Gentle. Professional. Caring. Honest.
Our dental team knows that we are here to serve YOU. That is why we operate by the golden rule: treat others as we would like to be treated.
Meet Your Dentists
Meet Samantha Knight, DMD (formerly Dr. Johnson)
Family & Cosmetic Dentist
A Florida native, Dr. Knight was born and raised in a suburb of Ft. Lauderdale. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science. She then moved to Bradenton, FL where she completed her Doctor of Dental Medicine at LECOM School of Dental Medicine in 2016.
After dental school, Dr. Knight made the move to Atlanta to complete a 1-year residency in Advanced Education of General Dentistry, treating patients in offices all around the city, including Grady and the Ben Massell Dental Clinic.
Outside of work, Dr. Knight loves traveling and spending time with her family. She and her husband Nick reside in Johns Creek with their daughter. Dr. Knight looks forward to meeting you and providing your family the best of dental care in a friendly environment.
EDUCATION
University of Florida – Bachelor of Science
Health Science LECOM School of Dental Medicine – Doctor of Dental Medicine
MEMBERSHIPS
American Dental Association
Georgia Dental Association
Meet Raina Pike, DMD
Family & Cosmetic Dentist
Raina Pike, DMD, (formerly Dr. Graham) earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University in 2017. She holds a Bachelor degree in Biological Sciences and Microbiology from the University of Georgia. Dr. Pike was named to the Dean’s List at both schools and was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Academic Honor Society and the Delta Epsilon Iota Honor Society. While in dental school, she was a member of several service organizations including Dentists for Della, Operation Smile and Georgia Mission of Mercy, the latter of which she is still currently involved with, as well as Give Kids a Smile and Donated Dental Services. Upon graduation, Dr. Pike became qualified in IV conscious sedation after advanced training for treatment of anxious and medically compromised patients. Additionally, she pursued education with the American Academy of Facial Esthetics for cosmetic procedures including Botox and Dermal Fillers, as well as treatment of TMJ issues and trigger points for myofascial pain. Originally from Tifton, her parents still reside as practitioners of family medicine. Dr. Pike was recently married to her husband, Taylor Pike, from Marietta, GA. Together they enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling, and giving back to the community.
Education
University of Georgia: Bachelor of Biological Sciences and Microbiology
Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University (formerly known as MCG)- Doctor of Dental Medicine
Memberships
American Academy of Facial Esthetics
American Dental Association
Georgia Dental Association
Meet Poonam Kalaria, DMD
Family & Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Kalaria is from Dalton, GA and attended high school at Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga, TN. She earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in Economics from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was fortunate to see her alma mater win a national basketball championship while she was in college, and will never forget that experience!
After graduation, Dr. Kalaria worked as an underwriter for an insurance company in New Jersey and Chicago. She had the pleasure of working in the Sears Tower while in Chicago with a view that could take your breath away! After insurance, she worked in the Atlanta education system for a startup charter school in Old Fourth Ward. And finally, Dr. Kalaria was able to find the career she loves more than anything! She graduated from the Dental College of Georgia in 2021 followed by a year of residency at Grady Health System and the Ben Massell Clinic in Atlanta.
Dr. Kalaria spends most of her free time eating out with friends. She is determined to try every restaurant in Atlanta! And the rest of her time is spent with her dog Milo!
Education
University of North Carolina: Bachelor of Arts Economics
Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University (formerly known as MCG)- Doctor of Dental Medicine
Meet Lauren E. Wager, DDS
Family & Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Lauren E. Wager grew up in Buffalo, NY and at an early age, developed a passion for helping others. With a mother who is a nurse and a father who is an engineer, she found her perfect match in dentistry. After graduating from the University at Buffalo (UB) with her undergraduate in Biomedical Sciences and Psychology, Dr. Wager then continued on to the UB School of Dental Medicine.
After graduation, Dr. Wager moved to Jacksonville, FL, where she practiced general dentistry. She met Max, her best friend, and partner in crime. Dr. Wager and Max relocated to Atlanta to build a future together that was closer to family. She joined Town Dentistry because our values align perfectly - specifically, the belief in prioritizing a strong, nurturing relationship with patients to deliver the most positive experience.
Dr. Wager loves her job, but when she is not working, she can be found playing outside. Her current favorite outdoor activities are exploring local hiking trails, playing wiffle ball in the yard, and cycling around town at sunset – usually followed by a seasonal craft beer.
Be sure to let Dr. Wager know your local faves and hot spots!
Education
University at Buffalo
University at Buffalo - School of Dental Medicine
Meet Hunter Cross, DMD
Family & Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Hunter Cross is originally from Tifton, GA where he grew up with his parents and younger sister, where he yearned to be a dentist at a young age. From medical mission trips and involvement in his local community, Dr. Cross aspired to achieve his goal of becoming a dental professional by discovering his passion for serving others. After graduating from Georgia College and State University with his undergraduate degree in Biology, Dr. Cross continued his education at the Dental College of Georgia to pursue his degree as Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry.
Upon graduation, Dr. Cross moved to Atlanta, GA to provide dental care in the surrounding areas. As family and friends play a significant role in his life, Atlanta appeared to be the most central point to accompany a healthy and stable environment to now call home. Dr. Cross joined Town Dentistry because it reminded him of his dental experience as an adolescent. Particularly, Town Dentistry offers a welcoming environment that strives to exceed patient expectations by being committed to listening and individualizing patients' needs in order to provide options that lead to a beautiful, healthy smile.
Outside of the office, Dr. Cross enjoys outdoor activities with friends and family as well as playing tennis and being in between the hedges to pull for the Georgia Bulldogs.
Education
Georgia College and State University
Dental College of Georgia - School of Dental Medicine
Meet Your Dental Team
Erik Perez, Director of Operations
Erik, is a California native but has enjoyed Georgia for most of his life. He brings over ten years of combined dental experience in clinical and administrative dental services. He attended The University of South Carolina on a Division I soccer scholarship before transferring to Georgia Gwinnett College, where he finished his collegiate athletic career. Erik is a visionary leader and a strategic thinker who applies his expertise to create value for each patient here at Town Dentistry. When he is not traveling the world with his son Xabi, Erik enjoys playing soccer and hiking with his two German Shepherds, Jürgen & Kaiser.
Monique Eastman, Business Manager
Monique is a native of Georgia, raised in Savannah. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and a minor in Psychology. She obtained a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership from Brenau University. Monique served six years of active duty in the U.S. Army Dental Corp and has lived all over the country, including Hawaii. Currently, her son (her heart) lives in Hawaii, and after serving eight years of active duty in the U.S. Navy, he is now in the Navy Reserves. Monique loves to travel. She spends her free time going to movies and concerts.
Janette Chaney, Team Development and Operations
Janette, a native of Georgia, relocated a little north to join our practice in 2020. She brings with her years of experience in dental management. She attended TSU, receiving a Bachelors degree in business and Masters from KSU. She has a passion for dentistry and enjoys coaching and the development of dental practices and teams. Janette has one daughter, the love of her life, and a Pekingese named Dallas. Outside of work, Janette is a huge football fan; she enjoys traveling, scouting new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.