About Us

Your Trusted Family Dentist in Cherryville, NC

A Legacy of Care, Compassion & Community in Cherryville

At Cloninger Dentistry, we believe exceptional dental care is about more than clean teeth and healthy smiles — it’s about creating a lasting connection with our patients built on trust, compassion, and personalized care. Since opening our doors in 2005, we’ve been committed to serving the families of Cherryville and surrounding communities with the highest standard of care in a welcoming, patient-centered environment.

From your first phone call to every appointment thereafter, our goal is to make you feel like part of our family — because to us, you are.

Our Mission – Excellence Rooted in Care

Our mission is simple:

To provide our patients with a state-of-the-art dental facility and excellent dental care delivered by a competent, compassionate team who always puts patients first.

Every member of our team shares a deep commitment to treating each patient with respect, honesty, and individualized attention, ensuring your needs, goals, and comfort guide every aspect of your care.

Our Core Values – The Heart of Cloninger Dentistry

Everything we do is guided by four core values that define the Cloninger Dentistry experience:

Welcoming

From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll feel the difference — a warm smile, a familiar face, and a team who truly cares.

Personalized

No two smiles are alike, and neither are our treatment plans. Every recommendation is tailored to your unique oral health needs and goals.

Ethical

We believe in honest dentistry, explaining all your options clearly and never recommending unnecessary treatments.

Family-Focused

We treat every patient as we would our own family, prioritizing your comfort, trust, and long-term health.

Meet Our Dental Experts

A Team You Can Trust — Meet Our Experienced Providers

Our patients trust us because they know they’re in the hands of skilled professionals who combine advanced training with a genuine passion for helping people smile with confidence. Many of our team members have been with Cloninger Dentistry for over a decade, giving you the comfort of seeing familiar faces you know and trust every time you visit.

Dr. Paul Cloninger

Founder & Experienced Implant Dentist

With deep roots in Lincolnton and a family legacy of dentists, Dr. Cloninger opened our Cherryville office in 2005 with a vision of creating a patient-first dental experience that blends advanced care with small-town hospitality. Though no longer in the office daily, his leadership and focus on innovation and patient relationships still shape our practice today.

Dr. Delores Hammer

Restorative & General Dentist

With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Hammer brings unmatched expertise in dentures, partials, extractions, and restorative care. Her ability to make patients feel at ease while delivering outstanding results has made her a patient favorite.

Dr. Connie Godwin

Comprehensive Family Dentist

Passionate about preventive care and patient education, Dr. Godwin is dedicated to helping patients understand and maintain their oral health while providing gentle, personalized treatment for patients of all ages.

Our Core Values

We believe dentistry should be grounded in more than just clinical skill. That’s why our team lives by a set of values that guide every interaction, every diagnosis, and every treatment decision.

Experience You Can Rely On

With decades of combined experience, our team brings knowledge, precision, and compassion to every appointment.

Continuity of Care

Many of our staff have been part of our family for 10+ years, providing a sense of comfort and consistency that patients love.

A Commitment to Innovation

We blend the latest dental technology with proven techniques to deliver care that’s more efficient, comfortable, and effective.

Personalized Attention

Whether you’re here for a cleaning or a smile makeover, your concerns, goals, and comfort always come first.

A Family-Friendly Environment

We love seeing multiple generations of families, treating everyone from toddlers to seniors with the same warmth and attention to detail.

Investing in Technology for Better Care

We believe that great dentistry requires both compassionate care and advanced technology. That’s why we continually invest in cutting-edge tools that enhance diagnostic precision, treatment accuracy, and patient comfort.

Some of our advanced technology includes:

iTero Digital Impressions

No more messy molds; these 3D scans are faster, more comfortable, and incredibly precise.

Dental Implants with Advanced Placement Techniques

Restoring smiles with durable, natural-looking implants.

Digital X-Rays

Reduced radiation and faster, clearer imaging for more accurate diagnoses.

Serving Cherryville with Heart

We’re proud to call Cherryville home, and we take pride in giving back to the community that has supported us since 2005. Whether it’s sponsoring local events, partnering with area schools, or simply taking the time to get to know every patient personally, our commitment to Cherryville runs deep.

Ready to Experience the Cloninger Difference?

At Cloninger Dentistry, your smile is our top priority. Whether you’re new to Cherryville, a longtime patient, or simply looking for a dental office that treats you like family, we’re here to exceed your expectations.