Dr. Whitley

“I love developing relationships with our patients while being able to help improve their quality of life through not only our services, but the atmosphere that our staff has developed as well. We are a patient-centered practice and do what we can to make our services comfortable and convenient for all.” — Dr. Whitley

Dr. Daniel Whitley is originally from Goldsboro, and his family has owned and operated small family farms in Eastern North Carolina for more than 100 years. He is glad to be in Eastern North Carolina and serving the residents of Onslow County.

Dr. Whitley completed his undergraduate degree at NC State University. He went on to earn his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Whitley is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the North Carolina Dental Society, and the Onslow County Dental Society. He is a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, and believes that education is a lifelong commitment.

Dr. Whitley volunteers his time and expertise with organizations such as: Missions of Mercy, The Baptist Dental Bus, and the ADA Foundation’s Give Kids a Smile program.

Outside of work Dr. Whitley enjoys spending time with his wife, Katharine, and their daughter. He also enjoys fishing, hunting, golf and most anything outdoors.

Meet Dr. Wetherill

As a boy growing up in Wilmington, Dr. Richard (“Whip”) Wetherill, III first wanted to become a dentist when he experienced firsthand how a caring solo practitioner could positively impact others’ lives as well as their dental health. His dream of becoming a general dentist was integrally connected with his desire to maintain a tight-knit, smaller practice that can tailor care to patients’ individual needs and concerns. Dr. Wetherill is committed to maintaining just such an environment in his practice because it is a distinct piece of why he chose to pursue dentistry.

After growing up in Wilmington, Dr. Wetherill attended Guilford College for two years, where he played men’s soccer on their varsity team. After transferring to North Carolina State University, he graduated with degrees in Economics and Business Management. His education proceeded at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Dentistry, where he graduated with his DDS degree in 1998. Knowing that the salt water was in his system, he immediately returned to Wilmington to find the perfect spot to set up his family practice. And his current location fits his requirements to a tee, as it is centrally located to all of Wilmington and New Hanover county, as well as the surrounding areas.

Dr. Wetherill married his wife, Susan, in 1992, and they have three children: Richard, Isaac, and Anna Dudley. Their son Richard (also a dentist!) married his bride Ellen, and they count her as their own beloved daughter as well. At this stage in life, they are busy investing in their kids’ lives and traveling to see them as much as possible, as they are currently spread far and wide in their schooling and careers. When not helping people with their smiles, Dr. Wetherill enjoys spending time at the beach or on the water, playing golf or pickleball, and working in his yard. He is also very active at his church, where he enjoys serving in several capacities.

Dr. Wetherill is currently a member of the American Dental Association, the North Carolina Dental Society, and the Coastal Carolina Implant Study Club.

Meet Dr. McKinley

Dr. Timothy McKinley completed his undergraduate degrees at Arizona State University in History and Biology. Following graduation, he entered the United States Marine Corps. During his time in the Corps, he was stationed at Camp Lejeune. Upon resigning his commission Dr. McKinley began pursuing a career in dentistry. During his studies he found his passion for dentistry and helping others. He obtained his Doctor of Medical Dentistry from Midwestern University’s College of Dental Medicine Arizona. Dr. McKinley returned to North Carolina following graduation so that he can serve the community that he loves and calls home.

He and his wife have been married since 2008 and have three children together, Jack, Henry, and Hannah. Outside of work he spends time with his family exploring the outdoors and staying active in the local community.

Meet Dr. Joseph Hewitt

Dr. Joseph Hewitt is a Jacksonville native, and brings a diverse wealth of experience to our team. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduation he was appointed as the resident Dentist at Duplin General Hospital. Then went on to serve in the Federal Public Health system and private practice for several years.
Mostly recently he was the Dentist in charge of the Dental Hygiene program at Coastal Carolina Community College. In this capacity he taught and helped mold many of the Dental Hygienists that serve Onslow County today. He is thrilled to be a part of our office continuing to serve the residents of Onslow County.
Outside of the office Dr. Hewitt enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors and eating seafood! 

Meet Dr. Taylor Dameworth

Dr. Taylor Dameworth originally hails from Winston-Salem, NC but is now happy to call coastal NC home. While in college at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he majored in chemistry. Dr. Dameworth continued his journey in Chapel Hill and went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Adams School of Dentistry. While in dental school, he was passionate about community service, involving himself in numerous student outreach clinics. After graduating dental school, Dr. Dameworth pursued advanced training by completing a one-year General Practice Residency at Prisma Health Hospital in Columbia, SC. This program provided an emphasis on oral surgery, complex medical conditions, and IV moderate conscious sedation.

Dr. Dameworth is passionate about all aspects of general dentistry and is focused on providing his patients with a comfortable, relaxed experience. He enjoys forming relationships with patients and he is committed to educating his patients to empower them to live happier, healthier lives. Dr. Dameworth is delighted to be a part of the team at Eastern Carolina Dental and to serve the Onslow County community.

He is currently a member of the American Dental Association, the North Carolina Dental Society, the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, and the Christian Medical and Dental Association.

Dr. Dameworth married his wife, Stephanie, a Jacksonville native, in 2023. Outside of work, he and his wife love spending time outdoors and exploring national and state parks. He also enjoys fishing, hiking, cooking, and playing sports.