Our Philosophy

We are different because we treat every patient's oral and overall health as if it were our own.  It starts with an initial appointment where we will spend about an hour with every patient - to understand their concerns, their point of view, their history, and the direction they want to go with regard to their oral health.

Dentistry today is not what it was 30, 10 or even 5 years ago. Technology, techniques, materials, and sometimes, even the research that backs them, are continually changing. We practice evidence based dentistry. Dentistry that is based on the most current research. I do not subject my patients to "Dental Fads" or marketing gimmicks (Zoom bleaching for example).  By being on the cutting edge, our patients receive the absolute best possible care dentistry has to offer, with the confidence that every procedure, diagnosis, and treatment modality is evidence based. I am a conservative, proactive diagnostician. I look at every mouth as if it were my own and ask, "What would I do; what would I want to have done, given..."

I strongly believe that the most important responsibility of being a doctor is the ability to diagnose a condition, and then have the time and knowledge to explain every and all treatment options. Lasting esthetic results are not accidents!  They represent proper planning, excellent skill, and quality craftsmanship. Consider the following points.

• Comprehensive. Here at the Virginia Center for Cosmetic & General Dentistry we do not believe in treating "teeth" or "gums" or "mouths." We believe in treating people. We are the quarterback to your oral and overall health. This can only be accomplished if we understand every individual’s needs, wants, desires, and as importantly, where each individual has come from and where they hope to go. All treatment plans are custom tailored. I am available to my patients by phone and email 24hours a day for anything.
• Do you know the why and how a procedure is being done? I feel it is very important that each and every patient understands and "sees" what is actually being done and why. That is why a "before" and "after" picture is taken of all procedures. We are proud of our work and we want you to see it!
• Your time is valuable. We pride ourselves on convenience and running on time! For your convenience, we are located 2 Blocks from the Clarendon Metro, and have free garage parking downstairs!
• Worried about Radiation? Digital radiography allows our patients to receive 1/5th - 1/8th the amount of radiation needed to expose a conventional film and the image is instantly available! Instead of making duplicates, we can email your radiographs anywhere or simply print them out.
• Dental Implants are standard of care today. However, the success of them can largely depend on how they are restored. Do you know the difference between a "custom abutment" vs. a "pre-fabricated" abutment? For larger, multidisciplinary treatment plans, excellent communication means that we work seamlessly with specialists to coordinate treatment plans and execute treatment efficiently.
• "White" restorations or "silver," amalgam, composite, ceramic, or gold? Root canal or extract? Removable or fixed? Implants or "Bridges?" How long will it last? There can be many questions in dentistry, and we think it is very important for patients to understand all their options with regard to restorative materials, and additionally, what is involved and what to expect relative to each. We will take the time to answer all your questions.
• For all anterior cases, "smile makeovers," veneer and crown cases, should you prefer, we will have the laboratory technician come to our office to custom design shape and color with you.
• Knowing when someone else can do a procedure more accurately and more precisely, ultimately resulting in better patient care, better health, and a better result, is a "pride" factor many doctors have difficulty facing. My broad training in the USAF allowed me to study and practice every specialty. However, being a "jack of all trades and master of none" is not in my patient’s best interest. My simple rule of thumb and philosophy is this - "No matter what the situation and without hesitation, I will refer a patient to the best possible specialist or doctor for a given procedure. I refer because I feel that another provider will be able to provide better care for a patient than I for a given procedure."  I do not blindly refer, but will take into account each patient’s needs and wants to match skill and personality. I often advise patients to get second options, especially for larger procedures.
• Lastly, I use 4.9x Loops, those funny things mounted on glasses that allow doctors to see better – microscopes if you will. I use the most powerful loops available on the market so that I can literally "see" better. Without them, I feel pathologic conditions may be more easily missed. Complimenting my hand-eye coordination for better preparations or any work that requires exactness, I am able to simply “see” better. Much of what we do is measured in millimeters or fractions of millimeters, and is often located in a very small and dark places...if you can't see what you are looking at or what you are doing, how well can you execute - even if you had the best of hands?

"Our aim must be not merely the meticulous restoration of that which is missing, but also the perpetual preservation of that which remains."