ABOUT US
Dr. Shannon Allison and Dr. Craig Allison have been practicing dentistry in Pinehurst together for almost 20 years.
Dr. Craig Allison began practicing dentistry in the Sandhills over 40 years ago. He is a 1971 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. Following graduation, Dr. Allison served on the UNC Dental School Faculty for three years in the Department of Operative Dentistry. His daughter, Dr. Shannon Allison, decided to follow in his footsteps and attended the University Of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School Of Dentistry. She joined the practice in 2001.
Together they believe in the fundamental importance of oral health in the context of total health. They emphasize the qualities of patient trust and relationships in their goal of providing optimal treatment with the highest integrity. Their dental team shares their vision of excellence and continued learning. Together they create a unique office culture which allows them to take great care of our patients.
In the following dental team biographies, existing and prospective patients may learn a little more about each of us.
Office Tour
DENTISTS
Shannon Allison, DDS, PA
Once I completed my collegiate career of academics and swimming at UNC-CH, I came back to Pinehurst to work in my dad’s dental office. I was debating between medical school and dental school. After applying and being accepted for both programs, I decided to accept the position to attend dental school at UNC-Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. I am so glad I made this choice! I graduated in 2001 and joined my dad’s practice and eventually purchased his practice. It’s really awesome to work with my father and for us to share this unique experience.
I truly love practicing dentistry and I enjoy all of its rewards and responsibilities. I enjoy the challenges of perfecting new skills and adopting new technologies to better care for my patients and have the best possible outcomes.
I have an AMAZING work family to help support and care for our patients! These ladies strive every day to give the best care and service! I am grateful for wonderful co-workers and their talents. At the end of each workday, I am thankful for my opportunity to care for my patients and the privilege to give them excellent dental care.
In my free time, I like to snuggle my dog, play golf, experiment in the kitchen, ride my PELOTON and work out my work and golf kinks with some yoga.
Achievements:
- High School All-American in Swimming
- NCAA All-American in Swimming
- UNC-CH B.A. Biology and B.A. Chemistry
- UNC-CH School of Dentistry 2001, inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon
- Triangle Dental Implant Continuum
- International College of Oral Implantologists, Fellow
- LANAP Certified Clinician
- PINHOLE certified clinician
- CEREC DOCTORS CAD/CAM Workshops: Posterior Restorations, Multiple Anterior Restorations and Esthetics, Cone Beam Integration in Surgical Implant Dentistry, Hard and Soft Tissue Grafting in Digital Implant Therapy
- Next Level Endondontics, endodontic mini-residency
- North Carolina Dental Society Member
- American Dental Association Member
Michael Almony, DDS
Dr. Michael Almony was born in Germany and grew up in a proud military family. His family eventually relocated to beautiful North Carolina where Michael attended Campbell University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree. His desire to serve others led him to pursue a career in dentistry and attend the nation’s first dental school, the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Michael graduated in 2017 with a DDS degree and joined the Army where he was able to provide oral health care to other soldiers.
While in the Army, Michael served his country while deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in support of both Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve. Dr. Almony continued to enhance his dental education by completing courses in endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, restorative dentistry, as well as training in digital dentistry. After completing his army service, Dr. Almony decided to make the Sandhills area his permanent home.
During his free time, he enjoys spending time visiting local attractions with his wife Katie, his son Cooper and his two wonderful huskies. He loves calling North Carolina home.
Craig E. Allison, DDS, PA
I am a native North Carolinian and I grew up in Hillsborough, North Carolina. I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where I received a B.S. in Chemistry. I was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity and enjoyed the brotherhood and living in the fraternity house. After graduation, I attended the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry.
I moved to the Sandhills in 1977 where I established and owned two dental practices. I currently work with my daughter, Dr. Shannon Allison, in her cosmetic and family dentistry practice. My professional interests are Restorative Dentistry, Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment and Patient Education.
I am married to Dr. Scarlett Allison and we have two children: Shannon Allison, D.D.S., Principal of Allison & Associates and D. Shoffner Allison, Principal of Hawthorne Capital. In my free time, I enjoy a busy lifestyle filled with golf, swimming, fishing and other outdoor activities.
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Tracey Waldrop, Dentist Schedule Coordinator
I joined Dr. Shannon Allison’s team as a Patient Care Coordinator in 2013. I had previously worked in banking and with financial institutions, so I was familiar with customer service and financial questions. I enjoy meeting all of our patients and helping them with their dental questions and I just enjoy getting to know them all.
Outside of work, I enjoy sport fishing with my husband and our 2 chocolate labs. I also enjoy being a grandmother!
Kelsey Henderson, Patient Care Coordinator
I joined the team of Allison and Associates in 2018. Behind my smile you will find a woman who is passionate about getting to know our patients and making sure they receive quality service and attention from the moment they walk into our office.
I have been in customer service for 8 years, previously working in banking. I am consistently learning more about dentistry and how I can make every patient’s experience a wonderful one.
I currently reside in Pinehurst with my high school sweetheart and our son. In my free time, I enjoy reading, live music and spending time with my family.
Erica Gaskins, Patient Care Coordinator
Hey there! My name is Erica Gaskins and I have lived in Pinehurst for 3 years with my wonderful husband, two children, and three dogs. I recently joined Dr. Shannon Allison’s team as a Patient Care Coordinator. Prior to this amazing opportunity, my background has been in the medical office setting, where I have had years of experience in many different roles assisting with patient needs. Though transitioning from the medical office setting to the dental office setting is a change for me, helping and caring for people is the same and I am truly passionate about excellent patient care. I am excited for this new journey and look forward to serving the patients in our community.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family including attending our son’s college baseball games every chance I can. When we aren’t there, my daughter and I love to go to the beach or relax by the pool. My other hobbies include antique shopping, repurposing furniture, cooking, decorating, and running my online clothing boutique!
.
Sarah Truman, Hygiene Patient Care Coordinator
I was born and raised in Fayetteville, NC, and attended school through eighth grade. For my high school years, I had a unique opportunity to move and live in North Georgia. In 2004, I was drawn to Moore County for the appeal of a small town life and excellent schools. I worked in the pediatric medical field before joining Dr. Allison’s team in 2013. I really enjoy interacting with patients and helping them with their dental treatment questions and concerns.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my daughter and our two dogs, watching movies, traveling, and watching my daughter play volleyball.
HYGIENE TEAM
Tracey Parker, Hygienst
Hi, my name is Tracey Parker and I have been practicing dental hygiene over 15 years now. Born and raised in Moore County, and still reside raising two kids. I studied dental hygiene at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I love educating patients on how to keep their mouths happy and healthy which of course makes your whole body happy and healthy. In my spare time I enjoy water sports, hiking, camping , coaching and playing sports. Come in to meet me or one of our other fabulous hygienist to take care of your dental health.
Joni Smith, Hygienst
I began my journey in the dental field in Michigan as a dental assistant. I worked for 9 years before pursuing and completing my dental hygiene degree in 1991. I moved to the Pinehurst area in 1996 and have been blessed to be part of Dr. Allison's dental practice ever since. I first began working with Dr. Craig Allison, and then with his daughter, Dr. Shannon Allison. I enjoy working with both of them and I enjoy practicing dental hygiene in an environment dedicated to excellent patient care and the highest quality. I love building relationships with patients, learning their dental priorities and helping them achieve healthy beautiful smiles.
My husband, Todd, and I have been married for 36 years , have one beautiful daughter and 2 beautiful grandchildren. I also cannot forget to mention our beloved golden doodle, Steeler.
Amy Taylor, Hygienst
I am a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill School Of Dentistry with a degree in dental hygiene. I have enjoyed working with Dr. Shannon Allison and her dad, Dr. Craig Allison, for over 8 years. One of my primary areas of focus is nutrition and how nutrition plays a key factor in dental health and overall systemic health.
Outside of practicing dental hygiene and education patients, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two young daughters. I am an avid runner and I have become proficient at running while pushing my daughters in the jogging stroller. I also enjoy sewing and creating clothes and other crafts.
Charla Thomson, Hygienst
I received my Associates Degree in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from FTCC. After graduation, I worked for a local periodontist for a few years and gained experience by working in pediatric dentistry. I began working for Dr. Shannon Allison in 2004. My previous experiences in periodontal and pediatric offices really supports my ability to care for all types of patients and all of their dental hygiene needs. I love improving the smiles of my patients and helping to keep their smiles healthy for a lifetime. I spend my free time with my husband and 3 kids and that time is usually on a lacrosse field.
Allison Walker, Hygienist
My name is Allison Walker and I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry with a Bachelor of Science in Dental
Hygiene in 1997. I have worked the majority of my 25 year career with Allison and Associates.
I strive to make our patients feel like family while educating and caring for their dental and
overall health.
Outside of work I spend time with my two amazing sons, Hayden and Jack and our Labs, Finn
and Augusta. I enjoy tennis, hiking, soccer, fishing and spending as much time outside as
possible. I also volunteer with ACSandhills coaching and supporting our local youth through
various programs our Club offers.
Chelsey Whitaker, RDH
Hi there! I'm Chelsey and I am so excited to be a part of the team at Allison and Associates. I grew up here in the Sandhills and I was a long time patient here at Allison and Associates before entering dental hygiene school. I received my dental hygiene degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill- Go Tarheels!
I feel things have come full circle and I am now able to provide dental care in this unique and fun practice. I have two roles here at the practice: primarily as a Dental Hygienist and secondarily as a Patient Care Coordinator. This dual role gives me a unique perspective. Being able to help educate and provide quality care to others has been my favorite part of this profession. I enjoy getting to know my patients and building relationships.
When I'm not in the office you can find me flight training, checking out the local restaurants/breweries with friends, or planning a fun outdoor adventure with my husband and our German Shorthaired Pointer, Knox.
I look forward to meeting with you soon!
DENTAL ASSISTANT TEAM
Whitney Bennett, Dental Assistant I
I have been assisting with Dr. Allison since 2010. I enjoy helping patients feel better about their dental care by providing a calm atmosphere and getting to know them on a more personal level. Our patients appreciate my gentle and compassionate bedside manner. I love being a dental assistant, because I get to help maintain and achieve beautiful and healthy smiles. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband, Justin, and our 2 kids, Preston and Madison.
Courtney Jackson, Dental Assistant I
Hi! My name is Courtney and I am a lifelong resident of Sanford, NC. I graduated from Lee County High School in 2001. I went on to CCCC earning my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, where I then worked with children for 16 years.
In 2015, I earned my Dental Assisting Certification including my Dental Radiography Certification through Sandhills Dental Career Center. After entering the dental field and working for three years, I went to UNC School of Dentistry, earning my Coronal Polishing Certification.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our four children, family, and friends.
Since starting with Allison & Associates, I have learned so much more than just General Dentistry. Learning what you love and are passionate about, makes all the difference in the world
Kristin Marshall, Dental Assistant II
I graduated from UNC-CH School of Dentistry with a degree in dental assisting in 2005.
I have been working with Dr. Shannon Allison for 14 years! Dentistry is a very personal and vulnerable area for most people. I understand it can be scary and stressful. I like to help make people feel more comfortable and help them have a positive experience. I love dentistry because it is always improving and I never stop learning!
In my free time I enjoy traveling and being with my family. I have two children, a son and a daughter, who keep me very busy.
Sara Cartwright, Dental Assistant II
Hi! I am Sara Cartwright, Dental Assistant at Allison and Associates.
I grew up in western NC, where I received my Dental Assisting education through Western Piedmont Community College in 2009. My husband, son and I moved to the Pinehurst area 5 years ago and we have fallen in love with the area. I have been a team member here at A&A for 3 years; and this practice is an extension of my family. My job is an avenue to connect with my community and I truly enjoy each day I get to spend here, laughing and learning. I have the privilege of working alongside some truly amazing and talented professionals. My goal with each patient is to provide expert care while creating a positive and welcoming dental experience; not only restoring smiles, but giving folks a reason to smile.
Sandra Buckley, Dental Assistant
My name is Sandra Buckley and I joined the team of Allison and Associates in March 2021. I was born in Long Island, New York and I resided there for many years and worked as a dental assistant. I received my dental assistant degree in 1989 from NCMC. I have many years of experience in dentistry and lots of care and compassion to give my patients!
I relocated to Pinehurst in 2021 to be closer to my family, namely my mom and dad. I enjoy the slower pace in the Sandhills and I enjoy less traffic! When I am not at work, I enjoy baking, golfing and horseback riding. I look forward to meeting the patient family.