Dr. Mackenzie Brown works with a patient last week at her office at Harvey & Associates Family Dentistry. Photo by Linda Whittington / Neuse News

By Junious Smith III

Strong teams help to make strong organizations.

The phrase is certainly evident with Mackenzie Brown, a general dentist at Harvey & Associates Family Dentistry. Brown, a native of Roanoke, Va., has been with the practice for five years.

"I absolutely love working here," Brown said. "There's a sense of community here in Kinston and we have great patients as well. One of my highlights is seeing some of them overcome dental fears and leave with a big smile. I'm proud to call Kinston home and couldn't imagine a better place to raise my daughter."

Brown and her husband, Matt, who works as an orthodontist in town, welcomed their first child into the world earlier this year.

Dr. Brown got back to work in mid-April and while she said it's been an adjustment, it's one she's embraced with the help of a great support system.

"I did gymnastics in college at N.C. State, and that taught me time management skills," Brown said. "It also taught me how to be organized, plan ahead and stay on schedule. I was nervous about the transition, but I've received tremendous support from my work family, the community and my patients."

Jessica Carraway has been close to Brown in more ways than one. Carraway, who has worked as Brown's assistant for the past four years, came back to the office within two days of Brown after having a child a week apart.

"It's been an awesome experience to work with Mackenzie and taking care of patients," Carraway said. "Balancing work and motherhood has been tough, but rewarding, and Mackenzie and I have each other's back because we're experiencing this together."

Brown had kind words about Carraway as well.

"She's more than an assistant — she's a great friend and we have a special connection," Brown said. "One thing patients appreciate is how we're able to work so well together because we've got such a great bond, and it carries over. It's comforting to balance both work and motherhood with someone you're close to."

Harvey & Associates Family Dentistry specializes in a myriad of treatments such as crowns, bridges, extractions, root canals and dentures. For more information, go to harveyfamilydentistry.com.