James Scheller, DDS
Hickory NC Dentist | Practice Owner
Dr. James Scheller is a Hickory, North Carolina native with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry at Chapel Hill. Dr. Scheller has years of experience in his private dental practice treating both children and adults of all ages. He has received many compliments from our Patients about his great sense of humor and fun personality.
As a dentist at Viewmont Family Dentistry, Dr. Scheller specializes in general and cosmetic dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association and is very proactive with continuing education. He appreciates the key role new technology and advancements play in providing optimal diagnosis and treatment of every patient’s dental needs. Dr. Scheller is focused on offering the highest quality dental care in a relaxed, comfortable environment that’s fully equipped.
Outside of the Viewmont Family Dentistry office, Dr. Scheller is a huge UNC Tar Heel fan who enjoys golf, running and spending time with his wife, Ashley, and their three children. He is an active member at his church and is passionate about giving back to the community with a focus on youth.
Dustin Hamren, DMD
Hickory NC Dentist
Dr. Dustin J. Hamren was born in California, but raised in Utah. He is the fourth of eight children, with 3 sisters and 4 brothers. After high school, he served a two-year mission in West Virginia for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A few weeks after returning home, he started his Undergraduate Degree in Exercise Science at Brigham Young University. He met his wife, Brianna, through his younger brother and they became friends, started dating, and were married a year later.
Dustin attended dental school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Florida and graduated in June of 2019. He loves dentistry and is excited to be a part of the Viewmont Family Dentistry team.
Dustin and Brianna have three boys – Jaxson, Oliver, and Lucas, who provide endless energy, entertainment, and helping hands. Dr. Hamren is a true “gamer” at heart – video games, board games, sports, he loves it all. He also really enjoys spending time with his family, and exploring all that North Carolina has to offer.
John Hattner, DMD
Dr. John Hattner was born and raised outside of Fort Worth, Texas until leaving to earn his Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management & Analytics from The University of Alabama. He then moved to Florida to pursue his dental education at Nova Southeastern University. In 2024, he relocated to Hickory to begin serving the local community through compassionate, patient centered dental care.
Outside of dentistry, John is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys traveling the world, skiing, golfing and fishing. When he’s not outside he loves playing video games and collecting Pokémon cards. He also loves relaxing at home with his wife, Kaitlyn, along with their three cats and two dogs.
John is passionate about helping people feel confident in their smiles through general and cosmetic dentistry, and he strives for all his dental work to excel in both quality and aesthetics.
David K. Bennett, Jr., DMD
Dr. David K. Bennett Jr. is a passionate general dentist who believes dentistry is about far more than teeth — it’s about people, relationships, and helping patients feel genuinely cared for. Originally from San Jose, Dr. Bennett grew up in a family of educators alongside his two younger brothers. As a teenager, he was captain of his high school football team and spent plenty of time with his frisbee-catching dog, Mikey.
Dr. Bennett completed his undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University in 2008 before earning his dental degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dental Medicine in 2019. He has also completed advanced training implant placement and in full mouth rehabilitation through the Dr. Dick Barnes Group.
Dr. Bennett recently returned from living in New Zealand for the last 2 years. He and his family loved the experience. He practiced at Kowahi dental in Whangarei 2 hours north of Auckland. Before New Zealand he practiced in both Hudson and Sacramento California. In all his stops he has gained valuable experience in comprehensive general dentistry. He is especially passionate about building lasting relationships with patients and creating an environment where people feel known, valued, and comfortable — inspired by the positive experience he had with his own childhood dentist.
Dr. Bennett and his wife, Kristi Lynn, have been married since 2008 and are the proud parents of four energetic children — two girls and two boys. Family life keeps them busy and active, whether they’re swimming, hiking, exploring local festivals, or enjoying game nights together.
Outside the practice, Dr. Bennett enjoys watching sports, golf, his new passion for rugby, and trying to be a good father and husband. He also admits to eating too much ice cream and spending far too much time on X. Dr. Bennett and his family are excited to be back and look forward to becoming part of the local community. His goal is simple: to be “the best mouth coach ever” and help every patient achieve a healthy, confident smile.
