Meet the Instructors

Robyn Klose; RDH
Tammy Hughes; DAII
Crystal Octigan; RDH
Sheila Lassiter; DAII
Crystal Webb, DAII, Lead Instructor
Nickie Rogerson, DAII, Lead Instructor
Stephen Hughes; Registrar and Admissions Director, DAI

Robyn Klose; RDH

Robyn is a founding partner of NC Dental U. She has over 16 years of dental experience. Robyn has worked as a Dental Assistant, Dental Receptionist and Clinic Coordinator in New York and Washington State before graduating in 1999 as an RDH. She is licensed in both North Carolina and New York. She has been practicing Dental Hygiene for over 11 years and has been directly involved in practice management the past six years. She has traveled nationwide to further her dental education with Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies as well as Genr8tion Next and ACE. She is a proud member of the American Dental Hygiene Association. Robyn is always working to advance her knowledge in new science, research and technology training.

Robyn has combined all this acquired knowledge and personal experience to help create an inspired, effective, and motivational curriculum that refines the systems surrounding the patients total experience with a dental practice. 

Her extensive exposure to most forms of practice management and dental systems, as well as her strong focus on patient satisfaction, makes her a specialist in her field. She resides in Wake County with her husband and two sons.

Tammy Hughes; DAII

Tammy Hughes, founding Partner of NC Dental U, has enjoyed twelve years of career success in the dental industry.  She has worked in the capacity of DAII, Front Desk Receptionist, Manager and Consultant.  Her expertise is in New Practice and Team Development.   She is a motivated leader that instinctively understands the business of dentistry.  Tammy has successfully built staffed and coached new dental offices throughout North Carolina.  With extensive knowledge in all aspects of dental care, she has the business savvy and technical skill to lead any team to success!

A NC native, she resides in Wake County with her husband and three sons.

Crystal Octigan; RDH

Crystal graduated from Wayne Community College with an Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene in 2005.  She has been a Registered Dental Hygienist for 5 years and plans to continue in this profession for several years to come!   Crystal brings an added depth of knowledge to the Greenville Campus with specialties in Periodontal Disease and treatment, patient acceptance and education, and radiography. She is consistently seeking education advancement in her field and attends the Holiday Dental Conference in Charlotte, NC annually.  Crystal is an instructor in both the Dental Assistant Program and Radiology.  A Pitt County native, Crystal resides in Ayden, NC with her husband Don. 

Sheila Lassiter; DAII

Sheila has been in dentistry for 20 years and has proudly joined our team of Clinical Instructors.  At the beginning of her career she was an office trained Dental Assistant then shortly after became a Certified Dental Assistant through DANB via UNC Chapel Hill and Wake Technical Community Colleges.  Sheila is experienced in Pediatric, Oral Sedation and General chair-side assisting. She is very passionate, caring and understands the importance of patient education within the community.  During the years, she has trained other Dental Assistants as well as continuing to further her education. Sheila resides in Wake Forest with her loving family.

Crystal Webb; DAII Lead Instructor

Crystal began her career in dentistry in 1993 as a chairside assistant. She has served many positions in dentistry including clinical coordinator, hygiene coordinator, and now as Practice Administrator for a large group practice in Eastern North Carolina. In addition to her many full time commitments she is also a certified CPR and RAD instructor. She has been with NC Dental U for the last 5 years and currently serves as a dedicated Lead Instructor for both campuses. She resides in Edgecombe County with her family.

Nickie Rogerson; DAII Lead Instructor

Nickie graduated from Martin Community College in 2005 as a DAII. She has held many positions in the dental industry but started her career working in a pediatric office. Nickie later moved on to a large group practice in Eastern NC where she has worked chairside as a DAII and because of her leadership strengths was eventually promoted to Practice Administrator, her current position. Nickie is a certified RAD Instructor, she was previously certified as an NC EMT and holds many other healthcare related certifications. She has been with NC Dental U for 5 years as a lead instructor at both the Greenville and Wake Forest campus’. She resides in Williamston, NC with her beautiful baby boy.

Stephen Hughes; Registrar and Admissions Director, DAI

Stephen Hughes, from Columbus, NC, attended and played football at Western Carolina University directly after high school. He spent some time at the University of Glamorgan in Wales, UK and then came back to graduate from the Univ. of North Carolina Charlotte with a BS in Political Science and a concentration in E-commerce. He also spent some time in the US Air Force before moving to Raleigh. Stephen has a background in owning and operating his own businesses, financial management, human resources, marketing and real estate. He has spent the last 5 years working as the Admissions Director for both NC Dental U and The Dental Assistant Academy. He currently resides in Wake Forest with his wife and three sons.