Your Pleasant Plains Dentists

Meet Dr. Henry J. Ernst, DMD

Dr. Ernst is a general dentist who lives in Union County with his wife, Lisa, and their four daughters. He graduated with honors from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine. He then attended Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine.

After undergoing extensive training in the field of placing and restoring dental implants, oral surgery, and sedation, Dr. Ernst was awarded the title of Fellow in the American Dental Implant Association in 2011. He has been affiliated with the Atlantic Coast Research Clinic in the department of Oral Implantology, and he holds a sedation certificate from the North Carolina State Board of Dentistry.

Dr. Ernst is dedicated to providing his patients with the most up-to-date and effective treatments available in all aspects of their dental health. What he enjoys most about his profession is the challenge of curing dental anxiety in even the most fearful of patients so that everyone can get the quality dental care they need and deserve. Services such as Invisalign^® orthodontic treatment, wisdom tooth removal, porcelain veneers (including Lumineers^®), root canal treatment, and implant placement and restoration are all performed in a gentle, caring manner.

Dr. Ernst’s Memberships & Affiliations:

• American Dental Association
• North Carolina Dental Society
• Academy of General Dentistry
• American Orthodontic Society
• American Dental Implant Association
• Union County Chamber of Commerce

Meet Dr. James Clark, DDS

Dr. Clark was born and raised in the small town of Seneca Falls, nestled in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of Upstate NY. He attended Bucknell University for his undergraduate studies where he received a degree in Biology. After earning his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from New York University, he advanced his education with a General Practice Residency at the University of Rochester. Dr. Clark has finally settled in Charlotte and is excited to provide his experience and quality care to his patients. When he is not working, Dr. Clark enjoys soccer – he is currently looking to join a soccer league in the area, running and exploring the mountains and beaches of North Carolina with his wife.

Meet Dr. Paul Kim, DMD

Dr. Paul Kim was born and raised in the Chicago area. He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and obtained a Bachelor of Science in engineering. Dr. Kim then moved to Michigan and worked as an automotive engineer for eight years. After deciding on a career change, he attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA. His active-duty commitment as a U.S. Army dentist began soon after. There, Dr. Kim obtained additional training through a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry program. His experience in the Army also included a tour in Korea and a six-month humanitarian mission on the USNS Comfort Navy Hospital Ship. After spending five years in the Army, Dr. Kim decided to move to Charlotte due to the great people, weather, and growing community.

Meet Dr. Henk Grobbelaar

Dr. Grobbelaar grew up in Pretoria, South Africa and immigrated to North Carolina during high school. He attended UNCC where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Biology. He then graduated from The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University, with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. After dental school, he decided to move back home to Charlotte to be closer to family. Dr. G enjoys spending time with his wife and 1-year-old daughter. He also enjoys going on trips to the mountains for hiking and snowboarding.

Meet Dr. Nikhil Alaigh, DDS, FICOI

Nikhil Alaigh, DDS, FICOI (Dr. Nik for short) is a general dentist originally from New Jersey.

Dr. Nik graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Rutgers University and attended dental school at New York University College of Dentistry, where he graduated in 2017. He was awarded a 4-year scholarship during dental school which gave him the privilege to serve as an Active-Duty Army Officer and general dentist in Bavaria, Germany, and at Ft. Liberty, NC. He recently resigned as a Reserve Officer, promoting to the rank of Major.

He completed a 1-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry in Spartanburg, SC/Bessemer, AL after leaving active duty. While he trained in all aspects of dentistry, he was able to focus on surgical procedures such as implant placement and restoration, and bone and sinus augmentation. He was also able to simultaneously complete the Comprehensive Implant Residency Program in Bessemer, AL. This experience gave him the ability to obtain his Fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. (ICOI).

Prior to joining Pleasant Plains, Dr. Nik practiced in Boone, NC and Charlotte, NC.

In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, puppy, family, and friends. He also enjoys watching football, playing the guitar, going on hikes, and weight training.

Chan’nel

Practice Manager

Chan’nel was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. She attended Dental Assistant Academy in 2015. Chan’nel started at Pleasant Plains Dental in the summer of 2015 as a Dental Assistant. She spent the past eight years working alongside the doctors, all while being cross-trained for front desk duties before the opportunity of being in a management role arose. In her free time, she loves spending time with her friends and family, crafting, and traveling.