Meet the Team at Lighthouse Dental

Dr. Jordan Bronstein, DMD

Dentist

Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Jordan Bronstein attended Virginia Tech for his undergraduate degree. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Medical University of South Carolina.

Dr. Bronstein then completed his General Practice Residency at Prisma Health Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina, before relocating to Wilmington. He came equipped with certifications from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American Dental Association, North Carolina Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry.

From a young age, Dr. Bronstein knew he wanted a career in dentistry. Growing up with parents who worked in healthcare, he wanted to provide his patients with a comfortable dental experience. Dr. Bronstein’s passion for his profession is motivated by his enjoyment of interacting with people to create lasting doctor-patient relationships while maintaining their oral health and wellness.

Outside the office, Dr. Bronstein is an avid beachgoer and outdoorsman, and he loves to cook. You can find him golfing, biking, or smoking something delicious on the Big Green Egg on any given weekend. Dr. Bronstein and his wife, Sarah, have a 7-month-old son, Baker, who keeps them on their toes, and a golden retriever who brings joy to their home.

He is eager to meet each of you and learn how he can best serve your dental needs. Thank you for your trust and support in choosing Lighthouse Dental!

Dr. Lisa Phelps, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Lisa E. Phelps is a dedicated dentist at Lighthouse Dental, offering comprehensive dental care to patients. With a warm and personable approach, she enjoys helping people regain their confidence and smile proudly. Dr. Phelps has been practicing dentistry since 1991, after graduating from the prestigious UNC-Chapel Hill Dental School. After spending three years in the United States Air Force, she joined the Lighthouse Dental team in 1994 and has provided exceptional care at this location ever since.

Dr. Phelps chose dentistry due to her deep interest in healthcare and her love for the "artsy" side of the profession. She finds great satisfaction in combining science with artistry to create beautiful, functional smiles for her patients. One of her favorite aspects of her job is the opportunity to meet new people and help them feel confident in their smiles.

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Phelps has many hobbies. She is an avid sports enthusiast with a particular passion for tennis. She loves water activities and enjoys crafting, reading, and playing games. Dr. Phelps is also actively involved in nonprofit organizations, as helping others is at the core of her values.

Photography and scrapbooking are two of her unique hobbies, allowing Dr. Phelps to capture memories creatively. Additionally, she loves throwing themed parties, bringing a touch of fun to her personal life.

With her extensive experience, caring nature, and commitment to improving her patients’ lives, Dr. Phelps remains a highly respected member of the Lighthouse Dental team.

Elaine

Registered Dental Hygienist

As a Registered Dental Hygienist at Lighthouse Dental NC, Elaine is committed to building trust-based relationships with patients while educating them about proper oral hygiene. Her ability to create a comfortable and safe environment allows patients to feel at ease as she helps them understand the crucial connection between oral health and overall well-being.

Elaine’s educational journey reflects her deep commitment to health care. She holds an Associate’s degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey, a Bachelor’s in Health Science from Rutgers University/School of Health Professionals, and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

Since joining Lighthouse Dental in 2022, Elaine has embraced the opportunity to positively impact her patients’ lives while collaborating closely with her team to provide exceptional care. Her passion for the dental field stems from the desire to educate and care for individuals, helping them understand the connection between oral hygiene and their systemic health.

When she’s not caring for her patients, Elaine enjoys spending her free time collecting shells at the beach and indulging in creative activities. A bird photography lover, she captures nature's beauty through her lens, a hobby that reflects her appreciation for the small wonders in life.

As a fun fact, Elaine has also driven a race car, showcasing her adventurous side. With her dedication to her profession and vibrant spirit, Elaine continues to be an integral part of the Lighthouse Dental team.

Marlene , RDH

Registered Dental Hygienist

Marlene Baron is a dedicated Registered Dental Hygienist at Lighthouse Dental, where she has been making a difference in her patients' lives since 1992. With a career that spans over four decades, Marlene brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. After moving to Wilmington from New York, she began working with the previous owners of Lighthouse Dental and has continued her work with Dr. Jordan Bronstein since he purchased the practice.

Marlene’s responsibilities include assessing and documenting patient findings, reviewing and updating health histories, and performing clinical procedures like taking radiographs, periodontal charting, hand scaling, ultrasonic scaling, and applying fluoride varnish when necessary. She also provides valuable education to her patients, teaching them about proper brushing, flossing techniques, and nutrition. Marlene is committed to improving patient lives by offering personalized care plans.

Marlene’s passion for her work stems from her childhood experiences. Growing up without an education in dental care, she faced many cavities and oral health issues. This lack of knowledge inspired her to pursue a career as a Registered Dental Hygienist, where she could educate others about the importance of dental hygiene and help them maintain better oral health.

Outside of her professional life, Marlene deeply loves animals, particularly dogs. She has rescued several breeds throughout her life, including German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Pit Bulls. Currently, she has a rescue Beagle named Elaina, whom she adopted in 2020 during the pandemic.

One of the most unique aspects of Marlene’s life is her return to dentistry after retiring almost three years ago. Her passion for her work and strong communication and clinical skills drew her back to the field, where she continues to impact her patients’ lives.

In addition to her professional dedication, Marlene loves dancing, which is a fun fact not many people know about her.

Marlene’s commitment to her patients and career as a Registered Dental Hygienist sets her apart as an integral part of the Lighthouse Dental team.

Peter , RDH

Registered Dental Hygienist

Pantelis "Peter" Bletsas is a dedicated and outgoing dental hygienist at Lighthouse Dental, known for his warm personality and commitment to making every patient visit feel comfortable and enjoyable. He strives to stay current with the latest advancements in dentistry, ensuring that his patients receive the best possible care. Peter aims to make dental visits feel like catching up with a friend, bringing an easygoing and friendly atmosphere to the office.

Peter began his dental career in 2017 and joined the Lighthouse Dental team in April 2023. He received his education and training at Cape Fear Community College and Halifax Community College. Throughout his career, Peter has built strong relationships with patients. He enjoys reconnecting with them every six months and learning about their lives outside the dental office. His passion for dental care and genuine interest in his patients make him a trusted professional.

In addition to providing excellent patient care, Peter brings positivity and humor to the team. As an extrovert, he’s known for cracking jokes and keeping everyone entertained. He believes work doesn’t feel like work when you're having fun.

Outside of work, Peter enjoys a variety of activities, including golfing, fishing, boating, and hitting the gym. He’s also an avid reader and online gamer. One of his unique hobbies is collecting rare bourbons, a passion he enjoys during his downtime.

A fun fact about Peter is that he didn’t always plan on pursuing dentistry. At one point, he dreamed of becoming an airplane pilot, but after working in a dental office on his first day, he knew he had found his calling. His career choice has since brought him joy, both professionally and personally.

Peter's blend of professionalism, humor, and genuine care for his patients and team make him a valued member of the Lighthouse Dental family.

Kari

Dental Assistant

Kari is an experienced Dental Assistant at Lighthouse Dental with a passion for making patients feel at ease during their dental procedures. Her expertise lies in helping patients understand and feel comfortable with their treatment plans and educating them on how to improve and maintain their dental health. Kari has been a valued team member since 2008, bringing over a decade of dedication to the field.

She received her education and training from CFCC, setting a solid foundation for her career in dental assisting. Kari initially considered a career in early childhood education after working at a daycare, but her own dental experiences, especially needing restorations, inspired her to pursue dental assisting instead. She found herself fascinated by dental procedures and felt a calling to help others in the same way.

Outside of her professional life, Kari has a variety of hobbies and interests. She loves reading and listening to books, watching great TV series, and enjoying the outdoors. She also has a passion for cooking and trying new recipes. In her spare time, she’s been teaching herself needlepoint, adding a creative touch to her downtime. Kari enjoys spontaneity and engaging in impromptu activities with her friends and family.

Her warmth, enthusiasm, and commitment to patient care make Kari an essential member of the Lighthouse Dental team, where she continuously strives to help others feel comfortable and confident in their dental health.

Crystal

Office Manager

Crystal is the Office Manager at Lighthouse Dental, where she oversees the practice's daily operations while ensuring that patients and the team have everything they need for a smooth and positive experience. With a career that has spanned multiple roles in dentistry, Crystal’s journey began in 2003 when she started as a dental assistant. Her dedication and passion for the field led her to transition to the front desk in 2009 and, eventually, to the role of office manager in 2013.

Crystal’s favorite part of her job is ensuring patients leave with a smile. She takes pride in creating an atmosphere where patients feel comfortable and confident, especially those who may have previously felt uneasy about dental visits. Hearing that patients now enjoy visiting the dentist because of the care they receive at Lighthouse Dental is a rewarding aspect of her work. She also enjoys answering the questions that many other practices may leave unanswered, providing patients with valuable information to make informed decisions about their care.

Although Crystal’s entry into the dental field was unplanned, it quickly became her passion. She initially applied for a front desk position but was offered a role as a dental assistant instead. After taking the opportunity, she never looked back and has been in the dental field ever since.

In her spare time, Crystal enjoys a variety of hobbies, including going to the beach, building Lego sets, and listening to audiobooks. She also loves spending time with her dogs and chickens and doing crafts to keep her mind sharp.

One of Crystal’s unique talents is her ability to remember lyrics to a wide range of songs. While she loves singing along in the office, she admits that she gets nervous at the thought of doing karaoke. Another fun fact is that Crystal is musically inclined and can play the flute, piccolo, and percussion.

Crystal’s combination of experience, dedication, and joyful spirit makes her a key part of the Lighthouse Dental team.

Candy

Front Desk Coordinator

Friendly, caring, and always ready to help, Candy is the welcoming face patients see when they walk into Lighthouse Dental. As a receptionist, she takes pride in making each patient’s visit a pleasant experience and ensuring they feel comfortable and cared for. She also enjoys supporting her coworkers by keeping the office running smoothly and efficiently.

Originally from Dearborn, Michigan, Candy began her career in dentistry in 2020. Drawn to the profession by her natural comfort in it, she finds joy in seeing patients leave the office feeling great about their smiles. Whether assisting with scheduling or brightening someone’s day with her warm personality, she truly loves what she does.

Outside of work, Candy is an adventurer at heart. She spends her free time traveling, scuba diving, playing softball, and cycling. Always seeking new thrills, she enjoys skydiving and bungee jumping! And while many might not consider it a hobby, one of her favorite things to do is laundry, a fun fact that often surprises those who know her.

With her dedication to patient care and vibrant personality, Candy is invaluable to the Lighthouse Dental team.