Meet The Team

Meet Our Dental Team in Hickory, NC

Below are brief descriptions of our dental teams to familiarize you with our team's professional training, credentials, and dental work experience.

Patient at the Dental Clinic — Hickory, NC — McDonald Family Dentistry

Ian McDonald — Hickory, NC — McDonald Family Dentistry

Ian R. McDonald DDS Dentist in Hickory, NC

Dr. Ian R. McDonald moved to Hickory, NC, as a child in 1988. He graduated from Saint Stephens High School. He received a BS in psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill. After shadowing several local dentists and volunteering with NC Missions of Mercy, he decided that dentistry was his calling. He became operations manager for NC Missions of Mercy, where he developed a strong interest in providing dental care to those in need. He attended UNC dental school, where he served as a class officer, received the 2016 Spurgeon Dental Class Award and the Robert Tormey Award.

After graduating from UNC dental school, he and his wife, Janelle (also a UNC dental school graduate), moved back to Hickory, where Ian's parents and siblings all live. They are looking forward to becoming involved in the community and volunteering with local dental outreach programs. Ian is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the North Carolina Dental Society, the Seattle Study Club, the Western Piedmont Dental Society, and serves on the CVCC School of Hygiene Advisory Committee.

When not involved with their dentistry, Ian and Janelle enjoy birding, boating on Lake Hickory, local sightseeing, and frequenting local restaurants. They live with their two cats, Abby and Pete, who always keep the household interesting.

Administrative Team

Amber — Hickory, NC — McDonald Family Dentistry

Amber, Clinical Coordinator

Amber is a multi-talented dental assistant who has been in the dental field for 15+ years and now serves as Clinical Coordinator. She assists in the business office's daily tasks, but you will occasionally find her working chairside with Dr. Goodwin or helping others on the clinical team. "I want my patients to feel welcomed and appreciated when they come to see us and understand how their dental health connects with their overall health and why dental treatment is needed. I want patients to understand why and how procedures are done with no question ever left unanswered." A deep-rooted Hickory native, Amber resides in the Vale Community with her husband Pete, and their children, Bethany, Nicholas, and Noah. Time with the family, church, outdoor activities, and reading are all things that Amber enjoys away from the office.

Hygienist

Wanda — Hickory, NC — McDonald Family Dentistry

Wanda, Registered Dental Hygienist

Wanda has a bachelor of science from UNC-Chapel Hill. A member of our team since February 2004. Wanda's credentials are exceptional, and her professionalism impressive. Her goal as a hygienist is to create a long and lasting relationship with her patients and work together with the patient as part of the team to achieve optimal oral health.

Education, Wanda feels, is one the most crucial roles of a dental hygienist. "It's very important for me that patients never feel they have been lectured or nagged. Rather, patients should be well informed about their oral health and how it can affect their overall physical health and how to maintain healthy gums and teeth." Wanda's gentle, caring approach quickly wins the confidence of even the most dental- phobic patients. It's not uncommon for her patients to say, "I just love her."

As a busy wife, mother of two daughters, and career woman, Wanda maintains a great spirit and sense of humor in all things.

Melissa, Registered Dental Hygienist

Melissa Harris, RDH, is a 1990 graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. She keeps up with the latest advance in Dental Health.

She is also an active member of her church and is involved in volunteer events in our community. Melissa loves going to the mountains, hiking, walking her dog, and travel. She and her husband recently had a great trip to Croatia, where they hiked in some amazing and beautiful places.

Melissa says, "Family, that includes our dog, is extremely important to me." So prioritizing her time and planning great weekend activities is essential.