photos by: JODIE BRIM CREATIVE
With a team of doctors and clinical staff who boast a combined 421 years of dental experience – Peace Haven Family Dentistry’s reputation for providing exceptional care is well earned!
The practice was founded in 1961 by Dr. Bob Wilkinson and his son, Dr. Robert Wilkinson Jr., joined him in 1988. Dr, Houston Symmes joined the growing practice in 2014, creating what is now known as Peace Haven Family Dentistry. Dr. Abby Becherer joined in 2019, and Dr. Amy Pierce is the most recent addition. With firm roots established in the Winston-Salem community, the Peace Haven team continues to honor the longtime traditions of this family oriented, patient-centered practice. What will never change is their dedication to continuing “Dr. Bob’s” legacy of treating patients like family.
While each of the four dentists brings unique experiences, they also value being able to collaborate to develop your family’s best possible treatment plan. Their approach will always include evidence-based practices, modern technologies and the safest dental materials available.
“Our providers love seeing patients of all ages, including children,” says Dr. Becherer. “We have an exceptional team of dental hygienists who provide gentle, thorough routine dental cleanings, as well as deep cleanings when needed.”
At Peace Haven Family Dentistry, you can count on comprehensive dental care that includes exams, fillings, crowns, extractions, root canals, dentures and partials. The team also focuses on cosmetic dental treatments including Invisalign, teeth whitening, bonding, crowns, veneers and implant supported restorations.
“Our commitment to quality and personalized care means getting to know the patient, as well as their teeth,” explains Dr. Wilkinson. “We strive to ensure our core values and philosophies work together to make the best possible treatment decisions with our patients.”
Robert M. Wilkinson Jr., DDS
Born in Winston-Salem, Dr. Wilkinson spent his childhood dreaming of one day working with his father, Dr. Bob Wilkinson Sr. He went to R.J. Reynolds High School and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in chemistry, then completed his dental education at the UNC School of Dentistry in 1988. Dr. Wilkinson moved back to Winston-Salem to work alongside his mentor and father. Since taking over, he has dedicated his impressive professional career to continually improving and expanding the family practice. He carefully designed and built their current office location in 2012 and, shortly after, partnered with Dr. Symmes. He is married to Montine, and they have two adult children, both recently married. He is active at Home Moravian Church and loves spending his free weekends in the NC mountains. Dr. Wilkinson also enjoys exercising at the YMCA, riding his bike and recently started to enjoy yoga classes with his wife!
Houston Symmes III, DDS
Born and raised in Winston-Salem, Dr. Symmes attended R.J. Reynolds High School, going on to North Carolina State University where he majored in biology and graduated valedictorian. Dr. Symmes completed his dental education at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2011, then practiced in Charlotte for four years. He happily returned to Winston-Salem to team up with Dr. Wilkinson in 2014, helping to grow the practice and expand the dental services offered. “I feel fortunate to practice in my hometown, where I can treat friends, neighbors and our greater community.” Dr. Symmes is actively involved with Samaritan Ministries, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Torchbearers International. In his free time, Dr. Symmes enjoys spending time with his wife, Bethany, and their two children, Catherine and Henry. Dr. Symmes is also a recreational pilot – a passion that started young as he grew up flying with his father.
Abby L. Becherer, DDS
Dr. Becherer grew up in Chapel Hill, NC and moved to Winston-Salem six years ago. She and her family have put down roots here and are happy to consider Winston-Salem “home.” She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for her undergraduate degree in chemistry, then worked as a dental assistant in Manhattan for a year. She returned to UNC for dental school, where she developed her clinical skills, graduated with honors and was elected to Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. After dental school, Dr. Becherer completed an Advanced Education in general dentistry residency at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, and she joined Peace Haven Family Dentistry in 2019. Dr. Becherer met her husband, Tripp, at the UNC School of Dentistry, and they now have two young children, Audrey and Dean. She and her family love walking around Sherwood Forest with their greyhounds. She is an active member of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and enjoys quilting, traveling and exploring vintage/consignment home goods stores.
Amy Pierce, DDS
Dr. Amy Pierce was born and raised in Greenville, SC, and earned her undergraduate degree from Clemson University before attending the Medical University of South Carolina, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. She met her husband, Trent, at MUSC, and after graduating in 2014, they moved to Winston-Salem. Dr. Pierce has been practicing general dentistry in King, NC, for the last 10 years, where she’s created a welcoming and gentle environment for all patients. Dr. Pierce is thrilled to be a part of Peace Haven Family Dentistry, sharing their commitment to excellence. “I am excited to be practicing close to home in the community that we’ve become a part of.” When not at work, she and her husband keep busy with their three children, Hampton, Campbell and Hattie, actively attend Calvary Baptist Church and enjoy being outdoors as much as possible!
The providers at Peace Haven Family Dentistry always welcome new patients – they consider it a privilege to provide you and your family with the highest quality dental care! The office is located at 1086 Whitaker Drive in Winston-Salem, 336.765.9247. Hours are Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Friday 7:00 a.m. – noon. Visit peacehaven.dentist for updates and more information on their services.
