Have you ever had an experience where you felt like a fish out of water? Maybe you didn’t know anyone or weren’t sure what to do and felt lost?
None of us likes that feeling, and it’s one you’ll never experience at The Whole Tooth. One of the things we do well is putting our patients at ease and welcoming you as a friend the first time we meet you.
It takes an exceptional dental team to not only provide high-quality dentistry but also be responsive to each of their patients’ unique needs. We care for every person that walks through our doors and understand that each has a unique history. By simply taking the time to listen and get to know you, we can connect on a level that makes for a mutually satisfying, long-term relationship.
From the moment you first walk through our doors, we will welcome you and show you a different side of dentistry. We’re highly-trained professionals, but we never take ourselves too seriously. Don’t be surprised when you hear laughter ringing through our office or your dentist cracks a joke to help you relax. It’s who we are, and we know that our patients appreciate our easygoing approach and focus on their needs and comfort.
Our entire dental team looks forward to welcoming you to our Dunwoody dental office in person. We promise to welcome you warmly, take excellent care of you, and make you feel right at home.
Dr. Ashley Starnes
I’m a native of Conyers, GA and have called Dunwoody home for the last eighteen years. My interest in dentistry started when I was in the third grade when my brother’s orthodontist put braces on my Cabbage Patch Kid! I worked in dental and orthodontic offices throughout high school and college.
With my undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia, I attended the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry, graduating in 2005. I have enjoyed practicing as a general dentist ever since! One of the things that I enjoy most about being a dentist is helping patients who are nervous about dental treatment. This doesn't have to be a scary place! I also love helping people build confidence in their smiles, whether through full reconstruction or something as simple as tooth bleaching.
I also really love interacting with people- finding out who they are and what makes them tick. I strive for everyone here to be treated as a human being and not a set of teeth. Every experience, every diagnosis, and every treatment plan is custom fit for an individual.
Outside of dentistry, I have three active boys that keep me very busy! I currently spend a lot of time helping them with school and carpooling to lacrosse, tennis, basketball, soccer... I also love sports (National Champion UGA football- Go Dawgs! and Atlanta United) and pop culture (Taylor Swift and trashy TV). My favorite place is the beach, and I can't get there often enough.
Dr. Jason Bongiovi
I have A LOT of experience with fear of the dentist, but not because of the reasons you may think. This is my 16th year practicing pediatric dentistry. I graduated from Medical College of Georgia Dental School in 2005, completed my pediatric dental residency in 2008, and started my private office, Pediatric Dentistry of Forsyth in 2009. I worked for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta for 10 years as part of their Craniofacial Team, treating a variety of special needs patients from Autism Spectrum Disorder to Cleft Lip and Palate to Cancer and bleeding disorders.
So treating all of these patients for the past 15 years has given me a ton of experience in treating pediatric patients that come in with anxiety and fear. There are very few situations that I haven't treated or seen in a pediatric dental office. But... that isn't what drives me to offer comfortable and tear-free treatment. The truth is I've dealt with high anxiety since I was 10 years old, and while I had a GREAT dentist growing up, I am just as fearful (or more!) of going to the dentist as any child who sits in my chair. I don't like laying back with my mouth open. I don't like any instruments being used. I grip the handles of the dental chair tighter then anyone you've ever seen. For the record, I know the dentist (my wife, Ashley) pretty well.
Every time I treat a patient, I understand where they're coming from. I understand being scared or unsure of the dentist... leading to my mission of creating positive dental experiences for all.
When I'm not alleviating anxiety in myself or my patients, I have three wonderful boys Max (15), Owen (13) and Pace (10). We spend our weekends running around to lacrosse, soccer, tennis and every other sport under the sun.
Terrie
Office Manager
I have been in the dental field since 1995 and have seen the positive impact that a healthy smile has on someone’s health, happiness, and entire life outlook.
Working in dentistry allows me to guide and assist someone starting the process and be there for them every step of the way. As someone who has had numerous dental procedures, it’s easy for me to relate to their fears and concerns, and our patients become like family to me.
I enjoy spending time with my husband Ron of 24 years attending FSU football games. I also enjoy spending time with my children- Cody and Lindsey, Alex and Erin, and Jacob.
Parker
Schedule Coordinator
I have had a fascination with dentistry since I was a little girl putting braces on my Christmas list to Santa. I am new to Dunwoody, recently having moved from Athens after graduating from The University of Georgia with my degree in Biology and Public Health (Go Dawgs!!). I followed the pre-dental pathway through high school and college and have hopes of one day becoming a dentist. After college, I became certified as a dental assistant and began gaining experience as a member of the clinical staff. My favorite part of dental work is watching a person’s confidence and smile completely change with each procedure. I believe a smile is your best accessory, so loving the way your teeth look can make a world of a difference.
I am originally from Tampa, FL but I consider myself a Georgia girl as I’ve lived in Macon for most of my life. Before applying to dental school, my goal is to travel as much as I can, especially to Germany since I have been learning the language for almost 2 years now. Besides practicing German, in my free time I spend most of my time with my blind yorkie, Miles. You can also find me vintage shopping or dying my hair another crazy color!
Jenny
Insurance Coordinator
Dental insurance is the bane of everyone's existence. But not for me! I love figuring out the intricacies of a plan. I have been in the dental field for forty years, and insurance continues to be a daily puzzle I like to solve. It has always been my goal for the patient to have a wonderful experience from the first phone call through the appointment until the claim is paid. I love to interact with patients, so don't be surprised if you get an actual phone call from me!
Away from the office, my grandson holds a huge piece of my heart, and I love watching his talent on the baseball field with the rest of my family. I also love finding a good book!
Tiffany
Registered Dental Hygienist
I have three passions. One- my two boys. Two- outdoor interests. Three- my career.
I have been able to meld the first two by volunteering as a scout leader. I love to take groups on camping and hiking trips. The personal growth in my boys and myself has been so rewarding, and I take as many of these trips as I can.
To start my third, I attended North Georgia/Lanier Tech and obtained a degree in dental hygiene. I have spent the last ten years working with adults and kids. The Whole Tooth is a perfect fit for me! You will catch me on both sides of the office!
Spare time? What is that? But when I have it, I enjoy cooking and going to the gym.
McKensey
Registered Dental Hygienist
My love for dentistry started at a very young age! My mom is a dental assistant so for as long as I can remember, I was always in a dental office. Throughout high school, I was able to work and shadow in dental offices to gain experience. From there, I went to Georgia Southern University (Hail Southern!), then went on to graduate from Athens Technical College with my degree in Dental Hygiene.
I know anxiety and the dental office go hand in hand for most people. It is my goal to make sure that your hour in my chair is an enjoyable one! I love building relationships with my patients and educating them on the importance of good oral hygiene. I strive for my patients to feel motivated and confident when they leave my chair.
I was born and raised in Georgia, just north of Atlanta. In my free time, I love going to the gym, watching sports (Go Dawgs! Go Braves!), cooking, and reading any and all types of books.
Sidney
Registered Dental Hygienist
As a teenager, I had many conversations with friends and family trying to figure out what I wanted to be when I "grew up." Ultimately, I realized that I wanted to work with people, specifically in health care. With many friends and family already in the dental field, I was able to spend time in high school Shadowing and helping out in dental offices. Once I saw what a dental office was really like, I fell in love with the relationships built between patients and providers. These experiences confirmed to me that I wanted to be a dental hygienist. I wanted to grow long term relationships, connecting with people and educating them how to care for their beautiful smiles
I grew up in Buford, Georgia, attended my first two years of college at Georgia Southern University, and then moved on to Athens Technical College where I obtained my degree in dental hygiene. When I'm not with patients, I love to read, binge watch the latest shows, and spend time with my amazing friends and family!
Valerie
Dental Assistant
When I was a child, I told my mom that I wanted to be a dentist because I was always so excited to go to my cleanings. My childhood dentist made everything so comfortable and fun, and I wanted to be just like him. When I told him so, he explained to me that if I worked hard and kept going, it was possible.
I was born and raised in Decatur. After high school, I went to Alterius College to become a dental assistant, and I am currently in school to become a hygienist. I have spent several years assisting in pediatric offices learning to help kids (and now adults!) learn to be as comfortable at the dentist as I was. I really love interacting with patients and seeing the final smiles.
In my free time, I like to help my dad with maintenance around the house, go to the park for nature time, and hang with my family. I love to stay busy outside of work, but I am working on learning to take time to relax!
Fernanda
Dental Assistant
My name is Fernanda, and I've been working as a dental assistant for six years. I am very passionate about providing empathetic care and fostering trusting relationships with patients (and their parents!). I am fluent in Spanish so please let me know if this would be helpful to you. I enjoy being part of this team and am hopeful to extend my dental career in the future.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my two pups and family, hiking, running, and going to the gym.