Our Team | Asheville Smiles Cosmetic and Family Dentistry

Dr. Rebekkah Merrell, DMD, MS

Dr. Merrell is a dedicated and compassionate dentist who brings both advanced training and a warm, patient-centered approach to Asheville Smiles Cosmetic & Family Dentistry. Originally from Rock Hill, South Carolina, Dr. Merrell moved to Asheville in 2019 to pursue her dream of owning a practice committed to delivering exceptional cosmetic and family dental care.

Dr. Merrell holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Bioengineering from Clemson University. She went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) with honors from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 2016. Following dental school, she completed a comprehensive General Practice Residency at Carolinas Medical Center (Atrium Health) in Charlotte, NC, where she gained advanced experience in all aspects of general and hospital-based dentistry.

Dr. Merrell has earned the distinction of Master of the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD), one of the most prestigious designations in the profession, held by only about 2% of general dentists in the United States and Canada. The Mastership is awarded only after completing more than 1,100 hours of continuing education, including extensive hands-on training across 16 dental disciplines, along with a comprehensive examination. It reflects a lifelong commitment to going far beyond standard licensing requirements to stay at the very forefront of modern dentistry.

That same passion for lifelong learning has led Dr. Merrell to complete more than 1,500 hours of continuing education, deepening her expertise in cosmetic dentistry, implantology, Invisalign®, facial aesthetics, laser therapy, and more, all in service of providing her patients with the highest quality care.

Dr. Merrell’s commitment to dentistry extends beyond the operatory. She actively gives back through leadership in organized dentistry at the local, state, and national levels. She currently serves as President of the Buncombe County Dental Society, sits on the Council for Legislative and Governmental Affairs for the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and is involved with the North Carolina AGD and NC Dental Society’s Membership Council. Nationally, she served for six years on the AGD’s Membership Council. Dr. Merrell also enjoys mentoring future dental professionals as a member of the University of Pennsylvania Alumni Interview Committee, and she serves as President of the Western NC Clemson Club.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Merrell enjoys spending time with her husband, Tradd, their daughter, Emilia, and their three dogs, Fen, Ollie, and Bentley. A proud Clemson Tiger, she and her husband first met while waiting in line for a Clemson National Championship game. Together, they enjoy traveling, exploring the outdoors, and experiencing all that Western North Carolina has to offer.

In her free time, Dr. Merrell enjoys hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, skiing, golfing, staying active through fitness, and dancing the Carolina Shag, the official state dance of South Carolina. She also loves cooking and baking—even if her creations aren’t always dentist-approved!

Jaime Peterson, DDS

Dr. Jaime Peterson brings more than 15 years of experience in comprehensive dentistry and a genuine commitment to building lasting relationships with her patients. She enjoys getting to know the people she treats and believes that excellent dental care begins with listening, communication, and helping patients feel comfortable and confident in their treatment.

Dr. Peterson earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and completed a General Practice Residency at MAHEC in Asheville. Throughout her career, she has developed extensive experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, oral surgery, root canal therapy, and digital dentistry.

She is a fellow of both the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (FICOI), reflecting her commitment to advanced education and continued growth as a clinician. She is also affiliated with the American Dental Association, North Carolina Dental Society, Spear Study Club, and the Pankey Institute.

Over the course of her career, Dr. Peterson has cared for patients in private practices and community health settings throughout Western North Carolina. Her experience ranges from routine family dentistry to complex restorative, surgical, and implant treatment, allowing her to provide comprehensive care while considering each patient’s individual needs.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Dr. Peterson has made Western North Carolina her home. Her husband is a Hendersonville native, giving their family deep ties to the area. Together they are raising two very active children, and, despite their busy schedules, they enjoy hiking, camping, boating and pickleball.

For Dr. Peterson, dentistry is ultimately about people. She values the relationships she develops with her patients and enjoys being part of the community her family calls home. Her goal is to provide thoughtful, personalized care and help each patient achieve a healthy, confident smile.

Lauren Watt

Office Manager Arden

Lauren is often the first smiling face you’ll see when you arrive at our office. A true All-Star team member, she brings both clinical and administrative expertise to her role. As a Certified Dental Assistant, Lauren is equipped to answer many technical questions and support patient care beyond the front desk. She has also completed more than 100 hours of continuing education in Dental Office Management and has earned the distinguished designation of Master in the American Academy of Dental Office Managers—an honor achieved by less than 1% of office managers nationwide. We are proud of Lauren’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

An Asheville native, Lauren values her close-knit family and is the oldest of five children. She is also the proud mom of her daughter, Kali. Outside the office, Lauren is active in her church community at Trinity Presbyterian and enjoys sports, traveling, and time with family and friends. Whether she’s on the volleyball, basketball, or softball court, or cheering at a family sporting event, Lauren brings the same energy and passion to life that she does to our team.

Certifications:

– Dental Assisting
– Nitrous Oxide Certified
– Coronal Polishing Certified
– Radiographs Certified
– CPR/BLS Certified
– OSHA Certified
– SPICE Certified (Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology)
– MAADOM (Master in the American Association of Dental Office Management)

Jennifer Evers

Registered Dental Hygienist

Jennifer Evers joined our practice as a dental hygienist in the summer of 2023. She began her career in dentistry after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College in 2015. Following graduation, she gained experience working in Colorado, Texas, and Washington before returning home to Arden, North Carolina, where she grew up and where her family still resides.

Jenn has a special talent for working with patients who experience dental fear and anxiety. She is known for her compassion, patience, and ability to make anyone feel comfortable in the chair. Her goal is to provide thorough hygiene care while also giving patients the tools and confidence to maintain their oral health at home.

Outside of the office, Jenn enjoys painting, crafting, football season, and spending time at the beach. Her greatest joy, however, is her adventurous daughter, Josie, who brings smiles to everyone she meets.

Certifications:

– Registered Dental Hygienist
– Nitrous Oxide Certified
– Radiographs Certified
– CPR/BLS Certified
– OSHA Certified
– SPICE Certified (Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology)
– PerioProtect Certified

Lori Hayden

Registered Dental Hygienist Arden

Lori brings 18 years of clinical experience and the expertise of two Dental Hygiene degrees to the practice. She is deeply committed to preventative care, patient education, and mastering advanced techniques to ensure everyone receives the highest standard of treatment.

Known for her friendly demeanor, witty humor and meticulous attention to detail, she excels at helping even her most anxious patients feel at ease in the dental chair.

Outside the office, Lori is a devoted wife and proud mother of two children. Her family is her greatest joy, and she loves balancing her professional life with family activities, school volunteering, and spending time outside.

Hannah

Dental Assistant Asheville

Hannah is from Madison County, North Carolina, and graduated from dental hygiene school in 2021. While she values her background in hygiene, she discovered that her true passion lies in dental assisting. She enjoys the variety this role offers, from supporting a wide range of procedures to building meaningful connections with patients and helping them feel at ease in the chair. Her favorite part of the job is working alongside the doctor to provide excellent care and seeing the positive impact a healthy smile can make in someone’s life.

Outside of the office, Hannah enjoys spending time at the lake, reading, and traveling to explore new places.

Certifications:

– Nitrous Oxide
– Coronal Polishing
– Radiographs & NOMAD
– CPR/BLS
– OSHA
– SPICE (Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology)

Carly

Dental Assistant

Carly has been working in dentistry since 2022 and brings a warm, personal approach to patient care. She enjoys building one-on-one connections and treats every patient like family, creating a comfortable and supportive experience. She finds joy in helping people feel confident in their smiles and takes pride in being part of their journey toward better oral health.

Outside of the office, Carly enjoys spending time with her husband, Casey, their young son, Colt, and their dog, Dixie. Family time is her greatest joy, and she loves making memories with Casey and Colt on her days off. She is also an avid bowler and, as a twin, enjoys the unique bond and fun stories that come along with it.

Certifications:

– Dental Assisting
– Nitrous Oxide
– Coronal Polishing
– Radiographs
– CPR/BLS
– OSHA

Irene

Dental Assistant Arden

Irene brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Asheville Smiles team. She graduated from A-B Tech’s Dental Assisting program in 2015 and recently earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion from UNC Asheville.

Born and raised in North Carolina, Irene is fluent in Spanish and has a genuine passion for giving back to her community. She enjoys volunteering with ABCCM and other local nonprofit organizations.

Outside of the office, Irene loves trying new foods, dancing, spending time with her family, relaxing at the beach, and playing with her pups, Bubbles and Bella.

Fun fact: Irene was an extra in the remake of Dirty Dancing!