About

Welcome to Our Office

Our office was the winner of the 2002 Dental Office Design Award, and Dr. Nicolls' vision and dedication made it possible. After careful planning and months of preparation, our office is one of the most advanced yet friendly dental offices in the country. Combining high-tech equipment with a soothing, comfortable environment, we provide our patients with a truly unique dental experience. Welcome to the next level of dental care!

Meet Kani Louise Nicolls, D.D.S.

Dr. Nicolls is an innovator. From her cutting-edge office design to her focus on patient care, Dr. Nicolls' commitment to excellence is evident in everything she does.

After completing her undergraduate degree at Sonoma State University, Dr. Nicolls went on to her earn her dental degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1988. Prior to opening her private practice, she completed a two-year residency in Hospital Dentistry at University of North Carolina Hospitals, as well as a two-year fellowship in geriatrics at the University of North Carolina Medical School.

In addition, Dr. Nicolls has logged over 2000 hours of continuing education. She has earned a Level II Laser Certification and completed advanced studies in occlusal analysis (bite analysis). She also has advanced training in hospital dentistry. Dr. Nicolls deepened her knowledge of esthetic dentistry by studying under some of the nation's preeminent cosmetic dentists. In sum, Dr. Nicolls has a passion for dentistry and a commitment to providing her patients with high-quality, clinically excellent dental care.

Dr. Nicolls' is a member of the following organizations:

Her dedication and many accomplishments have garnered a great deal of recognition and respect. She was presented with the American Academy of Dentistry for the Handicapped Award, the American Association of Women Dentists Award, and most recently, the Dental Office Design Award.

Outside the office, traveling and photography are two her favorite hobbies. Hiking with her dog, Sofi, and scuba diving are also two of her passions. For more information about Dr. Nicolls, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.

Meet Your Dental Team

Elsa, Dental Assistant

Elsa has been in the dental industry for nine-and-a-half years. Before joining our close-knit team in 2010, she attended Sierra College, where she was the recipient of multiple awards. Originally from Nevada City, Elsa moved to Asheville two years ago with her son. In addition to working with us, she volunteers her time with low income dental clinics and homeless shelters. Her favorite hobbies are gardening, reading, and attending concerts.

Ellenburg, Office Manager

Ellenburg has been helping Dr. Nicolls and the rest of the team keep our office running smoothly for the past 15 years. She has a sharp eye for detail and a passion for building strong relationships with patients. There’s nothing more important to her than truly getting to know them and their families and hearing their stories and concerns. A lover of literature and writing, Ellenburg is currently at work on a bestseller of her own in her spare time.

“Your fate loves you. One day it will be entirely yours—just as your dreamt it—if you remain constant to it.”

Hermannn Hesse, Demian

Danielle, Dental Hygienist

Danielle has been a dental hygienist with us since 2004. She’s a joy to work with, both because of her sense of humor and of her commitment to learning and teaching others. What she loves most about working with our office is the technology—Dr. Nicolls doesn’t hesitate to invest in the care of her patients. Danielle enjoys reading, and her favorite book is Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird.

 “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

-George Eliot

Rhonda, Dental Hygienist

Rhonda’s ability to make patients feel at ease is just one part of what we love most about her. She’s also honest, detail-oriented, and gives 100% of herself every day, just like the rest of our team. In 2000, she was the recipient of a special award from the North Carolina Dental Hygiene Academy of Advanced Studies, and she was a volunteer with the Erwin Youth League for 10 years. Her favorite sport is baseball.

“Every day is a gift, that’s why they call it the present.”

Jen, Front Desk Administration, CDA

Jen has not only been helping us keep our front office organized since 2008, she also works chairside with Dr. Nicolls. Her bright, friendly personality makes her popular with our team and patients alike, and she appreciates the open attitude she witnesses every day in our offices. This kind of atmosphere also nourishes a respect for different ideas and solutions. Jen is also passionate about music, and particularly music from the 80s.

Tamara, Dental Assistant

Tamara has been in the dental industry for 20 years, and in that time has taken more than 1,000 hours of continuing education courses.  More than just incredibly knowledgeable, she also knows just how to help our patients feel at ease in our office. She has also volunteered with a number of organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, among others. Outside of work, her interests include art, music, film, gardening, and hiking. Her daughter, Gabriella, and her partner, Jason, are the light of her life.

Sofi, Greeter

Sofi has been our greeter for five years. A graduate of beginning and intermediate puppy school, she loves chasing squirrels, catching Frisbees, and, of course, any attention she can get from our patients. But Sofi doesn’t just love soaking up attention—she loves cheering patients up, too!


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