Dr. Gavin Heymann was born and raised in the Chapel Hill/Durham area. Ever since he was young, he knew he wanted a career that would help people. As a board-certified orthodontist, he does just that by improving people’s health—and lives—by improving their smiles.

Education & Experience

Dr. Heymann graduated from Chapel Hill High School and pursued his undergraduate education at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in biology. He went on to attend the UNC School of Dentistry, from which he graduated with his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the top of his class in 2005. Dr. Heymann remained at UNC for his specialty training in orthodontics, where he received the Andrew McArthur Brooks Fellowship, as well as earned a Master of Science and an orthodontic certificate from one of the most well-respected orthodontic programs in the world. Dr. Heymann is certified by the American Board of Orthodontists, something less than 30% of orthodontists achieve.

Outside of the Office

Dr. Heymann currently lives in Chapel Hill with his wife and two daughters.

Dr. Kat grew up just south of Charlotte, North Carolina, but she was actually born in the former USSR and came to the United States as a baby. She even speaks fluent Russian! As a board-certified orthodontist, she is passionate about providing the best care for everyone who visits her office.

Education & Experience

Dr. Kat attended UNC, where she earned her undergraduate and dental degrees. From there, she went on to study orthodontics at Texas A&M University in Dallas, where she won the prestigious award of Resident of the Year from an esteemed orthodontic journal. Upon graduating, Dr. Kat moved to Durham and has been creating beautiful smiles for children, teens, and adults throughout the area ever since. Dr. Kat is certified by the American Board of Orthodontists, something less than 30% of orthodontists achieve.

Outside of the Office

Dr. Kat and her husband Garrett reside in Durham with their crazy dog, Sully. In their spare time, the pair enjoys traveling and volunteering, hiking, and playing board games.

Born and raised in Kinston, North Carolina, Dr. Tyson Creech is excited to return to his home state and serve patients at Smith and Heymann Orthodontics. His connection to North Carolina has been a constant throughout his education and career, beginning at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned double majors in Biology and Exercise and Sport Science with a concentration in Sport Administration. While at UNC, he also served as a manager for the men’s basketball team under Coach Roy Williams.

Dr. Creech continued his education at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry before practicing general dentistry in the Triangle. He then pursued his passion for orthodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, where he completed his orthodontic residency.

Outside the office, Dr. Creech enjoys running, golfing, reading, and spending time along the North Carolina coast. He especially loves cheering on the Tar Heels and making memories with his family.