus enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors.  He resides in Washington with his wife, Lilly, and children, Davis and Olivia.
	April Merritt, RDH.   April is from Goldsboro, NC.  She graduated from Wayne Community College in Goldsboro in 1989.  She has been with our dental team since April of 1996.  As a hygienist, she enjoys taking care of her patients by keeping their smiles healthy.
	Joanne Marlowe, RDH.  Joanne graduated from Youngstown State University in Ohio in 1979.  She has been with our dental team since January of 1990.  She loves her job as a dental hygienist and enjoys taking care of her patients' needs.  Joanne loves spending time with her children, Dan and Brittany. She also really enjoys cooking and playing tennis.
	Brenda Pope, RDH.
	Emiley Stearns , RDH.  Emiley became part of our dental team in 1988 as a receptionist.  After a few years in the dental field, she became interested in dental hygiene.  She took a leave to attend Wayne Community College and received her Dental Hygiene degree in 1998.  She enjoys working one-on-one with her patients and teaching them proper ways to care for their oral health.  When Emiley is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Kevin.  She also likes vacations at the beach, horseback riding, yardwork, and taking care of their many animals.
	Sumerlynn Arrants, RDH.  Sumerlynn lives in Jamesville, NC with her husband, Bryce, and sons, Brandon and Dylan.  She graduated from East Carolina University with a B.S. degree in communication sciences and disorders in 2001.  She received her associates degree in dental hygiene from Wayne Community College in 2003.  Sumerlynn became a part of our dental team in 2006.  She enjoys helping her patients learn ways to improve their oral health.  When not at work, she loves spending time with her family and friends.  She also enjoys cooking, yardwork, and spending time at the beach.
	Benita Chandler, CDA II.  Benita has been in dentistry since 1984.  She joined our dental team in June of 1989, shortly after moving to Washington from Lenoir County.  She enjoys working in the dental field because it is rewarding to her to know that she is improving others' lives by enhancing their smiles. When she is not at work, she loves spending time with her husband, David, and daughters, Chelsi and Kayla.  Their hobbies include ECU football, NCFSA Girls Fastpitch softball, and spending time at the beach.
	Shannon Greene, CDA II.  Shannon has been with our dental team since 1992 as a dental assistant.  She enjoys getting people excited about their smile and educating patients about dental care.  She likes going to the beach and working in her yard.
	Jennifer Winslow, CDA II.  Jennifer started with our dental team in 1987 as a dental assistant.  She enjoys working with people and educating them about their dental needs.  She and her husband, Jon, have three children; Brian, Ashley, and Tyler.  When she is not at work, she enjoys being with her family and spending time at the beach or pool.
	Donna Merritt, CDA II.  Donna has been with our dental team for an extended period of time.  She enjoys working with people and working in the field of dentistry.  When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her son, Joshua, and her friends and family.  She also enjoys spending as much time as possible at the beach.
	Tracey Jackson, Dental Assistant.   Tracey has been involved with dentistry since 1984 when she started her career in Orthodontics.  She joined our dental team in 1999 as a Hygiene Coordinator.  Recently, Tracey has transitioned into the role of dental assistant.  She is doing a wonderful job and enjoying the new challenges.  Tracey enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.
	Thelma Woolard, Practice Administrator.  Thelma joined our dental team as a receptionist in 1988.  After a few months, she took over the position of financial coordinator.  Since June of 1996, she has worked as the practice administrator and has enjoyed being a part of a growing practice.  Thelma lives in Washington with her husband, Danny, and son, Daniel.  When she's not working, she enjoys cooking, yardwork, and church activities.
	Teresa Woolard, Financial Coordinator.  Teresa has been in the dental occupation since 1974 and a member of our team since 1993.  Her prior experience started as a dental assistant in Oklahoma.  She has been employed as a dental insurance coordinator and accounts payable in the state of Illinois.  This range of experience provides our patients a knowledgeable person when it comes to scheduling your dental needs in a timely and professional manner.  Teresa enjoys spending her free time relaxing with a good book or shopping with her three daughters.
	Linda Woolard, Front Desk Coordinator.  Linda joined our dental team in June of 1996.  She enjoys greeting patients as they enter the office.  Her personal goal is to help make our patients feel at home and comfortable during their visit with us.  She lives here in Washington.  Her greatest enjoyment is spending time with her family and friends.
	Brenda Anderson, Front Desk/Financial Coordinator.  Brenda has worked with our dental team since 1996.  Having a background in accounting helps her to assist patients with their insurance and financial options in order to enable them to have their dentistry needs met.  Brenda officially retired at the end of 2007.  However, we are blessed to have her continue with us on a limited part-time basis, helping in all areas concerning patient scheduling and financial coordination.  She and her husband have lived in Washington since 1992.  They especially enjoy the time they are able to spend with their five grandchildren.