Dr. Thurmond graduated with honors from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Dental Branch, earning her D.D.S. degree. She then completed a residency program in hospital dentistry at the University of Washington in Seattle. After practicing dentistry in New Mexico for thirteen years, she relocated to North Carolina when her husband accepted a position at North Carolina State University.
Continuing education has always been a priority. Dr. Thurmond completed a continuum of courses in advanced dentistry at the Pankey Institute in Florida. She has also completed a residency in Dental Sleep Medicine at UNC Chapel Hill, and is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. She currently participates with The Seattle Study Club which promotes excellence in dentistry through both a local monthly study club chapter and a yearly national symposium. She is an active member in the Wake County Dental Society, North Carolina Dental Society, American Dental Society and the Academy of General Dentistry.