Natalie W. Whitaker, DDS
Steven G. Sudderth, DDS
Saryn R. Hedrick, DDS
William Tal Link, DDS
office@whitakerdentalassociates.com ~ 828-433-1600 ~ 300 Sanford Drive, Morganton, NC 28655
Our Doctors
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Dr. Natalie Whitaker
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.

Dr. Saryn Hedrick
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.

Dr Steven Sudderth
Dr. Sudderth has been practicing dentistry in Morganton since 1977. When not in the dental office, he enjoys golfing, skiing, and traveling to visit the grandchildren out west.

Dr. Tal Link
Dr. Link is a Burke County native. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for both his Undergraduate and Doctor of Dental Surgery Degrees. Dr. Link graduated and passed the North Carolina State Dental Board examination in 1988 and began practicing that year.
Dr. Link is active in many professional dental organizations including the American Dental Association, the North Carolina Dental Society, Western Piedmont Dental Society, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Academy of Laser Dentistry and Member of 3D Dental Study Club.
Front Desk

Office Manager
Brittney Ruddy
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.

Insurance Coordinator
Tracie Fairchild
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". ;-)

Appointment Coordinator
Stephanie Randall
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.

Appointment Coordinator
Amy Coffey
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Hygiene Coordinator
Cary Zimmerman
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Hygiene

Registered Dental Hygienist
Lori Clark
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.

Registered Dental Hygienist
Susan Lackey
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.

Registered Dental Hygienist
Kristy Black
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.

Registered Dental Hygienist
Colby Crump
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.

Registered Dental Hygienist
Angel Long
Angel graduated from Greenville Technical College with an Associates Degree in Applied Science of Dental Hygiene. Born and raised in Forest City, North Carolina, her impressive technical skills pale in comparison to her friendliness and outgoing personality. Turning new patients into lifelong friends, her outgoing attitude extends into her family as well. She loves exploring new places and trying new activities with her husband Jackie and her son Caleb, who comprise her world. She's sure to leave anyone she talks to with a beautiful smile; both literally and figuratively.

Registered Dental Hygienist
Jessica Denton
Jessica is a Morganton native who graduated from Catawba Valley Community College in 2020 with an associates degree in applied science, dental hygiene. She has always had a passion for the dental field and focusses on providing the best experience for everyone with kindness, thoroughness, and patient comfort. She believes that a person's smile is directly linked to their confidence and loves to help people feel their best! Jessica has a 3 years old dog named Lilah, who she enjoys taking on hikes and feeding lots of snacks! In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, kayaking, trying new restaurants, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Dental Assistants

Dental Assistant
Heather Smith
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.

Dental Assistant
Hannah Shumate
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.

Dental Assistant
Nou Yang-Vasquez
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.

Dental Assistant
Faith Byrd
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Dental Assistant
Leisha Barlow
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Dental Assistant
Ally Poarch
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