SANDHILLS ORAL SURGERY - Key Persons
Fayetteville native Becky Spell started working in the field of dentistry while still in high school. She later became a Certified Dental Assistant. She has worked as the Office Manager at Sandhills Oral Surgery & Implant Dentistry since 2015.
Job Titles:
- Business Office Manager
- Office Manager
In August of 2022, Cearra Pollard became our business office manager. Cearra was born and raised in York, Pennsylvania, watching many of her family members take on careers in the dental world. From a young age, Cearra knew she wanted to venture down the same path.
During her early years of schooling, Cearra had the opportunity to attend a vocational high school, where she would learn the valuable skills needed to excel in her passion for dentistry. By age 13 Cearra began her work towards becoming a dental assistant and over the years, she became a Certified Dental Assistant and earned a Radiology certification. After years of being a dental assistant, Cearra grew to love the administrative side of dentistry.
Cearra loves being able to make a difference in patients' lives; big or small and says that there isn't a more satisfying feeling. Cearra's favorite part of her job is getting to know and help new patients.
As a mom of 3 and animal lover, in her free time Cearra loves to spend quality time with her husband, children, dogs, cats, ducks and bunnies! Cearra also enjoys staying active at the gym and working with her mom to breed exotic shorthaired cats.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Surgical Assistant
Donna Rea joined Sandhills Oral Surgery & Implant Dentistry as a Surgical Assistant in 2010 and has over 23 years of experience working in the field of Oral Surgery. One of the things she loves most about her work is the fact that she is constantly collaborating with her colleagues and learning new techniques and skills to help improve the lives of her patients.
For Donna, it's all about relationships and ensuring that patients feel comfortable, relaxed, and informed. She always takes the time to fully explain procedures and to help patients who might be experiencing anxiety, guiding them with understanding and compassion. She wants every patient to know that they are in good hands.
Education and teaching are important to Donna. She routinely participates in dental seminars, has been a certified CPR instructor for over 15 years (teaching at Sandhills Community College), and is also trained in digital and intraoral radiography.
Originally from New York, Donna currently lives in Raeford, NC. She is married and enjoys spending time with her daughter, stepson, three grandchildren, two German Shepherds, and cat. In her down time, you can find her crafting, cooking, horseback riding, or target shooting. She always looks forward to her family's annual trip to Florida and traveling to the beautiful beaches and mountains of North Carolina.
Job Titles:
- Surgeon
- Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
- Oral Surgeon
Dr. Gary T. Jones is a Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon who has focused his practice on helping those in need of jaw reconstructive surgery and implant dentistry. As a highly-trained dental specialist, Dr. Jones is uniquely qualified to provide the surgical solution needed to restore a beautiful smile and reestablish oral health, whether a patient requires one tooth, multiple teeth, or all their teeth replaced.
Dr. Jones hails from Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, Summa Cum Laude, where he was awarded the distinction of "University Scholar". He then completed his doctorate studies at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. His residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery was completed at the Medical College of Virginia.
Service in the U.S. Army brought Dr. Jones to Fayetteville. He began his medical career as a staff surgeon at Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg. While there, he received The Meritorious Service Medal.
After completing his service in 2004, Dr. Jones acquired a private practice in Pinehurst, NC before partnering with an Army colleague, Dr. Gerald Beatty, to establish Sandhills Oral Surgery & Implant Dentistry in 2008.
Through his career, Dr. Jones has developed a deep interest in and passion for implant dentistry and is continually honing his skills and technique through training with leading doctors in the field. As a dental implant expert, Dr. Jones trains other surgeons on the techniques he uses and enjoys lecturing about implant dentistry at numerous dental conferences, conventions, and private events each year. He is also the founder and director of the Fayetteville Implant Dentistry Study Club and the Central Carolina Dental Continuum. Additionally, he is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Dr. Jones has called North Carolina home for over 22 years. A family man at heart, he devotes his time outside of his busy practice to his four wonderful children.
Professional Affiliations
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Fellow
American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Diplomate
American Dental Association, Member
North Carolina Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Member
Job Titles:
- Surgeon
- Periodontal Implant Surgeon
Job Titles:
- Periodontal Implant Surgeon
Dr. Joshua Paul Berridge is Board Certified in Periodontal and Implant Surgery. Dr. Berridge has focused clinically on providing periodontal plastic surgery and all aspects of dental implant placement for his patients.
Dr. Berridge was born and raised in Indiana where he completed his undergraduate education at Indiana University, go Hoosiers! After being accepted into The University of Louisville School of Dentistry he joined the US ARMY and was awarded a 4-year scholarship for his Doctorate. After graduating with his DMD, he completed a 1-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency. Immediately following, he completed a 3-year residency in Periodontal and Implant Surgery. He graduated top of his class and also earned a Masters Degree in Oral Biology. After residency, military orders brought him to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He currently serves as the Chief of Periodontal and Implant Surgery and is the Sedation Officer for the Dental Command.
As a specialist and expert in the field, Dr. Berridge has published multiple journal articles on dental implant surgery and periodontal plastic surgical techniques. He is passionate about teaching and lecturing to dental colleagues regarding surgical placement of dental implants and treating peri-implantitis, bone loss around implants. His drive to share knowledge led him to volunteer at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, currently as an Adjunct Professor.
Dr. Berridge looks forward to calling the Sandhills of North Carolina home after the completion of his active duty tour. Outside of his surgery and academia he enjoys golfing, and spending time with his friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Anesthesiologist
- Board Certified Anesthesiologist
Dr. Raymond "Ray" Lupkas is a Board Certified Anesthesiologist, who enjoys working with surgeons and staff as a team to provide the most comfortable anesthesia experience for his patients.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Member of the Sandhills
- Surgical Assistant
Fayetteville native Geri Locklear has been a member of the Sandhills family since 2007. As a Surgical Assistant, she's proud to be part of an incredible group of dental professionals who share the same goal of providing expert care in a friendly, patient-centered environment.
For Geri, every day is an opportunity to enhance her skills and make connections with her patients. Geri is truly a people person. In fact, she enjoys the interaction so much she has been known to greet a patient by telling them, "You are why I came to work today!"
One of Geri's best qualities is her ability to relate to and empathize with her patients, and she strives to make every visit to our office feel like visiting with friends. Whether you're a parent who needs reassurance about a child's surgery or a senior who needs additional explanation about a procedure, she takes the time to listen, explain, encourage, or simply hold a hand.
Geri has been married to her husband for over 30 years, and they have two adult children, Charity and David. In her free time, Geri loves hiking trails in search of waterfalls, going to the beach, finding lighthouses to explore, and spending time with her extended family. A resident of the Hope Mills area, she also volunteers with young children at her church.
Growing up, Lindsay Dyer always looked forward to visits to the dentist. For her, the warm environment and friendly staff made her feel like they really cared about her. That experience left a strong impression, and when she got older she decided she wanted to help give people the same positive experience she always had. In 2010, Lindsay became a Certified Dental Assistant and joined Sandhills Oral Surgery & Implant Dentistry shortly thereafter. In 2017, she took on the role as Implant Coordinator.
In Lindsay's role, she assists with both the clerical and clinical aspects of our dental implant program and takes pride in her ability to make patients feel confident and at ease before, during, and after their treatment. Each implant case is unique, and she finds it rewarding to form individual relationships with her patients and be part of their transformation.
There are many things Lindsay loves about working at Sandhills, including her amazing colleagues who support and motivate each other every day. But in the end, seeing a patient's happy smile following a successful treatment makes it all worthwhile.
Originally from Texas, Lindsay now lives in Raeford with her husband, Robert, and two children, Blaze and Maelyn. When she isn't helping to improve smiles at Sandhills, you can usually find Lindsay spending time with her family, crafting, or enjoying the outdoors. She loves hiking, jet-skiing, relaxing at the beach, and attending concerts.
A bit of an unconventional entrance to the dental community, Natasha Gierbolini realized she always loved teeth after pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. Ever since she was a little girl, Natasha always looked forward to her trips to the dentist and subconsciously knew she would always end up working in the dental field.
In June of 2022, Natasha joined our team as a Treatment Plan Coordinator. She loves helping patients to figure out their best course of treatment, making sure they understand and are fully comfortable with all of their options. Natasha knew she had made the right career choice when she watched one of the patients she helped beam with happiness after their treatment.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Natasha moved to the United States in November of 2009, with her fiancé Jorge. Since moving to the US, Natasha and Jorge have welcomed a beautiful 4-year-old, David and 1 year old Kailani. In her free time, Natasha values family time above all else and loves traveling and capturing all of their special moments on camera.
Nathalia Kiefer-Reyes was born and raised in Colombia where she lived until 2010. Growing up, Nathalia always knew she wanted to have a career in the health industry but wasn't exactly sure how she wanted to leave her mark. Like many people, Nathalias close friends and family were not huge fans of going to the dentist. She found herself wondering what she could do to help ease their fears of the bi-annual dental visits and ultimately decided to take matters into her own hands. In 2001, Nathalia and her father took a trip to visit universities and fell in love with Universidad Antonio Narino. It was there that Nathalia's dad suggested dentistry and she decided to complete her education to become a General Dentist in Colombia.
Nathalia joined our team in July of 2022 as a Certified Dental Assistant. A social butterfly, she loves connecting with patients and getting to know them on a personal level. She enjoys seeing patients build trust in our office and staff and watching them walk out the door smiling with confidence post treatment.
Nathalia has been married to her sweetheart Marc for 4 years and has 2 children, Alanna and Samuel. When she is not working, Nathalia enjoys spending time with her family, staying active at the gym, traveling, watching scary movies, and making our office delicious authentic Colombian foods.
Job Titles:
- Marketing Coordinator
- Social Media Marketing Coordinator
Sarah Burrier is our behind-the-scenes social media marketing coordinator. Sarah graduated in May of 2020 from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, with a bachelor's degree in communications, media and culture. Sarah's passions for social media, advertising, and event planning carried over from high school extra curriculars and continued to grow throughout her 4 years in college.
Originally from the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania, Sarah found herself relocating to Fayetteville, North Carolina in late October of 2021, when her husband, Kyle's army orders had him stationed at Fort Bragg.
Sarah joined our team at Sandhills Oral Surgery & Implant Dentistry in February of 2022 as our Digital Marketing & Study Club Coordinator. Sarah loves that she gets to use a mix of her passions during her role at our office whether that be planning events for our next study club meeting or working on creating content for our social accounts. When she's not in the office, you can find Sarah and her husband relaxing with friends or exploring downtown Fayetteville with their German Shepherd, Crüe.
Sarah Parker, a Lumberton native, says that she always had such a pleasant experience when she went to the dentist office as a young girl. She just knew that she wanted to be part of a team in a dental office that would allow her to provide others with the same pleasant experience.
As a Certified Dental Assistant attending school at Fayetteville Technical Community College, she heard about amazing things happening at Sandhills Oral Surgery and knew right away that she wanted to join the Sandhills team. Sarah joined the practice in 2019 and just loves being able to work with a great team of dental professionals.
Her favorite part of her day is interacting with the patients and building relationships with them so that they enjoy coming into the office. She wants to them to know that they are not just patient but that they are family.
When Sarah is not helping to transform the smiles of her patients, she enjoys spending time with her two children, Kaitlyn and Evan, biking, reading, and traveling.
North Carolina native Tom Royal is a man of many talents and varied experience. Before coming onboard as Media Director for Sandhills Oral Surgery & Implant Dentistry in 2011, Tom served in the US Air Force, worked as a marketing executive for Sears in Chicago, and had a successful career as a Financial Advisor at Smith Barney.
At Sandhills, Tom appreciates working with someone as forward-thinking and committed to quality as Dr. Jones is. Seeing how the doctors and staff are always striving for a higher level of excellence inspires Tom to do the same. He is proud to use his marketing skills to inform and educate the local community about the expert services and personalized patient care that Sandhills offers.
Tom has been married to his wife, Pat, for over 57 years. They have two adult children, a daughter who lives in Chicago with her family, and a son who lives with his family in Charlottesville, VA. Tom and Pat currently live in Pinehurst with their dog, Murphy. In his free time, Tom loves to travel, read, golf, and garden.