Dr. Becherer grew up in Chapel Hill, NC and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for her undergraduate degree in Chemistry. After graduation, she worked as a dental assistant in Manhattan for a year while she applied to dental school. She returned to UNC for her Doctor of Dental Surgery, where she developed her clinical skills, graduated with honors, and was elected to Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society.
After finishing dental school, Dr. Becherer completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. She joined Peace Haven Family Dentistry in 2019, where her focus is helping her patients have healthy, functional, and confident smiles throughout each stage of life. She continues to improve her skills through continuing education and is a member of the American Dental Association, the North Carolina Dental Society, and the Forsyth County Dental Society.
Dr. Becherer met her husband, Tripp, at UNC School of Dentistry and they were married in Sylva, NC in 2017. They have a busy household with two young children, Audrey and Dean, and two retired racing greyhounds.
Q & A with Dr. Abby L. Becherer, D.D.S.
Q: What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you in your professional dental career?
A: I was working with patient that was so excited to get his denture that he broke himself out of the hospital to keep his appointment with me. He showed up wearing the hospital wristband and the IV port was still in his arm. Thankfully he was not hospitalized for a life-threatening condition…but I was certainly surprised by his dedication to his dental care!
Q: What’s one thing a new patient would be surprised to know about you?
A: In dental school, students sit in alphabetical order in the simulation lab where we do our first fillings and crowns on manikins. How lucky am I that my soulmate’s last name is Bartholomew!? My husband, Tripp, sat right next to me in lab. We started dating in our first year and were married before graduation.
Q: Were you ever afraid of the dentist? Why/Why not?
A: Never! I’ve had fillings, gum surgery, and lots of orthodontic treatment and I have only had positive experiences. I appreciate how these dentists treated me and I strive to treat my own patients with the same level of care.
Q: Why is Dentistry important?
A: Oral health is intricately related to your overall well-being – it’s important for systemic health, the ability to consume a healthy diet, and self-confidence.
Q: When did you know you wanted to be a dentist?
A: I was supposedly telling people in middle school that I was going to be an orthodontist. I’ve stayed on track to become a dentist ever since, although I decided to pursue general dentistry instead of specializing.
Q: What do you like most about the dental profession?
A: My patients – I love earning their trust, providing the best care possible and helping them attain and maintain healthy, beautiful smiles.
Q: Why should I go to you for my dental care?
A: I am compassionate, gentle and always have your best interest at heart. I recently completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at VCU in Richmond where I gained additional training in complex restorative treatment. I bring these skills and expertise to my patients at Peace Haven Family Dentistry.
Q: What’s your dental philosophy?
A: The best dentistry is comprehensive yet conservative – it’s the least amount of treatment needed to restore health, chewing ability, and esthetics. In fact, I believe prevention is the best approach to oral health. That said, when treatment is necessary, I aim to provide restorative treatment that is long-lasting and predictable to address each patient’s unique needs.
Q: What are some of your interests outside the office? Volunteer/hobbies?
A: I love traveling, hiking, and trying new restaurants and breweries with my husband. I am obsessed with our retired racing greyhound, Leroy. I also enjoy crafts of all kinds – I’ve dabbled in everything from pottery to woodburning and my newest hobby is quilting. I have always volunteered as much as I can. As a new resident in Winston-Salem, I am looking forward to being involved and giving back to my community.