About Us
Wake Forest's pediatric dental home since 2008
Where little smiles flourish
Triangle Pediatric Dentistry was founded on a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves the highest quality dental care in a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free environment. With three doctors, a dedicated team of 25, and more than 15 years of serving Wake Forest families, we have built a practice where children feel confident, parents feel informed, and every visit feels like coming home.
Get to know
Dr. Buddy Hollowell
Dr. Buddy Hollowell grew up in the small coastal town of Hertford, in Northeastern North Carolina. A true North Carolina native, Dr. Buddy has deep roots in this state and has been proud to call Wake Forest home since 2007. He and his wife Stephanie have three children of their own, and that personal perspective as a parent shapes everything about the way he practices.
Dr. Buddy completed his undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a BS in Biochemistry. He then graduated with honors from the UNC School of Dentistry with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery. After spending a year practicing as a general dentist in Durham, he returned to school to pursue his true passion, completing specialty training in pediatric dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry in Richmond, Virginia, where he earned a Master of Dental Science degree.
Dr. Buddy is a recipient of the prestigious Richard C. Pugh Award, an honor given to candidates who score in the top 3% nationwide on the written pediatric dental board exam. He also received the Resident Recognition Award at VCU. His research paper, "Articaine Use in Children Among Dental Practitioners," has been published in the peer-reviewed journal Pediatric Dentistry, reflecting his commitment to advancing the field he loves.
Dr. Buddy is a proud member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the North Carolina Dental Society. He brings the same energy and dedication to his patients that he brings to coaching youth sports in the community. Whether he is cheering on the Tar Heels, going for a run, or spending time with his family, Dr. Buddy lives the same values he brings into the office every day: show up, give your best, and make the people around you feel cared for.
At Triangle Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Buddy is known for his ability to connect with children at every age and stage. Parents consistently describe him as warm, gentle, and genuinely invested in their child's wellbeing. That is not an accident. It is the result of a career built entirely around kids.
Get to know
Dr. Allen Porter
Dr. Porter is a native of South Carolina. He attended The Hammond School as a high school student and excelled in academics as well as athletics.
Dr. Allen S. Porter graduated from the University of South Carolina and received his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, graduating with honors. He obtained a Master of Science (MS) degree in pediatric dentistry from The Medical College of Virginia, now known as the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, in Richmond.
After completing his residency, Dr. Porter became board certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Porter’s research has been published in the journal Pediatric Dentistry. His research was a public health survey designed to help locate underserved children who lack basic access to dental care in the state of Virginia.
Dr. Porter is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association.
Dr. Porter loves his profession and is extremely passionate about providing the highest quality care to his young patients in the safest environment. Due to his background and credentials, he has privileges at WakeMed Hospital for patients requiring sedation or surgery, as well as for treating patients with special health care needs.
In his time off, Dr. Porter can be found on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. He enjoys fishing, boating, and spending time with family and friends.
Get to know
Dr. Andrew Vaughn
Dr. Vaughn (Dr. A.J.) grew up in Oklahoma in the small town of Sand Springs. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Tulsa where he received his BS in Biology and went on to be a cardiovascular technologist assisting in heart catheterization and pacemaker implantations in the hospital’s Heart Cath Lab. After three years, Dr. Vaughn went on to complete his Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from Tufts University in Boston, MA.
As a general dentist, he worked for two years in a pediatric specialty office and found his love for treating children. He went on to complete his specialty training in pediatric dentistry at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Dr. Vaughn continues to further his education and training to serve his patients in the most effective way possible.
He is a board certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is an Associate Fellow of the Academy of GP Orthodontics. He has trained with numerous board certified specialists over the years and learned from their skills and knowledge to become the most skilled pediatric dentist he can be for every child he sees.
Dr. Vaughn has a true passion for nature. He loves to hike in the mountains and maintain a healthy lifestyle with diet and training. In his free time, Dr. Vaughn and his wife, Alla, enjoy traveling and spending as much time in nature as possible.
Your child's first visit
Everything you need to know before you walk through our doors
We view your child's first visit as our first opportunity to show them how fun and exciting dentistry can be. Our entire team is focused on making your child as comfortable as possible while laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Dental Association all recommend that a child see the dentist for the first time around their first birthday, and the earlier we get started, the better our chances of keeping your child cavity free. Check out the video to the right to learn more — it may be vintage, but our commitment to your child's smile is brand new every day!
Infants and toddlers
For our youngest patients, first visits take place in our dedicated infant rooms using a gentle knee-to-knee exam. Your child sits comfortably in your lap and leans back into the dentist's lap for examination, bypassing the dental chair entirely. During this visit we will complete a caries risk assessment, walk you through a preventive home care program covering brushing, flossing, diet, and fluoride, share information about early childhood caries, sippy cup and nursing habits, pacifier and thumb habits, injury prevention, and growth and development. We will also demonstrate proper brushing technique so you can keep those little teeth clean and sparkly at home. If your infant or toddler cries, please know that is completely normal. Our team will comfort your child every step of the way and make sure the visit ends on a happy note with a prize.
Preschool and school-age children
Once a child reaches age three or older, we aim to have their first visit take place in the big kid dental chair. If your child feels anxious, we are happy to start in the infant room and work up from there at their own pace. During this visit we will gather a full medical history, assess cavity risk, perform a thorough cleaning and exam, and take any X-rays that are indicated. We will also talk through oral hygiene habits, diet, fluoride exposure, injury prevention, oral habits like thumb-sucking or pacifier use, and dental development. If any cavities are found, we will put together a clear treatment plan and discuss how to prevent new ones from forming.
Teens
Adolescents have their own unique dental needs, and we take them seriously. Appearance and self-image matter deeply to teens, and decayed or poorly positioned teeth can affect their confidence. We provide a professional, sensitive, and caring approach to restoring and guiding teeth through the high school years, including guidance on sealants, wisdom teeth, and missing teeth when the time comes.
Preparing for the first visit
Getting your child ready for their first visit should feel fun and relaxed. Try playing dentist at home, letting your child practice opening their mouth while you brush their teeth, or even letting them brush yours. Reading books about going to the dentist together is a great way to build excitement. When you talk about the visit, keep the conversation positive and avoid words that might feel scary. Focus on what will be fun and your child will walk through our doors ready to smile. One parent or guardian is always welcome to come back into the treatment area, and for children three and under we strongly encourage it. For older children who do better independently, you are always welcome to peek in through our operatory windows as a silent observer.
What to Bring
Please bring the following to your child's first visit:
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A practice designed with your child in mind
Every detail of Triangle Pediatric Dentistry has been chosen with children and their families in mind. From our cheerful, modern office environment to the technology our doctors use to diagnose and treat, we are committed to providing a patient experience that is as comfortable and effective as possible. Because when kids feel at ease, better care happens.
Dedicated infant and toddler rooms
Our infant rooms are purpose-built for the smallest patients. Rather than placing infants and toddlers in a traditional dental chair, we use a knee-to-knee exam technique where your child rests comfortably in your lap. This approach reduces anxiety and makes the first dental experience feel safe and familiar.
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Kid-friendly, cheerful office environment
Our office is designed with children in mind at every turn. From the moment your child walks in, the space is bright, welcoming, and built to feel fun rather than clinical. Our goal is for kids to actually look forward to coming to the dentist.
Sensory-friendly care
We understand that some children experience heightened sensitivity to sounds, textures, and new environments. Our team is trained to provide sensory-friendly care that adjusts the pace, environment, and approach to meet each child's individual needs, ensuring every patient feels comfortable and respected.
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Digital X-rays
Our digital X-ray technology delivers high-quality diagnostic images with significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays. This means faster results, a more comfortable experience for your child, and the precise information our doctors need to catch problems early.
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Nitrous oxide sedation
For children who experience anxiety or need a little extra help staying calm during treatment, nitrous oxide is a safe, gentle, and effective option. It wears off quickly, has no lasting side effects, and allows our team to provide comfortable care for even the most nervous patients.
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IV and general anesthesia
For more complex cases or children who require a higher level of sedation, our doctors work alongside a dedicated pediatric anesthesia team that comes to the office and administers the anesthesia.
iPad treatment plan presentations
We present all treatment plans to parents via iPad so that you can see exactly what your child needs, ask questions, and make informed decisions with confidence. We believe you should never leave our office without fully understanding your child's care.
Online scheduling with FlexBook
Booking an appointment should be easy. Our online scheduling tool lets you find and reserve a time that works for your family without a phone call. We are also working to make this experience even more convenient, because we know your time matters.
Beyond the office
Bringing healthy smiles into the community
At Triangle Pediatric Dentistry, our commitment to children does not stop at our front door. Through our Tooth Fairy Educational Visit program, we bring our team directly to local schools to teach kids about the importance of oral health in a way that is fun, age-appropriate, and memorable. We believe that when children learn early that taking care of their teeth can be exciting rather than scary, it sets them up for a lifetime of healthy habits. If you would like to bring a Tooth Fairy visit to your school or classroom, we would love to make it happen.
