Karen Jeanne Armstrong, DMD
Dr. Karen Armstrong grew up in Los Angeles, California. She earned her degree in microbiology from Oregon State University, then her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree at the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry in 1990. After graduation, she joined the United States Navy Dental Corps. During her five years in the Navy, she had the unique opportunity to extensively rotate through each specialty of dentistry, gaining valuable experience in such areas as endodontics, oral surgery, and periodontics.
In April of 1995, she opened her office, built by her late husband, Rob Williams, with the goal of providing dental services in an environment similar to a home. In 2010, she formed a partnership with Dr. Bethany Tant and together they expanded the dental office to further their vision for quality dentistry in a relaxed setting.
Dr. Armstrong strives to attend more than 50 hours of continuing education each year. She is an active member of the Southeastern Academy of Prosthodontics, being elected the President in 2014. She has completed numerous courses and continuums including The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education, where dentists from around the country gather to advance their dental knowledge professionally as well as personally for today’s dental practice. She is a member in good standing with The Seattle Study Club, the Academy of General Dentistry, and both the North Carolina and Onslow County Dental Societies. Dr. Armstrong is an Adjunct Professor at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, where she educates and advises dental students in a clinical environment.
Dr. Armstrong has three sons, Andy, Mattson and Aidan, a daughter-in-law, Blair, and two granddaughters, Maddie and Sloane. During her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, watersports, physical fitness, and hiking.
Bethany Kramlich Tant, DDS
Dr. Bethany Tant’s family is originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania. As a child growing up in a Marine Corps family, she has traveled to many areas of our country, but has resided for most of her years at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and the surrounding communities. Dr. Tant has joined our dental family and become a partner in ownership with Karen Armstrong, DMD, as of December 1st, 2010.
Dr. Tant is a graduate of Richlands High School. She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry. She continued her education to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. Upon finishing school, she entered the United States Navy where she completed rotations with dental specialists in many areas of dentistry, including endodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics and more. While serving in the United States Navy, she completed a seven month tour of duty in Iraq, serving as the Officer in Charge (OIC) of the dental clinic in Al Asad, Iraq.
Dr. Tant enjoys attending continuing education and has completed the Essentials curriculum at the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education. She is a member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners and attends extensive continuing education courses each year on Invisalign treatment. She is a member of the American Dental Association®, the North Carolina Dental Association and the Onslow County Dental Society.
Dr. Tant and her husband Rich love living on the coast and enjoy the outdoors. They love golf, scuba diving, fishing and just being on the water. Dr. Tant is a fitness enthusiast and, when not at work, can often be found on her Peloton spin bike or telling someone all about it! In their spare time, they enjoy traveling with their blended family – Will, Molly and son-in-law Spencer, Zach and Anderson.
Stephanie Wangerin, DDS
Dr. Stephanie Wangerin was born and raised in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and is a proud graduate of Jacksonville High School. She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology with special recognition in public service. While in college, she was a member of the women’s varsity rowing team, serving as team captain her senior year. Go Heels! After college graduation, she attended graduate school at ECU’s Brody School of Medicine, earning her Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. She then returned to Chapel Hill to complete her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at the Adams School of Dentistry, graduating with Distinction in Community Service and Engagement.
After dental school, Dr. Wangerin pursued additional training through an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program at the Fayetteville NC Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Through this training, Dr. Wangerin gained proficiency in oral surgery, fixed and removable prosthodontics, implantology, advanced restorative dentistry and the treatment of medically complex patients. Serving our nation’s veterans was an extremely rewarding experience so, following graduation from residency, she accepted a job at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Wilmington, NC, where she worked until joining our team.
Dr. Wangerin is excited to be moving back to her hometown and begin serving patients in the community where she grew up. Dr. Wangerin is very passionate about continuing education, constantly aiming to strengthen her skillset and knowledge to better serve her patients. In the past two years she has completed over 400 hours of continuing education and is actively pursuing her Fellowship award with the Academy of General Dentistry. She is a member of the American Dental Association®, the North Carolina Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Dr. Wangerin and her husband, Taylor, love spending time outdoors, at the beach and with family, including their beloved cat, Finn. Her hobbies include playing and watching sports, scuba diving, reading, and a variety of arts and crafts.