Meet the Team
We recognize that all of our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.
We are pleased to welcome you and your family and we look forward to working with you.
Dayena Lee, D.D.S. 
Dentist-Associate
Dr. Lee grew up in Greensboro, NC after moving to the U.S. from South Korea at the age of 5! She grew up helping around our family’s small business and striving to set a good example for her only brother who is 11 years younger!
She attended UNC Chapel Hill for undergraduate studies, double majoring in Psychology and Asian Studies. Then received her master’s degree in Physiology from NC State University. She went on to attend UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry receiving her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree.
Dr. Lees' dream of becoming a dentist stems from her first dental visit at the age of 12 on a volunteer dental bus at church. Throughout dental school she was one of the board members of ENNEAD, a student volunteer committee. She also helped form various community outreach programs and received The International College of Dentistry’s Humanitarian Award. Currently she is a member of the American Dental Association and NC Dental Society.
In her free time, she loves traveling and experiencing new adventures with family and friends. Dr. Lee and her husband, Alex are both Tar Heels and love cheering for the team whenever possible. She also loves spending time with Choco, her Chihuahua.
A note From Dr. Lee:
I am so grateful and excited to be a part of Dr. Cunningham’s wonderful team! I think every patient is unique. I strive to work with individual patients to address their needs. I love to focus on prevention and dental education so that you feel utmost comfortable when visiting our office! I am also fluent Korean for any of our Korean speaking patients!
Yusif Umar, D.D.S. 
Dentist-Associate
Dr. Umar is a graduate of University of Ghana, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. He then moved to the US and now calls North Carolina home. He sharpened his acumen with a Master of Science Degree in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and attended the University of North Carolina School Of Dentistry where he earned his DDS degree. In dental school, he was awarded the Hillendrand-Lupton Student Award for clinical Achievement in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. After graduation, he completed a GPR program at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY where he gained invaluable experience in general dentistry. He attended the Indiana University OMFS program from 2015 to 2017 as a categorical resident and from 2017 to 2019, he then enrolled at Lincoln Medical Center OMFS program as a non-categorical resident. Dr. Umar has gained invaluable experience in Oral Surgery procedures in the inpatient and outpatient settings. He also performs oral surgery procedures on patients under both local anesthesia and IV sedation analgesia.
Dr. Umar has an exceptional rapport with patients and has been endorsed as well as recommended by patients, colleagues and staff.
Dr. Umar volunteers in community services providing free dental care to underserved patients both locally and internationally.
In his free time Dr. Umar enjoys trail running, playing soccer, and travelling.
Shamika Nichols
Dental Assistant 
Shamicka was born and raised in Roxboro, North Carolina. After graduating high school she immediately went to work. In 2016 she decided to persue a career change and attended Dental Assisting School, earning her certification. She enjoys making people happy and most of all seeing them smile. She is eager to learn and continue growing in Dentistry.
She currently lives in Mebane with her husband Laron, two wonderful daughters A'Riya and Riley, and her fur baby Bentley. In her spare time she loves working out, spending time at home with her family, cooking, vacationing in the mountains and the beach.
Wendy
Dental Assistant
Wendy was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina. She graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in biology. She then attended NC State University, where she earned a Master of Physiology degree. During her time at UNC, she also attended the Triangle School of Dental Assisting, where she earned her Dental Assistant certification.
Wendy has been passionate about the dental field for as long as she can remember, and she aspires to become a dentist herself one day. She joined our practice in 2019 when she began shadowing Dr. Cunningham. She now joins us as a Dental Assistant who is excited to learn more about the field while assisting patients with their oral health.
In her free time, Wendy enjoys going to the beach, cooking, spending time with friends and family, and college basketball. GO HEELS!
Nicole 
Dental Hygienist
Nicole is from upstate New York, but moved to North Carolina in 2006 for a change of career, scenery and weather! After working as the chief videographer and editor at a local news station, Nicole realized she wanted to help and inspire people as opposed to creating stories that were not uplifting.
Her passion for dentistry began when Nicole had a summer job as a dental assistant, and when it came time to change careers, the decision was easy, and so began her second college adventure, in which she graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in Dental Hygiene.
Nicole's main goal now is to create a relaxing atmosphere in a friendly environment where patient satisfaction is the highest priority.
In her spare time, Nicole love's hanging out with friends and family, especially her husband, Ryan, and their beagle, Rudy, as well as watching all sports (GO HEELS!!), travelling, running, cycling and cooking.
Amy 
Dental Hygienist
Amy is originally from California. Making North Carolina her home she resides in Snow Camp, with her husband John and their four children.
In 2008 she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Amy finds great delight in the education of dentistry to her patients. Her patients are her passion and she throughly enjoys being a dental health care provider.
In her free time she enjoys photography, fishing, Panther's football and genealogy.
Dawn
Practice Administrator
Dawn grew up in North Carolina; she is the friendly southern charm of our office. Dawn joined the dental profession in 2003. She enjoys helping our patients optimize their insurance benefits to ensure everyone receives the best dental treatment and visit possible.
Dawn lives in Durham with her husband Ken. The have two handsome sons that they are both so proud of, Justin and Hunter. They also share their home with some very loved four legged family members, Caroline, Lola, Molly and Solo. As well as a rescue house sparrow, Pepper.
In her free time, Dawn enjoys going to the beach, spending time with family and friends and walks with her Yorkie, Caroline.
Terika
Patient Coordinator 
Terika was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina.
She graduated from Durham Tech in 2011 with a Diploma in Medical Assisting. She became a Certified Nursing Assistant in 2013 which lead her to work with the elderly in assistant living facilities, surgical and pediatric step down units in hospitals, as well as in home care.
Terika has enjoyed working in the medical field which lead her to earn her Associates Degree in Healthcare Administration.
Terika looks forward to greeting you with her warm smile.
In her free time she enjoys being a wonderful make-up artist and spending time with family and friends.
