Handcrafted

Our dentists, Caitlin Singleton, DDS and Jim Eaker, DDS are honored and proud to have the most capable, committed, and loyal North Carolina dental team. Each of our co-workers, which includes front office administrators, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, are experienced, well-trained, and passionate providers of care.

You are who bring us together and allow us to do what we love!

Dr. Singleton

When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always gave a “million-dollar smile” and said a dentist! Born and raised in Michigan, I loved my family dentist, Dr. Strong, a family friend and a big influence in my life from very early on.

My real dental journey began at The University of Michigan as an undergraduate in the University Hospital. There, I was a dental assistant, a position given to only select pre-dental students, alongside the dental residents. I was able to assist and learn a great deal from them about treating dental emergencies from toothaches to facial injuries. I am proud to be a dental graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (GO HEELS) and I have really embraced living in the south! I am dedicated to furthering my dental education and regularly take continuing education courses to stay current with the latest technologies and techniques for treating our patients.

I am excited to continue studying in a 10-part dental series by the world renown Dr. John Kois in Seattle. I enjoy all aspects of general dentistry including tooth-colored fillings, crowns, bridges, implant restorations, root canal therapy, extractions, dentures and Invisalign (clear braces). I also enjoy working with all ages, from 1-year-old to my oldest patient at 101 years young. In my down time, I love exploring Durham and the surrounding areas with my husband Tyler and our Australian Shepherd, Ockee. We love to check out new restaurants, so be sure to bring your suggestions when you come to your next dental appointment! I feel so incredibly blessed to work with all of my new teammates and especially Dr. Eaker! I have big shoes to fill for the next 30+ years but know with the wonderful office and patients we have here, every day will be a pleasure!

I love still being part of our patient-centered culture with Dr. Singleton, our team and our patients! I am a native of Forest City, NC (a beautiful Christmas town). I received my BA and DDS (1985) from UNC-Chapel Hill and never left the area. I have been happily married to Susan for 27 years and lived in the same house one mile from the office for 26 years. Our kids are Will (22), Emma (22), and Evelyn (12, at home and homeschooled), Nessy the dog (10), and Grace the cat (16) — all adopted. We are members of First Baptist Church in downtown Durham. At home, my current favorite activities include spending time with my family, kayaking, yard projects, playing with Nessy, healthy living, UNC sports, cycling, mercy dentistry, men’s ministry, pickleball, cooking (especially desserts and smoking meats), fishing, and trying to balance life and wisely navigate our changing world

Dr. Eaker

Donna

(hygienist)

I’m from Gastonia, N.C. and I am a UNC graduate, class of 1981. I have been with our office since 1990 and I love dental hygiene, often referring to myself as a “picker and a grinner.” Next to God, my family is the most important part of my life!! My husband, Lee and I have a blended family and we’ve been married 12 years. My 3 adult children are Wes, Erika and David and Lee has Janie, Charles and Charlotte. We are blessed with 4 grandsons: Carter, Reddin, Webb and Elliott. Lee and I love to travel, especially when it involves seeing family. I try to see my parents and 2 siblings in Gastonia once a month, if possible. We like visiting other countries and National Parks have been a passion.

Lee and I love to dance and we are members of a few dinner/dance clubs, and a wine club. I especially enjoy cooking and hosting parties, gardening and my book club and Bible study group. Working for our office has been a lifetime of relationships, love & laughter that I cherish!

I am a Texan and remain so at heart even though I’ve fallen in love with NC and the NC men’s BB Tar Heels. My husband and I just celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary! We have two beautiful grown children and two beautiful granddaughters. We also have a terrific son-in-law and a fantastic future daughter-in-law.

I love the beach and Ocracoke is our favorite place. We have a five-year-old Westie named Thatch (who needs a sibling!) I love working with my hands so my hobbies include this as well! I love doing stained glass and I attempt pottery on the wheel. This office has the best dentists, staff and patients! I love my job!

Halcyon

(hygienist)

Heather Y.

(hygienist)

Hey y’all! I’m Heather Young. I’ve been a dental hygienist for 26 years and been a part of this amazing team for 6 of those! Born and raised in Summerville, SC, I moved to beautiful Rougemont, NC 18 years ago. I’m married to a Captain with the Durham Fire Department and have two teenage sons. One will be a freshman at UNC-W this fall. Go Sea Hawks! We also have three furbabies that enjoy going camping with us. My free time is spent FISHING! Anything from surf to offshore when we can find the time. I love to spend time with my family, laying in my hammock and reading, coffee, the beach and did I mention fishing?!!!

I enjoy having fun at work… we would all agree that everyone knows when I’m at the office. My contagious laugh echoes through the hallways. I enjoy forming lasting bonds with my patients and getting to know everyone and their families. I love seeing a new patient for the first time who hasn’t been in a dental office in years. I like being able to help them get back to their dental health goals and then maintain them. I also love seeing patients for their recall appointments. Not only to catch up, but tweak any home care techniques to maintain optimal oral health.
What I love best about our office? You come in as a patient and then quickly become family. We have the ABSOLUTE BEST office ever!

My name is Lisa and I am a dental assistant with Dr. Singleton & Dr. Eaker’s practice. I am a Durham native and attended UNC for the Dental Assisting program. I have three daughters; Payton, my first, and twins, Hailey and Sydney, who will turn 21 this summer! We believe that to make a house a home requires at least one dog! We have Josie, our super sweet rescue mutt and Mowgli, the stereotypical Chihuahua. In my free time I enjoy reading, jigsaw puzzles, walking the dogs, movies and baking. I am known in the office for my pound cakes!

Lisa

(dental assistant)

Mandy

(dental assistant)

I’m Mandy one of the dental assistants. I’ve been in dentistry for over 20 years. I live in Burlington with my husband and our youngest daughter. We have 4 grown children, 2 boys and 2 girls, already out of the house. We also have a mini farm that keeps us pretty busy and always entertained. I am passionate about 3 things: Jesus, my family, and dentistry. When I’m not at the office I enjoy cooking and anything outdoors. Spending time with my family, finding joy in the simple things and always remembering to laugh. I love getting to know our patients and helping them better understand their dental health now and for the future. My goal is to provide a relaxing and comfortable dental experience for my patients. I can’t wait to meet you!

My name is Heather R. (I am the second Heather. Yes, there are three!) and I am the Financial/Insurance Coordinator at Handcrafted Dentistry. I joined the office in March 2020 with Dr. Eaker and I am so blessed to have this amazing team as my work family. I feel like Dr. Singleton was the perfect match to join our team this year. I started working in Dentistry about 13 years ago and I could not see myself anywhere else! I am so thankful I finally found my work home. I was born and raised in Durham, and still reside here with my family. I have been married for 9 years to my husband Timmy. We have two girls, Harper (7) and Lillie (7 months), and a Shih Tzu named Ellie. In my free time I enjoy going to the lake, going out to eat and spending time with my family/friends. On the weekends you can find me drinking an iced coffee and strolling around Targe

Heather R.

(financial/insurance coordinator)

Heather M.

(Receptionist/Scheduling Coordinator)

I am from Charlotte, NC and moved to Hurdle Mills in 2020. I bought a beautiful farmhouse in the country and love it there! I have over 14 years of experience in front office including at an ob/gyn and radiation oncology clinic and moved into dentistry in August 2020. I feel so blessed to work with such a great staff and caring dentists. The compassion and level of care at our office is truly what makes it unique. I enjoy helping others and being the face of the office to patients. At home I enjoy spending time with my family, Jason, and son Aiden. We are expecting a little girl, Hailey, in 2021 and are very overjoyed! We enjoy going to NASCAR races, car shows, and riding in our vintage 1978 El Camino. We enjoy going to wrestling matches at Aiden’s high school. I also enjoy the beach (especially Outer Banks) and the mountains! My family and I love watching Seattle Seahawks and NC State sports.