Changing Lives, One Smile at a Time
I was once an orthodontic patient with braces. Having braces at ten years old meant transforming my buck teeth into a great smile, so I had more confidence and got less teasing from my brother and sister! Now, as an adult and an orthodontist, I am still pleased with my smile and I know I have a healthy bite too. My own experience inspires me to give each patient a great-looking and healthy smile!
I look forward to spending time with my patients each day. I consider myself lucky to have an extended family through my patients, their families, and my staff. It’s amazing to treat general dentists’ families, and multiple generations, and to hear stories of graduations, new jobs, weddings, and births. I love seeing familiar smiles in school pictures, newspapers, magazines, and on Facebook. And I’m thrilled when patients tell me their orthodontic experience has inspired them to become dental assistants and hygienists, dentists, and even orthodontists!
Dominion Orthodontics
We are passionate about what we do and truly care about each patient. We all live in the same community and see current and former patients at school, church, day care, the gym, and at sports and community gatherings. We build strong bonds with each patient and consider everyone to be family!
Education and Continuing Education
My Doctorate of Dental Surgery and orthodontics certificate were awarded by Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, where I graduated with honors and due to my academic excellence I was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society. My motivation and enthusiasm for oral healthcare led me to be one of the few dentists in the nation to attend and complete an accelerated combined undergraduate and DDS program. This involved studying at both Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and the University of Missouri at Kansas City.
Staying innovative through continuing education at local and national meetings, and as an adjunct faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Orthodontics Department, is important to me. I evaluate and critique new technology and methods, and only adopt them when I’m certain they will benefit my patients.
Professional Affiliations
- American Association of Orthodontists
- Southern Association of Orthodontists
- Virginia Association of Orthodontists
- American Dental Association
- Virginia Dental Association
- Richmond Dental Society
- Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, former board member
- Virginia Orthodontic Research Education and Research Foundation: past president, vice president, secretary, and board member
Beyond the Office
I’ve lived in Virginia for most of my life. My life is shared with my husband, daughter, a cat, and a fish. When I’m not caring for patients, I enjoy sports and fitness, especially jogging, swimming, and playing tennis. I also love time at the beach and am a total foodie! I enjoy helping in my local community through various charitable organizations and my daughter’s school and extracuricular activities.
I’m proud to be a 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Achieving this has had many similarities with being an orthodontist: honesty, hard work, helping others, and respect.
