Dr. Viviana Avila-Gnau has more than two decades of experience in dentistry. She obtained her D.D.S. degree from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Loma Linda, California, after receiving a previous D.D.S. from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogot, Colombia. Her private practice experience includes managing her own practice in Bogot and serving as an associate at practices in Maryland as well as in the Boston area and in Manhattan.
She also has significant teaching experience, having held faculty positions at several of the most highly regarded dental schools in the United States Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Loma Linda, California; Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts; and New York University College of Dentistry in Manhattan.
In addition to her experience in both private practice and academia, Dr. Avila-Gnau has been active in her field outside of the workplace as well. While practicing and teaching in Boston, she was selected by the Massachusetts Dental Society for the Ten Under 10 award for dentists who graduated from dental school within the previous ten years and who made a significant contribution to the profession, their community, or organized dentistry or all of the above.
For the above-referenced ADA Evidence Reviewer program, Dr. Avila-Gnau wrote several critical summaries of various evidence-based systematic reviews, which synthesize the findings of a wide array of published research on specific topics of interest to doctors, dentists, and clinicians to provide them with actionable takeaways for their practices. One of her critical summaries was published by the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA).
She also achieved Fellowship status in the Academy of General Dentistry and is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, and the American Dental Association.
Dr. Lievano came to Washington, D.C. in 1987 to attend Georgetown University School of Dentistry, where he received postgraduate education in Occlusion and Restorative Dentistry. He has called Washington, D.C. home ever since. Prior to coming to Washington, he completed his undergraduate studies at the Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Colombia.
He has been in private practice since completion of his postgraduate studies in 1989 and, for the last 30 years, has enjoyed providing the best possible care and environment for his patients. Throughout his years of practice, he has always believed in patient and staff engagement to achieve optimal results for his patients.
Dr. Lievano is a member of the American Dental Association, the D.C. Dental Society, and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics among others. He has a passion for learning and attends frequent continuing education courses to keep current with the latest technology and materials.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 66 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestValerie Fleming
a year ago
DC Smile studio is the best dentist I've ever been to. They are very family oriented and it always feels very welcome and comfortable. But even better than that they provide the best services and are extremely gentle. I trust them fully with my oral care and don't feel anxious before appointments because I know they will make sure im comfortable. Dr. Avila always says "if you're feeling pain or discomfort you call me immediately and I will make sure we solve it". They also do a great job at explaining what they see with your teeth and what they are doing and why. I fully recommend this dentist. I'd give six stars if I could!
Marcelo Cerna
a year ago
DC Smile Studio provides excellent dental service. The entire team is very professional and with patient care that makes one feel in good hands, which shows passion for the work they do. Patient care is a plus of DC Smile. Congrats them! . Marcelo
Alyssia Venna
2 years ago
Definitely recommend. Love this office. Everyone is super friendly, and the quality is spectacular!! Just finished my Invisalign treatment, and I am so happy!
E G
2 years ago
Have been coming here for years (even though I've been going to college in the UK)- can't recommend highly enough! The quality of care is excellent & they are super efficient.
Lucy Rock
2 years ago
I have a lot of cavities from previous poor upkeep and hygiene, and since I have switched to this dentist I have felt so much better about my teeth. I went in today for two fillings (deep cavities) and Dr. Avila-Gnau took amazing care of me! She guided me through everything she was doing and explained the process before starting. This might sound basic, but it made a huge difference and not all practitioners are as diligent. She was time efficient and made sure I was comfortable through the entire process. I am now much less nervous when I go to the dentist, and their kindness makes all the difference. 11/10 experience
Nestor Roa
2 years ago
Excellent experience. The best in dental healthcare and Golden Standard in hygiene and cleanliness in this difficult time of Covid-19.
C B
2 years ago
I cannot say enough about the wonderful care I received here. I was staying in Virginia on vacation from out of state and had some difficulty with one of my molars. The pain was to the point where I could not sleep or eat comfortably. I found a local dentist who saw patients for emergencies and when he saw me the following day, he referred me to a specialist later that day. I was then referred back to the original dentist who could not see me for another 3 days. To say the least, this was no help and being far from both my home and my primary dentist, I was feeling a bit hopeless. While I was alone, I silently prayed to God for strength and for help. A few hours later, my prayer was answered and a family member who knew of my ailment called me to say she had found someone who could help me. This was Dr. Avila-Gnau. She saw me the next morning and proceeded with the difficult extraction with great care and an abundance of patience. I cannot thank her enough for the help and relief she provided. Her compassion for her patients is something I have not seen before. She truly was the answer to my prayer. Thank you, Dr. Avila-Gnau.
Elizabeth Shreve
2 years ago
Dr. Avila is a treasure, and that's not common in her line of work! I came initially because i was in lot of pain. Tooth pain is not acceptable to Dr. Avila and she quickly and with a gentle touch identified the source and with patience and excellence, addressed the complex problem. From this first experience on, her work has been truly outstanding, her explanation of options and procedures clear, her process thorough, and she is an absolutely delight as a person. And to add, in these challenges pandemic times, I have not experienced a medical practice that took greater care with the safety of its patients and staff. I highly recommend this practice.
lea Gess
2 years ago
Dr. Avila is the best- general dentistry is very professional and thorough. I also did Invisalign and am so happy with the results! She's very personable and her staff is great.
Bee Well
3 years ago
I cannot say enough about the wonderful care I received here. I was staying in Virginia on vacation from out of state and had some difficulty with one of my molars. The pain was to the point where I could not sleep or eat comfortably. I found a local dentist who saw patients for emergencies and when he saw me the following day, he referred me to a specialist later that day. I was then referred back to the original dentist who could not see me for another 3 days. To say the least, this was no help and being far from both my home and my primary dentist, I was feeling a bit hopeless. While I was alone, I silently prayed to God for strength and for help. A few hours later, my prayer was answered and a family member who knew of my ailment called me to say she had found someone who could help me. This was Dr. Avila-Gnau. She saw me the next morning and proceeded with the difficult extraction with great care and an abundance of patience. I cannot thank her enough for the help and relief she provided. Her compassion for her patients is something I have not seen before. She truly was the answer to my prayer. Thank you, Dr. Avila-Gnau.
Nestor Roa
3 years ago
Excellent experience. The best in dental healthcare and Golden Standard in hygiene and cleanliness in this difficult time of Covid-19.
Carola Grinstein
3 years ago
Dr Viviana Aguila is really great - I had a great experience with her! I really recommend this place. Excellent care, super punctual and great flexibility. There is a parking space just beside the dr office. I had to cancel once my appointment and it was super easy and was able to re schedule for the next day.
Jorge Roldan-Modrak
3 years ago
Courteous, professional and timely service. Thank you very much!
John Princler
3 years ago
I went in for my regular cleaning and was greeted by a very friendly front desk staff. The hygienist, who was new to me, performed an EXCELLENT cleaning: gentle, thorough, informative, and totally professional (her name is Sandra, I believe). While there the doctor explained I needed to replace an old and fragmented filling, which she was able to do during my visit. Final result is just wonderful. Such an improvement over the old filling and it is quite comfortable with no uneven points on the large filling when I bite. Could not be happier. Glad to continue my dental needs at this location. The dentist is clearly a seasoned and talented professional.
Victoria Tausk
3 years ago
This place is the absolute best! I always feel extremely welcomed, they always let me know what's going on, and everyone in this office is always in an amazing mood!! Highly recommend
Caroline Adams
3 years ago
I am very happily impressed with Dr. Avila-Gnau and her office. Her professionalism, approach, and interaction with patient is excellent. She is thorough, careful, communicates well, ensures patient comfort, has state-of-the-art technology, and makes the entire dental visit as pleasant as can be expected. As a bonus, there is plenty of parking for her office. Overall, I highly recommend her.
Manuela Velasquez
3 years ago
Best dentist ever!!! Super professional and delicate! Great customer service!
Adrian Requena
3 years ago
Had a great experience, the numbing process was very efficient, didn't feel a thing. Thank you to Doctor Vivian Avila!
Tyler Wallett
3 years ago
Had a filling done, did not feel a thing. 5 stars!
Antonio Davila Bonazzi
3 years ago
Dr. Avila and her team are great! Precision work done well the first time. Very curteous and gentle, almost like going the a spa...
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