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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.
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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.
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 in July 2023!
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.
Crystal
Dental Assistant
Crystal has been with the team for 17 years. She is a mother of two kids. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and decorating for Christmas.
Lorena
Dental Assistant
Lorena has been a member of our team since 2021 and was previously a patient. She has four children and does a wonderful job with our social media!
Laura
Schedule Coordinator
Laura is our Scheduling Coordinator. She is the mother of three children and has been married to her husband since 2015. She enjoys boxing and taking her kids to sporting events.
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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 is our Insurance Coordinator and Dr. Amato's sister! She has a business background and is also an artist and designer. Our beautiful office was designed by her and Dr. Amato's wife. She has two adult sons and a Mini-Goldendoodle named Max.
Leah
Dental Assistant
Leah is a certified dental assistant with 14 years of experience and is also trained as a phlebotomist. She’s been married for 13 years and has three kids. Leah loves spending time with her family and enjoys sports.
Gracie
Hygiene Assistant
Gracie was born and raised in Ashe County. Following high school, she went to Wilkes Community College and obtained her dental assistant certification from Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy. She spends her free time with her friends, family, and dog, Gunner. She also enjoys traveling in her camper!
Shannon
Treatment Coordinator
Shannon is our Treatment Coordinator. She relocated to Ashe with her husband Robert and their six dogs in 2014. In her spare time, she enjoys jeeping and hiking.
Dr. Alvin Abaqueta, MD
Medical Director
Dr. Alvin Abaqueta, MD, is the Medical Director for Amato Aesthetics. Dr. Abaqueta's medical background ensures expertise and knowledge. His ongoing commitment to advancement in aesthetic treatments and laser procedures ensures that our clients receive the highest quality care.
His passion for combining medical expertise and sophisticated aesthetics defines Amato Aesthetics' dedication to excellence and client satisfaction.
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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.
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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.
