I absolutely love being an orthodontist! Having the opportunity to be a positive part of our patients lives and build long-lasting relationships with them and their families is what most excites me and makes me happy to go to work every day. I have so much fun inspiring our patients to smile with confidence and become the best version of themselves.
Orthodontics gives me the unique opportunity to get to know my patients during a special time in their lives. I love building relationships with our patients and their families, watching them grow, and seeing their smiles transform over time. It is truly rewarding to help and inspire patients to smile with confidence.
I was fortunate to attend Polytech High School, where I was entered into a dental assisting program. I started working for an orthodontist when I was 15 years old through a co-op program and learned through my experience that I wanted to be an orthodontist. I graduated with a technical diploma in dental assisting and continued to work for an orthodontist throughout college.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in physiology and neurobiology at the University of Maryland at College Park. Knowing that orthodontics was my ultimate goal, I enrolled at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, where I graduated magna cum laude with my Doctorate of Dental Surgery and was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. To complete my Master of Science and orthodontic certification, I attended Virginia Commonwealth University.
I strongly believe that to provide the highest quality of treatment, I must remain uptodate with the newest trends in orthodontics. I regularly attend continuing education courses and enjoy networking with other dental professionals. I am an active member of various state and national professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Virginia Orthodontic Foundation, and Virginia Association of Orthodontists.
I grew up in Magnolia, Delaware:one of five children in a wonderful, large family. I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling, running, hiking, snowboarding, tasting wines, trying out new restaurants, and cheering for the Ravens, Orioles, and Washington Capitals!
Giving back to the community and those in need is one of my passions. One of the most exciting and rewarding opportunities I have been a part of was a Vietnam dental mission with Operation Smile, during whichI provided free dental care to underprivileged children. I have also volunteered for Healthy Smiles for Baltimore Kids, Habitat for Humanity, and Smiles for Kids.
With more than 20 years of orthodontic experience, nothing makes me happier than witnessing patients feel excited about their beautiful teeth and how their confidence grow as they get the perfect smile. I joined M.O. as a Certified Orthodontic Assistant and today I have expanded my knowledge and responsibilities both clinical and administratively to become the clinical supervisor/treatment coordinating specialist. My husband and I have a gorgeous daughter whom we love very much. My favorite quote: Life isnt about waiting for the storm to pass its learning to dance in the rain.
I come from a large and close-knit Filipino family and am the youngest of 3 siblings. My family helped shape the person I am today, and I am thankful for their never-ending support and love. I enjoy working in the orthodontic field and being part of a great team. Being able to assist and help our patients and witness how happy they become from their smile transformation is truly a rewarding experience. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family by going to the theater, as well as baking and playing the flute.
I love spending time with my family, dancing, and traveling to new places. I like working with insurance and love too see our patients happy/excited when they take off their braces and see their new smile.
I am a dog mom who was born in the Bronx and raised in Northern Virginia. The youngest of 3 siblings to Salvadoran parents. I love dancing and traveling, and I enjoy new experiences. I take pleasure in reading and learning and am grateful for each opportunity to do so every day. I feel blessed being a part of our patients' smile journeys and strive to help each of our patients as best as I can.
I am a clinical specialist with over 27 years of experience. My experience and passion for serving and helping people achieve their best smile makes me happy. I know how much of an impact orthodontic treatment can have on patients lives and confidence. When not at work, I love spending time with my husband, two daughters, and son and going camping. To me family is everything.
I have been working in the dental and orthodontic field for sixteen years. I love being a member of the Metropolitan Orthodontics team and participating in our patients smile transformations. Being able to celebrate alongside our patients as they see their before & after photos is such an amazing experience. After following my husbands military career of 29 years, our family has settled in Fairfax Station. We have two teenage boys and a 180 pound English Mastiff that is my baby. I enjoy daily hiking with my dog, cooking for my family, yoga for my peace of mind and body, and traveling to pursue new experiences with my friends and family.
For most people, achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is the reason for receiving orthodontic care. If you're self-conscious about your smile, correcting your concerns with braces will greatly improve the way you look and feel.
When your treatment is complete, you will have the smile you've always dreamed of and the confidence to show it off! We also want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout your entire orthodontic experience, and our practice is dedicated to making sure that you receive the quality care you deserve.
Orthodontic appliances are made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to the proper position.
Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can now choose clear or metal brackets and, in some cases, the color of your appliance. Wires are far less noticeable, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth faster with more comfort. Today, any age is a great age to wear braces!
Treatment time varies and can last between one and three years, depending on several factors including age, treatment method, and how minor or severe your case is. A big factor in a successful treatment is you! The more involved and diligent you are, the more efficient your treatment will be. For children, receiving interceptive or early treatment can also help provide a quicker treatment time.