At Smile by Design, we do something that doesnt happen often at most other dental offices:we listen.We take the time to get to know our patients as people so we can create the most comfortable and fulfilling experience possible. Everything is done with a gentle touch and plenty of laughter along the way. Just because we provide truly high quality dental care doesnt mean we dont like to have fun at the office! Our warm and welcoming environment will make you feel like youre visiting old friends rather than taking a trip to the dentist.
At the Virginia Beach dental office of Dr. Stephanie Santos and Dr. Vinita Folck, we think dentistry should be a positive experience. We listen to the concerns of our patients, use gentle approaches during treatments, and strive to create an anxiety-free, comfortable atmosphere for your dental care.
Ever hear the saying, Laughter is the best medicine? Research has shown that laughter causes positive changes in brain chemistry by releasing endorphins and reducing the production of stress hormones. The team at Smile By Design loves to laugh with our patients!
We offer dentistry for the whole familyfrom toddlers to seniors. Our services include regular checkups and preventive care, gum disease and root canal therapy, tooth restorations and replacements, and so much more! At our Virginia Beach office, we provide dental care for children and adults and do all that we can to ensure excellent oral health for your entire family.
Smile By Design uses the latest in dental technology to complete efficient and comfortable procedures. Our dentists and team attend meetings, lectures, and conventions to stay up-to-date on the most modern techniques, products, and equipment available in dentistry today.
In 700 BCE, the Etruscans used teeth carved from mammals for dental restorations and created the first known bridgework. Luckily, our technology and training allow us to create results that look beautiful and natural -- no mammal teeth required!
Smile By Design isnt just the name of our practiceit describes our purpose. With our cosmetic and restorative dentistry services, such as Zoom! teeth whitening and root canal therapy, and our focus on restoring and maintaining your familys dental wellbeing, we keep your grin gorgeous.
Research conducted at the University of Illinois suggests that generally happy people who smile often live up to a decade longer. Online magazine Genius Beauty reported that people who laugh at least 17 minutes add a day to their lifespan.
And we want to meet you! Our dentists, business manager, and team are ready to offer comfortable, comprehensive, and caring dentistry. We look forward to seeing you soon at our Virginia Beach dental office.
We would love to invite you to stop by! We know it's a difficult choice to come in for a dental checkup and cleaning. You really just want to meet us, tour the office, and talk for a while to ensure our practice family would be a good fit for you. This first visit is completely complimentary, just call us to schedule one! We would love to have the chance to get to know you, your family, and start a meaningful relationship built on mutual trust and respect that lasts for years to come.
When patients step into our dental office, the first sound they usually hear is laughter. We like to keep things fun and light around the office so no one ever has to dread coming to see us! Our team of hygienists, assistants, and administrators will help you enjoy the smoothest, most stress free dental experience of your life from check-in to checkout, and you wont believe how easy it can be to take care of your familys smiles. To start getting to know the friendly faces here at Smile by Design, read on below!
David Santos was born in Leigh Memorial Hospital in Norfolk, VA, and lived most of his life in Hampton Roads. He traveled quite a bit with his family, as his father was in the Navy for thirty years. David worked in psychology and counseling for more than two decades and also worked in computer graphics and printing for 13 years. About four years ago, he turned his attention to the dental practice of his wife, Dr. Stephanie Santos, and now runs the non-clinical side of Smile by Design.
David helps with all areas of the practice without getting in the way too much. If there are problems with insurance, computers, or anything else the team doesnt want to deal with, David gets the task. David received Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology (Major) and Criminal Justice (Minor) from Old Dominion University in 1983. He admits that he has too many post-graduate credit hours to count in psych, counseling, computer technology, and programming. He should have finished his Masters degree, but he was too focused on not knowing what to focus on.
David shares the same hobbies as his wife and says theyre pretty much the same, except for their taste in music, books, and television shows, driving ability, his ability to lift more than she can, and his ability to season their Cornish hens better. He loves their dog, Billy, and while he thinks four cats are way too many, he loves them all: Boo Boo, Akasha, Buttons, and Fat Oscar.
Pamela is originally from Roanoke, VA and loves being part of the dental field where she can serve the needs of her community. Shes been in dentistry for more than 30 years, and she started at Smile by Design in 2005. Pamela has certificates in ministry studies, dental X-rays, CPR, OSHA, HIPPA, and she graduated valedictorian from Wave Leadership College (night program).
Teresa was born and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia and has a Bachelor of Science. She takes more than 15 hours of continuing education every year and has been in the dentistry field for nearly 30 years. She started at Smile by Design in 2008 and enjoys the easy, low stress environment. She loves the patients, the team, and the job! Teresa has been married for 33 years and has two adult children.
Genedee promotes dental health by professionally cleaning teeth, providing radiographic studies, charting periodontal disease, and performing procedures in compliance with the dental practices focus on excellence. She attended Old Dominion University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene.
Genedee has been in dentistry for more than 16 years and has been part of the Smile by Design team since 2008. Genedee loves working for a wonderful boss and sharing laughs with both her co-workers and patients. She strives to provide the highest standard of care for all her patients.
Julia has been working in the dental field for six years and counting so far. Originally from Boston, she studied at Regis College and Quinsigamond Community College and is qualified to administer local anesthesia. She loves working with patients and inspiring new reasons for them to smile brighter through her work! At home, shes proud to come from a fun, loving, and very LOUD family. Her personal hobbies include playing soccer, participating in her book club, and going to concerts. Shes also a big traveler and has been to 29 states so far in the US!
Lisa is fun, energetic, and compassionateall qualities that serve her well in her role at Smile by Design. She loves the dental team, as well as working for doctors who care deeply about the needs of each and every patient.
Part of the Smile by Design team since 2008, Amanda is a certified dental assistant with more than 15 years of experience in the field. She is a graduate of the Academy of Dental Technology and takes continuing education courses to stay up-to-date on the latest dental techniques and products.
She embraces the practices goal to provide anxiety-free and extremely comfortable care. In fact, most patients comment on how relaxed they feel at the completion of their treatments. Amanda loves her job and the people she works with, and that kind of true enjoyment reflects in all of her tasks.
Brandi has been with our practice since 2016, and shes a bit of a jack-of-all-trades around the office. Shes able to work both at the front desk and chairside with our dentists, plus she can help our patients better understand their insurance benefits and get the most out of their coverage. She is a graduate of Wave County High School and the Concorde Institute, and she currently has certifications in dental radiology, CPR, first-aid, and as an EDA. Originally from Waycross, GA, youll usually find her cooking something delicious when shes at home. Be sure to ask her about any new recipes! An interesting fact about her: she has a twin brother.
