RL Howell DDS & Associatesis a private general dentistry practice that has served the greater Suffolk community since 1959. Dr. Leroy Howell began practicing in the current location at 102 Western Avenue in 1968. His son, Dr. Ralph Howell, joined the practice in 1989, forming a partnership with his father. In 2017, another dentist was added to the family with Dr. Dani Howell becoming the third generation Howell to serve Suffolk. Dr. Melissa Kovacevic joined the practice in August2020 completingthe Howell Dentistry team.
As the practice expanded, the Howells brought inadditional dentists to help serve the greater Suffolk community.Dr. Ralph Howell saw a need in the patient population to expand the practice beyond downtown Suffolk. In 2007, the second location, Harbour View Dental Center, opened in the Harbour View section of Suffolk.
Dr. Ralph L. Howell, Jr. grew up in the Suffolk community. In 1982, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the College of William and Mary. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 1989, where he graduated with honors and was a member of the distinguished national dental honor society Omicron Kappa Upsilon. Dr. Howell was also recognized with the Medical College of Virginia's A.D. Williams Scholarship Award.
Recognizing thatdentistry is constantly advancing and evolving, Dr. Howell attends many continuing education courses and maintains knowledge considered on the cutting edge of dentistry. In line with his high regard for continuing education, Dr. Howell earned his Masters from the Academy of General Dentistry in 2012. The Master is the highest achievement within the AGD andis awarded to AGD Fellows who have completed over 1100 hours of Continuing Education. Following completion of his implant training, Dr. Howell was awarded a Fellowship in the International Congress of Implantologists in December 2012.
Dr. Ralph Howell is an active member of the community, as well as organized dentistry. He isa past President of the Virginia Dental Association. He currently represents the Virginia Dental Association as delegate to the American Dental Association. Dr. Howell serves the ADA on the Council on Communications and on the Appeal Board of the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition. In December 2011, Dr. Howell was appointed to serve onthe Virginia Healthcare Foundation's Board of Directors. From 2015-2017, Dr. Howell will serve as the Healthcare Foundation's chair. As the Chair of the Lake Prince WoodsAdvisory Committee, he isacts as a member on the Executive Board of United Church Homes and Services.Dr. Howellserves as theon the Colonial Virginia Council Executive Board for the Boy Scouts of America and has served as the medical officer for three national Boy Scout jamborees at Fort A.P. Hill. He is a past president of the Suffolk Rotary Club, and as an active member of Oakland Christian Church where he served as the Chairman of the church's board of trustees.
Dr. Howell has been honored as the Western Tidewater Free Clinic's Volunteer of the Year, Richard F. Simmons Memorial Award by the Tidewater DentalAssociation, and the Leadership Award by the Virginia Dental Association.
Dr. Howell has been married to his wife, Tammy, for over 30 years. His daughters, Lauren and Danielle, have followed in his footsteps in the Boy Scouts of America and Dentistry, respectively. Dr. Howell enjoys spending time with his grandson, Gavin, photography, boating, and skiing.
Dr. Leroy Howell has been a member of the Suffolk community for most of his life. He attended Chuckatuck High School before going to Elon College in North Carolina, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry in 1951. He returned to Virginia to study dentistry at the Medical College of Virginia, where he completed his doctor of dental surgery degree in 1955 and oral surgery internship in1956.
Later in 1956, Dr. Howell joined the U.S. Army Dental Corps and subsequently served in the U.S. Army Reserve until 1964. During that period, he also began the private practice in Suffolk that has becomeRL Howell DDS & Associates.
Dr. Howell is actively involved in the Suffolk community and participates in many civic organizations, including the Rotary Club of Suffolk (member since 1964), the Chuckatuck Ruritan Club (member since 1959), the Boy Scouts of America;Colonial Virginia Council, the Suffolk Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Elon College Board of Trustees, the United Church Homes & Services, and the NationsBank Advisory Board.
Dr. Howell is also an active, lifelong member of the Oakland Christian Church. Through the church he continues to provide many services to the congregation and the surrounding community. Dr. Howell is the past chairman of the board of deacons and previously served as the church moderator. Dr. Howell has also been a member of the Long Range Planning Committee since 1996 and has enjoyed teaching at the Oakland Christian Church Sunday School since 1959.
Born in Richmond while Dr. Ralph Howell was attending the Medical College of Virginia, Dr. Dani Howell was raised in Suffolk. Despite spending an overwhelming amount of her childhood in the office, Dr. Howell had little interest following in her father and grandfathers footsteps by becoming a dentist.
Dr. Howell studied Political Science and Business Administration at Elon University. After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2010, Dr. Howell discovered her love for dentistry while volunteering at a Mission of Mercy Project. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University and received a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Sciences in 2011. Following a few years spent managing the business aspect of the practice, Dr. Howell left to pursue dental school.
Dr. Dani Howell received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2017 from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. Although if Dr. Ralph Howell or Dr. Leroy Howell ask, she graduated from MCV (as the school was named when they attended)!
Following graduation, Dr. Howell entered private practice. She since been awarded fellowships in the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and the American College of Dentists.
Dr. Howell remains an active advocate and leader in organized dentistry. Since entering private practice, she has been a member of the Tidewater Dental Associations Executive Committee where she currently serves as President. Dr. Howell is a member on the Virginia Dental Associations Council on Government Affairs and the New Dentist Committee. She also serves as a delegate and alternate delegate to the Virginia Dental Association and American Dental Associations House of Delegates respectively. Dr. Howell has been active in the Virginia Academy of General Dentistry (VAGD), serving as a delegate to the AGD House of Delegates and as the VAGD's current Vice President.
Reviews
Rating 4.6 out of 5 based on 22 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestCory Cure
2 years ago
Was nice experience and professional. Was vary pleased
Jonathan Keith Starling
2 years ago
I downsized and moved to Northern Suffolk. Based on my friend's recommendation I made an appointment with their office. This turned out better than I ever expected. Professional and state of the art office. I couldn't have written a better experience. Thank you and your staff for making me feel at home.
Mesh Brat
2 years ago
The person that answers the phone is soo professional who ask to send a picture of patient personal information
Mesh Brat
3 years ago
The person that answers the phone is soo professional who ask to send a picture of patient personal information
Jonathan Keith Starling
3 years ago
I downsized and moved to Northern Suffolk. Based on my friend's recommendation I made an appointment with their office. This turned out better than I ever expected. Professional and state of the art office. I couldn't have written a better experience. Thank you and your staff for making me feel at home.
Suzanne Pruitt
3 years ago
Our family's dental health has been in the capable hands of Howell Dentistry for about 10 years now and I recommend this practice to anyone who is searching for a dental care provider in the Suffolk area. The dentists, hygienists, assistants, and office staff are all wonderful! We use the downtown location and the care we've received over the years has been and continues to be thorough, pro-active and always with patient comfort in mind. Most recently, we've been in the care of Dr. Dani Howell. She has been extremely patient, gentle, and resourceful regarding the care/treatment of a particular issue that has involved multiple office visits during this challenging time of COVID-19. We have regular cleanings with Emily W., who is always thorough, thoughtful, and continues to educate us on ways to improve our daily habits for overall dental health. Jessica B. has assisted with fillings, extractions, repairs and provides exceptional care and a calming presence in those situations. This has been particularly appreciated with any visits involving our children. The office staff is courteous, patient, and helpful always. Our experiences have been positive and hopefully this will help any potential new patients find a good match for their future dental care providers. Thank you so much Howell Dentistry for all you do! We appreciate all of you!
Kayleigh MacLeod
3 years ago
I am beginning my journey in Dental Hygiene and chose Howell Dentistry to conduct my mandatory training in shadowing certified dental hygienists...they have all been very friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend going here, patient or student.
Suzanne Pruitt
4 years ago
Our family's dental health has been in the capable hands of Howell Dentistry for about 10 years now and I recommend this practice to anyone who is searching for a dental care provider in the Suffolk area. The dentists, hygienists, assistants, and office staff are all wonderful! We use the downtown location and the care we've received over the years has been and continues to be thorough, pro-active and always with patient comfort in mind. Most recently, we've been in the care of Dr. Dani Howell. She has been extremely patient, gentle, and resourceful regarding the care/treatment of a particular issue that has involved multiple office visits during this challenging time of COVID-19. We have regular cleanings with Emily W., who is always thorough, thoughtful, and continues to educate us on ways to improve our daily habits for overall dental health. Jessica B. has assisted with fillings, extractions, repairs and provides exceptional care and a calming presence in those situations. This has been particularly appreciated with any visits involving our children. The office staff is courteous, patient, and helpful always. Our experiences have been positive and hopefully this will help any potential new patients find a good match for their future dental care providers. Thank you so much Howell Dentistry for all you do! We appreciate all of you!
Kayleigh MacLeod
4 years ago
I am beginning my journey in Dental Hygiene and chose Howell Dentistry to conduct my mandatory training in shadowing certified dental hygienists...they have all been very friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend going here, patient or student.
Paige K
4 years ago
I would highly recommend. They are a wonderful group of people that work there. I have seen Dr. Dani Howell and she is wonderful , caring and understanding. Would definitely recommend this practice.
Serina Ching
4 years ago
Lady Dr. Howell and her team are absolutely amazing!! She listens and communicates with you through the whole procedure. She and her team are sweet and professional. I have been going here for quite a while for cleanings and this is my first dental procedure (crown). I will always ask for her in the future. Thank you!!!
MR cafe
4 years ago
Thank you Howell Dentistry for the best experience of a tooth extraction that I have ever had. I am 67 years young.
Linda Writtenberry
4 years ago
My visit today with Dr. Dodge and his assistant was amazing, such compassion to my feelings during the entire process. Not only an excellent Doctor but one of the most polite and friendly young man I have had the privilege of meeting in a long time. I love the fact he gave his Parents the credit for any thing good he might accomplish in life. Howell Dentistry is a great place to be when you are in need of dentistry care and having Dr. Dodge on staff just continued to ensure that excellent service. Thanks to ALL . Gerald Writtenberry
Sam B
4 years ago
The people that work here are so accommodating and they really make you feel relaxed and at home. I had been having issues getting a good quality xray and they had me in and out and all my stresses were gone. They are so personable and professional. I HIGHLY recommend this dentist office for everyone.
Ronnie Smith
4 years ago
My family and I (all 5 of us) have only experienced the best friendly, accommodating, and professional dentistry at Drs. Leroy and Ralph Howell's practice through over 20 years of being their patients. We drive to their office in Suffolk from NC and it is well worth it.
Carroll Ward
4 years ago
Amazing people, I have been going to Howell DDS for 30 plus years. Always greeted with a smile and the absolute best service. From routine cleanings and check ups to it's an emergency I broke or chipped a tooth. Look no further for the best in Hampton Roads!
likes fan
4 years ago
Great place. I recently switched my daughter to come here and not Kool smiles, I'm so glad I did. My daughter is 6 she's normally very afraid but the hygienist was amazing. She was very sweet and caring told us stories as she worked I think my daughter forgot she was even at the dentist. I really appreciate her kindness. And the Dr was amazing. She goes back to have two teeth pulled next week but I'm sure we're in good hands.
Linda Writtenberry
5 years ago
My visit today with Dr. Dodge and his assistant was amazing, such compassion to my feelings during the entire process. Not only an excellent Doctor but one of the most polite and friendly young man I have had the privilege of meeting in a long time. I love the fact he gave his Parents the credit for any thing good he might accomplish in life. Howell Dentistry is a great place to be when you are in need of dentistry care and having Dr. Dodge on staff just continued to ensure that excellent service. Thanks to ALL . Gerald Writtenberry
Carroll Ward
5 years ago
Amazing people, I have been going to Howell DDS for 30 plus years. Always greeted with a smile and the absolute best service. From routine cleanings and check ups to it's an emergency I broke or chipped a tooth. Look no further for the best in Hampton Roads!
likes fan
5 years ago
Great place. I recently switched my daughter to come here and not Kool smiles, I'm so glad I did. My daughter is 6 she's normally very afraid but the hygienist was amazing. She was very sweet and caring told us stories as she worked I think my daughter forgot she was even at the dentist. I really appreciate her kindness. And the Dr was amazing. She goes back to have two teeth pulled next week but I'm sure we're in good hands.
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