Our Team
Meet our team of Pediatric Dentists
Welcome to Doby’s Bridge Pediatric Dentistry, where our caring pediatric dentists focus on your child’s oral health. We emphasize education, prevention, positive encouragement, and high-quality treatment to ensure your little one has a joyful and successful dental visit!
Dr. Stephanie R. Boone-Smith, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Stephanie R. Boone-Smith is a native of Sumter, South Carolina. She is a 1998 graduate of Johnson C. Smith University in which she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. She is also a 2005 Howard University College of Dentistry graduate.
Dr. Boone is an avid motorcyclist. She also enjoys playing the piano, singing, and fast cars. Family is very important to her. She and her husband, Leroy, currently reside in Lake Wylie, South Carolina. Her motto is, “Remember who and whose you are and you’ll never forget whence you came.”
Dr. Celine Mvula
General Dentist
Dr. Celine is from The Democratic Republic of Congo and moved to North Carolina about 20 years ago. She earned her Bachelor of science in Biology from the University of NC Greensboro and received a Doctorate in Dental Medicine from East Carolina University. Dr. Celine enjoys sharing her knowledge of dentistry with patients! She also enjoys traveling and spending time with family.
Dr. Somto Akamnonu
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Somto Akamnonu received her DMD degree from Boston University, School of Dental Medicine and graduated with Honors. She completed her Pediatric Dental Residency at NYU Langone Hospitals.
Dr. Somto was drawn to the career of pediatric dentistry because of her desire to make a change in the life of children. To her, knowing that she can make a difference in the care of her patients leaves her with a very gratifying feeling. Dr. Somto enjoys working with kids because with kids, there is never a dull moment, no single day is the same. Seeing a child have that breakthrough and leaving a smile on the faces of these little angels warms the cockles of her heart.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Somto is a family woman, mother to two lovely kids and loves being a “mommy”. In her spare time, Dr. Somto enjoys traveling, cooking, exercising, volunteering at the local community and coaching at neighborhood kids’ events.
Dr. Amandeep (Mandee) Pentlia, DDS, MPH
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Hi! My name’s Dr. Mandee. I fell in love with dentistry after having LOTS of dental work done myself and spending copious amounts of time at my own dentist’s office. After college, I packed my bags and moved from Canada to Michigan, where I completed my dental training at the University of Detroit Mercy. Upon graduating, I moved to Denver, Colorado to be a mile closer to the sun, to have the mountains in my backyard and to complete my training in pediatric dentistry. I worked for two years in West Texas, where I gained a great deal of experience and a (small) appreciation for country music.
I’ve always had a passion for working with children, families and patients with special needs. I believe that a smile has the power to single-handedly change someone’s day, and it’s my goal to help make children everywhere smile bigger and brighter! I am so excited to be back on the East Coast and am so grateful for the opportunity to serve in the Carolinas.
Outside of dentistry, I enjoy yoga, skiing, scuba diving, hiking, traveling, and reading. Talk to me about your favorite books, mountains, and travel destinations!
Dr. Cecilia (Sun) Hwang, DDS
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Cecilia (Sun) Hwang grew up in Charlotte and graduated from Myers Park High School. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with distinction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2003, after first earning a Bachelor of Science in chemistry at UNC. During dental school, Dr. Hwang participated in rotations at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC and the pediatric dental clinic at Gaston Health Services in Gastonia.
Immediately following dental school, Dr. Hwang completed her training in pediatric dentistry at the University of Iowa. After her training in Iowa, Dr. Hwang moved back home to North Carolina to join a private practice. She has been providing dental care to many families in Charlotte since 2006. Dr. Hwang has been voted as “Top Dentist” by Charlotte Magazine for several years.
Dr. Hwang is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is also a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, NC Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, NC Dental Society and Charlotte Dental Society.
Dr. Hwang chose her career in pediatric dentistry due to her own fear of dentists as a child. She strives to make a difference in each of her patient’s dental and overall health by providing individualized and compassionate care. Outside the office, Dr. Hwang enjoys reading, cooking and volunteering at her sons’ schools. She and her husband also love to spend family time together exploring NC mountains, camping and trying new restaurants.
