We Care About Your Oral Health

Amy-Jo Fischer, DDS has been a resident of Kernersville since 1985. She grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri, where she attended Central High School and was Co-Valedictorian. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia, as a Curator Scholar. From there, she attended the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, receiving her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1985. While at UNC, she served as president of her dental fraternity, and received the Kermit Knudtzen Award for outstanding service, and the Academic Achievement Award from the fraternity. After graduation, Dr. Amy was employed by the NC Department of Corrections, and worked in another private practice, before establishing Smiles by Design in 1995. Dr. Amy feels that treating the person rather than just the teeth is very important. She enjoys working with patients of all ages, getting to know them and their families. She also believes being involved in the Kernersville community is very important. After a battle with breast cancer fifteen years ago, Dr. Amy founded the Kernersville Pink Ribbon Rally Fund, which includes an annual fundraiser to help breast cancer patients with their non-medical expenses.

​Dr. Amy is a member of the American Dental Association, the North Carolina Dental Association, and the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce. She has traveled to Honduras as a member of the UNC Dental Brigades, and volunteers on Mission Dental buses.

Dr. Amy’s interests include membership and involvement in the Eastern Star, gardening, cooking and smocking. She loves traveling, especially to the beach, and most of all, time with her family, especially her 5 grandchildren.

Dr. Meredith Ward is a Kernersville, NC native and a graduate of East Forsyth High School. She attended the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill where she earned a BS in Biology and a BA in Psychology. After observing her mother in practice and recognizing her own passion for dentistry, Dr. Meredith went on to obtain her doctorate of Dental Medicine. While attending ATSU Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health, she was awarded the 2019 AGD Senior Student Dental Award for having exhibited the greatest interest, knowledge, and proficiency in the field of general dentistry. Additionally, she was granted admission into the OKU National Dental Honor Society and graduated top of her dental class.

Since joining Smiles By Design, Dr. Meredith has obtained additional training in giving Botox injections through Dr. Garg’s Facial Aesthetics, as well as placing implants through Biohorizons Implant Pathway.

Dr. Meredith’s interests include reading, cooking, spending time with her friends and family, and being outdoors with her dog, Lucy.

Jill joined Smiles By Design in 2013. She has over 30 years of experience in collections, accounts receivable, and insurance billing. Jill is a Kernersville native and her personality and knowledge make her an asset to the practice.

Heather joined Smiles By Design in July 2023 as a dental receptionist. Heather is a mother of two and a Kernersville native. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and outdoor activities. Heather’s personality makes her an asset to our long term established team.

Tanis has been a member of the Smiles By Design team since 1999. She graduated from GTCC and is a licensed Dental Hygienist. Tanis is a Kernersville native but currently resides in Pilot Mountain. Tanis says her favorite part of her job is the patient interaction and connections.

Courtney joined Smiles By Design in January, 2015 as a Certified Dental Assistant II. She graduated in 2008 from UNC Pembroke with a BS in Exercise Science. Courtney received her certification and training in Dental Assisting at Piedmont Dental Assistants in 2009 at Pleasant Garden, NC. She looks forward to helping patients and making them feel comfortable during their visit.

Lucy is Smiles By Design’s mascot and has been part of the team since 2019! She attended UNC Chapel Hill and ATSU MOSDOH with her mother, Dr. Meredith. She spends most of her days resting in Dr. Meredith’s office, but can frequently be seen greeting patients at reception. Feel free to say hello when you’re in for your appointment!