At Bird Pediatric Dentistry, our entire kind and compassionate team is passionate about helping children have the best possible oral health with beautiful and functional smiles. From infancy to adulthood, our team of pediatric dentists and dental professionals are dedicated to ensuring your child has a wonderful experience while receiving the care and education that will start and keep them on the road to a lifetime of excellent oral health.
Meet Dr. Suzanne Bird
Practice Philosophy
As a board-certified Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Suzanne Bird is one of just a few pediatric dentists in the United States who is also a certified Orthodontist. This dual specialty helps Dr. Bird create a pleasurable experience for your children as she assesses their growing jaws and how their teeth are growing in. If there are any concerns, Dr. Bird can often guide your children’s growth and development with orthodontics – without referring your child to an unfamiliar team.
Home Life
When not helping her family of patients attain and maintain straight and healthy teeth, Dr. Bird appreciates traveling to tropical destinations and spending time with her husband Jake and their five children, Jacob, Emily, Marilyn, Rosemary and Renee; the youngest of whom is an aspiring dentist! The family also enjoys the antics of their furry family members, a Cockapoo named Otto and a Labradoodle named Henry.
Education & Professional Memberships
Dr. Bird earned her doctorate from UNC School of Dentistry, her Pediatric specialty from The Ohio State University and Columbus Children's Hospital, and her Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from The University of Missouri in Kansas City. She is an active member of the following organizations:
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- North Carolina Society of Pediatric Dentistry
- North Carolina Dental Society
- Charlotte Dental Society
Meet Dr. Laurie Kane
Practice Philosophy
Dr. Laurie Kane finds it personally rewarding to treat patients of an impressionable age – aiming to create positive experiences, which can shape the outlook of dental visits for a lifetime.
Home Life
Outside of the office, Dr. Kane enjoys traveling with her husband, Zaid, and their daughter, Lily. She enjoys experiencing different cultures, new foods, and history, citing some of her favorite travel destinations as Italy, Austria, and Peru.
Education & Background
Dr. Kane received her DDS degree from the University of Southern California and a certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry from the University of California Los Angeles. After years of private practice in general dentistry and pediatric dental practices, Dr. Kane decided to pursue her passion and obtain a certificate in pediatric dentistry from Temple University Hospital.
Meet Dr. Karen Kang
Practice Philosophy
Dr. Karen Kang is passionate about helping children achieve optimal oral health and setting them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. She is so happy to return to North Carolina and is excited to join Bird Pediatric Dentistry to serve the community of Charlotte!
Home Life
During her free time, Dr. Kang loves to cook, travel, and spend time with her husband, Ji, and her baby girl, Ellie.
Education & Background
Dr. Kang was born in South Korea but spent most of her childhood in Georgia. She received her DDM degree at the Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Kang then joined the army to serve as a general dentist. She was first stationed in Hawaii and then Fort Bragg, NC, where she decided to become a pediatric dentist. After five years of general dentistry experience, Dr. Kang completed her pediatric dentistry training at Temple University Hospital’s Pediatric Dental Residency Program. She not only learned how to treat a diverse population of pediatric patients but became proficient in sedation dentistry. Dr. Kang is a member of the American Dental Association and is a board-eligible member of the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Meet Dr. Suzanne Bird
Practice Philosophy
As a board-certified Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Suzanne Bird is one of just a few pediatric dentists in the United States who is also a certified Orthodontist. This dual specialty helps Dr. Bird create a pleasurable experience for your children as she assesses their growing jaws and how their teeth are growing in. If there are any concerns, Dr. Bird can often guide your children’s growth and development with orthodontics – without referring your child to an unfamiliar team.
Home Life
When not helping her family of patients attain and maintain straight and healthy teeth, Dr. Bird appreciates traveling to tropical destinations and spending time with her husband Jake and their five children, Jacob, Emily, Marilyn, Rosemary and Renee; the youngest of whom is an aspiring dentist! The family also enjoys the antics of their furry family members, a Cockapoo named Otto and a Labradoodle named Henry.
Education & Professional Memberships
Dr. Bird earned her doctorate from UNC School of Dentistry, her Pediatric specialty from The Ohio State University and Columbus Children's Hospital, and her Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from The University of Missouri in Kansas City. She is an active member of the following organizations:
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- North Carolina Society of Pediatric Dentistry
- North Carolina Dental Society
- Charlotte Dental Society
Meet Dr. Laurie Kane
Practice Philosophy
Dr. Laurie Kane finds it personally rewarding to treat patients of an impressionable age – aiming to create positive experiences, which can shape the outlook of dental visits for a lifetime.
Home Life
Outside of the office, Dr. Kane enjoys traveling with her husband, Zaid, and their daughter, Lily. She enjoys experiencing different cultures, new foods, and history, citing some of her favorite travel destinations as Italy, Austria, and Peru.
Education & Background
Dr. Kane received her DDS degree from the University of Southern California and a certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry from the University of California Los Angeles. After years of private practice in general dentistry and pediatric dental practices, Dr. Kane decided to pursue her passion and obtain a certificate in pediatric dentistry from Temple University Hospital.
Meet Dr. Karen Kang
Practice Philosophy
Dr. Karen Kang is passionate about helping children achieve optimal oral health and setting them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. She is so happy to return to North Carolina and is excited to join Bird Pediatric Dentistry to serve the community of Charlotte!
Home Life
During her free time, Dr. Kang loves to cook, travel, and spend time with her husband, Ji, and her baby girl, Ellie.
Education & Background
Dr. Kang was born in South Korea but spent most of her childhood in Georgia. She received her DDM degree at the Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Kang then joined the army to serve as a general dentist. She was first stationed in Hawaii and then Fort Bragg, NC, where she decided to become a pediatric dentist. After five years of general dentistry experience, Dr. Kang completed her pediatric dentistry training at Temple University Hospital’s Pediatric Dental Residency Program. She not only learned how to treat a diverse population of pediatric patients but became proficient in sedation dentistry. Dr. Kang is a member of the American Dental Association and is a board-eligible member of the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Kelly Lipp
Practice Philosophy
As a second-generation dental professional, Dr. Lipp loves children and is passionate about helping them start their dental journeys in calming comfort. She knows that healthcare can sometimes be intimidating and confusing, so Dr. Lipp places her focus on creating a comfortable, enjoyable, and educational environment at every visit.
Home Life
Dr. Lipp and her fiancé Dr. Blake Nelson, who is also a dentist, have recently made Charlotte home and are excited about exploring the city. They spend their free time cooking, hiking, and relaxing with their dog, an adorable Goldendoodle named Teddy, who will do anything for a treat.
Education & Professional Memberships
Rounding out the UNC School of Dentistry alumni is Dr. Kelly Lipp. After earning her doctorate, Dr. Lipp also earned her certificate to practice pediatric dentistry at The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Dr. Lipp wrote her master’s thesis on Pediatric Patient Comfort Following Dental Treatment. She is an active member of the following organizations:
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- North Carolina Dental Society
- Charlotte Dental Society
- American Academy of Dental Research
Dr. Lipp and her fiancé
Dr. Blake Nelson
Dr. Blake Nelson
About Our Team
Along with our kind and compassionate pediatric dentists, our team of dental professionals is dedicated to helping your children achieve excellent oral health with the beautiful smile they deserve.
Patient Coordinator
Jacqueline Guarino
Jacqueline’s objective is to ensure every child gets the care they deserve. A highlight of her job is making kids smile and enjoy their appointments. Her motto is that preventive care is key to remaining healthy. And as Buddy the Elf says, “smiling is my favorite.” The things she loves about Bird Pediatric are teamwork, kindness, and everyone’s ability to make sure we take pride in patient satisfaction. Jacqueline has an associate degree in healthcare management. Originally from Long Island, NY, she is still exploring Charlotte. Jacqueline is now closer to family. In the past, she has participated in cancer walks and raised funds.
Dental Assistant
Daisy
Daisy’s goal is to give patients the best service and care possible. Helping children enjoy their time in our office is a highlight. She believes every patient should be treated with the utmost care and respect. Daisy says our practice offers a fun work environment, and everyone possesses a passion for helping others. Daisy attended CPCC’s dental assisting program.
Dental Assistant
Janine
As one of our dependable dental assistants, Janine is keen on making procedures as easy as possible for her patients. It means the world when anxious patients have a positive experience. Her healthcare philosophy is to take a conservative approach and do what’s best for the patient. She’s a graduate of Sunrise School for Dental Assisting. Janine is married with two kids. She has lived in our community since 2016 and grew up in Detroit.
Dental Assistant
Shequanda Peterson
Shequanda’s mission is to ensure parents have the information they need to take good care of their children’s oral health. The best part of it all is seeing kids smile and overcome their fear of the dentist. Factors that inspired her to join our family include a great team, up-to-date equipment and technology, and a clean environment. Shequanda is married with two kids and a grandson. She relishes time with family, traveling, and volunteering with the street team ministry at church and Mission of Mercy. In 2017, she moved from Greenville to our community. She dreams of going abroad to do mission work with a dental team.
Business Development Manager
Alexa King
As the business development manager for both Bird Pediatric and Braces by Bird, Alexa is instrumental in promoting our services and practices. Spreading the word is her specialty! Alexa thoroughly enjoys engaging with the community and going to events. She grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota but has lived in Charlotte since 2017 (it’s nice to live where there isn’t snow!). She enjoys spending as much time as she can with her twin daughters, Ayla and Ella, and trying out new foods. She has a pet cockapoo named Oliver.
About Our Team
Along with our kind and compassionate pediatric dentists, our team of dental professionals is dedicated to helping your children achieve excellent oral health with the beautiful smile they deserve.
Patient Coordinator
Jacqueline Guarino
Jacqueline’s objective is to ensure every child gets the care they deserve. A highlight of her job is making kids smile and enjoy their appointments. Her motto is that preventive care is key to remaining healthy. And as Buddy the Elf says, “smiling is my favorite.” The things she loves about Bird Pediatric are teamwork, kindness, and everyone’s ability to make sure we take pride in patient satisfaction. Jacqueline has an associate degree in healthcare management. Originally from Long Island, NY, she is still exploring Charlotte. Jacqueline is now closer to family. In the past, she has participated in cancer walks and raised funds.
Dental Assistant
Daisy
Daisy’s goal is to give patients the best service and care possible. Helping children enjoy their time in our office is a highlight. She believes every patient should be treated with the utmost care and respect. Daisy says our practice offers a fun work environment, and everyone possesses a passion for helping others. Daisy attended CPCC’s dental assisting program.
Dental Assistant
Janine
As one of our dependable dental assistants, Janine is keen on making procedures as easy as possible for her patients. It means the world when anxious patients have a positive experience. Her healthcare philosophy is to take a conservative approach and do what’s best for the patient. She’s a graduate of Sunrise School for Dental Assisting. Janine is married with two kids. She has lived in our community since 2016 and grew up in Detroit.
Dental Assistant
Shequanda Peterson
Shequanda’s mission is to ensure parents have the information they need to take good care of their children’s oral health. The best part of it all is seeing kids smile and overcome their fear of the dentist. Factors that inspired her to join our family include a great team, up-to-date equipment and technology, and a clean environment. Shequanda is married with two kids and a grandson. She relishes time with family, traveling, and volunteering with the street team ministry at church and Mission of Mercy. In 2017, she moved from Greenville to our community. She dreams of going abroad to do mission work with a dental team.
Business Development Manager
Alexa King
As the business development manager for both Bird Pediatric and Braces by Bird, Alexa is instrumental in promoting our services and practices. Spreading the word is her specialty! Alexa thoroughly enjoys engaging with the community and going to events. She grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota but has lived in Charlotte since 2017 (it’s nice to live where there isn’t snow!). She enjoys spending as much time as she can with her twin daughters, Ayla and Ella, and trying out new foods. She has a pet cockapoo named Oliver.
Community Involvement
As a practice, and individually, we believe that giving back to people and providing sponsorship for events that benefit kids is our responsibility. We participate regularly in community support initiatives including:
- School presentations to teach oral health
- School festivals
- 5 k runs
- Safety days
- YMCA events
- Local swim teams
- Recreational sports leagues
- Local schools
Community Involvement
As a practice, and individually, we believe that giving back to people and providing sponsorship for events that benefit kids is our responsibility. We participate regularly in community support initiatives including:
- School presentations to teach oral health
- School festivals
- 5 k runs
- Safety days
- YMCA events
- Local swim teams
- Recreational sports leagues
- Local schools
