My profession is very important to me. It is a part of who I am. I chose to become an endodontist because I truly wanted to help patients in need. I believe that one of the most basic needs and most important to our lives is to not to be in pain. As an endodontist, I am able to provide this and make friends along the way. Dr. Anna Sidor

Endodontics (from the Greek roots endo- inside and odont- tooth) is the dental specialty concerned with the study and treatment of the dental pulp. Endodontists perform a variety of procedures including endodontic therapy (commonly known as root canal therapy), endodontic retreatment, surgery, treating cracked teeth, and treating dental trauma. Root canal therapy is one of the most common procedures.

Endodontists are required to complete additional two to three years of postgraduate training after completion of dental school. Endodontists limit their practice solely to endodontic procedures, which allows them to be very efficient and precise, equating to more positive experiences and faster healing.

Dr. Anna Sidor began her lifetime passion in dentistry at an early age of 16 when she started her first job as a dental assist for her childhood dentist. After her graduation from high school, she went on and accomplished what few people can. She was accepted to a seven-year combined Bachelors degree in biology and Doctorate of Dental Medicine program.

During her dental school, Dr. Sidor was involved extensively in community outreach and cutting edge research in periodontic (gum treatment) and endodontic (root canal treatment) fields at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Sidor continued her quest in dentistry by attending a one-year general practice residency at Hacken Meridian Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, NJ. After her residency, Dr. Sidor worked in elite dental practices in Central New Jersey.

In 2012, she decided to pursue her dream at a most prestigious school of endodontics in the nation, Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. She served as a chief resident in her final year. While there, she performed micro-surgery and revascularization procedures, which allow for continued growth and maturation of immature teeth to develop.

'As a periodontist, it is a blessing to be able to utilize cutting-edge technologies in my field. My Knowledge and Dual ability to save teeth through regenerative procedures and reconstructive procedures with dental implants. I am passionate about working with my patients to give them a smile they love.' - Phisuthikul

Periodontists are dentistrys experts in treating periodontal disease. They receive up to three additional years of specialized training in periodontal disease treatment in both non-surgical treatments and periodontal plastic surgery procedures.

Most periodontists spend the majority of their time diagnosing and treating gum disease, but there are a variety other procedures that they are able to perform. Periodontists place dental implants when natural teeth cannot be saved. They also monitor the implants to make sure that theyre properly doing their job. Periodontists may also correct gum recession and cover up exposed root surfaces, which can be unsightly as well as sensitive to hot and cold. These procedures are often used to lay the foundation for additional cosmetic procedures to help create a beautiful smile. Finally, periodontists can be integral in the comprehensive planning of your oral care, along with your general dentist or other dental professional.

Some periodontists opt to take the board-certification examination, which is offered by the American Board of Periodontology once per year. Board certification in periodontology denotes someone who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty, including demonstrating a comprehensive mastery of all phases of periodontal disease and treatment and in the placement of dental implants. Recertification is required every six years.

Dr. Norachai Eddy Phisuthikul received his dental degree from the New York University College of Dentistry. He then completed a general practice residency at the State University of New York Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, where he performed complex dental restorations and received training in emergency room medicine. He finished his postgraduate residency in periodontics at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. 'Alan' Wonhee Lee received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the College of Dental Medicine at Columbia University. During his senior year, he was elected to the Honors Program and received the Empire State Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Award.

His interest in preserving natural dentition led him to the School of Dentistry at Marquette University, where he completed his endodontic specialty training. At Marquette, Dr. Lee also earned a Master of Science degree and was awarded the Advanced Dental Specialist Graduate Residency Endowed Scholarship and Post-Graduate Scholarship Awards.

Dr. Lee is currently practicing both surgical and non-surgical microscope-enhanced endodontics in private practices in and near Washington D.C. As a member of Deans Faculty, he also teaches his evidence-based knowledge and skills to dental students and residents at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. In the past, Dr. Lee had served as Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Endodontics Department at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and practiced in multi-specialty clinics.

Dr. Lee's research has been presented at the American Association for Dental Research annual meeting and has been published in the International Endodontic Journal, Journal of Virology, and the Journal of Immunology. He has also spoken at various CE courses.

Dr. Lees highest priority is providing quality clinical care for his patients using the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools available, including, but not limited to, GentleWave, Cone Beam CT and operating microscopes.

'My favorite part about my job is the interaction with people. Teamwork and collaboration occur within periodontal field with restorative dentists and other specialists to deliver the best care to our patients. I enjoy interacting with people, forming ongoing rapport with patients, explaining their treatment options, and sharing with them the evidence behind each option. I also enjoy interacting with the restorative dentist teams. From my experience, I enjoy the cases where everyone is involved because the results are always better and more rewarding due to the team effort. - Dr. Yousuf Aboosi

Dr. Aboosi continued his education, choosing to narrow his focus down to periodontics. After three more years of intense training, he completed a Certificate in Periodontics and Master of Science in Dentistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he served as Chief Resident and Principal Investigator on research seeking to identify potential sources of easily accessible mesenchymal stem cells for autologous grafting for use in the treatment of hard and soft tissue deficiencies. He simultaneously earned a Certificate in Periodontics at the Birmingham VA Medical Center, graduating from both programs in 2019.

In October 2019, Dr. Aboosi received the Dr. and Mrs. Gerald M. Kramer Scholar Award for Excellence. This prestigious award is given to one graduating periodontist in the nation each year based on their personal motivation for excellence in both character and academic achievement, and personal integrity as exemplified by leadership, community involvement, and concern for the needs of others.

Because he believes in the right for all people to receive exceptional dental treatment, Dr. Aboosi invests his time in making that a reality. His volunteer work has spanned people from all walks of life all over the globe. He has completed oral cancer screenings in Jordan, presented oral hygiene seminars at the Virginia Boys and Girls Club in Richmond and Pathways Birmingham a shelter for homeless women and children, offered basic dental hygiene procedures to people in Jamaica, and provided dental services to U.S. veterans in Vermont.

Dr. Aboosi now calls Virginia home. With his love for nature, he enjoys hiking, camping, gardening, and creating floral arrangements. Other passions of his include travel, photography, cooking, and going on adventures with his fianc, Adam, and their two dogs, Harper and Kennedy.