Dr. Darren Koch understands that a dynamic team is what makes our dental practice so special. Each team member has years of experience under their belt and does whatever it takes to help their patients have enjoyable and comfortable visits.
They intentionally carve out time to get to know patients, all while staying on schedule, and they’re always available to answer any questions patients may have about a particular dental treatment or diagnosis.
You can learn more about our phenomenal dental team in Cary by reading below.
Darren G. Koch, DDS
Dr. Darren G. Koch has been a family and cosmetic dentist for over twenty years. He views his career as an interesting and challenging mix of art, science, psychology, and physical dexterity. As a family and cosmetic dentist in Cary, he’s proud to offer patients of all ages a wide range of dental services.
Dr. Koch was recently featured in the American Academy of Clear Aligners for an Invisalign case that was selected as Case of the Month!
Dr. Koch strongly believes in the value of continuing education, and this dedication is most strongly exemplified by his membership in the Capital City Study Club. This study club, comprising general dentists and specialists, meets four times annually for lectures, clinical treatment planning sessions, problem-solving workshops, and hands-on demonstrations. The members are committed to excellence in their profession and are dedicated to collaborative team treatment planning to ensure comprehensive, ideal care for patients.
Dr. Koch is currently pursuing further education and training in several important areas of patient care, including Invisalign®, cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, and sleep apnea therapy. He is an avid member of Spear Education, Dental Online Training, and Phelan Dental Seminars, which he uses to enhance his knowledge of cosmetic, restorative, and interdisciplinary dentistry.
Dr. Koch is a graduate of The Rochester Institute of Technology, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree with the highest honors in the field of Biotechnology. He then pursued his dental education at the University at Buffalo and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with honors in 2001, graduating in the top 15% of his class. During dental school, Dr. Koch received scholarships based on academic performance and professional service, as well as awards for excellence in restorative dentistry and periodontology. Additionally, he completed externships in both pediatric dentistry and oral surgery at local hospitals in the Buffalo area.
To obtain additional training in cosmetic and implant dentistry, Dr. Koch completed a one-year advanced general dentistry residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned his Advanced Education in General Dentistry certificate.
Dr. Koch is a member of many prestigious dental organizations, including the:
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)
- American Academy of Clear Aligners (AACA)
- North Carolina Dental Society (NCDS)
- Fourth District Dental Society of Raleigh/Wake County (RWCDS)
Dr. Koch is originally from Rochester, NY. During his high school and college years, Dr. Koch had an interesting variety of jobs as a handyman, website designer, network support specialist at IBM, and genetics lab technician at the University of Rochester.
Dr. Koch and his loving wife, Joanna, are proud parents of two wonderful children, a son and a daughter. Outside of the office, he enjoys playing tennis, listening to music, watching movies, and traveling. He also loves watching NFL football and Carolina Tarheel basketball.
Christopher Hartung, DDS
Associate Dentist
Dr. Hartung may be new to our dental office, but his experience in the field covers over 25 years! He loves helping patients from all walks of life achieve healthy, beautiful smiles that are built to last. Dr. Koch and the rest of our team are thrilled to have him on board. To learn more about him, continue reading below, or contact us today to schedule a visit.
Dr. Hartung’s first dental visit as a child was with a pediatric dentist, Dr. Culbreth, who practiced in Charlotte. In a way, that positive visit changed the whole trajectory of his life because it inspired him to become a dentist himself, and he never strayed from that goal.
Originally from Rockwell, Dr. Hartung earned his dental degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry, graduating in 1996. He has been working hard in private practice ever since. Today, he is an active member of the American Dental Association and the North Carolina Dental Society.
Dr. Hartung is the proud parent of two children, a son and a daughter, who are both currently studying dentistry in college. He currently lives on a mini farm in Pittsboro, where he raises mini donkeys and goats. In his free time, he enjoys boating and has completed five half-Ironman triathlons.
Diana, BSRDH, MEd
Dental Practice Manager
Diana first joined our dental practice in June of 1983 as a registered dental hygienist. She has dedicated many years of service to our practice, helping it grow in numerous ways. In 1996, she opened a new door by becoming the office’s first practice manager. With multiple years of experience in the dental field, she has provided guidance to many employees, helping them improve both personally and professionally. Her education and devotion to excellence have a profound influence in our office and continue to inspire our dental team to strive for perfection.
Originally from Lenoir, NC, Diana received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1983. Additionally, she earned her Master’s Degree in Adult Education-Training and Development from North Carolina State University in 1998. She served as President of the UNC Dental Hygiene Alumni Association in 1991 and was presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1993. She has also served on the Advisory Committee of the Wake Technical Community College Dental Hygiene School. She is a former member of the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Caring Dental Professionals, as well as the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and the North Carolina Dental Hygiene Association. Currently, she is a member of the National Association of Professional Women and the American Association of Dental Office Managers.
Diana serves as a Consultant Member for the CDCA (The Commission on Dental Competency Assessments), participating in clinical dental hygiene board examinations in various states. Additionally, she has served as Past Chairman of the TSA (Test Site Administrator) Committee for The Council of Interstate Testing Agencies, Inc., administering both clinical dental and dental hygiene board examinations for licensure. She has participated as a dental hygiene examiner and/or an administrator in North Carolina, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan, and New York.
Diana and her husband have two children. When she has free time, she enjoys working out, spending time on the beach, traveling, keeping up with her beloved Tar Heels, and watching her son on the baseball field and her daughter on the soccer field. She holds a previous certification from the American Council on Exercise and served as a group fitness instructor at a local health club from 1988 to 2008.
Kristen, BSRDH
Registered Dental Hygienist
Originally from Currituck County, Kristen has a rich dental history, as her father, uncle, and brother are all dentists. She has been practicing dental hygiene since 2009 and joined our practice in 2016. Kristen earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before pursuing her Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene from Wayne Community College. She is certified to administer local anesthesia. She enjoys meeting new people through her job and educating them about oral health.
Kristen is married with one son. Outside of the office, she enjoys reading, hot yoga, crafting, and cooking. Previously, she lived in New Orleans for 2.5 years and had to evacuate due to Hurricane Katrina.
Kristy
Registered Dental Hygienist
With over ten years of experience in the world of dentistry, Kristy joined our team in 2021. For her, the best thing about being a dental hygienist is connecting with others. These genuine relationships make her job incredibly fulfilling and make a positive impact on the oral health of her patients!
Although she is originally from Washington, Kristy chose to attend Wake Technical Community College for her studies. Now, she is a Basic Life Support Provider and is certified to administer local anesthesia.
Kristy and her husband, Ryan, have two college-aged children and a Golden Retriever named Winnie. When she isn’t spending time with her family (which is most of the time!), she enjoys traveling and serving in the children’s ministry at Crosspointe Church. Here’s a fun fact about her: she’s an amateur carpenter.
Jessica
Registered Dental Hygienist
Jessica joined our practice in August 2024 and is an incredible addition to our hygiene department. She grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, and received her degree in dental hygiene from Central Piedmont Community College. After graduating in 1992, Jessica moved to Raleigh, where she has been providing expert care in general dental offices ever since. Her extensive experience and dedication to patient care make her a valuable part of our team.
Jessica loves spending time with her many nieces and nephews and enjoys a variety of hobbies. As an outdoor enthusiast, she’s passionate about activities like snow skiing, golf, and cycling. On weekends, you’ll often find her participating in cycling and running events, taking full advantage of her active lifestyle.
Megan
Administrative Assistant
Megan has been a part of our team since 2009. She attended Wake Tech Community College and loves the great people she works with. She also loves the fact that her job is never boring.
Originally from Fuquay-Varina, Megan has a wonderful mom, a sister and brother-in-law, and three nieces. In her free time, she enjoys doing puzzles, watching old movies, cross-stitching, and singing in the church choir.
Amy
Dental Assistant
Originally from Durham, Amy first joined our practice in July 2014. She completed her training at the NCDATS (North Carolina Dental Assisting Training School) in 2010. One of her favorite parts about being a dental assistant is helping people feel better about their smiles and themselves.
Amy is married and has two sons. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at the lake or beach with her family. She is also a huge Duke fan, and her favorite food is French fries.
Heather
Certified Dental Assistant
Heather brings over 20 years of experience, compassion, and versatility to her role as a certified dental assistant. She ensures the clinic runs smoothly by preparing treatment rooms, documenting notes, educating patients, and helping them feel at ease during their visit.
Heather received her training from Tufts University and NHTI Concord Community College, and she’s also cross-trained in front desk administration. Since joining the practice in April 2025, she’s quickly become a valued team member.
Inspired by generations of women in her family who worked in dentistry, Heather knew early on this was her calling. She’s especially passionate about comforting anxious patients and creating a calm, welcoming environment.
Outside of work, Heather enjoys hiking, the beach, cooking, and singing karaoke. She also has a unique talent for recreating dishes by taste.