Registered Nurses
Kaitlin Kistner – RN
A Fayetteville native, Kaitlin joined our practice in June 2023 as one of our registered nurses. Kaitlin graduated from Carson Newman University with her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Kaitlin has always had a passion for helping people and knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue a career in nursing.
Fresh out of college, Kaitlin began working in the ER. After a decade of working as an ER nurse, and starting a family, Kaitlin was ready for a change and started to explore different career options. On the search for a career with a set schedule and slower paced than a hectic ER, Kaitlin found herself at Sandhills Oral Surgery. Since joining our team, Kaitlin said that her favorite part of her job is all of her coworkers and being a part of a close-knit team. When she is not at work, you can find Kaitlin with her husband, Robert, and their kids tending to their chickens or making homemade goodies.
Kaitlin Wheat – RN
Kaitlin is originally from Abington, PA, just outside of Philadelphia. Growing up she had always had a passion for helping others. When the time came for Kaitlin to further her education, she attended Eastern Kentucky University and turned her passion for helping others into a reality. Kaitlin earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN). Shortly after, she met her husband who serves as active-duty military and found herself relocating to North Carolina.
Prior to joining our Sandhills Oral Surgery family, Kaitlin worked in a cardiovascular intensive care unit and as a dialysis nurse. After starting a family of her own, Kaitlin was looking for something a little more flexible so she could maximize family time. She has always been intrigued by teeth and decided she wanted to work in oral surgery.
At our office, Kaitlin enjoys being able to provide one-on-one care to each patient and provide them with comfort through her nursing skills. She also enjoys being able to interact with patients’ family members too while educating them on post-operative care instructions. When she’s not in the office you can find Kaitlin searching for family-oriented activities to do on the weekends or taking long walks with her dogs.
A people person, Jess has always thrived by helping others. She knew that she wanted to pursue a nursing career when she experienced the overwhelming feeling of fulfillment from helping others. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Jess made her way to Cameron, NC. Over the years, Jess has earned her associate and bachelor’s degree in nursing, and a certificate from a trauma nursing core course. Looking to transition from working in the emergency department, Jessica joined the Sandhills Oral Surgery family during the summer of 2023 as one of our registered nurses.
In our office, Jess loves seeing our patients’ transformations, making them feel comfortable, and watching them leave happier than when they arrived. Jess and her husband Dakota have 4 children together, Brady, Axl, Sterling, and Brea. As a family, they enjoy hiking and traveling. In her free time, Jess enjoys curling up with a good book and reading.
Rachel – RN, BSN
Rachel joined our practice in April 2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for patient care. She holds an RN and BSN, along with certifications in TNCC, NRP, ACLS, and PALS. Rachel’s educational journey began at Fayetteville Technical Community College and continued at Fayetteville State University.
Originally from Arizona, Rachel’s interest in the dental field sparked from conversations with a co-worker. With a background as an Emergency Department Nurse, inspired by her favorite show *M*A*S*H*, she envisioned herself as the love child of Margaret Houlihan and Hawkeye Pierce, combining compassion with a bit of fun in her practice.
At work, Rachel appreciates the warm atmosphere and the unique challenges that come with her role. She says, “The patients are so kind, and I really enjoy helping people feel better.”
Outside of her professional life, Rachel enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her beloved dog, Oreo. We’re thrilled to have her on our team!
