Vanessa N. Vargas, DMD, FAGD
Dr. Vanessa N. Vargas completed her undergraduate training at the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. She achieved her Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree at the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University. During her time in dental school, she received multiple scholarships and academic honors. Her postgraduate residency training was completed in Charlottesville, Virginia, at the University of Virginia. She continually enhances her education by regularly attending seminars and classes.
Dr. Vargas enjoys volunteering in her community. She participates in mission work to serve the less privileged members of her community. Dr. Vargas and her team also provide aid by non-profit volunteer work with the Donated Dental Program and the South Carolina Dental Access Days. She additionally donates her time to lecture about dentistry as a profession and to educate the public about the effects of various medical conditions in the oral cavity. She has given lectures to diabetic support groups, local scouting troops and classes in various elementary schools in Lake Wylie and Rock Hill.
Dr. Vargas is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, a pre-fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and a member of the American Dental Association®, the South Carolina Dental Association, the Central Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the International Implant Association, the Spear Study Club and the South Charlotte Study Club.
Married since 2002, she and her husband enjoy spending time with friends playing on Lake Wylie. They have two children who are both Eagle Scouts. Their son will be graduating soon from Clemson University and their daughter is in the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Tech. Dr. Vargas loves spending time with her family, watching movies, being out on the lake and playing with her two Boston Terriers, Charlotte and Chloe.
Rebecca N. Triplett, DMD
Born and bred in South Carolina, Dr. Rebecca N. Triplett thinks “southern hospitality” should be applied to dentistry — that is why she treats each patient with respect and listens carefully to their concerns and desires, then works with them toward the optimum result.
After completing her bachelor’s at Clemson University, Dr. Triplett earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. While at MUSC, she took time to serve others, completing an Indian Health Service externship, going on a dental mission trip, volunteering at the North Charleston free clinic and South Carolina Dental Access Days and providing oral cancer screenings and education at schools and community events.
Following graduation, Dr. Triplett elected to pursue further education through a general practice residency at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina. There, she gained advanced training in all areas of dentistry, while providing care for an underserved population. After completing her residency, she went into private practice in Waldorf, Maryland. Eventually, the South called her back and she returned to practice where she had grown up.
Dr. Triplett loves the variety of challenges that dentistry presents, and she enjoys the hands‐on aspect and artistry of her chosen profession. Her favorite part, though, is when she can give patients a smile that makes them smile.
Away from the office, Dr. Triplett enjoys spending time both indoors and outdoors — she is just as happy hiking a mountain as she is settling down with a good book, although a soccer field might rank above them both. Of course, this is only when she is not otherwise occupied by her giant, fluffy dog, Raya. She is more than happy to show off pictures; the hard part is getting her to stop.
Ariel Kunde, DMD
Dr. Ariel Kunde grew up in Mesa, Arizona. Her soccer talents earned her a scholarship at Winthrop University. While at Winthrop, Dr. Kunde earned her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and her master’s degree in biology. She achieved her Doctor of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Kunde received multiple academic awards while in dental school, including the Pierre Fauchard Academy Scholarship and the South Carolina Dental Association Scholarship.
Dr. Kunde loves the diversity of general dentistry. She believes every procedure is unique because no two patients are the same. She loves her patients and takes her time to understand each person’s individual concerns.
Dr. Kunde is a member of the American Dental Association®, the South Carolina Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. She enjoys donating her time to community-wide events to provide free oral cancer screenings.
When not at work serving the dental needs of Lake Wylie, Dr. Kunde enjoys spending time with her husband and son. She and her husband love to play soccer together. She currently lives in Charlotte, and if you happen to be driving past a soccer field, keep an eye out for Dr. Kunde! She is a member of a local soccer team! Go, Dr. K!
Chriselle Tiu, DMD
Dr. Chriselle Tiu was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, during her parents’ journey to Florida, where she grew up along the beautiful North Florida East Coast. She attended the University of Florida for her undergraduate studies and earned her dental degree at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Tiu then completed her residency at Atrium Health, with a focus in oral pathology and medicine, and was recognized with honors in oral medicine, presenting her case study to her peers.
Known for her personalized approach to dentistry, Dr. Tiu believes, “Every tooth is unique. They have a personality, and you have to get to know them to treat them.”She values the opportunity to reconnect with patients each year, seeing it as a distinctive and often underrated aspect of her profession.
Dr. Tiu is an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the North Carolina Dental Association, the South Carolina Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. Committed to her community, she volunteers with the Mission of Mercy project to provide essential dental care to underserved populations. Outside of her practice, Dr. Tiu enjoys crocheting, painting, and gardening. She has three beloved dogs and kept two puppies from one of her dog’s litters, creating a warm and lively home life that complements her dedication to patient care.
