About

Dustin Hamren, DMD

Dentist

Dr. Hamren was born in Anaheim, California. After turning one, his family moved to Utah where he was raised along with his four brothers and three sisters. He always had an interest in dentistry, but as a child assumed his teeth weren’t perfect enough to ever become one. Luckily he convinced himself otherwise! After serving a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the hollers of West Virginia, he returned home where he met and married his wife Brianna. Dr. Hamren graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah with a Bachelor degree in Exercise Science. Dr. Hamren and his young family then moved to Florida where he attended LECOM’s School of Dental Medicine. He joined the Viewmont Family Dentistry team in 2019 after graduation. Dr. Hamren and his wife take joy in the beauty and variety of North Carolina and each season here. They love the welcoming and kind community of Hickory and are grateful for the many friends that have become family. Dr. Hamren is a busy father of five, with three boys and two girls. When he isn’t in the office, you can find him coaching his kids’ sports teams, playing outside with his family, cooking new creations, or researching and pursuing a new hobby. He enjoys games of all kinds – video, computer, boardies, and the ones he makes up to entertain his wife and kids. Dr. Hamren is grateful to be part of the Viewmont team and Hickory community.

James Scheller, DDS

Dentist

Dr. James Scheller is a Hickory, North Carolina native with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry at Chapel Hill. Dr. Scheller has years of experience in his private dental practice treating both children and adults of all ages. He has received many compliments from our Patients about his great sense of humor and fun personality.

As a dentist at South Mountain Family Dentistry, Dr. Scheller specializes in general and cosmetic dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association and is very proactive with continuing education. He appreciates the key role new technology and advancements play in providing optimal diagnosis and treatment of every patient’s dental needs. Dr. Scheller is focused on offering the highest quality dental care in a relaxed, comfortable environment that’s fully equipped.

Outside of the South Mountain Family Dentistry office, Dr. Scheller is a huge UNC Tar Heel fan who enjoys golf, running and spending time with his wife, Ashley, and their three children. He is an active member at his church and is passionate about giving back to the community with a focus on youth.

Landon Hamren, DMD

Dentist

Dr. Landon Hamren was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. As a child, Dr. Hamren experienced several dental injuries and had extensive dental work, including the removal of eight wisdom teeth, which ultimately inspired him to pursue a career in dentistry. Dr. Hamren has always believed that he can help others find confidence through dentistry just like he did.

Before attending college, Dr. Hamren lived in Barcelona Spain for two years where he learned Spanish while serving a church mission. Dr. Hamren studied Exercise Science at Brigham Young University. During this time, he met and married wife, Olivia. After graduating in 2021, and being accepted into several dental schools, Dr. Hamren attended Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Florida. There, he excelled at lab work and enjoyed numerous clinical experiences. Dr. Hamren spent a considerable amount of time translating for and treating Spanish speaking patients during his clinical years. Dr. Hamren and his wife welcomed their first baby boy during his final year of school. After Graduation, Dr. Hamren and his family moved to Hickory, North Carolina where they have enjoyed living near family and exploring the beautiful views North Carolina has to offer. Dr. Hamren is grateful to be part of South Mountain Family Dentistry and excited to meet the needs of his patients.

In his free time, Dr. Hamren enjoys being with his family whether it be working on a home project, playing inside, going on an adventure, or trying a new place to eat. Dr. Hamren loves cooking and experimenting with new recipes. He also has a great love for sports and every kind of game there is.

Crystal Fox

Office Manager

Crystal is a native of McDowell County, NC. She has over 20 years of professional experience having been employed and managing local dental practices. She believes it is so important to brush your teeth, take care of your oral health, and thank your dental hygienist as a smile is your own unique accessory and pearly white teeth make it even more beautiful. Outside of the office, Crystal enjoys staying in shape, being active, and spending quality time with her husband Andy, friends, and their little dogs “Honey and Mr. Pickles”. She and her husband will be doing a lot more traveling in the next year to new places and we know she is very excited about their new ventures.

Stephanie

Lead Dental Assistant

This is our long-term lead dental assistant, Stephanie. She has been working alongside Dr. Scheller since 2013. Stephanie is married to her husband Lance, and they have a little girl named Lexi. Stephanie’s passion is helping patients and seeing them smile at the end of the appointment. Fun fact about Stephanie: she loves spending her free time going shopping.

Lauren

Dental Assistant

This is our other long-term dental assistant, Lauren. She has been working alongside Dr. Scheller for over 8 years now. She has been in the dental field since 2007. Lauren loves spending time with her family, two children, and her cute labradoodle Joey. Fun fact about Lauren: she is a native of Valdese. She finds joy in helping and seeing patients smile.

Allena Johnson, RDH

Allena graduated from Catawba Valley Community College to practice Dental Hygiene in 2025. Passionate about patient education and dedicated to making smiles brighter, she is excited to build lasting relationships with patients and ensure they leave feeling better than when they arrived. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling to new places and spending quality time with family and friends. Her days at home are made brighter alongside her fiancé, Jordan, and their dog, Bella. With a heart full of enthusiasm, Allena is eager to embrace all that the future holds.

Stephanie Hernandez, RDH

Stephanie earned her Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Catawba Valley Community College. She enjoys getting to know her patients and helping them improve their oral health. Her main goal is to make patients feel as comfortable as possible during their appointments and to help them achieve their best smile! Outside of the dental office, Stephanie loves to be outdoors and spending quality time with her boyfriend.

Hilda Garcia, Insurance Coordinator

Hilda was born in Virginia but has lived in Burke County since she was a young child. She takes great pride in her Mexican heritage despite being born and raised in the US. Since earning her dental assistant II certification in 2018, she has worked in the dental field and remains dedicated to helping people achieve healthier smiles and maintain good oral health. Being bilingual, she appreciates the opportunity to assist Spanish-speaking patients when needed. In her free time, Hilda loves shopping, dancing, exploring new cuisines, and traveling with her fun and energetic son, Eliseo.

Allie Speas, Dental Assistant

With four years of experience in the dental field, Allie brings a compassionate and dedicated approach to patient care. Grounded in her faith in God and supported by her fiancé Dawson, as well as their furry family of two cats and their two beloved Goldendoodles, she finds joy and purpose in helping others. Allie is deeply committed to guiding each patient on their journey to achieving their best possible smile, using her expertise and gentle touch to create a positive and transformative experience.

Chelsea MacDonald, Dental Assistant

Chelsea is a Burke County native and has been working in the dental field since 2018. She enjoys spending time outside the office with her husband, daughter, and their 3 dogs Kairi, Link, and Abby. In her free time Chelsea can be found gardening, reading, or learning a new craft.