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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 an aspiring author who is passionate about all things related to health, wellness and mindset. In her spare time she enjoys reading, cooking and playing basketball 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 is one of the newest members of our Dental Team at Whitaker Dental Associates, and she is extremely excited to have found her dental home in Morganton. Saryn and her husband, Edward, grew up in the foothills of NC and are glad to be back in the area and closer to their families. Saryn graduated as a top student in her class at the UNC School of Dentistry, and she previously graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University with a degree in biology. In her free time, you might find Saryn experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, cheering on the Tar Heels basketball team, traveling, tending to her garden, or playing with her miniature poodle, Emmett. 

      Donna Coffey

        Patient Care Coordinator

Donna started with Dr. Sudderth day one, 40 plus years ago and has continued her love of patient care with Whitaker Dental Associates. She has experience as a chairside dental assistant and patient care coordinator. Her hobbies include walking, singing in her church choir, porch sitting in the mountains and spending time with family!

      Samantha Lovins
        Patient Care/ Insurance Coordinator

I have several years experience in customer service and hope to continue to extend the quality care that has always been top priority for this office.  I'm a true nature girl that loves adventures with my family.  I'm also an avid DIY'er (sometimes successful).  My goal in life is to treat everyone with kindness and make someone smile everyday.

      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.

     Jessica Denton

       Registered Dental Hygienist

     Teresa Causby

       Dental Assistant II

Teresa has been a dental assistant with Whitaker Dental Associates for 40 plus years- beginning in 1978 with Dr. Steven Sudderth. She is an organist and choir director at her church. Teresa loves to read and spend time doing adult coloring ( too much time according to her husband, Randy) Teresa and her husband work out together 3 mornings a week before work and enjoy working in their yard on the weekends. Just being outdoors, doing anything, makes her happy!

     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 Whitaker Dental Associates since 2013. She grew up in Vale, NC where she graduated from Fred T. Foard in 2006. She later wandered to Morganton to pursue a job as a dental assistant in 2009. Her and her husband Matthew, met in 2011 and were married on St. Patrick's Day 2012. Hannah has one Fur baby named Razor. Hannah loves meeting and interacting with all of our patients. Hannah loves working out, hunting, and riding four wheelers in wild & wonderful West Virginia!

     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.

     Tracie Abernathy
       Patient Care/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". ;-)

     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.