At Steven W. Smith, DDS, PLLC, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver gentle compassionate care that you deserve. We work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere. We strive to develop lifelong relationships with our patients by combining the latest dental technology with a professional and compassionate staff. The result is a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
Our Mission
Our practice is working together to realize a shared vision of uncompromising excellence in dentistry.
To fulfill this mission, we are committed to:
- Listening to those we are privileged to serve.
- Earn the trust and respect of patients, profession and community.
- Exceed your expectations.
- Ensure a creative, challenging and compassionate professional environment.
- Strive for continuous improvement at all levels.
Dr. Steven W. Smith, DDS
Dr. Smith was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. As a youth, he participated in several sports such as wrestling, soccer and ballroom dancing. He also learned to play the piano which is a hobby he enjoys today. He decided that he wanted to be a dentist while he was in HighSchool. His decision was influenced by his experience getting braces. He realized how much of a difference a good smile made in his self-esteem and social life and wanted to be able to help others improve their smiles. He met his beautiful wife Kenna while in High school and was married soon thereafter. They were blessed with 3 children, Teva 20, Olivia 16, Marcus 9.
Teva is currently a Junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is pursuing a degree in Biology with a minor in chemistry, and also playing on the school's water polo team. He graduated from Dixon High School where he held the position of Senior class treasurer. While at Dixon, Teva was a student-athlete competing in the sport of wrestling while maintaining a strong GPA.
Olivia is currently a Senior at Dixon High School. She runs track and cross country and plays on the school's varsity soccer team. She enjoys soccer, reading and playing the bass clarinet for her school band.
Marcus is 9 years old and currently working on his masters of Pokemon battling degree while completing his minor in Yu-Gi-Oh combat theory. He enjoys anything Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Bionacle, or Mario related. He has recently started a mission in Minecraft and will be involved with that for the foreseeable future.
Dr. Smith attended Salt Lake Community College for his associate's degree and completed his dental prerequisites at the University of Utah. He attended the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 2005 and was awarded a Doctorate in Dental Surgery in 2009. Following his graduation from dental school, he served 4 years as a Navy dentist before associating with a private practice in Leland, NC. He loves having his own practice in Sneads Ferry and helping those in the community in which he lives and has raised his family.
Dr. Smith has had the opportunity to become a member of the American Dental Association as well as the North Carolina Dental Association. He has participated in several continuing education courses and continues to participate in courses to remain current and on the cutting edge of new technologies and concepts in dentistry.
His hobbies include coaching wrestling, diving, racquetball, mountain biking, and being involved with his kids sports programs. He also enjoys gardening, playing piano and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Dakota James Peachee
Dr. Peachee grew up in NC with his parents Jim and LaVee, and 3 siblings, James, Jennifer, and Christine. Growing up Dakota found special interest in several extracurricular activities including track & field, wrestling, painting, and fishing, although it was his track and field achievements that paved the way to a scholarship at High Point University where he studied Biology.
While attending HPU Dr. Peachee became the 2010 Jr National track & field Champion which qualified him to compete at the World Jr. Championship. In his final year he earned all-American status by placing in the top 5 at the NCAA championship finals in the 3000 meter steeplechase. It was also during his time at HPU where he found dentistry; a profession that fuses his artistic vision and high aptitude for learning with his passion for serving others.
While attending HPU Dr. Peachee met his wife, Lilla, who was a student athlete from Hungary on a full track and field scholarship. Lilla is an an entrepreneur performing business re-branding.
After graduating collage Dr. Peachee remained in North Carolina and worked as a chemist in R&D for two years until receiving acceptance to attend East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine where he graduated to become a licensed dentist. Dr. Peachee found passion in learning and performing all facets dentistry, which prompted him to become a General Dentist.
Dr. Peachee and his wife are very active and have always loved the Carolina coast so making the move was an easy choice. When Dr. Peachee is not providing dental care to the people of eastern NC, you can probably find him somewhere in the intercostal waterway fishing with his lovely wife Lilla!
Dr. Cathern Krupinski, DDS
Dr. Katie Krupinski was born and raised in West Virginia. She studied Biology and Chemistry at Wheeling Jesuit University and was granted her Bachelors of Science Degree in 2008. Dr. Katie received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from West Virginia University in 2013. After dental school, Dr. Krupinski commissioned into the United States Navy and proudly served as a Dental Officer for over seven years. Her Navy career took her to Parris Island, SC, Okinawa, Japan, and Camp Lejeune, NC. In 2015, Dr. Katie won the 3rd Dental Battalion Clinical Excellence Award, distinguishing herself from her peers.
Dr. Krupinski is a member of the American Dental Association and the North Carolina Dental Society. She enjoys furthering her knowledge and skills in the always changing world of dentistry to better treat her patients. Dr. Krupinski’s focus is on comprehensive dentistry while educating her patients on the importance of oral health and its correlation to total body health. Dr. Katie and her husband, Patrick, married in 2013 and currently reside in Hampstead with their son, Declan.
Dr. Cathern Krupinski DDS has received AAFE training and certification to perform Botox and Xeomin injections and services.
Dr. Amanda Gill, DDS
Dr. Gill was born and raised in Alaska but moved to North Carolina in the early 2000s with her husband and son. She attended Wake Technical Community College for her associate’s degree and graduated with honors. Next, she went on to North Carolina State University, graduating number one in her class with a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and a minor in Classical Studies. After finishing her undergraduate work, Dr. Gill and her family spent five years enjoying the Arizona desert. She attended Midwestern University, first obtaining her master's degree in Biomedical Sciences, followed by her Doctorate of Dental Medicine, graduating with honors both times. After graduation, Dr. Gill was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society, which recognizes clinical and academic excellence.
Dr. Gill takes pride in her gentle touch and ability to connect with her patients. She loves treating people of all ages and working together to help everyone achieve their healthiest, happiest smile.
When Dr. Gill isn’t caring for patients, she loves spending time outdoors with her family. She’s also an avid baker and enjoys riding bikes - even her dog likes to ride along. She and her family love the NC coast and look forward to enjoying all it has to offer
Dr. Victoria Shirley
Dr. Shirley was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she discovered her drive for knowledge and helping others at a young age. Dr. Shirley knew she wanted to become a dentist after experiencing first-hand how a new smile can transform lives and dedicated herself to helping others feel the same way. She worked diligently in high school and ultimately accepted a full tuition academic scholarhip to attend the University of Pittsburgh. She graduated with honors, summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of Pittsburgh earning her B.S. in Biology and minor in Chemistry. She was blessed to have met her husband during her time there. Dr. Shirley and her husband are both dentists!
Dr. Shirley graduated summa cum laude from Midwestern University School of Dental Medicine in Arizona. She has held several leadership roles in dentistry earning awards for her entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills. She was president of the dental school student body and earned the American College of Dentists’ “Outstanding Student Leader Award” for outstanding leadership, scholastic performance, and potential for impact on the dental profession. Dr. Shirley is a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Before moving to North Carolina, Dr. Shirley worked as a dentist in Pennsylvania and Florida. She has experience with the latest dental technologies, including same day CAD/CAM crowns and bridges, and prides herself in her ability to provide comprehensive dental care with her gentle touch. She enjoys connecting with her patients and helping them to achieve their smile goals.
In her free time, Dr. Shirley enjoys exercising and traveling. She maintains an active lifestyle and loves to keep moving. Her favorite outdoor activity thus far was a hiking trip to Havasupai Falls in Arizona. In her downtime, she likes to relax by going to the beach or cuddling up on the couch with a movie. She and her husband are loving their new home and are happy to be settled on the NC coast!
Dr. Belinda Phan
Dr. Phan grew up surrounded by the rolling hills of San Jose, California. She lived for family camping trips to the national parks and hiking, eating, and growing up with her 14 cousins that lived nearby. Dr. Phan’s curiosity about dentistry was fostered by her childhood dentist, who mentored her after she completed her undergraduate studies at the University of San Francisco.
Dr. Phan pursued her dream of becoming a dentist at Roseman University of Health Sciences near Salt Lake City, where she fell in love with using her hands, heart, and mind to provide patient-centered care for her patients. She graduated with her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry and was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon national honor society.
Dr. Phan loves dentistry because it allows her to build lifelong relationships with patients while helping them achieve their dental goals. She strives to deliver exceptional dental care. She always takes the time and care to provide her patients with the most comfortable experience and answer all their questions. Dr. Phan is driven by her passion to continuously learn, adapt to the newest technologies, and educate her patients to provide the best quality of care possible.
Dr. Phan loves to stay active, travel, and try new foods. While living in Utah, Dr. Phan fell in love with the mountains, hiking, and camping at every opportunity. She is thrilled to trade in her hiking boots for a pair of sandals as she looks forward to exploring the beautiful beaches and warm community of Eastern North Carolina.
Dr. Lee Dickinson
Dr. Lee Dickinson was born and raised in Cary, North Carolina. Growing up, he enjoyed being active, participating in boy scouts, swim team, church ministries, volunteering, and international service trips. His passion for dentistry developed in high school when he had braces for four years. His orthodontist encouraged him to utilize his talents to bless and serve those around him.
In 2018, Dr. Dickinson graduated Suma Cum Laude from North Carolina State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in nutrition. Immediately, he applied and was accepted to East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine, where he trained to become a licensed dentist. His achievements gained him recognition from the American Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology and the Academy of Dentistry International. He is currently a member of the American Dental Association, the North Carolina Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Some of Dr. Dickinson’s hobbies include disc golf, working out, hiking, videography, and Spanish. He also enjoys playing his ukulele, traveling, and scuba diving.
Dr. Benjamin Atlas, DDS, MS
Dr. Atlas was born and raised in San Diego, California and is the second oldest of 6 kids. He attended UCLA and received his Bachelor’s of Science in Psychobiology and minored in Society and Genetics. While there, Dr. Atlas was a member of the cheer squad, a Resident Adviser, and part of the juggling club. He then attended University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco, California and graduated with his Doctorate of Dental Surgery. Following graduation, Dr. Atlas commissioned into the United States Navy as a dental officer and completed Officer Development School and was first stationed at MCRD San Diego for his credentialing tour. He then spent 2 years aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, including a record-breaking 10 month around-the-world deployment and earned a Navy Achievement Medal and Surface Warfare Qualification. Next, he completed a 2-year AEGD/Comprehensive Dentistry residency with the United States Army at Fort Hood, Texas where he was awarded his Masters in Oral Biology and graduated top of his class. He is now stationed at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina and provides comprehensive dental care to active duty Marines and Sailors.
Dr. Atlas is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Board of General Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry and is actively working towards his fellowship and board certification. He takes pride in his meticulous attention to detail, pain-free approach, and emphasis on providing comprehensive dental treatment, resulting in high-quality and rewarding dental care for his patients. Dr. Atlas is committed to being a lifelong learner and strives to stay current and up to speed in the ever-changing field of dentistry.
In his free time, Dr. Atlas loves to travel, visit theme parks, snowboard, and spend time at the beach. He lives an active lifestyle and is loving life on the North Carolina coast with his two cats Zack and Zoey and is excited to be part of the Smith Dental Family!
Dr. Charlene Fickey, DDS
Dr. Fickey’s early years were spent in Cebu City, Philippines. She pursued her initial college teaching education at a renowned university in the Philippines and earned admission to the Recoletos Educational Assistance for Deserving Students (READS) which provided her with a full tuition scholarship and allowance assistance.
In 2012, Dr. Fickey decided to relocate to the United States, where she joined the teaching staff at Onslow County Schools. Previously, she had been an active participant in the Philippine Folk Dance school chapter and had been a part of the Teacher’s Dance Troupe. Additionally, she took pleasure in overseeing the Girl Scouts program and preparing her students for cheerleading competitions.
After dedicating seven years to teaching, Dr. Fickey felt inspired to embark on a new path, influenced by her volunteer work at the Mission of Mercy in North Carolina. She pursued her second undergraduate degree, a BS in Biology majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology, graduating Magna Cum Laude, from East Carolina University. Following this, she attended East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine and underwent rigorous training to become a licensed dentist.
Dr. Fickey’s diverse life experiences have uniquely equipped her to connect with patients of varying cultural backgrounds and age groups. She aims to provide outstanding dental care while minimizing anxiety and fostering a stress-free environment.
Dr. Fickey enjoys doing outdoor activities like gardening and exploring theme parks. She also loves spending time in the kitchen while she cooks/bakes for her family.
Dr. Nicholas Lenker, DDS
Dr. Lenker grew up outside our nation’s capital in Northern Virginia. He developed a love for science, sports, and the outdoors. Athletics became a huge part of his youth, playing both ice hockey and lacrosse at a high level. Drawn to the natural beauty of coastal North Carolina, he attended the University of North Carolina Wilmington as an undergraduate, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Seeing the impact dental care had on patients’ lives, while volunteering with the UNCW Pre-Dental Club, he decided dentistry was the right profession for him. He went on to receive his Master of Science degree in physiology from North Carolina State University before pursuing his passion for dentistry. Dr. Lenker attended LECOM School of Dental Medicine in Florida for his Doctorate in Dental Medicine. Following graduation, he returned to Wilmington to start his career in General Dentistry.
Dr. Lenker met his wife, Mallory, while attending UNCW and they share a dog and two cats. Together they enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling, and exploring North Carolinas natural wonders. Dr. Lenker is also an avid hockey fan and has played the sport at the position of goalie since the age of seven. In his time at UNCW he helped his team reach the ACHA Division III national tournament, becoming the first college in North Carolina to do so.
Dr. Lenker is an active member of the American dental Association and the North Carolina Dental Society. Dr. Lenker enjoys all aspects of general dentistry and is dedicated to helping his patients feel comfortable and confident about their smiles.
He looks forward to serving the people of coastal Carolina and taking care of your dental needs.