Meet Our Team

Dentist in Valdese & Lenoir, NC

All our professionals at John W. Cox, DDS maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in dentistry.

  • John W. Cox, DDS, PA
    Dentist in Valdese & Lenoir, NC


    Dr. John W. Cox graduated from Baylor University in Waco, Texas where he received a B.S. degree in Biology.  In 1997, he graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.  Dr. Cox is a member of the NC Dental Society along with the Western Piedmont Dental Society.  Doctor Cox has certificates in Invisalign, Laser Dentistry, and Dental Implants.


    After graduating from dental school, Dr. Cox worked briefly at the Burke County Health Department. He then started his practice in Lenoir in 1998 where he worked out of a small treatment room in another local dentist office. In 2000, he opened the doors at his Lenoir location on Harper Ave. After great success, in 2008, he opened the Valdese office location on Main St. in Downtown Valdese across from the bakery.


    With both offices going well, Dr. Cox and his staff strive to provide only the highest of dental care treatment to his patients. Dr. Cox’s aim is to work towards returning patients’ mouths back into an esthetic, functional whole. “Education is a key;” notes Dr. Cox, “a lot of people are unaware at how important their teeth are to the quality of their lives until they lose them. An ounce of prevention can go a long ways towards a healthy, beautiful smile.” Regular check-ups and cleanings along with proper brushing are essential to prevention, but it has to start by setting up an appointment to get started.

  • Karen Sharpe, CDA
    Certified Dental Assistant


    I am a 1996 graduate of Western Piedmont Community College. I have been a dental assistant with Dr. Cox’s dentistry team since 1997 and have been a Certified Dental Assistant for over 24 years. We have an awesome dental team and the best patients.The best part of my job is seeing the patient smile after they get their procedure done. I feel that it's rewarding to improve patients' smiles from start to finish. Keeping the patient happy is our number 1 goal. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, playing basketball, swimming and playing with my miniature horses. I live on a little farm in Vale, NC with my husband of 18 years.

  • Mary Ann Cox, Op. Mgr.
    Operations Manager


    Welcome! Thank you for choosing the offices of John W. Cox, DDS. I was born in Burke Co. and attended school at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute back in the ’90s. I always knew I wanted to take a rewarding career path focusing on improving others' wellness. I started out in the nursing program and from there I soon recognized I was able to perform both front office and clinical duties. While well on my way to helping others, I quickly discovered I had a love for dentistry! I began working for a local dentist Dr. Doug Terry back in 2001 in his front office and learning as much clinically as possible. I realized I loved helping people smile, while looking aesthetically their best, providing for both their financial integrity, health, and self-esteem.

    I moved to Winston Salem, NC in 2003 and expanded my career path in the medical field working in an orthopedic mini-hospital setting of about 200 employees serving as their primary triage liaison for 35 orthopedic surgeons. I served thousands of patients with emergent needs over the course of my span there. I earned a seat as part of the Orthopedic Specialists of the Carolina’s Service Committee board and was nominated out of 200 co-workers by way of letter to receive the Jackson Carlisle Award of the Year for the most Outstanding Patient Care Coordinator and Employee Services in 2011.

    In 2015, I began a new journey as a medical software representative for SolutionReach, Inc. out of Lehi, UT. I served the Triad area in helping practices increase their revenue by managing and fostering better patient relationships through business-to-business sales. I traveled working in medical, dental, and vision offices daily. This position was very rewarding in the sense of knowing I was making a positive difference in multiple offices.

    Then in 2017, I moved back to return to a clinical position with an integrated primary care practice in Boone, NC , then quickly found my first love of dental again. I began working for John W. Cox, DDS in October of 2019 and earned my x-ray certification at the Dental Institute of Charlotte, NC. I enjoy helping meet patients' needs right where you are and finding creative ways to facilitate that help. In 2021, I developed an all-exclusive John W. Cox, DDS discount savings plan just for our patients. This plan is designed to help care for the financial needs of our patients who no longer have dental insurance and see the benefits of experiencing discounts without the yearly deductibles or maximum limitations insurances set. It’s our way of giving back and serving our community in a purposeful way insurance companies can’t.

    I am happily married to the love of my life and have two handsome boys who are my world! I enjoy taking long walks, eating healthy, traveling, binge-watching movies, and helping serve others in my spare time. I look forward to serving and seeing you become a part of our amazing dental family soon!

    Your Best Smile Awaits!

    Mary Ann Cox, Operations Mgr.


  • Amy Best, CDA
    Certified Dental Assistant & Patient Care Liaison

    Hello, my name is Amy . I have been a dental assistant for 28 years.  My husband, Brian and I have been married for 8 years and have 3 children, Austin, Allison and McKayla.  I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the mountains and watching my daughter, Allison play volleyball.  Whether over the phone or in person, I hope to make your experience with Dr. Cox an excellent one.  

  • Michaela Norville, RDH
    Registered Dental Hygienist

    Hello, I am Michaela. I have been a RDH for the past 7 years and am currently pursing my bachelor's degree to further my career in medicine. I have a passion for teaching and educating my patients.

    I love reading and my happy place is the beach. I look forward to meeting you, your family and serving the community here at Dr. Cox's office. 

PLEASE TEXT OUR OFFICES DIRECTLY. 

It is the absolute best way to communicate with us or go to Contact Us to make an appointment request today !

Valdese, NC Dentist Office
(828) 893-0010

Lenoir, NC Dentist Office
(828) 758-0010


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Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Main Office Valdese

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

8:30 am-12:30 pm

1:30 pm-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-12:30 pm

1:30 pm-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-12:30 pm

1:30 pm-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Lenoir, NC Dentist Office

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

8:30 am-12:30 pm

1:30 pm-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed