Barbara Canipe: Certified Dental Assistant

Hi! My name is Barbara Canipe. I’m new to Dr. Tucker’s kid-friendly pediatric dental office in Statesville, NC, but I’m not new to dentistry! I am a certified dental assistant with 32 years of experience! For 15 of those years, I have been working in pediatric dentistry.

My true goal is to help treat and educate patients and their parents about oral health, including brushing and flossing. I believe in the rewards of giving kids a reason to smile.

Working in pediatric dental care touches my heart.

I live in Newton, with my two dogs: Maddie and Charlie. In my free time, I like to be with my family.

Favorite Quote: “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” – Coach John Woodent

Kathy Trexler: Administrative Assistant

My name is Kathy. I have worked as the Office Administrator for Happy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry for 27 years. When you call our pediatric dentist in Statesville, NC to schedule an appointment, or come in to request help with your insurance, I am the woman to help meet your needs!

Having worked in pediatric dentistry for 27 years, I have grown to love seeing our patients start as small children, then grow up and bring their own families to our pediatric dental care practice.

At Happy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, our staff members and pediatric patients are our second family. We work hard to make childhood dental visits and dental experiences exciting and fun for the whole family.

I look forward to working with you and your children to make our kid friendly office feel like home.

I live in Salisbury, with my husband, Matt and our 2 pit bulls, Rosie and Dixie. I have one son, Zach, who lives in Mooresville.

In my spare time, I help my husband with his catering business or care for my 86-year-old mom. I also enjoy spending time at the pool and the beach.

Favorite Quote: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney

Katie Agate: Dental Hygienist

Hello! My name is Katie Agate. I am a Dental Hygienist. I have worked for Happy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry’s pediatric dental office in Statesville, NC for 7 years. Our practice supports children’s oral health and dental hygiene through our dental services in a fun, kid-friendly dental office!

I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. My family and I moved to South Carolina when I was a child. I lived there until I met my husband. We then moved to North Carolina.

I love the great outdoors. I like to fish, garden, swim, and spend time with my family. Between my husband and I, we have 2 sons and 1 daughter. We also have 4 grandkids, who we adore!

AMY DALTON : OUR DENTAL ASSISTANT

Welcome! I am Amy Dalton. I work for Happy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry. As a child, I was a patient with Dr. Rankin.

From my first visit with Happy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, my childhood dental visits were a highlight. This pediatric dental office in Statesville, NC always made me feel safe and comfortable.

I have worked as a member of the Happy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry staff for 18 years. My goal is to make sure that all children who come into our office feel loved and special! I strive to carry on the same devotion to making dental services kid-friendly that Dr. Rankin showed me.

I live in Statesville, NC with my husband, Benny and our goldendoodle, Navy. I also have two daughters, named Alexis and Zoe.

Welcome to our practice!

Lesley Colvert: Registered Dental Hygienist

Hi! I am Lesley Colvert. I am one of the Registered Dental Hygienists that you and your child will meet at our pediatric dental care office in Statesville, NC.

I have been working as a dental hygienist for 17 years. 16 of those years, I have worked for the pediatric dentist at Happy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry. I love what I do!

I enjoy helping an anxious child have positive dental experiences and always try to show children how much fun going to the dentist can be.

I look forward to working with your and your children to improve their dental health. Our kid-friendly office is committed to treating all patients like our own children and making our pediatric dentistry practice feel safe and fun.

I have been married to my husband, Rob, for 17 years. We have two children of our own, Avery and Vance.

Dustin Clarke: Dental Hygienist

Hi! My name is Dustin Clarke. I am one of the registered dental hygienists providing treatment at our pediatric dental office in Statesville, NC.

I have been with the Happy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry team since 2006. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill in 2004. After graduation, I found my professional home at Dentistry for Young People.

I fondly recall my early childhood visits to my pediatric dentist. I strive to make the experiences of my patients just as positive, and am happy to be a member of the Dentistry for Young People team.

Outside of my work in dental services, I enjoy my free time at my home in Drexel. I enjoy spending most of my time with friends and family when I am not working.

I am pleased to welcome your family to our pediatric dentistry practice! I look forward to seeing you again and again.

Marsha Gray: Dental Assistant

Hello! My name is Marsha Gray. I work as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) for Happy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, with almost 23 years of experience. I attended Wilkes Community College and began my career at Dr. Rankin’s pediatric dental office in Statesville, NC as a dental assistant in 1998.

I worked and received on-the-job training before taking my state board exam in December of 2001. I received my CDA license shortly after.

I was a patient of Dr. Rankin’s as a child, as were my siblings. My recently-retired mother was a CDA for Dr. Rankin. Our family valued the pediatric dental patient care and dental experiences delivered by Happy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry. I consider it part of my job description to make our office a safe place for our patients.

When I was young, my first dentist damaged my opinion of pediatric dentists. That bad experience encouraged me to show other children with negative experiences that the dental office can be fun! I want kids to know that our team is here to help with oral health and comfort.

We love seeing our patients for dental services and we want them to enjoy their visits, too!

I live in Statesville, NC with Kent, my husband of 20 years. I love spending time with my family, including my nephew and niece and four godchildren.