MEET THE TEAM

Dr. Dayena Lee grew up in Greensboro, NC, after moving to the United States from South Korea at the age of five. She attended UNC Chapel Hill for her undergraduate studies, where she double-majored in Psychology and Asian Studies. She went on to earn her master's degree in Physiology from NC State University before receiving her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry.

During dental school, Dr. Lee was actively involved in student organizations focused on giving back to the community and was awarded the International College of Dentistry Philanthropy Award for her dedication to service.

Before joining Graham Mills Family Dentistry, Dr. Lee worked in public health dentistry as one of the lead dentists and assistant dental director for Piedmont Health Services. During this time, she also practiced in several private dental offices around the Triangle, gaining diverse experience in comprehensive patient care.

Dr. Lee is an adjunct faculty member at UNC School of Dentistry and continues to give back to the community by mentoring dental students in various community outreach programs. She also serves on the UNC School of Dentistry Admission Committee.

In her free time, Dr. Lee loves traveling and experiencing new adventures with her husband, Dr. Alex Chong, also a dentist in the Triangle area. They live in Durham with their son, Carter, and 17 year old chihuahua, Choco.

Professional Memberships:

American Dental Association (ADA)

Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

North Carolina Dental Society

Dr. Kandice Lee was born in California but raised in North Carolina. Moving to Charlotte at a young age, she considers herself a true North Carolinian. Her parents, immigrants from South Korea, taught her from an early age what it meant to work diligently, respectfully, and with compassion—values that continue to guide her practice today.

While the decision to pursue dentistry came years later, Dr. Lee's journey began with a science-driven education at Myers Park High School's International Baccalaureate Program. She went on to study Biology at UNC Chapel Hill, followed by a master's degree in Physiology from NC State University. She has since decided that the fairest way to deal with the university rivalry is to support UNC basketball and NC State football!

Dr. Lee completed her education at UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry, where she received training to not only diagnose and restore teeth but to provide comprehensive, whole-patient care.

Following graduation, she worked in public health dentistry, where she refined her skills and gave back to communities in need. It was there that she learned the vital connection between oral health and overall health, as well as the importance of patient education.

Dr. Lee is an adjunct faculty member at UNC School of Dentistry, where she mentors dental students during community outreach events.

In her free time, Dr. Lee enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, and practicing yoga. On most weekends, you can find her relaxing with her husband, Dr. Matt Barnes, also a dentist in Durham, NC, their daughter, Avery, and their dog, Rylee. 

Professional Memberships:

American Dental Association (ADA)

North Carolina Dental Society

Dr. Jeanie Chung was born in South Korea and grew up in several countries due to her parents' work, giving her a deep appreciation for diverse backgrounds and perspectives. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry, and went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from UNC Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry.

A proud double Tar Heel, Dr. Chung may not be Tar Heel born, but she is Tar Heel bred—and one day, Tar Heel dead!

During dental school, Dr. Chung was actively involved in numerous student organizations focused on community service, which helped shape her passion for providing comprehensive, compassionate care to all patients. Known for her attention to detail, joyful demeanor, and understanding nature, she strives to ensure that every patient feels valued and receives the highest quality of care—leaving more satisfied than when they arrived.

In recognition of her clinical and academic excellence, Dr. Chung was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society.

Outside the office, Dr. Chung enjoys mentoring college students through her church, running, spending time with friends and family, and exploring great food. You can often find her and her husband trying out new restaurants and coffee shops around the Triangle.

Professional Memberships:

American Dental Association (ADA)

North Carolina Dental Society