For over 30 years, the team at Bennett A. Thomas, DDS and Associates has been providing exceptional dental care in the Great Bridge area of Chesapeake and the surrounding areas of Hickory, Grassfield, Deep Creek, and Greenbrier. We are also pleased to serve Northeastern North Carolina.

When Drs. Thomas and Thomas, a husband and wife team, first opened the practice in 1989, they could be seen strolling through the nearby neighborhoods and introducing themselves. They had a vision to become the neighborhood dentists. More than twenty years ago, Dr. Holwick joined the practice as their Associate. Over the years, they formed a team of dental professionals committed to providing quality oral health to family members of all ages. Many of their staff members have been with them for decades, with a handful of employees who actually retired from the practice. Together they believe in the importance of listening to their patients and taking the time to truly understand their individual needs, goals, and lifestyles. After understanding what a patients goals are, they customize solutions to create a healthier, more vibrant smile. Due to this commitment, Drs. Thomas, Thomas, and Holwick have been rated Best Dentist on the NextDoor Neighborhood app.

We are not only a team of dental professionals who will provide you with the highest standard of dental care, we are also your friends and neighbors! Many of our team members grew up in this area or have lived and served in the community for a long time. We are pleased to sponsor local schools and sports teams, and volunteer at local events. We have a commitment to treating our patients as if they are family, providing you with the best dental care.

Dr. Bennett A. Thomas earned a bachelor's degree in zoology at Ohio University in 1983 and went on to attain his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from West Virginia School of Dentistry in 1987. To further advance his skills, Dr. Thomas did a General Practice Residency at Charleston Area Medical Center in West Virginia. After working with a dentist in Virginia Beach for a time, he founded his own practice, Dr. Bennett A. Thomas and Associates, (also known as Drs. Thomas, Thomas, and Holwick) in 1989.

Dr. Thomas is committed to providing personalized, comfortable dental care in a warm and caring environment. He has over 30 years of experience in helping his patients achieve excellent oral health. His commitment to learning about the latest advances in dentistry ensures that you always receive the highest quality, most up-to-date dental care possible. He has a thirst for knowledge, and attends so many continuing education seminars that he always surpasses the number of hours required by the state per year for licensure!

A native of St. Albans, WV, Dr. Thomas enjoys golfing, surfing, deep water fishing and writing poetry in his spare time. He also loves visiting the local elementary schools and reading to the young students, who appreciate his sense of humor!

'I am a super hero to my patients! What is my 'super power? ' I am known for giving painless injections, often singing to my patients during the process, which makes for a soothing, pain free experience!'

Dr. Elizabeth Thomas, also known as 'Mrs. Dr. Thomas' to her dental team and patients, is a native of Charleston, WV and did all of her college years at West Virginia University. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 1983, and graduated with her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from West Virginia 's School of Dentistry in 1987. (Go Mountaineers!) With a passion for advancing her skills in all areas of dentistry, Dr. Thomas went on to complete a General Practice Residency at Charleston Area Medical Center in West Virginia. She and her husband, Dr. Bennett Thomas, opened Thomas & Thomas Dental Associates in the Great Bridge area of Chesapeake in 1989, in hopes of becoming the neighborhood dentists. Thank goodness they did as over 30 years later they are still here!

Dr. Thomas is committed to the comfort and well being of her patients. While performing the dental exams, she has the opportunity to meet the patients. She takes a personal interest in their lives and makes sure she knows each patient by name. she also takes pride in the appearance and cleanliness of the office, thinking of it as an extension of her 'home,' and wanting to have a welcoming feeling for everyone.

Dr. Robert T. Holwick attended St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, NY and received his bachelors degree in biology. With a passion for helping others and a love of science, Dr. Holwick attended Georgetown University School of Dentistry where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.

Dr. Holwick joined Bennett A. Thomas DDS & Associates in 1997. He enjoys getting to know our wonderful patients and providing solutions that help them achieve excellent oral health. Dr. Holwick is experienced in all areas of dentistry and is certified in soft-tissue laser treatments.

'I enjoy working with patients of all ages in all aspects of dentistry, from simple fillings to full mouth reconstruction including implant crowns. I like to stay on top of the latest technology that improves our patients comfort. Having worked here for over 20 years, I especially enjoy the camaraderie with the other dentists and dental professionals on our team.'

Dr. Chanel, as she likes to be called, graduated from Virginia Tech where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences ( with a minor in psychology) and Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Dentistry where she obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 2020. She is the recipient of the Hugh Douglas, Jr. Award for excellence in Prosthodontics and the William C Brokaw Memorial Award in Pediatric Dentistry.

Prior to joining our practice in 2020, Dr. Chanel spent the last ten years pursuing her passion for dentistry by volunteering on mission trips throughout Virginia, as well as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. She provides excellent dental care blended with kindness, gentleness and a smile.

In her spare time, Dr. Chanel loves to travel and experience new cultures and foods. Traveling has become second nature to her because, although she is a native of Virginia Beach, many of her family members live in South Africa! She also enjoys painting and staying healthy by running 8K, 10K and half marathon races with her sister and dad.

Kelli received her Dental Assistant Certificate and Certificate in Dental Radiation Safety from Kee Business College in 2001. After working as a Dental Assistant for almost 16 years she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Old Dominion University in 2016.

Kelli is a native of Poulsbo, WA and moved to Virginia in 1999 and is a Great Bridge resident. She joined Drs. Thomas, Thomas, and Holwick in September 2012. Kelli loves the community environment of Great Bridge and the relationship this office has with their patients. She enjoys her co-workers and loves that our doctors value their employees and patients and treat them like family.

Camie joined Dr. Thomas in June 2002, and she loves working with a diverse group of staff and patients that trust each other. Camie received her Dental Assisting Certification from Medix School in Townsend, MD and is also certified in Dental Radiation Safety.

Kandice joined Bennett A. Thomas, DDS and Associates in August 2016. She appreciates that she is valued as an employee and that the doctors genuinely care for our team as well as their patients. For her training, Kandice attended Practical Dental Assisting of Virginia Beach and graduated in May 2016 with her Dental Assistant Certification. Kandice has Certification for Dental Radiation Safety.

Sheila began working for Dr. Thomas and Associates in July 2020. As a treatment coordinator, she enjoys working closely with the patients and having them become more like family. She also appreciates how working with a knowledgeable team on a day to day basis makes her job more enjoyable.

In addition to Sheila's computer skills and knowledge of scheduling and dental insurance, she is a certified dental assistant and has her certification in dental radiation safety. She is originally from Edison, NJ.

Cheryl has over 33 years of experience in the dental field. She recently returned part-time to the position she held full- time for 20 years, with 3 years of retirement in between. She is interested in helping patients achieve the look they desire for their teeth by using her extensive knowledge of dental insurance and finance options to make it happen. Cheryl grew up in Virginia Beach and currently resides in Moyock. What she loves about her job is that it has retained its family atmosphere through the years and she enjoys watching multiple generations grow up with us!

Rindy attended Great Bridge High School and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene at Old Dominion University in Norfolk. As a member of our dental team since 2002, Rindy enjoys being part of a great team, working with our wonderful patients, and working with state-of-the-art equipment and updated procedures.

Nancy started with Dr. Thomas and Associates in 2007 and has learned about dentistry through in-house training. In addition to having her Certification for Dental Radiation Safety from Old Dominion University, Nancy enjoys learning from everyone and incorporating all techniques into one; her own! She gives shout-outs to Mrs.(Dr. Thomas), Linda, Gina, Heather Old, and Dr. Thomas!

After working for 24 years as a dental assistant, Shannon joined Drs. Thomas, Thomas, and Holwick in September 2016. She loves working with new technology and her work team, especially Nancy she is a joy to work with!

In 2003, Heather graduated from the Academy of Dental Technology with her Dental Assistant Certificate. In December 2017 she joined Drs. Thomas, Thomas, and Holwick. Heather grew up in Virginia Beach and enjoys working with her second family here at the office. She also enjoys learning about all of the latest technologies that dentistry offers and has obtained her Certification for Dental Radiation Safety.

Amy, who is from Merry Hill, NC, attended Martin Community College and graduated in 2012 as a Certified Dental Assistant, as well as a Dental Assistant II. She also holds certifications in Nitrous Oxide Administration and Dental Radiation Safety.

Since joining our team in July of 2020, Amy has enjoyed working with our patients and specializes in making them comfortable! She also enjoys the opportunity to learn new procedures and implement new ways of doing things in a cohesive group of coworkers.

Tori joined our practice in July of 2019. Shortly after starting with us she received her Certificate in Dental Radiation Safety from Virginia Commonwealth University. As a daughter of an Army Ranger, Tori grew up all over the world before her family settled in Chesapeake, VA.

The part that Tori loves the most about her job is that everyday she has the opportunity to interact with different patients. She is enjoying the opportunity to learn about the dental field and looks forward to continuing to learn new things not only in dentistry but about our office. Tori is also looking forward to one day becoming a Dental Assistant.

Mandy is certified in Dental Radiation and Safety through Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021. She began working with us in 2021 when she started as a Sterilization Technician. With her eagerness to learn and hard work she has learned the skills to assist our Dental Hygienist and became a Hygiene Assistant.

By utilizing implants to stabilize dentures we were able to provide this patient with a smile that he can be proud of. He does not have to worry about movement in his dentures when he laughs, smiles, or eats. The implants help the denture snap into place to provide the stability he desired. Look at how natural his smile appears!