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.
Dr. Kretchmer is a proud father of four wonderful children. 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.
Reinaldo Deliz-Guzman, DMD, MS
Dr. Reinaldo Deliz-Guzman is a native of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. He graduated from the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Campus with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and completed his Doctorate in Dental Medicine at the University Of Puerto Rico School Of Dental Medicine at San Juan, PR.
He completed his initial residency in hospital dentistry at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center in Brooklyn NY. Next, he practiced general dentistry for two years in his hometown of Mayaguez, PR. He was then accepted into Saint Louis University to receive advanced training in Periodontology and his Master of Science in Periodontology
Dr. Deliz-Guzman likes to keep in shape by doing CrossFit and mud obstacle course races. In his spare time you can find him either at a theater watching a good movie or at the beach with his dog Loki who he rescued from a shelter in St. Louis. He is also a self-proclaimed foodie.
Aakash Mehandru, DMD, MS
Dr. Aakash Mehandru was born in Cleveland, OH. He graduated from Cleveland State University (BS in Biology), followed by LECOM School of Medicine in Bradenton, FL where he received his DMD in 2018. He continued on to OSU College of Dentistry Advanced Education Program in Periodontology where he completed his residency in June 2021.
Dr. Mehandru's hobbies and interests, besides dentistry and periodontics, include a passion for cooking, hiking, cars and aviation, and music production (mixing and composing electronic music).
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