About Us | whitakerdental

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 Madison Rose

Dr. Madison Rose was born and raised in Morganton, and is very grateful and excited to return and care for her hometown community. She graduated from Wake Forest University and completed dental school at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. Outside of dentistry, she enjoys spending time with her husband and family, exercising, and reading. Dr. Rose values person-centered care and building trusting relationships with her patients.

Dr. Lindsey Searcy

Dr. Lindsey Searcy completed her undergraduate studies and dental school training at UNC-Chapel Hill. After dental school, she completed a general practice residency at the University of Florida. Dr. Searcy grew up in Kannapolis and moved to Morganton, her husband's hometown in 2022. When not at work she enjoys spending time with her husband, Carson, their two dogs, Colt and Gus and their new kitten, Kuma. Together they enjoy relaxing at the lake, traveling to new places, and skiing during the winter months.

Front Desk

Appointment Coordinator

Olga Norman

Olga began her career in orthodontics before transitioning to general dentistry, accumulating 5 years of experience as a patient Care Coordinator. She joined WDA in October 2024 and takes pride in being one of the first points of contact for patients, whether in person or over the phone. Outside of work, Olga enjoys spending quality time with her family and actively participating in her church community.

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

Kelsey Guinn

I joined WDA in the spring of 2024. I have several years of dental assisting experience and am now a Patient Care Coordinator. I love my job! My goal is to help out patients in any way I can. My free time is spent with my best friend and husband, Dustin and our sweet son, Sawyer.

Appointment Coordinator

Kate Caraway

Kate recently retired from Burke County Public Schools after 31 years of teaching middle school math. She has been with WDA since March 2024 and loves seeing many familiar faces checking patients in and out of the front office. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Chris, their 3 adult children Hayden, Riley, and Hayley and their significant others, and also their 4 fur babies. Her hobbies include aerobics/Zumba, watching cooking shows and spending time at Lake James.

Hygiene Coordinator

Cary Zimmerman

Cary has been in dentistry since 2018. She has experience as a dental assistant and patient care coordinator. She is wife to Bryan, mother to 4 beautiful daughters and Nanna to 3 wonderful grandchildren. She is also a Dog Momma to Major, Charlie and Ollie. She loves decorating, gardening and spending time with her family.

Appointment Coordinator

Angela Willis

I joined WDA summer of 2023! I love that each day is a new beginning to make a difference in someone's day with a smile or kind word. I have over 25years experience as a patient care coordinator. I have been married 35 years to Dennis, my best friend, and have 2 children (Heather and Landon) and one grandson, Graham. I love spending time with family and everything outside.

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

Dania Rodriguez

Dania

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

Megan Chester

Megan graduated from CVCC in 2015 with her Associates of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene. She is so glad to be back serving all the wonderful patients at WDA. Megan is an outdoor enthusiast who loves exploring nature with her family. She's married to Cole and together they have a daughter named Tatum. Their furry friend, a dog named Blue, joins them on many adventures. When Megan isn't spending time with loved ones, you can find her hitting the trails and soaking up the beauty of the outdoors.

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 has one son, Lyrik and a fur baby, Tiny. 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

Faith has been with WDA since 2023. She has been a dental assistant since 2019 and has previous experience in Endodontics. She loves Morganton and meeting our patients' smiling faces! Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, cooking and spending time with her partner, Josh, and crazy German Shepherd, Remy.

Dental Assistant

Leisha Barlow

Leisha has been a dental assistant in the practice for over 34 years. She enjoys time with her family and friends. She has a big love for all animals and a passion for preparing charcuterie.

Dental Assistant

Ally Poarch

Ally has been in dentistry since 2018. She has experience as a dental assistant and as a patient care coordinator. If she isn't working out, you can find her camping, rock crawling and any other outdoor activity with her husband, family, friends and dog. Speaking of family, Ally is one of 3. Yes, she's a triplet!