Nicool, Treatment Coordinator/Insurance Specialist
I’ve always known I wanted to work in healthcare, but I never expected to fall in love with dentistry! I started out as a medical assistant in family medicine for 2 years, but everything changed after a routine cleaning with Dr. Gong. That visit sparked my interest in dentistry, and I decided to give it a try—now, I can’t imagine doing anything else! As a Treatment Coordinator and Insurance Specialist, I love helping patients feel comfortable, understand their treatment options, and navigate their insurance. I earned my DA I and DA II certifications from ECU and DentalU, and I’m passionate about making dental care a positive experience for everyone.
By being bilingual, I enjoy connecting with and assisting a diverse range of patients to ensure they feel informed and supported. When I’m not at work, you can find me spending time with my family and my two dogs, enjoying the little things in life.
Karla, Lead Dental Assistant
My name is Karla, and I was born in West Virginia but raised in Clayton, NC. I pursued my education at Johnston Community College and began my journey as a bilingual (English and Spanish) dental assistant with Dr. Gong. I have developed a deep passion for helping my community by providing confidence and comfort through their smiles. I take great pride in ensuring our patients receive the best dental experience possible by meeting and exceeding their dental needs.
Outside of work, I enjoy shopping, ATV riding, and spending quality time with my family.
Diana, Dental Assistant
I’m a dental assistant with a passion for helping others feel comfortable and cared for in the dental office. With a Bachelor’s in Biology, an Associate’s in Science, and a Certificate in Phlebotomy, I’ve built a strong foundation in healthcare. Now with a Dental Assistant certification, I’m always looking for new ways to grow and learn in my field. I'm excited to continue building my career and making a positive impact in the healthcare field.
Outside of work, I love traveling to new places and soaking up different cultures. It’s always a fun adventure! I also enjoy hiking, spending time with my family, and hanging out with my playful dog and curious cat.
Yesenia, Dental Assistant
Born in Raleigh and raised in Benson, NC, Yesenia discovered her passion for dentistry early on. After graduating high school, she completed a dental assisting program, which set the foundation for her career. In June 2024, she joined Accent Family Dentistry, where she enjoys assisting Dr. Gong in helping patients regain confidence in their smiles. Seeing the impact of quality dental care has only deepened her love for the field.
Outside of work, Yesenia cherishes time with her siblings and her dog, Cookie. She also enjoys horseback riding with family, embracing the outdoors whenever she can.
Amanda, Dental Assistant
Amanda attended Central Carolina Community College for her education, and she has advanced training in oral surgery, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation. Today, her career in the dental field spans over five years! Her favorite part of this position is getting to meet so many new people while also giving them better, brighter smiles.
A Philadelphia native, Amanda comes from a fun, odd bunch of a family. Her favorite hobbies include writing, thrifting, watching movies, traveling, and doing humanitarian work. She also secretly loves to edit Word documents and proofread for other people. She’s kind of a nerd behind closed doors, honestly.
Lizbeth, Dental Assistant
Lizbeth was born in Mexico and raised in the Angier community. Today, she loves being a part of Dr. Gong’s practice and working alongside such talented team members every day – not to mention spending time with amazing patients!
Outside of work, Lizbeth has a great relationship with her parents, her younger sisters, and her younger brother. Her favorite hobbies include traveling, going on spontaneous adventures, and doing makeup, which is a skill that she taught herself over time.
Maria, Insurance Specialist/Treatment Coordinator
As our in-house dental insurance expert, Maria does a great job at helping patients navigate their available benefits. Her favorite part of this position is getting to work alongside such great team members, as well as improving the health and confidence of so many smiles.
Maria was born in Mexico, but she considers Clayton her hometown. She hails from a very supportive, caring, and fun family. In her spare time outside of work, she enjoys going to the gym and having lots of active adventures. In particular, she loves hiking – in fact, she’s currently trying to hike in all 41 of North Carolina’s state parks!