Dr. Griecos interest in becoming a dentist was due to the influence of his family dentist, Dr. Richard Cowan, in Redondo Beach, California. While attending UCLA, Dr. Grieco had the opportunity to work in the Los Angeles Free Clinic as a dental assistant. Dr. Grieco saw firsthand that the dentist was able to relieve discomfort almost immediately. As a result, I never viewed the dentist as one who causes pain, but rather, as one who alleviates it.
Upon graduating from UCLA, Dr. Grieco attended the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara in Mexico. He spent six months learning Spanish and lived with a Mexican family during that time. After two years, he transferred to Georgetown Universitys School of Dentistry in Washington, DC where he completed his studies in 1982. The Lord used the experience in Mexico to prepare Dr. Grieco for doing mission work in Honduras and Guatemala. Proverbs 16:2 says, The mind of a man plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps. That was certainly the case with me!
As a young graduate, Dr. Grieco met Dr. Ralph Gibson, who mentored him and guided him in his new career. The two of them practiced together for over 10 years. Dr. Gibson was very progressive in dentistry and his influence was immeasurable.
In 1994, Dr. Grieco opened his own practice in Fairfax City. Since that time, there have been dramatic changes in materials and techniques available to dentistry. For his pursuit of continuing education, Dr. Grieco was made a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) in 2004. Although Dr. Grieco always strives to utilize the latest expertise and technology for his patients, he also wishes to be known for his compassionate care and gentle touch.
Born and raised in Maryland, Dr. Ho earned a B.A. in Biochemistry from Virginia Tech in 1984, graduating magna cum laude. In 1988 he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Georgetown University, graduating cum laude.
For nearly 30 years, Dr. Ho ran a successful dental practice in McLean, Virginia. Since his retirement from private practice ownership, Dr. Ho has continued to stay engaged in dentistry by working part time, volunteering at a local charity dental clinic, teaching, mentoring, and doing international missions work. We are happy to have him on Dr. Griecos Team as of January 2022.
Throughout his career, Dr. Ho has invested in continuing education to stay current with the new advances in dental technology and to provide the best care possible for his patients, including those in orthodontics, dental implants, and dental CAD/CAM CEREC technology. Dr. Ho is a graduate of a two year orthodontic program through the International Association of Orthodontists, and is one of less than 400 dentists to have completed the extensive curriculum of Orognathic Bioesthetics International (OBI).
Every year Dr. Ho volunteers his time to provide care to those in need through various missions. These include the Northern Virginia Dental Societys Mission of Mercy, The American Dental Associations Give Kids a Smile Day, The Kentucky Mountain Mission, the World Gospel Outreach in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, El Ayudante in Comayagua, Honduras, Gloria El Padre in Chihuahua, Mexico, The Bob Davis Mission in Guatemala, and the Helping Hands Clinic in Treasure Beach, Jamaica.
In his free time, Dr. Ho enjoys making music, and can be seen playing electric bass at his home church, HTC McLean. He also enjoys exercising, traveling, and spending time with his family, especially his two grandkids!!
I joined the Gentle Dental Care team in December of 2004 as a dental assistant. In 2016, it was time for a change, and I left Dr. Griecos team to pursue other interests. Im happy to say that I returned to the team in November of 2020. As the treatment coordinator, you will see me helping in both clinical and administrative areas. I am a native of Virginia, one of the few in the area, and live with my husband, Bobby. Our children are young adults, and I love seeing them whenever time allows. I like watching the Washington Capitals, playing with our two Dobermans and four cats. Can you tell I love animals? I look forward to seeing you in our state-of-the-art office and know you will have a wonderful experience here. Hope to see you soon!
Initially, I joined Dr. Grieco's team at Gentle Dental Care in 2011. I moved out of the area in 2014. The strong ties to family and friends caused me to return to Northern Virginia in 2018 and I was super happy to be able to rejoin Dr. Grieco's team. It's exciting to be part of an office that puts patient care above everything else. As a hygienist my goals are to provide high quality care along with educating patients about oral health. Outside the office you can find me doing a number of things from hiking to crocheting. Trying new things and taking up new hobbies with my friends and family is what I enjoy most!
Having been a dental assistant for many years, I made the switch to Dr. Grieco's team at Gentle Dental Care in July of 2019. I really love helping people with their dental concerns, and working directly with Dr. Grieco has been great. As a team we care about every aspect of our patients' smiles. Whether someone is in pain or wants to make a cosmetic change, Dr. Grieco and I work together to get the best possible result for every patient! When I'm not working, I love spending time relaxing with my husband and two daughters.
Be careful about having a dentist for a friend you just might end up working for him some day. That is what happened in the year 2000. Over the years I have learned a lot about dentistry, and Ive had the opportunity to do a little bit of everything here. While I have enjoyed everything Ive done, my focus is keeping our office running as smoothly as possible. Thats easy to do since we have such a great team and great patients. I live in Fairfax and enjoy my two adult children and my fun-loving dog and kitty cat. When I have a lull in the activity, I enjoy reading, singing in a worship group at my church, and oh yes, my favorite, anything that has to do with S-N-O-W!
Having worked in the dental field for almost 6 years, I have to say there is always something new to learn. As a dental assistant, I have worked chair side in the office, and I was also part of a team offering dental care to folks in nursing care facilities. Since joining the team at Gentle Dental Care as the Insurance Coordinator in 2020, my focus has turned to helping our patients maximize their insurance benefits which can make dental treatment possible and affordable. The world of dental insurance can be very complicated, and I love figuring out the details. Call me crazy! I was born and raised in Northern Virginia, and have three young children whom I absolutely adore. We love watching movies and going to the beach with our large extended family.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 102 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestFernando Castro
a year ago
Growing up in the Northern VA area and having spent time in the military, I've seen a plethora of dental teams. Dr. Grieco and his staff by far exceed the rest in care, professionalism, and compassion. From the front desk receptionists, to all his hygienists, the team is friendly and knowledgeable. Dr. Grieco in particular has to be the nicest dentist around and has honesty in dental assessments. If you are looking for a new dental family or relocated into the area for work, Gentle Dental Care is the winner!
Barbie Porter
a year ago
Dr. Joe's office was so comfortable and inviting, his staff was proficient and friendly, and Dr. Joe is the most gentle and kind dentist. All of this made for a great dental experience.
Erin Mazur
a year ago
We love Dr. Grieco and his staff! Very friendly, great with kids.
Laura White
a year ago
I have been going to Dr. Grieco for years. He tells great stories. He volunteers his time to help others. The office is very clean. The staff are friendly and professional. The office is run with perfect efficiency. Dr Grieco never tries to "up sell" unnecessary treatments.
Janet LZ
a year ago
Gentle Dental Care; true to the name! I'm new to this practice since the beginning of this year. My experience with scheduling has been very easy, the staff is so friendly and kind; always attentive to hear my concerns and to help. Dr Greico has decades of experience behind him. I am fully confident that my dental care will be excellent at his practice as it already has been.
Marjorie Veiga
a year ago
Always feel well cared for here! Wonderful doc, hygienists and staff!
Betsy Perryman
2 years ago
The best experience from start to finish. Professional and friendly. The very best.
Bekah Stone
2 years ago
I had not gone to the dentist in years due to a negative experience with my last dentist. I went to Gentle Dental and they were so professional, kind, and made me feel comfortable. Dr. Grieco and his team are truly so nice--they are informative and helpful. I am so glad that I chose to go Gentle Dental! I've already recommended them to a friend.
Pamela Manuyag
2 years ago
Dr. Grieco and his staff are a wonderful team. I never felt rushed and I was so touched that they remembered me right away when I came in for my 6 month follow up. They care about their patients and customer service and it shows!
Jim Fritz
2 years ago
Best dental checkup ever !!!
Christy W
2 years ago
My favorite dentist! They truly care about all of their patients. From the moment you walk in the door, the office genuinely greets and cares for you. Everyone who works there is so kind and makes you feel so comfortable! I also heard they pray for all of their patients each morning before they arrive. Truly an amazing place. Can't recommend them enough!
Tristan Schack
2 years ago
Danielle is so kind and does such a thorough yet gentle cleaning. Been coming to Dr. Grieco's since I was a toddler and couldn't imagine going anywhere else.
Mark Freemantle
2 years ago
Always a pleasant experience at Gentle Dental Care. They all take the time to get to know you and are always concerned about any questions you may have. All the latest equipment is used and the cleaning process is simple and pain-free. I cannot imagine going anywhere else. Back with another review Oct 2021: I had some pressure on a molar. They accommodated my schedule and it only took about 15 minutes to grind off some porcelain on the crown Dr Joe gave me over a decade ago. Great team!
Erica McLain
2 years ago
My family and I have been going here for years since I was kid and I can honestly say there's nobody else I trust fixing my teeth. This a great place for anyone who gets anxious or nervous before a dentist visit and for anyone nervous about covid-19. They've followed all required covid-19 recommendations to a T and always keep their waiting rooms pristine clean with relaxing music that puts you at ease. Dr. Grieco is an amazing dentist who genuinely cares and has your best interest at heart. Even despite short notice and time restraints, they are very accommodating to your needs. In less than one hour, they managed to discover what the actual problem with my one tooth was in no time, and managed to fix it for me with more than enough time for me to get home and get ready for work. All less in ONE HOUR. I simply can't state how much of an amazing group of people they are. I highly recommend this office to anyone looking for a new dentist!! You wont regret it!
Helen Cole
2 years ago
Gentle Dental Care has been my family's trusted practice for years. Can't say enough positive about their professionalism, friendliness, excellence, office cleanliness, COVID careful practices... Absolutely recommend DrGreico, the hygienists and team.
jimstudio50
2 years ago
Dr. Joe is the best. Always careful and considerate. He is also immensely knowledgeable and up on current practices. He has been my dentist for decades; I wouldn't go anywhere else.
Chris Cole
2 years ago
I have been a patient of Dr Grieco for close to 30 years. Excellent in what he and his team provides, I have found coming here for my dental care worth the long drive. They are very professional, kind, and courteous. I highly value the dental care I receive from all in the office.
Andrea Baumann
2 years ago
Dr. Grieco has been my dentist for over 25 years. He is excellent , knowledgeable, kind, caring, professional, just the best. My husband goes to him too and thoroughly agrees with me.
Thom Kurmel
2 years ago
I had a cracked tooth that needed some attention. I called first thing in the morning on a Monday to explain my situation and Susan worked to get me fit into the schedule same day. Dr Gieco worked me up for a new crown, which I should have in the next couple weeks. He also set me up for the next couple weeks with a very good temporary crown. I'm always pleased with the care but the great team goes out of their way to practice what their name says...Gentle Dental care. They couldn't be nicer, nor more accommodating.
Marcie Concepcion
2 years ago
Dr. Grieco always puts me at ease. He is exactly the kind of dentist you could want- sweet, a little pun-ny, but always professional. Danielle is my favorite hygienist ever. I actually relax when I am in the chair. I highly recommend.
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