Charlotte Dentist | Michelle Valpiani, DMD at Sautter Family Dentistry

“My love of dentistry has manifested into service for my community both locally and abroad…”

A dental professional in a white coat, standing beside a patient seated on a dental chair, demonstrating something on a tablet with an image of a mouth on the screen.

You know the age old saying "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas"? Well if you knew much about this first-generation Chi-Talian (Chinese-Italian) from Las Vegas, you would know that the odds of me staying there were never very high! I would like to take this time to say "Hello Sautter Family"! and tell you a little bit about myself.

I am a former competitive swimmer at the national level and an avid lover of everything outdoors. I'll try just about anything once, including a sprint triathlon, and fishing in (and sinking) a boat in the Atlantic Ocean during a small craft advisory warning. On weekends you will mostly find me hiking or biking with my husband, newborn son, and our four-legged Vizsla. If not tackling the outdoors, I am curled up under numerous blankets (in any weather below 65 degrees) with a good book and some hot chocolate.

What else is there to know about me? Well, the chips never really had to fall where they may in my career choice. My love for straight, orderly lines was evident at the ripe age of 14 when I had braces, which spawned my interest in dentistry. I followed that passion to UNC - Chapel Hill where I received a degree in biology with Highest Honors while belonging to several groups that also loved discussing teeth. That love manifested in service to the community through open door dental clinics, locally and in the Dominican Republic. I then continued my education at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine where I received my Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree Magna Cum Laude.

While at Tufts I realized two very important things; The first is that I like teeth, and that inspires me to help others achieve and maintain a healthy smile. To that end after receiving my doctorate, I completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry at a VA hospital and then started my career in private practice in Boston while also working with an aging population in nursing homes. The second thing I discovered? I dislike cold weather. So, I convinced my snow shoveling husband from Buffalo, NY to uproot his life and follow me to the place that always felt like home, Carolina.

I am excited to be part of the Sautter Family and I thank you for welcoming me and entrusting me with your care!