Dr. Chad Biggerstaff, DDS
Dentist, Practice owner
Chad was born and raised in Wilmington, NC graduating from John T. Hoggard high school in 1994. He went on to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for undergraduate studies. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the UNC School of Pharmacy in 2000 and later his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from UNC School of Dentistry in 2007.
Chad was named the American Prosthodontics Society Foundations Scholar nationally and awarded senior class awards from the Southeastern Academy of Prosthodontics, American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, the NC Academy of General Dentistry, and the UNC Departments of Periodontology and Prosthodontics. He was also inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) National Dental Honor Society.
Despite receiving these awards, Chad believes that most learning occurs after school. Due to the constant progression of dental technology, techniques, and materials, quality continuing dental education is a key component to clinical excellence. Over the years, Chad has gone on to study at several world-renowned continuing dental education centers including the Pankey Institute, Spear Education, and the Schuster Center. He has also received advanced training in implant placement and restoration from the Triangle Dental Institute. He is a member of the NC Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, and participates in local study clubs affiliated with Spear Education and The Seattle Study Club. Chad has invested in some of the most advanced dental technology available including CEREC CAD/CAM and Sirona 3D cone beam imaging, making BlueWave Dentistry one of the most advanced general practices in the area.
Chad met his wife, Julie, at the UNC School of Pharmacy, and they were married in 2001. When he is not working, he is an active father of their three children (Laney, Charlee, and Malik) and surfs at Wrightsville Beach when he gets the chance. Chad and his family are active members of Port City Community Church. Chad believes in dentistry, as well as in life, honesty, integrity and compassion are of the utmost importance. “Treat everyone as if they are a member of your own family” is a mantra he lives and works by.
Dr. David Vurnakes, DMD
Dentist, Junior Partner
Dr. Vurnakes joined BlueWave in 2018, excited to return to his hometown of Wilmington, NC. After graduating from NC State University, David worked as a dental assistant to confirm his interest in dentistry as a profession before going on to attend East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine. One of his most rewarding experiences during dental school was serving in the NC Missions of Mercy dental clinics throughout NC. After graduating dental school, David chose to move to the coastal community of Morehead City where he worked in a solo dental practice for several years.
Dentistry is David’s passion as it fuses health, science, and art. David’s goal in dentistry is to promote his patient’s overall health while also helping them achieve a beautiful smile. Like Dr. Biggerstaff, Dr. Vurnakes is committed to quality continuing education completing over 100 hours a year of dental CE since graduating dental school. He has participated in some of the same prestigious programs such as the Pankey Institute, Spear Education, Triangle Dental Institute Dental Implant continuum, and the Seattle Study Club. David also sees dentistry as a pathway for service and giving back to the community. Since his time as a dental assistant, he has spent years volunteering with the NC Missions of Mercy dental clinics, NC Baptist Men’s Dental Bus and other local organizations. David’s core values of faith, honesty, integrity and treating every patient with respect as if they were a member of his own family reflect those of BlueWave.
Outside of dentistry, David loves being near the water from fishing, paddle boarding, and boating to just relaxing. He also enjoys golf and music and grew up playing the piano, learning several other instruments as well. David’s latest adventure is his new Golden Retriever puppy, Jerry. He has hopes of training him to be a therapy dog but will be happy just playing fetch on the beach.
Dr. Andy Gould, DMD
Dentist, Associate
Dr. Andy Gould is a native of Hershey, PA, where he practiced dentistry since 1996 and owned three dental practices throughout central PA. In 2023, he made the decision to relocate to North Carolina and join BlueWave to continue his dental career. Andy graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 1995 and he takes pride in his comprehensive approach to patient care. With over 25 years of experience, Andy has earned a reputation for being a highly skilled and compassionate dentist. His expertise ranges from root canals to extractions, implants, Invisalign, and even Botox treatments. Dr. Andy is dedicated to providing his patients with the highest level of care and works tirelessly to ensure that they feel comfortable and at ease during their appointments.
Dr. Andy and his wife, Ami, live in Brunswick Forest and enjoy the local golf and exercise. They are both extremely proud of their two adult children, Lydia and Meredith, who reside in Pittsburgh, PA. When he's not practicing dentistry, Dr. Andy enjoys hunting, golf, exercise and traveling.
