Dr. Allison McMahon
Dr. Allison McMahon is a Chicago native who moved to the Charlotte area in the fall of 2020. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, graduating cum laude with distinction in cell and structural biology. Dr. Allison received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) where she graduated with honors before continuing on at UIC for her specialty training in pediatric dentistry alongside Dr. Vakil. She enjoys working with children and strongly believes in early childhood dental care to build a lasting foundation of lifelong oral health.
Dr. Allison currently lives in Matthews with her husband, Jason and her three kids, Henry (7), Mary (5), and Graham (5). In her free time, Dr. Allison enjoys traveling, skiing, biking, and reading.
Dr. LaJoi E. Wiggins
Dr. LaJoi Wiggins was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, while her parents were serving in the military. After her father’s retirement, her family settled in Raleigh, North Carolina — a place she proudly calls “home.”
Dr. Wiggins completed her undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During her time there, she also became a proud member of the Iota Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine.
Following dental school, Dr. Wiggins completed a one-year General Practice Residency (GPR) at OU Medicine Children’s Hospital and the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center. During this residency, she received advanced training in comprehensive treatment planning, dental care for patients with complex medical conditions, pediatric patients with special healthcare needs, dental anesthesiology, and oral surgery.
Dr. Wiggins then pursued her passion for pediatric dentistry by completing her specialty training at Virginia Commonwealth University. There, she earned both a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and a Master of Science in Dentistry. Her thesis, titled “Repeat Full Mouth Dental Rehabilitation under General Anesthesia for Healthy Children Who Are High Caries Risk,” explored the factors contributing to repeat sedation appointments and offered preventative strategies to reduce tooth decay in children.
Outside the office, Dr. Wiggins enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, traveling, attending concerts, and embracing new adventures. Her love for children and commitment to community service drive her passion for pediatric dentistry.
- College of Diplomats of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- North Carolina Dental Society
- Academy General Dentistry
- National Dental Association
- Old North State Dental Society
- American Dental Education Association
Dr. Shamik S. Vakil
Dr. Shamik S. Vakil, also called Dr. V, was born in Houston, TX and grew up in Cleveland, TN where he graduated from Cleveland High School. Dr. V went to college at Samford University where he completed dual undergraduate degrees, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology and in political science. He then served on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC and abroad as a Congressional Fellow working with the International Foundation. He went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
While completing a two-year post-doctoral residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Dentistry, he also earned a Specialty Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and a Master of Science (MS). His residency training gave him the opportunity to gain additional skills in pediatric medicine, sedation, anesthesia, orthodontics, and behavior management.
Outside of the office, Dr. V enjoys traveling, scuba diving, hiking, concerts, cooking, and is an avid car and motorcycle enthusiast! He is also a proud supporter of all Charlotte sports teams, especially the Carolina Panthers!
- Board Certified Diplomate
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- North Carolina Dental Society
- International College of Dentists
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry – Fellow
