Everyone has a unique story and we learn from one anothers experiences. As a dentist, each day I am allowed to hear those stories from my patients, as they talk about their lives, their passions, and their dreams, while I help restore their mouths to optimal function. I am honored each time a person I am caring for places their trust in me, not only with their dental care, but also with their personal confidences. To be allowed into their livesas a healthcare provider and as a friendis an incredible privilege,and I am grateful that my patients have embraced me as such.

Professionally, I am particularly intrigued by oral surgery, whether I am placing and restoring implants or performing a full mouth reconstruction. To have the skills needed to bring a person back to excellent oral health and function, to relieve them of physical pain and the embarrassment over the appearance of their teeth, is what dentistry is all about. I feel fortunate each day that I come to work knowing Ill be able to help people in our community.

I attended Boston University where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Biology, in 1982. This was followed by studying at Georgetown University, where I was awarded my Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 1986. From 1986 to 1988, I undertook an advanced general practice residency at Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. It was there that I learned how to practice many aspects of oral surgery, such as surgical extractions, placing implants, bone grafts andrestoration of implants.

Believing its essential to be continually expanding and honing my skills, I have taken multiple continuing education courses following my residency, including the maxi course in implant dentistry offered by Howard University, from 2000 to 2002. I am an Associate Fellow with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and am ACLS certified (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)as well as having completed the IV sedation course through Montefiore Medical Center.

I am originally from Brockton, MA, but have lived in Poolesville, MD, since 1988. My wife, Margaret (Dr. Valega in our practice) and I have three amazing sons: Ryan, Alexander, and Conner. The boys keep us busy, and our family believes in spending quality time together.

Community involvement is very important to me. Over the years, I have beenan Assistant Scoutmaster (Boy Scouts), a member of the Community Economic Development Committee, and Parks Board (since 1996),and am currently a Board Member for the Poolesville Chamber of Commerce.

Dentistry is the perfect profession for me becauseI am a perfectionist. I love the people I care for, working with my hands, and delivering excellent dental care. Every day is unique, with different patients and different procedureskeeping me excited and engaged, always striving to increase my abilities to the benefit of my patients.

I particularly love practicingrestorative and cosmetic dentistry. With the lab Iuse, I can createa smile simulation for the patient before starting the processso thatthe patient knows what their beautiful new smile will look like. Nothing gives me more joy than restoring function and increasing a patient's self-esteem, and seeing their happiness at the end of the treatment is always my number one goal.

As a dentist, I have the opportunity to get to know each patient personally. I learn about their personal lives, not just their teeth. Over the years, I have developed many friendships with my patients and I look forward to their visits as a time to catch-up on whats been happening in their lives and with their families.

I find it rewarding to be in a field where I can make a positive difference in the lives of my patients, whether I am alleviating dental pain or helping them attain or re-attain a stunning smile. Dentistry helps heal both physical and emotional pain, and I am honored that my patients trust me to provide such care for them.

I graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1981 and was awarded my Doctorate of Dental Surgery, also at Georgetown, in 1986. Between undergrad and dental school I worked full time as a dental assistant. It was then that I found my true calling.Following graduation, I knew I was entering a profession that required a commitment to continued education. Oral healthcare is an ever-evolving field, with new technologies and treatment methodologies being constantly developed. I owe it to my patients to provide them with the most up-to-date care available, to shorten treatment duration and improve the outcome. Therefore, I regularly enroll in courses and study oral healthcare topics through study clubs, dental meetings, and dentalliterature.

I was born in Elizabeth, NJ, grew up in Olney, MD, where I attended Sherwood High School, and I have called Poolesville, MD, my home since 1988. The other dentist in our practice is my husband, Tim. We were married in 1986in Dahlgren Chapel on Georgetown University's campus andhave three wonderful sons: Ryan, born in 1990, Alexander, born in 1993, and Conner, born in 1996. We enjoy spending time with our boys!

For hobbies, I am an avid reader and enjoycounted cross-stitch. I am committed to fitness,having completedeight marathons and numerous half marathons, while also enrollingin CrossFitclasses. As volunteers, Tim and I find great satisfaction biking with the 'C & O Canal Bike Patrol'.

I really enjoy meeting our new patients and establishing relationships with them, as well as catching-up with our established patients, too. Here, were all about the patients we serve: we want each person to feel like a member of our family, knowing that theyll be treated with respect and well do everything we can to ensure their comfort. My job duties are at the administrative end. I handle our accounts receivable and payable, oversee treatment planning, and work with patients to discuss treatment options. A lot of my time is spent talking with patients about financial arrangements and finding terms that work for their budget, so they can get the necessary care they need, when they need it.

The relationships I develop with the people we care for are immensely rewarding. Thats true for all of us in this office. We cultivate personal relationships with each patientand do everything we can to see to their comfort and ensure they have a positive visit, every time. In addition to coordinating our schedule, I also process insurance claims and work to coordinate insurance benefits for our patients. I strive to make sure theyre able to get the most out of their policy.It feels good to know that Im able to provide help to ourpatients sotheydon'thave to stress about their insurance formsand payment issues.

Ive always had an interest in healthcare and Ive enjoyed going to the dentist and orthodontist as a child. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene from West Liberty State University in 1989.

I started my career as a hygienist in Pennsylvania and then moved to Maryland in 1992 when I married my husband. I have been with Drs. Pike & Valega since 1994. I am proud to say Ive got the longest tenure in the office.

Its great to work in an environment where I have the opportunity to build relationships with patients and provide gentle, compassionate care that helps each patient achieve optimal oral health. Studies now show theres a mouth-body connection. So the standard of hygiene care now includes assessment of oral health, review of medical history, oral cancer screening, patient education and taking blood pressures as well as treating a patients periodontal condition.

When Im not working, Im likely enjoying time with my husband, four children (girl, boy, set of twins: girl & boy) and our dog, Holly. I enjoy running, baking and cross stitching. Also, our family is very involved in sports and community events. I look forward to meeting you.

As a dental hygienist I help patients achieve good oral health by providing education, preventive services and gum disease treatment. My job as a dental hygienist is both challenging and rewarding.I have always had a passion for healthcare and Iget satisfaction out of knowing that I am positively contributing to the overall health of each patient that I meet. I joined the dental teamof Drs. Pike & Valega as a hygienist in 2006. Ienjoy working with Drs. Pike & Valega and staff because Iknow that the patients are always top priority. Everyone in our office works as a team to bring the best possible quality of care to our patients.

My work duties are primarily centered on assisting Dr. Valega. We have been working together for so long that sometimes we don't even need to talk- we know what the other is thinking. I also sterilize our instruments and equipment, and make mouthguards and bleaching trays.

My husband and I have five daughters, five grandchildren, and our dog, Maggie. I love spending time with my family, especially the young ones, and Maggie keeps me entertained. I am an avid kick boxer, which keeps me in shape and healthy. Travel is a particular passion of mine and I hope to do a lot more of it!

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a dental assistant is working with our patients. I enjoy meeting new patients and creating new relationships, as well as carrying on the unique relationships I have with our established patients. I have been a dental assistant since 2001, when I first began my career with Drs. Pike and Valega. In addition to assisting Dr. Pike with dental procedures, I expose and process x-rays, clean and sterilize instruments, and help with lab work. I enjoy working with Drs. Pike and Valega and all my coworkers because we rely on each other for support, not only at work but also in our personal lives. My co-workers feel like an extension of my family, and I love that we can laugh and have a good time together. I am proud to work with such great doctors and it makes me feel good at the end of the day knowing that all of our patients receive the best dental care available.

Away from the office, I spend most of my time with my husband and daughter. Our family time is very important to me. I also enjoy spending time in the kitchen creating new recipes and experimenting with new dishes.

Welcome to Pike & Valega, DDS, where our focus is always on you. We are here to serve you and your oral healthcare needs, offering general, implant, and restorative care, with an emphasis on your unique situation. From Dr. D. Timothy Pike and Dr. Margaret A. Valega, and through each of our team members, we believe in delivering exceptional dental treatment, with gentle hands, to improve your health and your smile.

What sets us apart is that from the moment you walk through our doors and are warmly greetedyoull know youre in a safe andfriendly environment. Our practice uses the latest dental technologies for diagnostics and procedures, which means a shorter treatment time and better results for you. Examples of our dental technology include digital radiographs (our PlanMeca3D scan is also available if needed), laughing gas, intraoral camera for taking photos, cavity-detecting Spectra camera andsmile simulations. These are but a few of the technologyitems we have to offer. But we also realize that all the technology in the world cannot substitute for the essential patient-doctor relationship.

At our office, we take the time to get to know you as person. In addition to assessing your clinical needs, we want to know about your goals in seeking treatment and what you are hoping the end results to be. Once we understand that, well talk with you about the treatment options available, how each works, and their pros and cons.It is important that you understand your dentaloptions, so you can make informed decisions about your oral health. Please know that weare always available to answer all your questions.

Additionally, we offer flexible financing options, working with you to find financial arrangements that are appropriate for your budget. Its essential that you get the dental care you need, when you need it, and well do everything in our power to make that happen. And we handle all of your insurance paperwork, too, so you dont have to worry about the forms.