Dental Office in Durham – Meet the Team!

Dr. Ramos

is a general dentist in Durham who is passionate about partnering with her patients to co-discover ways to improve their health. Dr. Ramos’ focus in dentistry is individualized care for patients, emphasizing patient education to foster true collaboration in achieving optimal health. Dr. Ramos believes her role as a dentist in Durham also involves health education in addition to providing care. Dr. Ramos has been in the dental field for more than 25 years first as a dental hygienist for 2 years prior to dental school. She graduated from the University of Colorado School of Dentistry in 1989, where she graduated in the top of her class and served as class president. Dr. Ramos completed the Advanced General Dentistry Residency Program at the University of North Carolina, followed by a Geriatric Fellowship at the Duke University and UNC Program on Aging . Dr. Ramos also taught and practiced Special Care Dentistry at UNC as an Adjunct Assistant Professor. Dr. Ramos has practiced in various settings in the Triangle area and began her solo private practice in 1996 in SW Durham. Dr. Ramos is a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of General Dentistry, NC Dental Society, Durham/Orange County Dental Society and the Triangle Chapter of the NC Association of Women Dentists. Dr. Ramos currently is a member of a Pankey Affiliated Multidisciplinary Study Club, and completed (along with staff) the Management for Excellence Program at the Schuster Center for Professional Development.

She lives in Durham with her physician husband and two daughters. When not in the office, Dr. Ramos enjoys running, reading, oil painting, and serving in her church community and serving on the Advisory Council of Trinity School where her daughters attended. Most of all, Dr. Ramos loves spending time with her family and traveling together.

Vicki Farmer, Dental Assistant

Vicki has been a dental assistant since moving to Durham from Goldsboro NC in 1985. Vicki came to work with Dr. Ramos in 1998. While working for Dr. Ramos, Vicki attended the UNC Dental Assisting Program and completed her training in 1999. Vicki also had seven years experience as an optometric assistant. She is a graduate of the Schuster Center for Professional Development. When not in the Dental Office in Durham, Vicki enjoys spending time with her husband, son and daughter.

Christy VanAuken, Dental Hygienist

Christy graduated from UNC Dental Assisting Program in 1998. Christy worked for two years as a dental assistant in an endodontic office before deciding to return to school to become a dental hygienist. She graduated from Wayne Community College in 2002. Christy joined the practice in July of 2002. Christy has completed the first year of the Schuster Center for Professional Development since joining the practice. When she is not in the Dental Office in Durham she enjoys spending time with her family.

Victoria Nelson, Office Coordinator

Victoria has been in the dental field for over 25 years. She joined our practice in 2016. Victoria has always enjoyed and wanted to be in the dental field. She worked as a dental assistant for over 20 years before focusing on the business aspect of dentistry. She has a degree in business administration and went to UNC School of Dentistry for Dental Assisting. She has always enjoyed working with people both clinically and administratively. She is a native North Carolinian and enjoys cooking, reading, walking, traveling along with spending time with husband and friends.

Emiko Thomsen, Dental Hygienist

Emiko has been a dental hygienist for over 16 years. She graduated with a degree in dental hygiene from Springfield Technical Community College and received the Golden Scaler award for clinical excellence. She enjoyed helping patients in Vermont before moving to the Triangle area with her husband in 2015. She is very happy to be providing care to Dr. Ramos’ patients. She also has experience working as a licensed dental hygienist for a periodontist in Japan. In her free time she enjoys playing tennis, cooking, and taking long walks with her husband and their dog.