Dr. Rebekkah Merrell, DMD, MS

Dr. Merrell is a dedicated and compassionate dentist who brings both advanced training and a warm, patient-centered approach to Asheville Smiles Cosmetic & Family Dentistry. Originally from Rock Hill, South Carolina, Dr. Merrell moved to Asheville in 2019 to pursue her dream of owning a practice committed to delivering exceptional cosmetic and family dental care.

Dr. Merrell holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Bioengineering from Clemson University. She went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) with honors from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 2016. Following dental school, she completed a comprehensive General Practice Residency at Carolinas Medical Center (Atrium Health) in Charlotte, NC, where she gained advanced experience in all aspects of general and hospital-based dentistry.

Passionate about lifelong learning, Dr. Merrell has completed more than 1,500 hours of continuing education, furthering her expertise in cosmetic dentistry, implantology, Invisalign®, facial aesthetics, laser therapy, and more. She is committed to staying at the forefront of modern dentistry to provide her patients with the highest quality care.

Dr. Merrell’s commitment to dentistry extends beyond the operatory. She actively gives back through leadership in organized dentistry at the local, state, and national levels. She currently serves as President of the Buncombe County Dental Society, sits on the Council for Legislative and Governmental Affairs for the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and is involved with the North Carolina AGD and NC Dental Society’s Membership Council. Nationally, she served for six years on the AGD’s Membership Council. Dr. Merrell also enjoys mentoring future dental professionals as a member of the University of Pennsylvania Alumni Interview Committee, and she serves as President of the Western NC Clemson Club.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Merrell lives in Asheville with her husband, Tradd, and their two beloved dogs, Ollie and Fen. A proud Clemson Tiger, she and her husband even met while waiting in line for a Clemson National Championship game. Together, they love to travel, explore the outdoors, and enjoy all that Western North Carolina has to offer. In her free time, Dr. Merrell enjoys hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, skiing, golfing, working out, and dancing the Carolina shag — the official state dance of South Carolina. She also loves to cook and bake (even if it’s not always dentist-approved!).

Continuing Education & Professional Certifications

  • Invisalign® Certified
  • Dental Laser Certified
  • Botox, Dermal Filler, PDO Threading, and Smooth Threading Certified
  • Master Lip Certified

Professional Memberships

  • American Dental Association
  • Academy of General Dentistry (Fellowship Award Recipient)
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • American Academy of Implant Dentistry
  • International Congress of Oral Implantologists (Fellow)
  • American Academy of Facial Esthetics
  • American Academy of Clear Aligners

Dr. Anna Crickman, DMD

Dr. Anna is a compassionate and skilled general dentist who brings a unique blend of scientific knowledge and artistic talent to patient care. A native of Darlington, South Carolina, Dr. Crickman earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Studio Art from the College of Charleston. Her early interest in both science and the visual arts naturally led her to discover a passion for dentistry — a field that perfectly combines precision, creativity, and the ability to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.

She went on to receive her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. Following dental school, Dr. Crickman completed a comprehensive General Practice Residency at the University of Louisville, where she gained advanced clinical experience in restorative dentistry, oral surgery, and medically complex patient care.

Dr. Crickman is committed to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in a welcoming and supportive environment. She is dedicated to continuing education and staying current with the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques to ensure the best outcomes for her patients.

Now proud to call Asheville home, Dr. Crickman lives with her rescue cat, Fern, who she adopted while living in Charleston. Outside the dental office, she enjoys an active lifestyle that includes yoga, Pilates, hiking, traveling, antique hunting, cooking, and spending time outdoors—especially at the beach. She is thrilled to be part of the Asheville Smiles team and looks forward to building long-lasting relationships with her patients and the community.

Lauren Watt – Office Manager

Lauren is often the first smiling face you’ll see when you arrive at our office. A true All-Star team member, she brings both clinical and administrative expertise to her role. As a Certified Dental Assistant, Lauren is equipped to answer many technical questions and support patient care beyond the front desk. She has also completed more than 100 hours of continuing education in Dental Office Management and has earned the distinguished designation of Master in the American Academy of Dental Office Managers—an honor achieved by less than 1% of office managers nationwide. We are proud of Lauren’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

An Asheville native, Lauren values her close-knit family and is the oldest of five children. She is also the proud mom of her daughter, Kali. Outside the office, Lauren is active in her church community at Trinity Presbyterian and enjoys sports, traveling, and time with family and friends. Whether she’s on the volleyball, basketball, or softball court, or cheering at a family sporting event, Lauren brings the same energy and passion to life that she does to our team.

Certifications:

  • Dental Assisting
  • Nitrous Oxide Certified
  • Coronal Polishing Certified
  • Radiographs Certified
  • CPR/BLS Certified
  • OSHA Certified
  • SPICE Certified (Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology)
  • MAADOM (Master in the American Association of Dental Office Management)

Bre – Scheduling Coordinator & Dental Assistant

Bre is an Asheville native. She began working at Asheville Smiles in August of 2022, shortly after graduating from AB-Tech with a certification in dental assisting. She is passionate about helping people and always cared about oral health. This led her to pursue a career as a dental assistant. Her favorite part about dental assisting is the ability to brighten someone’s day and to help them feel at ease in an atmosphere that many fear. In her free time, she enjoys making crafts, hiking, and spending time with her two furry friends.

Certifications:

  • Dental Assisting
  • Nitrous Oxide Certified
  • Coronal Polishing Certified
  • Radiographs Certified
  • CPR Certified
  • OSHA Certified

Jennifer Evers – Registered Dental Hygienist

Jennifer Evers joined our practice as a dental hygienist in the summer of 2023. She began her career in dentistry after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College in 2015. Following graduation, she gained experience working in Colorado, Texas, and Washington before returning home to Arden, North Carolina, where she grew up and where her family still resides.

Jenn has a special talent for working with patients who experience dental fear and anxiety. She is known for her compassion, patience, and ability to make anyone feel comfortable in the chair. Her goal is to provide thorough hygiene care while also giving patients the tools and confidence to maintain their oral health at home.

Outside of the office, Jenn enjoys painting, crafting, football season, and spending time at the beach. Her greatest joy, however, is her adventurous daughter, Josie, who brings smiles to everyone she meets.

Certifications:

  • Registered Dental Hygienist
  • Nitrous Oxide Certified
  • Radiographs Certified
  • CPR/BLS Certified
  • OSHA Certified
  • SPICE Certified (Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology)
  • PerioProtect Certified

Tracey Barnes

Tracey Barnes – Registered Dental Hygienist

Tracey has called Asheville home since 1995. She began her career in dentistry in 2012 after graduating from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Known for her gentle and caring approach, she enjoys building meaningful connections with patients and helping them feel comfortable in the chair—often with a touch of humor.

Dedicated to providing the highest level of care, Tracey has completed her certification to administer local anesthesia and regularly pursues continuing education to stay current with the latest advancements in dentistry.

Outside of the office, Tracey and her husband love spending time with their three daughters. She also enjoys traveling, hiking, and being outdoors.

Certifications:

  • Registered Dental Hygienist
  • Local Anesthesia License
  • Nitrous Oxide Certified
  • Radiographs Certified
  • CPR/BLS Certified
  • OSHA Certified
  • SPICE Certified (Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology)
  • PerioProtect Certified

Hannah – Dental Assistant

Hannah is from Madison County, North Carolina, and graduated from dental hygiene school in 2021. While she values her background in hygiene, she discovered that her true passion lies in dental assisting. She enjoys the variety this role offers, from supporting a wide range of procedures to building meaningful connections with patients and helping them feel at ease in the chair. Her favorite part of the job is working alongside the doctor to provide excellent care and seeing the positive impact a healthy smile can make in someone’s life.

Outside of the office, Hannah enjoys spending time at the lake, reading, and traveling to explore new places.

Certifications:

  • Nitrous Oxide
  • Coronal Polishing
  • Radiographs & NOMAD
  • CPR/BLS
  • OSHA
  • SPICE (Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology)

Callie – Dental Assistant

Callie was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina. She graduated from the Dental Assisting program at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College in July 2020, earning both her diploma and DANB National Certification. She began her career in pediatric and operating room dentistry, where she gained valuable experience providing gentle and effective care.

Passionate about helping patients smile with confidence, Callie is dedicated to creating a positive and comfortable experience for everyone she serves.

In her free time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, painting, traveling, and spending time with her family and her two dogs, Nibbler and Remmy.

Certifications:

  • Dental Assisting
  • Nitrous Oxide
  • Coronal Polishing
  • Radiographs
  • CPR/BLS
  • OSHA
  • SPICE (Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology)

Carly – Dental Assistant

Carly has been working in dentistry since 2022 and brings a warm, personal approach to patient care. She enjoys building one-on-one connections and treats every patient like family, creating a comfortable and supportive experience. She finds joy in helping people feel confident in their smiles and takes pride in being part of their journey toward better oral health.

Outside of the office, Carly enjoys spending time with her husband, Casey, their young son, Colt, and their dog, Dixie. Family time is her greatest joy, and she loves making memories with Casey and Colt on her days off. She is also an avid bowler and, as a twin, enjoys the unique bond and fun stories that come along with it.

Certifications:

  • Dental Assisting
  • Nitrous Oxide
  • Coronal Polishing
  • Radiographs
  • CPR/BLS
  • OSHA