Natalie W. Whitaker, DDS
Steven G. Sudderth, DDS
Saryn R. Hedrick, DDS
office@whitakerdentalassociates.com ~ 828-433-1600 ~ 300 Sanford Drive, Morganton, NC 28655
Dr. Natalie Whitaker graduated UNC Dental School in 2004 and has loved the privilege of taking care of those in her home town ever since. Dr. Whitaker is passionate about all things related to health, wellness and mindset. In her spare time she enjoys reading, cooking, fitness and time with her husband and their 2 children.
Natalie Whitaker, DDS
General Dentist
Steven Sudderth, DDS
General Dentist
Saryn Hedrick, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Saryn Hedrick joined our team in 2018, and she has enjoyed serving our lovely Morganton community ever since. She and her husband, Edward, are high school sweethearts who grew up in Taylorsville. They share a poodle fur baby, Emmett, and they thoroughly enjoy living in this beautiful part of North Carolina. Dr. Hedrick graduated as a top student in her class at the UNC School of Dentistry with a 4.0 GPA. She is also a graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University – go Bears! During her free time, you can often find Dr. Hedrick experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, cheering for the UNC Tar Heels, traveling, hiking, or spending time with her family.
Front Desk
Brittney Ruddy
Office Manager
Brittney has been with Whitaker Dental Associates since 2013. She has experience as a dental assistant, patient care coordinator as well as an insurance coordinator. She enjoys interacting and building relationships with our patients. Her priority is to ensure all of our patients have a wonderful experience. In her spare time she enjoys going to the lake and camping with her husband and their three children.
Tracie Abernathy
Billing/Insurance Coordinator
I have over 15 years experience working the front desk. I can't wait to meet everyone and help in any way I can. In my free time, I enjoy the company of my 3 awesome kids and grabbing a shovel to move plants around my back yard "gardening". ;-)
Stephanie Randall
Scheduling Coordinator
Stephanie has been with WDA since 2022. She has 7 years experience in patient care coordination. She enjoys hiking and camping with her husband and hopes to start a family soon. Stephanie has been a wonderful addition to our team.
Hygiene
Lori Clark
Registered Dental Hygienist
Lori graduated from UNC in 1998 with a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene. She joined our team in 2011. She was also a past clinical instructor at CVCC- dental hygiene department. Lori loves getting to know all of her patients and educating them to help maintain a beautiful smile. Lori enjoys spending time with her 2 beautiful daughters, and their 2 dogs.
Susan Lackey
Registered Dental Hygienist
Susan is a Caldwell County native who graduated from CVCC in 2009 with an associate degree in applied science of Dental Hygiene. She strives for a positive dental experience making you feel at ease by building confidence, trust and friendship. She truly enjoys educating and working with patients on how to maintain a healthy smile! In her spare time, Susan enjoys hanging out with her husband Chris and their two children Liam and Lydia.
Kristy Black
Registered Dental Hygienist
Kristy is a Caldwell County native who graduated from Wayne Community College in 1993 with an associate degree in applied science of Dental Hygiene. Kristy has been married for 28 years and has two beautiful children. In her spare time, she enjoys riding horses, watching baseball and spending time with family and friends. Kristy truly loves her job as a hygienist and specializes in patient care, striving to give patients a positive dental experience.
Colby Crump
Registered Dental Hygienist
Colby graduated from Catawba Valley Community College with an associates degree in applied science of Dental Hygiene. He was born and raised in Morganton. His goal is to give back to the community that has raised him by helping others achieve and maintain a healthy smile. He has always been a patient of Whitaker Dental Associates and strives to keep a calming, pleasant, and trustworthy environment for a great dental experience. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and exploring our local mountains and foothills with friends and family.
Assistants
Heather Smith
Dental Assistant II
Heather has been with Whitaker Dental Associates since she graduated dental assisting school in 2011. She graduated with honors and SPICE certification. Heather considers her patients family. Heather is engaged with one son, Lyrik. In her spare time she loves to play with her son and spend time with family and friends.
Hannah Shumate
Dental Assistant II
Hannah has been with WDA since 2013. She has been a dental assistant since 2009. Hannah loves meeting and interacting with all of our patients and making sure they have an enjoyable experience. Hannah spends her free time with her husband, their sweet baby girl, Ruthie, and their two Frenchies, Ruby andLouie.
Pamela Williams
Dental Assistant II
Pamela joined our team in 2018. She graduated the dental assisting program at WPCC in 2013 and began her dental assisting career in a local pediatric office. She loves to make people smile. She has a special fur baby named Crookshanks. Her hobbies include cross stitching, baking, spending time with her family, and gardening.
Nou Yang-Vasquez
Dental Assistant II
I joined the team in late 2020. I graduated from WPCC Dental Assisting Program in 2014 and worked in pediatric dentistry prior to coming to WDA. I am a true homebody outside of work. I just enjoy relaxing at home with my husband and son.