Meet Dr. Carter Ward
Common Ground, Common Sense, for the Common Good.
Every patient has a story, and every patient has unique goals. My passion lies in building relationships, finding common ground, and creating treatment plans that make sense for the individual. Dentistry, to me, is the perfect fusion of art and science, where precision meets creativity to restore both function and confidence.
Background and Education
I grew up in Hickory, North Carolina, and after graduating from Lumberton Senior High School, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1999. From there, I pursued my Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the UNC School of Dentistry, graduating in 2003.
After dental school, my wife Melissa and I moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, where I established myself as a solo practitioner in private practice. I’ve always been committed to continuing education, knowing that dentistry constantly evolves. I completed a nine-month mini-residency in implantology from the Misch Implant Institute in partnership with Temple University. Additionally, I trained in leadership development at the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry and have advanced training in soft tissue lasers, CAD/CAM technology, and CEREC® crowns.
Advancements in Education
I believe that collaboration strengthens patient care, which is why I actively participate in local study groups to stay connected with specialists, share insights, and remain at the forefront of new dental techniques and technology. I am a proud member of the:
- American Dental Association
- North Carolina Dental Society
- American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
Life Beyond Dentistry
Melissa and I have been married for 21 years—she is the backbone of our family. We have two amazing kids: our 17-year-old daughter, a junior at Reynolds High School, who has a beautiful singing voice and plays guitar, and our ten-year-old son, who is a basketball and football fanatic. As a family, we love music festivals, hiking, trout fishing, and traveling to national parks. And yes, we are all proud Tar Heels!
Music is a huge part of my life and my practice. I am a partner in a music venue, The Ramkat, and I love playing guitar with friends whenever I get the chance.
Giving Back
I am passionate about environmental causes and community service. I firmly believe that a sense of community is only created by getting out in your community. Our practice supports Second Harvest Food Bank, and we actively volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. My philosophy? Think globally, act locally.
At the heart of it all, my goal is simple: to provide exceptional, personalized dental care while making meaningful connections. I look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile!