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. Dr. Merrell is passionate about the field of dentistry. Dr. Merrell graduated with her undergraduate and masters degree in Bioengineering from Clemson University. She attended the University of Pennsylvania for dental school and graduated in 2016 with honors. After graduation, she completed a general practice residency in Charlotte, NC at Carolinas Medical Center or Atrium Health. Dr. Merrell loves learning and has completed over 1500 hours of continuing education after graduation to expand her skills and better serve her patients.
In her spare time, she loves to give back to her patients and the dental community by serving in various leadership roles. She has served on the board for the Buncombe County Dental Society for the past 4 years and currently serves as President. She has also served for 6 years on the national membership council for the Academy of General Dentists. She is currently involved in leadership roles with the North Carolina Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Merrell also serves on the alumni interview committee for the University of Pennsylvania and is president of the Western NC Clemson Club. She volunteers with several community service organizations around Asheville.
Dr. Merrell 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!
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
Lauren Watt – Practice Administrator
Lauren is the smiling face you see at the front desk. Lauren is an All-Star Team Member and is able to help out in many aspects of our office. She is clinically trained as a certified dental assistant, so she is able to answer many of your technical questions. In addition, she has dedicated more than 50 hours of continuing education in Dental Office Manager training. She worked hard to be distinguished in her career and obtain her Fellowship in the American Academy of Dental Office Managers. This is an award that less than 5% of all dental office managers have achieved! We are so proud of her to have worked hard for this achievement.
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
- FAADOM (Fellowship in the American Association of Dental Office Management)
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
Elaine – Treatment Coordinator
Elaine is a North Carolina Native. For the past 33 years, she has enjoyed helping people achieve their healthiest and best smile! Elaine worked as a certified dental assistant for many years before transitioning to the front desk team. She worked as Dr. Merrell’s dental assistant for some time, so she is able to answer many questions you have about your treatment plan and overall dental care. She is one of the friendly voices you get to hear when you call our office! In her spare time Elaine enjoys being outdoors and loves spending time with her family.
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
CyAnn – Dental Assistant
CyAnn is the friendly face you see while working with Dr. Merrell. She was introduced to the dental field by her mom, who is also a dental assistant. She has been trained on lots of new dental technology and is a quick learner. Originally from West Virginia, she enjoys living in Asheville. Outside of work she enjoys reading, hiking, shopping, running and spending time with family.
Jennifer Evers – Registered Dental Hygienist
Jennifer Evers joined our practice as one of our AAHH-mazing hygienists in the summer of 2023. Jenn has worked in the dental field since 2015 after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College, here in North Carolina. After graduating, Jenn moved to Colorado, Texas, Washington, and finally back to Arden where she grew up and where all her family lives. In her free time, Jenn enjoys painting, crafting, football season, and the beach. Jenn also has a beautiful, adventurous little girl named Josie, who makes everyone smile.
As a hygienist, Jenn has cultivated her craft to specialize in working with patients who have dental fears and anxiety. She is compassionate, patient, and understanding with the needs of all our patients. She can make anyone feel comfortable in her chair. Jenn provides complete hygiene care and provides the tools to continue your good oral health at home. Come see Jenn, and let her teach you how to floss like a boss!
Tracey Barnes – Registered Dental Hygienist
Tracey has been in dentistry since 2012. She is gentle, caring, and loves to get to know her patients. Tracey and her husband are proud parents of three beautiful girls. She spends most of her weekends watching her girls play sports.