Meet the Carolina Smiles Team

A great dental experience starts with a team you can trust. Our caring and experienced dental team is dedicated to making every visit comfortable, welcoming, and personalized to your needs. From the moment you walk through our doors, we’re here to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and help you feel confident in your care.

Get to know the friendly faces behind our practice and learn more about the people who are committed to helping you and your family enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles!

Meet Dr. Garrett Gunnell

Brevard

The thing that excites me most about dentistry is that I never know what amazing challenges await when I see a patient for the first time. No two patients are the same, and it’s like a puzzle I get to solve to help each patient to their satisfaction. My patients come from every walk of life, and it always amazes me how happy they all are. No matter where they are or what is going on, they have good attitudes. This always humbles me and makes me appreciate all of my blessings.

I take being a dental professional very seriously. My patients come to me needing my help with dental issues and place their trust in my abilities. I try to treat everyone as I would treat my own family—by giving them my professional opinion and allowing them to make the choices that are right for their unique situation.

EDUCATION AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

I was born in Mesa, Arizona where I also finished my undergraduate studies. I then pursued my Doctorate of Dental Surgery at Indiana University School of Dentistry.

Dentistry is always evolving and I like to be on the cutting edge. This requires me to participate in many continuing education courses and be active in professional organizations like the American Dental Association and the North Carolina Dental Association.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

My wife Lexy and I have three sons, Grant, William, and Benson. They mean everything to me and are the reason I work so hard to be a better person every day.

We live in Arden, North Carolina, and love it here! We enjoy hiking and enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery. My hobbies include fishing, camping, and sports—anything that gets me outside!

Meet Dr. Matt Gunnell

Brevard

I feel blessed to be able to offer a service to people who are in need. Building relationships based on trust is something in which I pride myself. There is no better feeling than having a patient who avoided the dentist for years become regular patients because of the trust we’ve built together. It is always my goal to treat patients with the same care that I would a member of my family.

Education and Continuing Education

I completed my undergraduate education at Arizona State University and continued on to Indiana University School of Dentistry for my Doctorate of Dental Surgery. Through continuing education, I am able to stay on the cutting-edge of current dental treatments and always offer my patients the most sophisticated treatment options. I have completed extensive CAD/CAM and digital dentistry education, as well as training on dental implants.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

American Dental Association
National Society of Dental Practitioners

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Originally from Mesa, Arizona, I currently reside near Brevard with my wife, Jenna, our three beautiful daughters, Macy, Ava, and Paige, and handsome little boy, Memphis. One of the best parts of living in this area is the wonderful natural resources we have. I enjoy spending my free time hunting and fishing in the great North Carolina outdoors.

Meet Dr. Richard Gunnell

Etowah

I love art and creating things, and I wanted to be able to help people with their dental health. Dentistry was the best of both worlds for me. I get to help while creating great smiles.

Education

I completed my undergraduate education at Arizona State University and continued on to Indiana University School of Dentistry for my Doctorate of Dental Surgery.

Outside of the office

Originally from Mesa Arizona, I currently reside near Brevard with my wife, Marni, and our two kids. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, watching my favorite shows, playing sports, and spending time with my family. I am very passionate about my family, having good relationships, serving the Lord, and my faith. I’m also very grateful for really hot showers, especially in the mornings. While living in Honduras, I could only take cold showers for the two years I was there! It made me appreciate hot water 100x more!

Dr. Nick Conces

Etowah

Originally from the outskirts of Chicago, Dr. Conces’ passion for dentistry began early. His mother is a dental hygienist, giving him a firsthand look at the impact oral healthcare can have on people’s lives. As a teenager, Dr Conces spent plenty of time in the dental chair shaping his understanding of what patients feel and reinforcing his commitment to providing care with empathy, patience, and clear communication.

Dr. Conces earned his bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Louisville before receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in Baltimore in 2025. He then relocated to North Carolina to complete a one- year residency with MAHEC in Asheville, where he expanded his clinical skills while serving patients from diverse backgrounds and forming meaningful connections within Western North Carolina.

Dr. Conces is committed to creating a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable,heard, and confident in their care. He believes that trust is the foundation of excellent dentistry and looks forward to becoming a familiar face in both the Brevard and Etowah communities. Outside the office, Dr. Conces enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, and exploring the mountains, staying active through exercise, and expressing his creativity through pottery. He is also an avid movie enthusiast and, if you ask about his favorite meal, he’ll happily tell you that nothing beats fresh seafood- especially clams.

Meet Dr. David Whitlow

Brevard

Dentistry allows me to combine my love of working with hands with my desire to take care of and help people. I welcome the challenge of dentistry and appreciate that every day brings a new problem to solve as well as new people to meet and new relationships to build. I pride myself on providing excellent, empathetic, gentle and compassionate care to my patients.

Education

I completed my undergraduate degree in Biology and Anthropology at UNC Chapel Hill in 2011. Following graduation, I earned my Doctorate in Dental Surgery at UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry in 2015. After that, I moved up to the mountains to complete a General Practice Residency at MAHEC in Asheville in 2016.

Outside of the office

I grew up in Statesville, and have spent most of my life in North Carolina. My wife, Megan, and I used to vacation to the Asheville area and we were lucky enough to move here during my residency. We’ve greatly enjoyed our time here since, and have been fortunate to welcome two children in that time, Miles and Natalie. In my spare time, when I’m not enjoying spending time with my family, I love spending time outdoors, brewing beer, playing video games, and practicing martial arts.

Etowah

Coming Soon!

Etowah

Coming Soon!

Dental Hygienist – Etowah