Dr. Rebekkah Merrell
Dr. Merrell grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina. She moved to Asheville in 2019 when she purchased Asheville Smiles Cosmetic & Family Dentistry. She lives in Asheville with her husband, Tradd, and her two dogs, Obi and Fen. She and her husband are diehard Clemson fans. They even met waiting in line to go to the Clemson National Championship. In their spare time, they are avid travelers and outdoor aficionados. Dr. Merrell also enjoys shag dancing – the state dance of South Carolina, golfing, working out, hiking, white water rafting, kayaking, skiing, and cooking and baking foods that aren’t dentist approved!
Education
- Carolinas Medical Center, General Dentistry Residency
- University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, DMD
- Medical University of South Carolina, MS Bioengineering
- Clemson University, BS/MS Bioengineering
- 1000+ hours of advanced continuing dental education
Continuing Education & Professional Memberships
- American Dental Association
- Academy of General Dentistry
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry
- Fellow International Congress of Oral Implantologists
- American Academy of Facial Esthetics
- American Academy of Clear Aligners
- Invisalign Certified
- Dental Laser Certified
- Botox, Filler, PDO Threading, Smooth Threading Certified
- Master Lip Certified
Bre Burgin – 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
Kayla Whitaker – Dental Assistant
Kayla grew up in Fairview, North Carolina. She graduated from her dental assisting program in July 2022. She previously went to Blue Ridge Community college for medical assisting in 2017. Kayla enjoys dentistry because of the results at the end of any treatment. She loves how happy we make our patients with their new smile. These life-changing results are reasons that she feels she can pursue a lifelong career in dentistry. When she isn’t at the dental office, her other hobbies include being outside and spending time with her dogs Rambo and Ryder.
Certifications:
- Dental Assisting
- Nitrous Oxide Certified
- Coronal Polishing Certified
- Radiographs Certified
- CPR Certified
- OSHA Certified
Lali Gamaz – Dental Assistant
Lali has been working in the dental field since 2015 after receiving her dental assisting diploma from AB-Tech Community College. She joined Dr. Merrell and the team in 2020. Lali’s favorite aspect of her job has been being a part of an amazing team and having the opportunity to help people feel confident about their smile again. Lali is bilingual and always strives to connect, understand, and empathize more effectively with our patients to deliver quality care. Outside of work, Lali enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Certifications:
- Dental Assisting
- Nitrous Oxide Certified
- Coronal Polishing Certified
- Radiographs Certified
- CPR Certified
- OSHA Certified
Rose Horne – Insurance and Financial Coordinator
Rose is a native North Carolinian. Born and raised in Buncombe County, she attended ETSU to receive her degree in dental assisting. She has spent the last 35 years working in the dental field. She worked as a dental assistant for 18 years before transitioning into the dental office manager and insurance coordinator role. For the past 17 years, she has been working in the front office. She strives to keep up on all insurance changes in order to better help you get the best possible coverage and benefits. In her spare time, she loves pier fishing with her husband. In the summer, she enjoys planting flowers, gardening, and canning vegetables. Come let Rose help you get the best possible benefits from your insurance while receiving high quality dental care.
Lauren Watt – Practice Administrator
Lauren is the smiling face you see at the front desk. Lauren is the Treatment Coordinator, but she does so much more! She is clinically trained as a certified dental assistant, so she is able to answer many of your technical questions. Lauren is an All-Star Team Member and is able to help out in many aspects of our office.
Lauren has been in dentistry since 2016. She moved to Greenville, SC in 2013, where she attended Greenville Technical College and graduated in 2015 from massage therapy school. After a short time of using her massage therapy license, she decided to go to Palmetto School of Career Development to pursue Dental Assisting. She truly knows how to make you relax and feel right at home in the dental chair.
Lauren is an Asheville native! She is very close to her family. She is the oldest of five children. She also has an amazing, adorable daughter – Kali. Lauren is a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church. Lauren enjoys sports, spending time with her family and traveling. She plays Volleyball, Basketball and Softball. When she’s not at work, she is traveling to a family sporting event or spending time with friends.
Certifications:
- Dental Assisting
- Nitrous Oxide Certified
- Coronal Polishing Certified
- Radiographs Certified
- CPR Certified
- OSHA Certified
Melissa Leonard – Registered Dental Hygienist
Melissa Leonard, RDH has been a dedicated hygienist for over 21 years. Melissa strives to provide the gold standard of care for her patients oral health and whole body wellness.
She respects the trust and confidence she gains from each of our patients here at Asheville Smiles Cosmetic & Family Dentistry. When not helping her patients maintain the smile of their dreams, Melissa enjoys spending time in the great outdoors with her husband Ralph and their two adventurous puppies, Chopper and Gypsy.