Michael Stella, DDS, MS
Dr. Michael Stella is a native of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with Highest Honors in Biology and went on to attend UNC's School of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctorate in Dental Surgery with Honors. He then elected to pursue his dream of specializing in periodontics, joining the UNC Department of Periodontology and earning a Master's degree in Oral Biology and Certificate of Advanced Study in Periodontics in 2013.
Dr. Stella married his wife Julie in 2018, and the couple was blessed with their first child, Landon John, in 2019. Their second child, Vega Claire, arrived in 2021, like a bright star emerging from pandemic darkness. Dr. Stella stays in shape through varied workouts, running, and cycling. He and Julie love watching the terrific assortment of college and professional sports in the Triangle, including the Carolina Hurricanes, Durham Bulls, NC Courage, and NCFC.
In his spare time, Dr. Stella enjoys giving back in dentistry, teaching Adams UNC School of Dentistry students and residents as adjunct faculty, as well as volunteering at Wake Smiles Dental Clinic and the UNC Student Health Action Coalition. He has served on the board of the Raleigh-Wake County Dental Society, as well as several committees at the Dental School.
Michael Kretchmer, DDS, MS
Dr. Michael Kretchmer earned his Bachelor’s Degree with Honors in Biology at Binghamton University and his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the prestigious University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. He then completed the specialty program in Periodontics at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, earning a Master's degree in Oral Biology and Certificate of Advanced Study in Periodontics.
In his spare time, he can be found cheering on the UNC Tar Heels, Carolina Panthers, and Carolina Hurricanes. He also enjoys CrossFit, cooking, and spending time with his family.
Dr. Kretchmer is currently an adjunct professor in the Department of Periodontology and works closely with the residents in the training program. He enjoys giving back to the dental community through continuing education and guest speaking at dental societies across The Triangle.
Justin Valentine, DDS, MS
Dr. Justin Valentine is a native of Danville, VA. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with honors in Clinical Laboratory Sciences and completed his dental training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
He completed his initial residency in hospital dentistry at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT. Next, he practiced general dentistry for two years in Eastern North Carolina. He returned to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to receive advanced training in Periodontology and his Master of Science in Periodontology.
Dr. Valentine is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and is a clinical faculty at UNC Dental School. In his spare time he enjoys martial arts and is a black belt in Tae-kwon-do.
Diksha Katwal, DDS, MSD
Dr. Diksha Katwal graduated from the College of Dental Surgery, Manipal, India, with a BDS degree, where she then worked as a private practitioner for three years. She completed her DDS from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and her MSD in periodontics from Indiana University School of Dentistry.
As an Associate Professor, Dr. Katwal was a faculty member at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for ten years. She also worked as a periodontist at Starlite Smiles. Her research interest includes clinical periodontics and implants.Her memberships and services include the American Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontology, Indian Dental Society, Nepal Dental Association, Nepalese Society of Periodontology and Oral Implantology.
Rachel J. Duval, DDS, MS
Dr. Rachel Duval is originally from Miami, Florida. Dr. Duval graduated Cum Laude from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2013. She earned her Doctorate in Dental Surgery from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry in 2017. Upon graduating she commissioned as an US Army Officer and relocated to Columbia South Carolina, where she served as a general dentist at Fort Jackson.
Dr. Duval received both her certificate in Periodontology from the U.S. Army Advanced Education in Periodontics Program at Fort Gordon, and her master’s degree in Oral Biology from the Uniformed Services University (USU) in 2023. Her research on the effects of varying frequencies of Nd-YAG Laser irradiation placed 1st in the 2023 Southern Academy of Periodontology Billy Pennel Competition. She continues to proudly serve on active duty.
Outside of the office, you can find Dr. Duval spending time with her husband Antony Keane-Dawes and their 4-year-old daughter Valerie. Dr. Duval is active in her church and community, enjoys traveling, cooking, spending time with friends and do-it-yourself projects.
Megumi Williamson, DDS, MS, PhD
Dr. Megumi Williamson is originally from Japan. Dr. Williamson earned her DDS, certificate in general dentistry residency, and PhD from Niigata University. Following this, she pursued post-doctoral training at The University of Washington for two years before transitioning to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
In 2015, she furthered her education by enrolling in the residency program at UNC Chapel Hill Graduate Periodontology Program, where she obtained her certificate in Periodontology and her master's degree in Oral Biology in 2018.
After graduation, Dr. Williamson expanded her career path by working as an assistant professor at the University of Iowa, where she also took on the role of director of the predoctoral program until January 2023. Currently, Dr. Williamson has returned to North Carolina to start a faculty position at ECU prior to joining Tar Heel Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Williamson finds joy in spending time with her husband Luke and their two children, Hazel and Isla. She enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and running, embracing the beauty of nature outside of her professional endeavors. and her personal circle.
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