Raleigh's Best Periodontist Team - a picture of the award winning team at NC Implants and Periodontics
Dr-Thiago-Morelli-Raleighs-Best-Periodontist
Dr. Thiago Morelli

Expert Periodontal Care, Right Here in Raleigh

Our team combines decades of specialized experience with a gentle touch to provide the highest standard of gum health and implant care in North Carolina.

A healthy smile is built on a strong foundation. Our mission is to provide the highest standard of specialized care in periodontics and dental implants through advanced technology and surgical precision. Led by board-certified expertise, our team is committed to staying at the forefront of our field to ensure our patients achieve lasting, life-changing results.

We understand that periodontal treatment can feel overwhelming. That’s why our team is dedicated to changing the way you experience dental surgery. By combining gentle clinical techniques with a warm, supportive environment, we focus on your comfort just as much as your clinical outcome. We’re here to help you regain your confidence and your health—one step at a time.

Behind our knowledge and approach is a team that is deeply committed to your long-term well-being with  decades of experience. 

April Williams

Dental Hygienist, Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant

Originally from Jacksonville, NC, April has been a staple of the Raleigh dental community for over 20 years. She holds a degree in Dental Hygiene from Coastal Carolina and a Bachelor’s in General Studies with a focus in Communications from Southern New Hampshire University. She is also Anesthetic Certified, ensuring her patients stay comfortable during every procedure.

Why She Loves It: April has been with Dr. Morelli for eight years and quite simply “loves everything” about her work—especially the patients. She has a genuine passion for oral health and the science of teeth.

Outside the Office: April is a sports fan who loves spending time with her husband and their four daughters. Her “happy place” is the beach, specifically Surf City.

Callie Howlett

Dental Assistant

Originally from Orlando, Callie has called North Carolina home since she was 12. She began her dental journey at Wake Tech for Dental Assisting before continuing her studies at UNC Pembroke. She has been an integral part of the NC Perio team for over two years.

Why She Loves It: Callie is driven by the opportunity to make a tangible impact on her patients’ lives every single day. Helping someone achieve a healthier smile is her favorite part of the job.

Outside the Office: Callie is a busy mom of three. When she isn’t at the practice, you can find her tending to her plants, enjoying Mexican food, or lost in a book (her current favorite is Arena).

Diane Womble

Office Manager & Scheduling

Diane is our resident “Front Desk Guru” and has been a vital part of Dr. Murphy’s team since it began. With a BS in Business Marketing from UNCW, she expertly balances our patient’s financial management with a passion for patient care. Diane’s favorite part of her role is the personal connection; she loves getting to know our patients and prides herself on bringing a smile to their faces the moment they walk through the door.

Diane has been happily married for 30 years and is the proud mother of two children, Haley (26) and Jake (22). Her household is rounded out by her beloved Golden Retriever, Margo. A dedicated sports fan, Diane spends her spare time cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes, NC State, and App State. When she isn’t at a hockey game, she enjoys practicing yoga and spending quality time with her family.

Genesy Smith

Dental Assistant

A local from Apex, Genesy attends the University of Arizona (go Wildcats!) studying marketing and before then completed her assisting credentials at University of Dental U. She has been providing expert care at our practice for five years.

Why She Loves It: For Genesy, it’s all about the bond. Because periodontal care often involves consistent visits, she loves developing deep, long-term relationships with the patients she sees.

Outside the Office: Genesy is a fashion enthusiast and an expert thrifter—catch her scouting for treasures at Uptown Cheapskate or Plato’s Closet. At home, she stays busy with her 6-month-old bunny, Junie.

Mary Wall

Registered Dental Hygienist

Mary moved from Connecticut to Raleigh over 20 years ago. She earned her degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of New Haven and has been part of the team since 2018.

Why She Loves It: Mary appreciates the relaxed, professional environment Dr. Morelli has created and truly enjoys the connection she makes with each patient who sits in her chair.

Outside the Office: If you’re a dog lover, you’ll get along with Mary—she has a pack of five, including three Frenchies, a Lab, and a “Shi-poo.” She is also a movie buff (ask her about The Grand Budapest Hotel) and an avid hiker.

Melanie Bernstein

Administration Assistant

With over 35 years of experience in the dental industry, Melanie brings a wealth of clinical and administrative expertise to our practice. Originally from Kingston, NY, Melanie moved to North Carolina and began her career at age 19 as a sterilization technician and later earned her Dental X-ray certification from Wake Tech.

After decades of dedicated service as a dental assistant, Melanie transitioned to the administrative side of the office in 2020. Melanie’s favorite part of her work is the opportunity to help patients feel confident and see them leave with a smile.

Outside of the office, Melanie is a true lover of nature and animals. She enjoys spending her free time watching movies and creating memories with her family.

Sarah Allen

Registered Dental Hygienist

Originally from Indiana, Sarah has spent over 30 years in Raleigh. A proud Tar Heel, she earned her BS in Dental Hygiene from UNC-Chapel Hill. Sarah brings a wealth of institutional knowledge to the team, having spent 8 years with Dr. Morelli and 20 years prior at the same location.

Why She Loves It: Sarah is the heart of our patient relationships. She has been seeing some of the same patients for 29 years! She loves getting to truly know people over the decades and watching their families grow.

Outside the Office: Sarah is a mom of three and a lover of Golden Retrievers (she has two at home). She treasures her long-term roots in the Raleigh community.

Sarah Zeeback

Patient Care Coordinator

Originally from Maryland, Sarah has called Raleigh home for the past nine years. She brings over seven years of dental experience to the table and joined our practice six months ago. Sarah holds a degree in Sports Management from Catawba College, where she learned the value of teamwork playing as a soccer goalie.

Sarah is driven by a genuine passion for helping others and loves nothing more than putting a smile on a patient’s face. When she isn’t at the office, she is likely watching a hockey game or spending time with her husband, Brett, and their Black Lab, Parker.