After graduating from the University of North Carolina in 1974, Dr. Stanfield worked as a research associate at the VA Hospital in Durham, NC. He earned his Master of Life Science in Microbiology at North Carolina State University, then went to the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill for dental school.

While his academic credentials are strong—including completing a National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR) fellowship at UNC Chapel Hill and being the co-author of more than 14 scientific papers—Dr. Stanfield is most proud of the “strong, talented, caring team I have, and the relationships we’ve developed with our patients over 20-plus years.”

Dr. Stanfield’s and his wife Melanie, an attorney, have been married for 26 years. He says that Melanie is “one of the most intelligent people I know. I really depend on her insight. She truly is my best friend.” They are the proud parents of two teen-aged sons: Charlie, who hopes to go to the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill; and Kevin, who’s interested in North Carolina State.

Good dental health shouldn’t be just for the wealthy, a belief Dr. Stanfield acts on by volunteering with the Guilford County Adult Dental Care and Give a Kid a Smile programs, both of which provide dental care to those in need.

Dr. Stanfield, an Eagle Scout, also has volunteered his energy as a Boy Scout leader for the past six years. Active in Jamestown Presbyterian Church, he’s a church Elder and has been a Sunday school teacher.