COVER STORY

what did the dentist of the year receive?

“a little plaque,”

LAUGHS DR. CLAIRE PAPP OF WHITE AND HAINES ADVANCED & GENERAL DENTISTRY IN CORNELIUS. “WAIT, THERE’S MORE,” SHE CONTINUES WITH A GRIN:

"WHICH TEETH DO YOU NEED TO

BRUSH? THE ONES YOU WANT TO KEEP! AND AN OLDIE BUT A GOODIE, MY TEETH WERE STAINED SO THE DENTIST ASKED ME, ‘DO YOU SMOKE OR DRINK COFFEE?’ I TOLD HIM I DRINK IT,” DR. PAPP CONCLUDES IN HER DELIGHTFUL WAY.

WRITER Leslie Ogle PHOTOGRAPHER Chelsea Bren

DR. CLAIRE PAPP WITH DR. STEVEN WHITE & DR. BRAD HAINES

I“I AM IN MY ELEMENT,” she says, “when I am with my patients, telling them jokes, listening to their stories, and engaging in their lives … I like to make folks feel welcome and at home. In a world full of uncertainty, if you can try to nd the positives, things are more likely to turn out that way,” she says. “I believe in looking at the glass half full and not half empty.”

Dr. Papp grew up in a Navy family and moved every two years all over the United States. Born in London, she has also lived in San Diego, Pensacola, Washington, D.C., and Virginia Beach, to name a few. She attended Virginia Tech for her undergraduate degree, majoring in business management. Her desire to attend dental school would introduce her to Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Sarasota, Florida— completing her last clinical year in Erie, Pennsylvania.

“In fact,” Dr. Papp recounts, “I have lived in a total of 11 cities throughout the U.S. As expected, growing up moving every two years was very challenging for me but now, looking back, it has really shaped who I am as a person—extroverted, social, and able to make those around me feel comfortable … and it helps create that unique bond I have with my patients.” When Dr. Papp was pursuing her undergraduate degree in business, she went to the local dentist and noticed he had a degree in nance; this intrigued young Claire. “I remember thinking, ‘ nance and teeth, interesting’ … I soon met with my advisor to see if it was possible to take the necessary science courses along with my business courses.”

at summer she shadowed a dentist for over 100 hours and loved every minute of it. While it took an extra year to graduate, it was well worth the e ort as it turns out. “My business management degree has helped me see things from both a business and personal point of view in my career,” Dr. Papp explains, “so it’s been extremely useful and bene cial in a myriad of ways.”

Dr. Papp’s schedule is such that she has three-day weekends, which works out well since her mom lives in Las Vegas and her dad lives outside of Washington, D.C. Her two older brothers, with whom she is very close, live out of state as well with one in Orange County and the other in Phoenix.

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“We are spread out, but it gives me the opportunity to travel which I love to do and see family at the same time,” Dr. Papp shares. “I cherish the moments we are together. My two older brothers have inspired me the most because of the hard workers they both are. eir personalities have helped to shape who I am. ey have also inspired me to be a better person because they have always believed in me. Having their love and support means the world. Luckily, we have such a close relationship even though we live in three di erent cities on two opposite coasts.”

While Dr. Papp does not have any children of her own yet, she does hope to someday; meanwhile, she has three canines that keep her busy: Watson, a hound mix; Waylon, a bloodhound; and Tundra, a husky. e dogs keep her and her boyfriend, Nick, constantly on their feet but also overwhelmingly loved.

“Although I am in the business of canines,” Dr. Papp grins, “these three other types of canines are near and dear to my heart. I like to donate to local animal shelters twice a year to help with operation costs for dogs who are injured or in need; Halfway ere Rescue and Big Hearts Big Barks (BHBB) are two local nonpro ts that I support. In fact, I rescued Waylon from BHBB earlier this year.”

e positive energy Dr. Papp emits is a joy to see— half an hour in the dental chair somehow turns into a visit with an old friend. ey say if you love your work, you never work a day in your life. is is certainly evident not only with Dr. Papp, but with everyone in the o ce. “I love coming to work every day,” she beams. “From the amazing team I work with and the patients I meet, to hearing about their lives and stories … my work is more than just xing teeth. Working with Dr. White and Dr. Haines is such an honor; they are knowledgeable, wonderful dentists, and we just click. I am blessed and eternally grateful.”

When it comes to what the future holds, Dr. Papp is a pro at embracing the now, but she does have goals to ponder. “Professionally, I appreciate the idea of constant growth and learning. I feel that it is my obligation to stay informed and educated for the best outcome of my patients. Now that I have started my career, I have continued to stay involved in dentistry outside of the o ce. On a personal note, I recently moved to Huntersville and hope to raise my future family here in the Lake Norman area.”

It doesn’t take a fortuneteller to make the predication that Dr. Papp will most likely get just what she puts her mind to … after all, what you send out comes back, and she seems to be sending out the right stu ! “When I started looking at life with a more positive outlook, I became happier with myself and life in general … I saw marked improvements in my overall health and wellbeing as well as my career. I truly believe that when you give o a positive energy, it attracts it right back to you.” w

“ALTHOUGH I AM IN THE BUSINESS OF canines,” DR. PAPP GRINS, “THESE THREE OTHER TYPES OF CANINES ARE NEAR AND DEAR TO MY HEART."

WATSON & WAYLON

TUNDRA

women move ON THE

DEANNA BELK, co-owner of Mooresville Media, Inc., the parent company to WHIP Radio 1350 AM and 99.3 FM, is pleased to announce the opening of their new location in downtown Mooresville at 149 E. Iredell Ave. First airing in 1950, WHIP is an oldies radio format featuring music from the ’60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. VIVIAN BRANDON, host of the “Morning Glory Broadcast” show is celebrating her 45th anniversary at WHIP.

The Iredell Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Iredell Health System, raised more than $56k for local heart health at its inaugural Heart of Jazz event in October. The highlight of the event was a grateful patient testimonial by DEBORAH CHAMBERS who was treated by Piedmont HealthCare’s Dr. Jips Zachariah. She presented him with a jar of lifesavers as a small token of her appreciation during the event.

AMY LEE is the owner and principal designer of Artistic Interior Design, a full-service, luxury interior design fi rm which serves the entire Charlotte and Lake Norman area. She gained invaluable experience working in several prestigious architectural fi rms in Atlanta and New York City. She holds a BFA in interior design and is a professional member of ASID, passing the NCIDQ certifi cation exam in 2004.

“The Brow Babe”

HEATHER SINNOTT,

esthetician, phlebotomist, and permanent cosmetic specialist with over 20 years of experience, has relocated to Lush Salon Suites at 105 Landings Drive, Suite 203, in the Langtree Shopping Center in Mooresville. She offers a myriad of services, and one-on-one consultations are always complimentary.

Iredell Health System was recently recognized at the inaugural Charlotte Business Journal Health Care Heroes Awards ceremony. Named the 2022 Volunteer Health Care Hero, SUSAN TOLLE was honored for her efforts in suicide prevention and her role in the Iredell Health Foundation.

MICHELLE WALSH

recently opened Cocoon Salon Studio at 20901 Catawba Avenue in Cornelius, upstairs from Home, Heart & Soul. A Master Stylist with 15 years’ experience, she accentuates her clients best facial features through color and easy-to-maintain haircuts for both men and women for a modern, fresh look.

Hope & Freedom Counseling Services has now moved to Charlotte where TINA WEHNER becomes President and Executive Director. Clients have come to Houston from all over the world for the center’s workshops and sessions, and now attendees can easily fl y direct as their offi ces are located near Charlotte Douglas International Airport.