Dr. Gregory J Kuchtjak

Gregory J. Kuchtjak, D.M.D., P.A.
I have been a pediatric dentist for 21 years, having graduated from Temple University Dental School in 1987 and St. Christophers Hospital for Children with a Pediatric Residency in 1989. I feel it is an honor to be able to provide a dental home for children and be their introduction to dentistry.
As you know, the dentist or physician can be a fear provoking place for a young child. An environment that is child friendly and caregivers that are congenial and oriented towards children, is a great start for the child. When he/she feels secure, it goes a long way toward melting fears.
Our mission statement is always the same, "To make all kids love going to the dentist." That is our goal. It is a process and can take longer for some children than others.
We have a variety of tools to accomplish our goal. I try my best to stay with the child while doing procedures- not assembly line dentistry - thus maintaining a young child's focus. We try our best to be …timely, as young children have short attention spans. We use a tell, show, do approach. Prizes are also used as positive reinforcement to make the dental visit a more pleasant experience. I personally like to come out to the waiting room and introduce myself. I have a few ice breakers to strike up conversation or bring a laugh. Magic tricks, funny hats, and a miniature bike that I ride in the waiting room will usually bring a smile. Sometimes I will play air hockey or foosball with them. I do whatever I can to make a connection and build a relationship.
For our youngest patients with lots of dental problems, we offer sedation at 3 levels. Laughing gas, laughing gas with oral sedation and a licensed dental anesthesiologist who comes to our office.
Our hope is that children will grow up with a healthy attitude towards dentistry and become good and willing adult patients.
Michelle Moore
Office Manager
As the office manager, Michelle is instrumental in servicing families with the financial aspect of Dr. Kuchtjak's practice.  She is a people person who enjoys working with patients and parents to help make their visit to the dentist as personal and comfortable as possible. 
Over the past 22 years, Michelle has worked in many areas of dentisty as an orthodontic assistant, patient care coordinator and occasional dental assistant.  She received her x-ray certification from Bowman Gray School of Medicine and coronal polishing certification from UNC Chapel Hill, as well as various continuing education certifications.
In her free time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband, Brian, and their daughter, Jaden.  She is also a youth leader at church and enjoys reading and traveling.
Dianne Braddock
Clinical Care Coordinator/Dental Assistant II
Dianne is from Northern Iredell County and has over 25 years in dental assisting and front office work. She enjoys helping people obtain optimal dental health through quality dental care and dental health education.  Her greatest joy and challenge in dentistry is helping ease fears that often accompany patients as they enter the dental office.  Dianne received her Dental Assisting II certificate from Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem.  She also received her coronal polishing certificate from UNC-Chapel Hill.
Outside of the dental office, Dianne enjoys spending time with her husband, Tim.  She also enjoys being active in her church, cooking, reading and playing the piano. 
Dianne and Tim have 2 grown and married children.  They are also "parents" to Koda (a black German Shepherd), and Andy and Arnold (2 fawn colored pugs).
Toni Prevette
Certified Dental Assistant
Toni is from North Wilkesboro and graduated from Wilkes Community College's Dental Assistanting Program in 2009.  She loves children and knew that she wanted to work with kids in a pediatric dental office when she was a freshman in high school.
Toni has been married to her husband, Michael, for 10 years.  She has two children: Adam, who is 11 years old and Krysta, who is 8 years old.  Toni and her family enjoy participating a