Our dedicated team believes in building lasting patient relationships through trust and compassionate care.
Our Team
Award Winning Dental Care.
- 5.0 ★ Google Rating
- Board-Certified Prosthodontic Care
- Advanced 3D Implant Planning
- Single-Tooth to Full-Arch Restorations
Dr. Dino Salvanera, DMD, MS
Dr. Dino Salvanera is a prosthodontist dedicated to restoring healthy, confident smiles through advanced restorative and implant dentistry. With specialized training in full-mouth rehabilitation, dental implants, dentures, and highly aesthetic restorations, he is passionate about helping patients regain both function and confidence with personalized treatment plans.
After earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Salvanera completed advanced specialty training and earned a Master of Science in Prosthodontics from the University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry. His education focused on the diagnosis and treatment of complex restorative cases, digital dentistry, implant planning, and multidisciplinary care.
Dr. Salvanera has extensive experience in prosthetic and implant dentistry, including full-arch implant rehabilitation, comprehensive reconstructive treatment, cosmetic dentistry, and removable prosthetics. He combines both digital and traditional techniques to create precise, natural-looking restorations tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Committed to lifelong learning and excellence, Dr. Salvanera has presented clinical research at the American College of Prosthodontists Annual Session and has received the American College of Prosthodontists Predoctoral Student Prosthodontic Achievement Award in recognition of his dedication and clinical accomplishments. He remains actively involved in several professional organizations, including the American College of Prosthodontists and the American Dental Association.
Outside the office, Dr. Salvanera is passionate about serving his community. Throughout his career, he has volunteered with numerous outreach programs, providing dental care to underserved populations, participating in Missions of Mercy clinics, and helping fabricate dentures for patients in need during National Prosthodontics Awareness Week.
Dr. Salvanera believes that every patient deserves individualized care built on trust, education, and open communication. His goal is to deliver comfortable, long-lasting treatment that improves oral health while creating beautiful, functional smiles that patients can enjoy for years to come.
Education
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Prosthodontics — University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) — East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine
- Bachelor of Science in Cell/Molecular Biology — Appalachian State University, Cum Laude Graduate, Dean’s List
Honors & Awards
- American College of Prosthodontists – Predoctoral Student Prosthodontic Achievement Award (2022)
Dr. Dana Keblawi, DDS, MS, FACP
With a deep commitment to the art and science of prosthodontics, Dr. Dana Keblawi brings a wealth of experience and passion to our practice. Her prosthodontic journey began at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where she completed advanced training in prosthodontics, earned a Master’s degree in Oral Sciences, and completed an implant fellowship specializing in surgical and restorative implant prosthodontics.
During her 12-year tenure in Buffalo, Dr. Keblawi demonstrated a strong commitment to education and advancement in the field of prosthodontics. She served as a Clinical Associate Professor, Section Head and Discipline Monitor for Fixed Prosthodontics, and Associate Faculty within the graduate school. She directed didactic and clinical courses and was extensively involved in clinical instruction for both undergraduate and graduate prosthodontic clinics.
As Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Keblawi championed a comprehensive and inclusive approach to dental education and patient care.
Dr. Keblawi is a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, a member of the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, and a member of the National Dental Honor Society. Her dedication to educating future dental professionals has earned her multiple prestigious teaching awards.
A perfectionist by nature, Dr. Keblawi finds great satisfaction in the detailed artistry of prosthodontics. She focuses on restoring her patients’ smiles and oral function while creating personalized maintenance plans that help ensure long-term success and lasting results.
Dr. Keblawi moved to North Carolina in 2021 when her husband joined the team at Duke Children’s Hospital. Outside the office, she enjoys reading, hiking, and traveling with her husband and their three boys.
Education
- University of Jordan — B.D.S.
- SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine — D.D.S.
- SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine — M.S., Prosthodontics
- SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine — Implant Fellowship
Associations
- North Carolina Dental Society
- American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics
- American College of Prosthodontists
- American Board of Prosthodontics
- American Dental Association
Dr. R. Kyle Gazdeck, DDS, MS, FACP
A North Carolina native, Dr. R. Kyle Gazdeck grew up in Lincolnton as the oldest of four siblings. He graduated as Valedictorian and Summa Cum Laude from North Carolina State University in 2009 before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) with Honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2014.
Dr. Gazdeck continued his education with a three-year specialty residency in Prosthodontics at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he earned both a Certificate in Prosthodontics and a Master of Science (MS) in Oral Sciences in 2017. In 2018, he completed a fellowship in Maxillofacial Prosthetics at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, receiving advanced training in the rehabilitation of patients affected by head and neck cancer.
Following his fellowship, Dr. Gazdeck returned to North Carolina and joined Durham Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry in the summer of 2018. Shortly thereafter, he achieved Diplomate status with the American Board of Prosthodontics. Together, he and Dr. Cunningham are the only two board-certified prosthodontists in private practice serving the Durham–Chapel Hill area.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Gazdeck serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at the UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. He leads and oversees the maxillofacial prosthetics course and clinic for prosthodontic residents each week, sharing his expertise in head and neck cancer rehabilitation. He also lectures locally and nationally on topics including cancer treatment, dental implants, and advanced restorative dentistry, and has published research in the Journal of Oral Diseases.
Dr. Gazdeck is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontics, an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, and a member of the American Dental Association. He is also actively involved with local dental societies and study clubs.
Dr. Gazdeck is married to his wife, Leslie, whom he met during dental school. Leslie is a pediatric dentist in the Triangle area, and together they have three sons: Nate, Matt, and Will. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, golfing, and exploring the outdoors.
Dr. Geoffrey R. Cunningham, DDS, MS, FACP
Originally from West Virginia, Dr. Geoffrey R. Cunningham was raised in a small town where his father practiced general dentistry and his mother was a stay-at-home mom. His upbringing instilled a strong appreciation for hard work, family, and patient care.
In 2015, Dr. Cunningham fulfilled his dream of private practice ownership by becoming the owner of Durham Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry. That same year, he earned board certification in prosthodontics—an achievement attained by only a small percentage of prosthodontists worldwide.
In 2018, he was honored with the Private Practice Award from the American College of Prosthodontics, a distinction presented annually to only four practitioners across the United States. Dr. Cunningham has published research in multiple peer-reviewed journals, lectures nationally for leading implant companies, serves as an expert witness, and provides consultation services within the dental industry. He has also been recognized by his peers as a Top Dentist in Durham Magazine year after year.
Dr. Cunningham has a deep passion for both the art and science of dentistry. His decision to specialize in prosthodontics stemmed from a desire to treat complex, multidisciplinary cases requiring advanced training beyond general dentistry. His expertise has earned the trust of many local and out-of-state dentists who choose him for their own dental care.
Outside the office, Dr. Cunningham enjoys spending time with his wife, Karen, and their two daughters, Annalee and Audrey. His interests include outdoor sports, reading, watching documentaries, and making memories with his family.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Biology, West Virginia University (1993–1996)
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), West Virginia University School of Dentistry (1996–2000)
- Master of Science in Prosthodontics, West Virginia University School of Dentistry (2006–2009)
Residency & Specialty Training
- General Practice Residency (GPR), West Virginia University Hospitals (2000–2001)
- Certificate in Prosthodontics, West Virginia University School of Dentistry (2006–2009)
Board Certification
- Fellow and Diplomate, American College of Prosthodontics (2015)
Academic Appointments
- Assistant Professor, West Virginia University School of Dentistry (2009–2012)
- Assistant Director, Graduate Prosthodontics Program, West Virginia University School of Dentistry (2011–2012)
- Adjunct Professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2013–Present)
Professional Experience
- General Dentistry Private Practice, Durham, NC (2001–2002)
- General Dentistry Private Practice, Concord and Kannapolis, NC (2002–2006)
- General Dentistry Private Practice, New Martinsville, WV (2002; 2006–2012)
- Prosthodontic Faculty Practice, West Virginia University School of Dentistry (2009–2012)
- Prosthodontic Private Practice, Durham, NC (2012–Present)
Dr. Julie Towles (Retired)
After many years of providing exceptional care to our community, Dr. Towles has retired from clinical practice. We are grateful for the trust, compassion, and dedication Dr. Towles showed to patients, and we are honoured to continue the legacy of care she built. We wish Dr. Towles a happy and well-deserved retirement and sincerely thank her for their lasting contributions to our community.
Meet the Team
Shelly – Dental Hygienist
Shelly is a Registered Dental Hygienist and has been with our office since July of 2016. She received her Associate in Applied Science degree at Coastal Carolina Community College in Jacksonville, NC in 1993. She began her career nearly 30 years ago as the hygienist for her hometown dentist, where she developed close relationships and helped her community maintain healthy smiles. She moved to Asheboro from the east coast in 2014. Shelly’s experience and consideration for each patient is evident through her concern and dedication for their dental needs, as well as their general well-being. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, grandson and of course her cat Boston.
Heather – DA II
Heather is a Dental Assistant II and has been with our office since July of 2006. She enjoys helping patients feel more comfortable about making difficult decisions that will ultimately give them a beautiful and healthier smile. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family, dogs, and horses. She has been an avid equestrian for over 30 years and loves competing in dressage.
Mary – Treatment Coordinator
Mary started with our office in 2010 and since that time she has played many roles; starting as a dental assistant, then scheduling coordinator, before moving into her current role as our treatment coordinator. Being treatment coordinator enables her to help patients achieve their desired dental outcome and that is what she enjoys most. When not at work, she can be found spending time with her family and dogs.
Kalyn – DAI
Kalyn is a DAI and has been with our office since September of 2023. She enjoys seeing the before and after transformation of our patients smiles and the confidence it gives them. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family and friends.