My profession, dentistry, is truly rewarding and the psychological reward is immediate. A successful treatment or correct diagnosis has an instant, positive effect on the life of our patient. Further, the effect of our whole team working together to create a positive result for our patient is so much greater than any of us could accomplish individually!

I graduated from dental school in 1974. I followed in the footsteps of my father, who was a 1942 graduate of Georgetown Dental and was a brilliant clinician and a leader in the profession. Growing up, with an uncle who was a physician, an aunt who was a dental hygienist, and my father as a role model, I knew I wanted to go into healthcare. I decided on dentistry while in college and now, 45 years later, can happily say I have never regretted that decision.

The personal connections that have develop over the decades, as patients have become friends, make me eager to see them again. I am now caring for the grandchildren of some of my first patients; it is a blessing to see these families grow and prosper, and to play a small part in their lives.

My team and I, working together with our patients, can cure disease, relieve pain, increase comfort and self-assurance in the patient, and make them feel better about themselves. At the end of every day, it is a blessing to know we have helped the people who have come to us for care.

The practice of dentistry has undergone remarkable changes since I finished dental school. New technologies, materials, techniques, and equipment enable dentists to deliver care that was previously unimaginable. I am currently able to perform procedures which were unknown at the beginning of my career, and to deliver care that is more focused, comfortable, and ensures lasting results.

In order to keep up with the accelerating pace of developments in the profession and in the technologies, it is vitally important to read, attend seminars and lectures, and participate in hands-on training. I cannot deliver state-of-the-art treatment unless I have studied the latest research and findings.

We have four children, all graduates of West Springfield High School: Danny is a translator for Childrens Hospital; Chris is a contractor at Booze-Allen; Mikes a geologist for an engineering firm; and Beth is a high school math teacher. Anne and I share our home in Fairfax Station with a dog and cat, as well: the cat is the boss.

We have a second home in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Yard work and maintenance of two houses keeps me busy, but theres also time for kayaking, SUPing, and beach time in the summer and skiing in the winter. Im a constant reader, especially of history, psychology, and social anthropology. And theres pulp fiction and current events, too.

My practice does a lot of pro bono or reduced-fee dentistry, including participating in the Donated Dental Services program of the Virginia Dental Association. I also work in and for the Northern Virginia Clinic, a volunteer effort of the Northern Virginia Dental Society, and participate in the Mission of Mercy free dental clinic in Wise, VA, each July.

I earned my Fellowship in the American Academy of General Dentistry, an accomplishment achieved by only 6% of practicing dentists. My extensive training in comprehensive orthodontics as well ascosmetic and digital dentistry allows me to provide services such as veneers, dental implants, full mouth rehabilitations and smile enhancements. As an Invisalign Platinum Provider, I can treat different malocclusions.

I volunteered at the Spanish Catholic Center Dental Clinic in Washington DC during my Residency at Howard University, and I was so honored to receive The Ellen S. Flanagan Volunteer Service Award in 2016 from NOVA Community Clinic in Virginia.

'I selected my team members based on their empathy and commitment to excellence. They are all very caring individuals and have received extensive and intensive training in their areas of responsibility. They are all invested in the belief that the patient is the most important person in the office and that we must work together to make the patient experience the best it can be.'

Our office is a collaboration between the staff and doctors. We support each other to build a strong practice community, allowing us to provide the best service to our patients. As the office manager, my goal is to maintain an efficient, harmonious, and compassionate work environment for the doctors, staff, and patients. In order to achieve that, I handle a range of administrative duties, including staff scheduling, meetings, trainings, and continuing education. I also oversee our marketing, budgeting, and planning.

I love that I get to be a part of helping people make that first step toward the healthy and beautiful smile they have always wanted. I work with patients on financials, including payment plans and insurance. I file their insurance claims and follow up with the companies to make sure patients get the most from their benefits. I also handle administrative tasks as needed.

I enjoy working in the health field and truly appreciate the opportunity to help patients. As a hygienist, I perform screenings and assessments, offer patient education and counseling, and perform routine prophys (cleanings) and periodontal therapy. As the Hygiene/Periodontal Department Facilitator, I make sure our protocols are meeting the high standards and expectations set by the doctor.

When a patient comes for a recall visit and I see the improvement in their oral health, Im pleased. Its rewarding to know the care we provide makes a difference. As a hygienist, I deliver preventive treatment to patients, including prophys (cleanings), periodontal therapy, cavity prevention, and oral cancer screenings. I also offer patient education about dental hygiene and nutrition.

I am passionate about healthy teeth, and want to educate our patients about the best ways to preserve their smile for a lifetime! I work alongside Drs. Argentieri and Alcantara with all aspects of patient care, including restorations and cosmetic procedures. I love working with two great dentists and our team because everyone is unique, kind, friendly, and always supporting each other. I learn something new every day and look forward to acquiring even more knowledge and skills as my career progresses.

I like being able to help people during their visits, as well as working in our lab. Im creative and like crafting, so fabricating temporary crowns to the doctors specifications is enjoyable. In addition to chairside assisting, I set up and clean the operatories, sterilize dental instruments, and process X-rays. I also track inventory, purchase dental supplies, and keep treatment records.

I enjoy everything about my work. It is fulfilling to build relationships with patients and educate them about their oral health while changing their smiles. I also like working with great doctors and teammates, constantly learning from one another, and knowing that what we do helps others. I clean the operatory and instruments, take and process digital X-rays, scan teeth, use our milling machine to create replacement teeth, and work in our in-house lab. I also give post-op instructions to patients.

I finished my DDS in Moscow, Russia, in 1995, and worked as a dentist for five and a halfyears in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In 2003, I came to the USA. I worked for two years at another dental office and joined this practice in 2005.

My favorite part of my job is working with great doctors: theyre very knowledgeable and inspiring. I cherish working with my peers since I learn something new from them every day. And I gain knowledge from our patients, too, both about their dental needs and their experiences. I often work chairside with the doctors. I also handle patient care, along with office and laboratory duties, as assigned.

Im a 2019 high school graduate. Im ambitious about my future and would like to pursue a career in the dental field. My hobbies include skateboarding and walking my dog, Toby. I also enjoy helping my elderly neighbors with their yard work and caring for their pets.

Our patients are wonderful people and I enjoy interacting with them during visits. I work in the clinic, where I assist the doctors and dental assistants with their procedures. I also work at the front desk, supporting the customer service staff with administrative tasks.

Dental care is more than working on teeth and improving oral health: it is learning about the person who owns the smile, developing trust, and partnering with them to achieve and maintain a beautifully stable, functional smile.

Dr. Argentieri, Dr. Alcantara, and our team have served the greater Northern Virginia area since 1979. Our practice is known for providing ethical treatment, in a supportive atmosphere, where every patient is known by name and treated with respect and compassion.

As a team, our doctors and staff believe in providing exceptional care and lasting results. We are experienced, respected professionals; we are also warm, personable, and thrive on the connections we build with our patient family.