Meet Our Doctors
Lance H. Hutchens, DDS, MS
Dr. Hutchens attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Dentistry and was then awarded positions in the Graduate Periodontology Program and with the Department of Oral Biology, at The Medical College of Georgia (now Augusta University). There he has completed a Master’s Degree in Oral Biology and will graduate with a Certificate in Clinical Periodontics that includes hospital based training in intravenous conscious sedation.
Dr. Hutchens is licensed in both North and South Carolina. His areas of expertise include sedation dentistry, dental implants, gum grafting, bone grafting, esthetic/cosmetic dentistry, and the treatment of periodontal disease.
Amber Himes: Lead Surgical Assistant
Amber is a native to the Carolina beaches as she has lived in the Wilmington area for over 20 years. After working for a family owned business for 10 years she decided to go back to school to pursue her passion for dentistry. Amber Graduated from the CFCC Dental Assisting program in July 2010 and has been assisting in surgical dentistry since. Amber says the most rewarding part of her job is being able to build relationships with the patients and to make sure they have a positive experience at our dental office. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her daughter and watching her daughter play in collegiate softball games.
Meredith Shepherd: Managing Director
Meredith is a native to the Wilmington area. After realizing her passion for patient care and customer service, Meredith attended dental assisting school and has remained in the dental field for 10 years. She joined the Wilmington Periodontics & Implant Center team in 2018 and greatly enjoys building relationships with patients. When not in the office, Meredith enjoys being on a boat or on the beach and spending time with family, friends and her golden retriever, Finley.
Jennifer Johnson: Patient Care Coordinator
Jenny joined Wilmington Periodontics & Implant Center in 2018 with a well-rounded background in customer service and patient care. She studied at Brunswick Community College after graduating South Brunswick High School in 2008. Jenny follows our patients throughout their treatment and is always readily available to lend a hand wherever need be. Born and raised in southeastern North Carolina, Wilmington is home to Jenny. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, traveling with her significant other & taking their lab Mako to the beach.