Michael Kretchmer, DDS, MS
Dr. Michael Kretchmer is a highly respected periodontist, recognized for his expertise and commitment to advancing the field of periodontology. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree with honors in Biology from Binghamton University and completed his Doctorate in Dental Surgery at the prestigious University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Kretchmer completed the specialty program in periodontics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned both a Master’s degree in Oral Biology and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Periodontics.
He remains actively involved in academia as an adjunct professor in the Department of Periodontology, working closely with residents to shape the next generation of specialists.
In his free time, Dr. Kretchmer enjoys sports, cooking and spending quality time with his family.
Michael Stella, DDS, MS
Dr. Michael Stella is a native of Elizabeth City, NC. He graduated with highest honors in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He earned his Doctorate in Dental Surgery with Honors from UNC School of Dentistry. Dr. Stella pursued advanced training at the UNC Department of Periodontology, obtaining a Master’s degree in Oral Biology and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Periodontics.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Stella is deeply committed to giving back to the dental community. He is an adjunct professor at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry, where he enjoys teaching students and residents.
In his free time, Dr. Stella enjoys spending quality time with his wife and children, following college and professional sports in the Triangle area and staying fit. He is an active member and past president of the Raleigh-Wake County Dental Society.
Justin Valentine, DDS, MS
Dr. Justin Valentine, a native of Danville, VA, brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to our practice. He graduated with honors from Virginia Commonwealth University in Clinical Laboratory Sciences before completing his dental training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
After earning his DDS, Dr. Valentine pursued a residency in hospital dentistry at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT, where he honed his skills in managing complex cases. He then spent two years practicing general dentistry in Eastern North Carolina, gaining valuable experience in patient care.
Driven by his passion for periodontal health, Dr. Valentine returned to UNC Chapel Hill, earning a specialty certification and a Master’s of Science in Periodontology. Dr. Valentine is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and past president of the Durham Orange Dental Society. He is also proud to serve the community by ensuring the highest standard of patient care.
Outside of his professional career, Dr. Valentine holds a black belt in Taekwon-do, a testament to his discipline and commitment. He is also an avid traveler, constantly seeking new experiences and perspectives.
Diksha Katwal, DDS, MSD, MBA
Dr. Diksha Katwal’s distinguished career in dentistry spans multiple countries and specialties. She began her journey by earning a BDS degree from the College of Dental Surgery in Manipal, India. After practicing as a private dentist in Nepal, Dr. Katwal furthered her education by earning DDS from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, followed by an MSD in Periodontics from Indiana University School of Dentistry.
Dr. Katwal’s commitment to education and clinical practice is evident in her work as a Tenured Associate Professor at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, where she mentored and trained future dental professionals. She also worked as a skilled periodontist in private practice, bringing her comprehensive knowledge and patient-centered care to her clinical work.
Dr. Katwal is actively involved in several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Periodontology, the American Board of Periodontology, the Indian Dental Society, and the Nepalese Society for Periodontology and Oral Implantology.
Outside of work, Dr. Katwal enjoys volunteering for underserved populations and spending time with family.
Megumi Williamson, DDS, MS, PhD
Dr. Williamson is a board-certified periodontist with a distinguished academic and professional background. Originally from Japan, she earned her DDS, certificate in general dentistry residency, and PhD in Oral Biological Sciences from Niigata University. She furthered her basic science research training as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Washington, then accepted a director position at the Expression and Localization Core Facility at the UNC School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, where she served from 2007 until beginning her residency training in periodontics.
In 2018, Dr. Williamson completed a three-year post-graduate residency program specializing in periodontics and implant dentistry at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill, earning a Certificate of Advanced Study in Periodontology and a Master of Science in Oral Biology. Dr. Williamson served as an assistant professor at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and later at the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine. She was actively involved in pre-doctoral and post-doctoral education and clinical practice for a total of six years.
During her time in academia, she received multiple honors, including the Award for Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring in Periodontics from the American Academy of Periodontology, a Fellowship from the Institute for Teaching and Learning in the Health Professions, and a Teaching Fellowship from the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Williamson enjoys spending time with her family. She is also an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking and running in her free time.
Laurence Eggart, DMD, MSD
Dr. Laurence Eggart is an accomplished periodontist with a strong clinical background and a passion for modern, minimally invasive periodontal therapy. Originally from South Carolina, he holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Mathematics from Wake Forest University. He went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dr. Eggart completed his specialty training in Periodontics and received a Master of Science in Dental Medicine from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. During his residency, he developed a particular interest in the treatment of implant-related diseases and the use of laser technology in regenerative and chronic periodontal care. He is certified in both the LANAP protocol and the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique.
A Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, Dr. Eggart is also an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Dental Association.
Outside the office, Dr. Eggart enjoys hiking and running with his wife, Hayley, and their young son. Their 10-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog, Barnaby, keeps the household in order. The family is thrilled to call Raleigh home and looks forward to exploring everything the Triangle area has to offer.
Nina Karnuta, DMD, MS
Dr. Nina Karnuta is a periodontist with a strong academic background and a commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Duke University before completing a Master of Science in Physiology at Case Western Reserve University. She went on to earn her dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where she graduated with honors in Periodontology and received the American Academy of Periodontology Dental Student Award for Achievement in Periodontology.
Dr. Karnuta continued her training at the University of Pennsylvania, completing an advanced specialty education program in periodontics. During her residency, she served as Chief Resident and was actively involved in predoctoral education, mentoring dental students and teaching courses in periodontal treatment, digital implant planning, and dental photography. She was recognized with the Department of Periodontics Teaching Scholarship for her dedication to education and clinical excellence.
Dr. Karnuta has particular interests in implant therapy, periodontal regeneration, the treatment of gingival recession, and interdisciplinary treatment planning.
Outside of the office, Dr. Karnuta enjoys hiking with her husband and their Labrador retriever, Tucker. She and her husband are thrilled to call the Triangle home again.
Jaden Lee, DMD, MS, PHD
Dr. Lee grew up in Indiana and developed an early passion for science and healthcare. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Butler University before pursuing both his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. His doctoral research focused on the molecular interactions between periodontal bacteria and human oral cells. He presented his work at national and international scientific meetings and received multiple awards recognizing his contributions to periodontal research.
Following completion of his dual-degree training, Dr. Lee was selected for a highly competitive three-year residency in periodontics and implant dentistry at the University of Michigan. There, he earned a Certificate of Advanced Study and Master’s degree in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. His advanced specialty training enables him to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care in dental implant therapy, periodontal regeneration, bone and sinus augmentation, soft tissue grafting, laser periodontal procedures, and IV sedation.
Dr. Lee is committed to clinical excellence and patient-centered care. He believes in building trust through clear communication, thoughtful treatment planning, and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each patient feels comfortable and confident throughout treatment.
Outside the office, Dr. Lee enjoys running, playing tennis, and spending time with his wife, Hayoung, and their American Eskimo dog, Eddie. He is excited to be part of the North Carolina community and looks forward to serving patients with exceptional periodontal care.
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