About us
Patient-Focused, Every Time
Our Mission
It’s our mission to provide excellent dental care that exceeds patients’ expectations by offering exceptional treatment while creating a relaxed, fun, and professional environment. Utilizing the latest dental technology, our friendly and highly trained team strive to deliver calm and comfortable care. We are passionate about operating with the utmost integrity to develop trust and confidence with you, our patient. We aim to build a life-long relationship with each individual that visits our office, ensuring you feel valued, heard, and part of our dental family.
the best compassionate care
Get To Know
Dr. Francis Amato
Dr. Amato served in the United States Navy as a nuclear submariner and diver. After the military, he worked as an engineer in the nuclear power industry before pursuing a career in dentistry. Dr. Amato graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry and holds a Fellowship and Mastership with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) as well as a Surgical Fellowship with the Misch International Implant Institute.
The High Country has been his home since 2004. When he is not caring for his patients, he enjoys spending time with his family. He has a lovely wife of 39 years, Gena, three children, Madeline, Lillian, and Abigail, and a son-in-law, Will.
Dedicated to your smile
GET TO KNOW DR. JEFF WETTENGEL
Dr. Jeff graduated from the University of Colorado Dental School, where he received the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Student Award. Immediately following graduation, he enrolled in the Academy of GP Orthodontics, a two-year program to further his education in comprehensive orthodontics. He also holds an Implant Externship from the Triangle Dental Institute.
Dr. Jeff has a distinguished career as a Navy SEAL Sniper, serving our country for eight years before being medically retired due to combat-related injuries. After the Navy, he transitioned to being a front tire changer on multiple pit crews for NASCAR. Dr. Jeff has a beautiful wife, Ericka, and two Jack Russell Terriers named Hunter and Chase.
Patient Focused, Friendly Dentistry
Meet the Team
The Amato Dentistry team is made up of highly professional and extremely friendly members who are eager to help your dental visit be as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. Each team member is highly trained, has advanced continuing education in their field, and is dedicated to your health, comfort, and care. They make your needs, desires, and concerns their top priority.
Lorena
Dental Assistant
Lorena joined our team in 2021 and was a patient before becoming a team member. She has four children and does an amazing job with our social media!
Crystal
Dental Assistant
Crystal has been a member of the Amato Team for 17 years and is actually Amanda's cousin. She has two children. Crystal enjoys gardening and decorating for Christmas.
Amanda
Dental Assistant
Amanda has been a part of the team for 18 years! She has two young grandsons and enjoys spending her free time with them and going to church.
Nereyda
Registered Dental Hygienist
Nereyda graduated from Forsyth Technical College in 2023 and is super excited to join our dental family! She enjoys traveling and hiking.
Kayla
Registered Dental Hygienist
Kayla joined Dr. Amato in 2019 and graduated from UNC Chapel Hill. She is a huge TarHeel fan! She and her husband Jordan welcomed their first baby , George in July .
Lisa
Registered Dental Hygienist
Lisa, our Fabulous Friday Hygienist, has been a hygienist for 38 years! She enjoys playing the piano and soaking up some sun by her pool in Taylorsville.
Laura
Schedule Coordinator
Laura is the first smiling face you will see when you step into our office. She is our scheduling coordinator. She has three children and has been married to her husband Cristian since 2015. She enjoys taking her kids to sport practices, boxing with her husband, and eating spicy foods!
Gena
Practice Manager
Gena is Dr. Amato’s high school sweetheart! Gena is the office manager. She oversees the day to day functions of the staff, ensures a safe, positive, and welcoming work environment, and most importantly- keeps us smiling. She is the glue that holds everyone together. While the office never sleeps, Gena enjoys spending time with her three daughters & “Doc” on the lake. All three of their daughters are off to college so they are making the most of every moment they have when they’re all together!
Gia
Insurance Coordinator
Gia has been part of our team for 11 years and is also Dr. Amato's sister! Gia has a background in business and is an artist and designer. She and Dr. Amato's wife designed our beautiful office. She has two adult sons and a mini-golden doodle named Max.
Irena
Medical Aesthetician and MAs
Irena, our highly knowledgeable and licensed medical aesthetician with an illustrious 30-year career spanning the Czech Republic, Germany, and the U.S.A. As a certified medical assistant “Mas” specializing in dermatology and lasers, her extensive experience ensures sophisticated expertise in advanced aesthetic and anti-aging treatments. Trust in Irena's exceptional insight and proven track record for your skincare journey.
Shannon
Treatment Coordinator
Shannon, moved to Ashe in 2014 with her husband,Robert and their 6 dogs! They have 2 daughters and 3 grands. She enjoys jeeping and hiking in her free time.
Jeni
Hygiene assistant
Jeni was a patient before joining the team in 2023. She lives in Wilbar on a farm with cattle and goats. She loves car shows, bright colored shoes and all things that sparkle. She has an exuberant personality and relates well with people with dental anxiety.
What to expect
PATIENT EXPERIENCE
When you first walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted by our comfortable environment and our friendly office team. Sit down and relax as you fill out any new patient forms prior to your appointment. Once those are complete and your hygienist is ready for you, we’ll invite you back into one of our operatories.
Depending on the service you receive, one of our hygienists, Dr. Amato, or Dr. Jeff will spend time with you to discuss your personalized treatment plan, giving you an opportunity to ask questions.
If anything requires extra attention following your treatment, one of our doctors will explain their recommendations and provide you with any additional information.
WHAT TO BRING
In order to help make your appointment as efficient as possible, we ask that you please bring your ID, insurance information, and fill out new patient forms electronically prior to your visit.
Office Comforts and Amenities
Your comfort is important to us. From your time in the waiting room to your experience in our operatories, we strive to provide you with a calm, relaxing environment.
TVs
Pillows & warm blankets
Individual music in operatories
Beautiful views
Monitors for viewing x-rays and scans
Sunglasses
Cutting-Edge
Our Tools and Technology
In order to ensure an excellent patient experience, we utilize the best technology modern dentistry has to offer. Some of our tools include digital scans and impressions for patient comfort, same-day crowns, CT scans, digital paperwork for patient convenience, and various conscious sedation options such as Nitrous Oxide for patients who are anxious about their treatment.
Giving Back
Our Community Outreach
Our philosophy of care goes beyond the office walls. We believe that it’s our responsibility to care for our patients, both in and out of the operating chair, and one of the best ways to do this is through our community outreach programs. Our involvement in the West Jefferson community includes donating hygiene supplies to children in need, partnering with Buddy Walk of the High Country, and supporting Baptist Children's Hospital Cancer Center.