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Dentists Who Make You Smile

Dr. Lamon Stewart and Dr. Stephen Labbe
Stewart and Labbe Orthodontics

How do you feel about your smile? Do you find yourself holding back your smile in those family photos? How about when you look into the mirror after brushing your teeth? Do you sometimes feel your teeth are not as straight or healthy looking as they could be? What about your children? Do you think their self image is as good as it could be? Do they hold back their smile in those school pictures?

It is questions like these that help to inspire both Dr. Lamon Stewart and Dr. Stephen Labbe to specialize in Orthodontics. It is very important to them to do everything they can to help children... and adults alike... to experience a healthy and beautiful smile that can last a lifetime.

How does Stewart and Labbe Orthodontics do this?

They start by focusing on making both the patients and the parents feel comfortable. Dr. Stewart and Dr. Labbe are two doctors that you can trust to give you a complete and thorough examination and to get that smile in tip-top shape as soon as possible. At your new patient consultation, the doctors and their highly trained staff will walk you through the entire process one step at a time. Dr. Stewart and Dr. Labbe also ensure that they utilize the most technically advanced and modern equipment available today. And if you aren't careful... you might just have some fun along the way!

The staff at Stewart and Labbe Orthodontics is amazing as well. You will find a dynamic, high energy group of both men and women greeting you with their beautiful smiles. The office always has exciting contests and games to keep our patients wanting to come back for more. Just ask any one of our patients about their WAHOO collection! (It's a Stewart and Labbe thing...)

Dr. Stewart graduated with honors from University of Maryland Dental School and the State University of New York Orthodontic program in Buffalo. After a three year tour as an Orthodontist in the Air Force, he returned to Maryland to start his practice. He and his wife Judy have four grown daughters all with beautiful smiles! They are residents of Annapolis and thoroughly enjoy the town. Whenever possible, Dr. Stewart and his family love to sail, fish, go diving, and travel. When you come and sit in Dr. Stewart's chair, be sure to ask him about his latest adventure. We promise you won't be disappointed...

Dr. Labbe was born and raised in Massachusetts. He attended the University of Connecticut and graduated first in his class from Howard University's Orthodontic program in 1987. Dr. Labbe has been practicing with Dr. Stewart since way back in 1990, so needless to say they make a GREAT team! With his wife Stacy and their children, Jared and Elizabeth, Dr. Labbe loves to be out on the waters of Annapolis. Though most of his free time he is trying to keep up with his kids! If you ever want to strike up a conversation with Dr. Labbe, just bring up the Boston Red Sox... he is a very enthusiastic fan!

Both Dr. Stewart and Dr. Labbe are active members in numerous national and local orthodontic study groups. They are also members of the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontics.

Come visit anyone of the four convenient locations in Annapolis, Crofton, Bowie, and Greenbelt. Or just give us a call at 1-888-828-8558. Our front desk staff would be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Stewart and Labbe Orthodontics can also be found on the web at www.stewartandlabbe.com.

Dr. Kian Djawdan, DMD, FlCOl
Center for Advanced Dentistry

According to Dr. Kian Djawdan, "Most patients I see in my practice have not been to the dentist for seven, ten, or even twenty years. Many of them cover their mouth with their hands when they laugh or smile. Often, men grow long mustaches or beards to cover their embarrassment. I truly understand the fear and embarrassment associated with going to the dentist. I am not here to judge my patients; I am pleased to be given the opportunity to help them renew their smile and confidence." Dr. Djawdan puts patients at ease with his judgment-free conversation. He takes special interest in getting to know his patient and listening to what he/she wants to achieve. "One size does not fit all in modern dentistry. I truly believe in listening to what the patient wants and then designing a custom treatment plan based on what the patient wants to achieve," says Dr. Djawdan.

Dr. Djawdan is one of less than 4% of dentist in this country that has the training, experience, and technology to personally handle every step of patient's cosmetic and reconstructive dental goals. He has earned a Fellowship with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and he is a Sustaining Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is also the only general dentist in Annapolis licensed to administer IV sedation. These accreditation programs require both rigorous exams and personal case studies to be accepted. "Training never ends. Advanced technical skills and artistic perspective demand hundreds of hours of on going training and education," says Dr. Djawdan.

Dr. Djawdan's office feels more like a spa than a dental office and is equipped with some of the most advanced dental technology available, such as digital x-rays, intra oral camera, imaging software, dental laser, an arc light and microscope (worn to improve the field of vision), T-Scan and JVA computerized bite analysis, and TENS unit, CEREC 3-D and a porcelain oven, Dr. Djawdan is the only general dentist in Annapolis with an I-CAT dental CT scan and 3-D imaging software. "Today's dental technology allows me to offer my patients precision and accuracy in diagnosis and treatment. With the marriage of the I-CAT dental CT scan and 3-D imaging software, I can fully visualize the placement of dental implants in a real 3-D environment and then design a surgical guide in which to place the implant right through the tissue, thus eliminating the need to lay a surgical flap," says Dr. Djawdan.

You can learn more about Dr. Djawdan and the solutions he has to offer by visiting www.SmileAnnapolis.com or calling his wife and Practice Coordinator Renee at (410) 266-SMILE (7645)

Dr. Deb Caruso, Dr. Martha Sidlowski, and Dr. Christine Skordeles
Chesapeake Family Dentistry

Memories of a childhood dentist who created a positive atmosphere in his practice inspired Deb Caruso to become a dentist. She graduated from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry opened the Chesapeake Family Dentisty 14 years ago.

A busy mother of two young daughters, Dr. Caruso understands the value of time. Patients don't languish in the waiting room: the practice sees only a handful of patients a day in order to give each the extreme personal attention for which Chesapeake Family Dentistry is known.

With the aid of the CEREC 3D, Dr. Caruso and her associates can make a beautiful crown in one office visit. They can design the tooth's replacement, micro-sculpt it and permanently bond it within the mouth in one session. A patient doesn't have to schedule multiple visits or endure week of a temporary replacement. Value of time saved: priceless.

The practice also provides many other aesthetic services including implants, cosmetic veneers and tooth whitening.

Her associate Martha Sidlowski, a graduate of the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, University of Maryland's Dental School, loves spending time with daughters Julie (3 years) and Lauren (3 months). Dr. Sidlowski, a resident of Severn, has been with Chesapeake Family Dentistry for nearly three years as a dentist and was Dr. Caruso's dental assistant during college.

The newest addition to their team is Dr. Christine Skordeles. Before graduating from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Skordeles was a Neuroscience Research Assistant and published co-author. "This background," she explains, "allows me to see things in a very different way and remain at the forefront of dentistry, where research integrates with clinical dentistry." Dr. Skordeles currently lectures nationally on topics in Cosmetic Restorative Dentistry.

All three dentists share a passion for helping people. "I love being able to work with the patients and this incredibly warm and talented staff," Dr. Sidlowski enthused. "The patients feel comfortable walking in here. They know we're helping them feel better about their smiles, their oral health and their self-image."

Chesapeake Family Dentistry is located at 1610 West Street, Suite 202, Annapolis. Call (410) 990-4800 for visit www.AnnapolisDentist.com for more information.

Dr. John Benkovich

Dr. John Benkovich bases his practice on a few simple values: offer individualized care, respect the patient's time, and provide the best treatment possible.

He has committed himself to education, earning his B.S. at Pennsylvania State University and graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Maryland Dental School. He went on to complete his Orthodontic residency at the University of Louisville while simultaneously achieving his Master's Degree in Oral Biology.

He is a member of national, state, and county orthodontic associations and he has taken five times the amount of continuing education classes required by the American Dental Association (ADA). This extra training ensures, among other things, that leading technology is effectively brought to the patient.

One such technology is custom Insignia braces that delivers a complete custom solution -patient-specific brackets, precision (computer -assisted) bracket placement and custom wires. This technique produces an orthodontic treatment specifically tailored to each patient's mouth, improving accuracy, and reducing discomfort and treatment time.

He and his staff understand their patients have busy lives, so they strive to see everyone exactly at their scheduled time. "A patient should never waste time sitting in our waiting room," he says, adding, "about 98% of our patients are seen on time." So unique is this service that many of his patients actually have to get used to showing up promptly.

Tied strongly with the office's punctuality is the desire to ensure every patient gets individualized care to address their specific needs. The key to providing the best care is communication and understanding. The gradual nature of orthodontics can make it hard to visualize what is happening, according to Dr. Benkovich, so he has acquired tools to show patients their progress. Not only are patients more satisfied, treatment is improved by providing a clearer picture for the patient and for the patient's dentist.

Communication does not stop at the front desk. "It has been my experience that the quality of our care is enhanced by good communicating with our patients' dentists. Adding, "By talking with their dentist we know fully what they expect and if there are any specialized concerns or problems." To facilitate this level of communication his office has invested in the secured electronic sharing of files, X rays, and other data with a patient's regular dentist to remedy any problems before they occur.

Lastly, traditional bracket and wire appliances do not appeal to all patients, so Dr. Benkovich is a Premier Provider of Invisalign, an invisible and removable teeth-straightening system. "Frequently, Invisalign provides a shorter treatment period and may cost less for certain types of tooth movement," he says.

Dr. Benkovich has two office locations:
Annapolis - 1616 Forest Drive (410) 268-1700 and
Kent Island - # 9 Chester Plaza (behind MacDonald's) (410) 643-4499 or for more information visit www.drbenkovich.com.

Mary C. Trahar, DDS, PA
Orthodontics for Children & Adults

Mary Trahar, a native Annapolitan and 1987 graduate of St. Mary's High School, recently opened an Orthodontic practice for children and adults in West Annapolis. She returns home from an exciting few years, including military service overseas in the USAF, dual-specialty training at UCLA in Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, private practice in Washington, DC, and the publication of her research on Distraction Osteogenesis in The American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.

Dr. Trahar is the only woman Orthodontist in the area who is also a trained Pediatric Dentist. "As a dual specialist and mother of two, I understand the unique needs of children and I consider the extra effort to form bonds of trust with young patients a part of my obligation to a family." Dr. Trahar explains that her background in pediatric dentistry is helpful in calming the apprehensive patient, young or old! Likewise, she is well equipped to understand the nature of growth, and how development may impact current or future orthodontic treatment and stability. After all, Dr. Trahar explains, "predicting stability and planning for retention are just as important as the diagnosis and the treatment plan."

The fruit of Dr. Trahar's extensive travel and experience is a solo practice combining personalized, one-on-one care in a soothing, intimate setting with state-of-the-art digital technology and advanced orthodontic techniques. Dr. Trahar distinguishes herself from high-volume, multi-doctor practices by providing individual attention to each patient: "Forming a relationship that lasts beyond treatment is so rewarding. I'm able to enjoy, for many years, some of the beautiful smiles I helped nature create!"

To learn more about Dr. Trahar and her practice or to schedule a complimentary consultation please call 410.280.2484 or visit her website at www.smilesbythebay.com.

Dr. Mohammed S. Warshanna, DMD, PA
Angel Dental Care

Angel Dental Care, the largest dental practice in Maryland, is all about professional service and convenience. The newest technology awaits patients who seek cosmetic dentistry, root canals, implants, full-mouth reconstructions, all available in a comfortable and well-appointed setting.

Angel offers one-hour ZOOM teeth whitening, same-day denture repair, braces, and conscious sedation if you're particularly anxious about dental procedures. They even speak Spanish.

Each associate dentist offers 20 years of dental experience and the most advance technology available used "with an angelic touch." Their philosophy is to provide a personalized, comprehensive, positive, and, above all, safe dental experience for everyone.

Angel Dental Care is open 365 days a year with extended hours at two locations: Annapolis and Catonsville. They are open until 8 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays and see emergency cases the same day. With this service and dedication, you don't have to take your lunch hour or miss work to get high-quality, professional dental care.

Angel Dental Care is located at 200 Forbes Street, Suite 301, Annapolis. Call (443) 603-9000 to make an appointment.

Dr. Karen Klocko

"Cosmetic dentistry is my passion," says Dr. Karen Klocko, describing her love for a career that drives her to become the best in the field.

After graduating from Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, Dr. Klocko completed a one-year general practice residency at Johns Hopkins. She opened her first general dentistry practice in Crofton in 1987.

After she began practicing, she realized that she was often modifying patients' front teeth to make their bite stable. To make her work appear undetectable, she began "a long series of cosmetic courses at the Center for Advanced Dental Studies to increase my artistic abilities in dentistry as well as my diagnostic skills. I want to make restorations that are beautiful but also stable and functional." Her current skills in veneers, implants, and cosmetic bonding are the result of many years of study and experience.

Her favorite part of the job is showing a patient the possibilities with the help of new technologies and techniques. "My goal is to always try to educate patients - a kind of co-discovery - so they can make informed decisions," Dr. Klocko says.

Dr. Klocko offers her patients the best care possible by improving her skills in this exciting area of cosmetic dentistry. But the learning never stops for her. "There's always more you can do," she says.

Dr. Klocko's practice is located at 1375 Defense Hwy, Gambrills. Call (301) 858-0500 to make an appointment.

Dr. Paul J. Kinsey

Dr. Paul Kinsey's practice centers on the family, providing the highest quality care for adults as well as children. The office is located in a brand new state-of-the-art facility in Severna Park, which provides comprehensive care ranging from basic preventative treatment to surgical and cosmetic reconstruction. Some of the technology and procedures offered include computer-fabricated singles-visit crowns and tooth-colored fillings, digital x-rays and one-hour teeth whitening. Dr. Kinsey also treats sleep apnea, snoring, nighttime teeth grinding/bruxism, and TMJ pain/dysfunction. Continuing education ensures that Dr. Kinsey and his staff stay current in the latest techniques and technology.

Dentistry became a natural career choice for Dr. Kinsey since it combines his undergraduate degree in biology and his desire to work with people. "Dentistry today provides us with both artistic and scientific challenges," says Dr. Kinsey.

After graduating from Western Maryland College, Dr. Kinsey attended the University of Maryland Dental School where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then went on to complete his Dental Residency at Prince George's County General Hospital and Trauma Center. He is a member of the Maryland State Dental Association, the Anne Arundel County Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Association of Computerized Dentistry.

It's not just the services he provides that makes this practice outstanding, but also its long tradition in Severna Park with 20 years of experience and a warm, friendly staff. As a result, the practice has earned an Anne Arundel County Best Business Award for "Outstanding Service to the Community" and recent nomination by the AADCPA for being one of the Best of the Best Dental Practices in the country.

Dr. Kinsey practices at 515 Benfield Rd, #202, Severna Park. Call (410) 544-4012 for an appointment.

Dr. Kathy Farley, DDS

Dr. Kathy Farley loves tackling the most serious of restorative and cosmetic cases. An accident as a child left her with many hours in the dentist's chair and a disappointing cosmetic outcome for her teeth. She was determined ever since to help others in similar situations by not only fixing their teeth, but making them look great again, too.

"I have the opportunity to impact so many people in such a positive way and help them overcome self-esteem issues from having an unhealthy smile," she says.

She received her DDS in 1987 from the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry and completed an Advanced General Dentistry Residency at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Since then, she has pursued extensive studies in jaw and bite problems with Dr. Peter Dawson and Dr. Mark Piper and cosmetics with many of the best dental educators including the Las Vegas Institute.

Her services range from non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease to tooth whitening, veneers, crowns, implants for missing teeth and laser gum contouring.

"My future goals are to continue to provide excellent dentistry using state of the art technology and equipment in my practice," she pledges. "I will continue to further my education � so that I can continue to bring my expertise on the latest procedures in cosmetic dentistry to my patients and my practice."

Dr. Kathy J. Farley practices at 600 Ridgely Avenue, Suite 217, Annapolis. Call (410) 224-1105 or visit www.farleydds.com for more information.

Drs. Brian and Kevin Valle

The amazing twin dentists, Drs. Brian and Kevin Valle opened their doors 18 years ago with a simple mission: to provide professional, top-notch dentistry with a personal touch. We see only one patient at a time, not three patients at a time," says Dr. Brian Valle; describing the attention and time they take to understand each patient's needs. Their primary focus is the aesthetics of a person's smile; though, they feel it's more important to fix not just the appearance but also all functional problems to ensure long-term patient comfort and satisfaction.

Both doctors were born and raised in Arnold and graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in 1988. They completed courses at the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Study focusing on TMJ and related dysfunctions; the UCLA School for Aesthetic excellence; the Boston University School of Graduate Dentistry concentrating on root canal therapy; and the world renowned Ross-Nash Institute for cosmetic enhancement as well as the Louisiana University of Dental Aesthetics. Their studies have trained and certified them in the latest comprehensive cosmetic advancements including implants, crowns, porcelain veneers, bonding, and other functional related cosmetic technologies.

"TMJ" Dysfunctions - many patients come to our office with complaints of chronic headaches and severe tooth wear. These and other related problems are solved with proper dental care and treatment.

"Conscious sedation" is one of the newest methods the doctors and staff use to put patients at ease. We have a lot of new patients who have not been to the dentist in years because of anxiety and fear" says Dr. Brian Valle. "Oral sedation makes it a very comfortable experience and the patients are amazed how relaxing their dental visit can be."

"Invisalign" braces are also popular with many adult patients who are interested in straightening their teeth but wish to avoid the look and discomfort of metal braces. It is now possible to straighten teeth without anyone knowing! The results are amazing!

You will find each staff member you meet at Dr's. Valle and Valle educated and friendly. Their team receives extensive on-going training to ensure that each patient feels comfortable and well informed regarding procedures unique to each individual.

The majority of their new patients hear about the doctors from other satisfied patients. "That's the highest compliment we know," says Dr. Kevin Valle. Through their continued education and application of the advancements, techniques, and equipment that modern dentistry offers, they bring the very best in care to patients.

Complimentary consultations are always welcome. Call (410) 987-9100 to make an appointment.

Drs. Brian and Kevin Valle's practice is located off of Benfield Road and I-97 at 251 Najoles Road, Ste. J, Millersville.

Dr. Charles Herbert and Dr. Candice Trasatti

Dr. Charles Herbert and Dr. Candice Trasatti both specialize in the "art and science of endodontic therapy," traditionally root canals, according to Herbert.

"We focus on quality, but we like to keep things light," says Dr. Herbert. "Most people are afraid of root canals. We try to make them comfortable and help them realize it's about as serious as a filling nowadays." Almost all procedures are finished within one to two visits.

Dr. Herbert graduated from Johns Hopkins University and moved on to the University of Maryland Dental School, where he met Dr. Trasatti. He went on to complete his endodontics residency at the University of Illinois. Dr. Trasatti completed her certificate and masters at the Baylor College of Dentistry in Texas.

After their formal education, the two dentists formed their current practice, which is located at 888 Bestgate Road, Ste. 220, Annapolis. Call (410) 224-6150 to make an appointment.

Dr. Ronald Moser

Dr. Ronald Moser offers his patients 25 years of experience, the kind of experience that can only be acquired through years of practicing dentistry and working cases that range from root canals and teeth whitening to periodontal surgery.

A 1979 graduate of the Howard University School he provides preventative care for both adults and children.

Dr. Moser is a member of the American College of Dentists, the Pierre Fauchard

Academy, and is a former president of the Southern Maryland Dental Society. He served on Governor Glendening's Council on Medical Privacy and Confidentiality (HIPPA Council) and is currently the Legislative Chairman for the Maryland State Dental Association and an examiner for the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners.

He looks forward to continue serving his patients in Bowie, Crofton, and Annapolis with the most up-to-date techniques.

"Comfort and quality is our dedication, your total confidence is our goal."

Dr. Moser's practice is located at 14300 Gallant Fox Lane, #208, Bowie. Call (301) 464-3500 to make an appointment.

John M. Cutting, DMD

Dr. John Cutting is third in a 50-year tradition of dentists at Edgewater Dental Arts. Dr. Carroll Johnston, who worked at the practice for thirty years, chose him as her successor for his integrity and shared aspiration of offering patients quality individual care.

Dr. Cutting's goal is to build lasting relationships with his patients, focusing on providing families with excellent comprehensive dentistry. His training and experience in implant and cosmetic dentistry allow him to go beyond just regular dental care to include cosmetic reconstruction and orthodontics. Continuing education courses keep him up to date with the newest dental equipment, including the new Invisalign technology.

A native of mostly Pittsburgh, Dr. Cutting was attracted to dentistry because it allows him to combine his artistic talent with a passion for the healthcare industry. Once he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, he completed his residency at York hospital.

He enjoys sports and even moved to Annapolis because of its outdoor offerings. In his spare time, Dr. Cutting volunteers at the Stanton Center, providing dental care as part of AAMC's Outreach program.

Dr. Cutting's practice, Edgewater Dental Arts, is located at 1 Dental Road, Edgewater. Call (410) 956-3525 for an appointment.

Dr. Meredith Esposito

Dr. Meredith Esposito, a native of northern New Jersey, recently joined the practice of Drs. Gordon, Formica and Love, located in Bowie. She studied at Temple University School of Dentistry and completed her residency at the highly selective Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia.

Dr. Esposito offers a full range of dental services to children and adults alike. In addition, she is widely known for her expertise in cosmetic techniques, including veneers, implants, and smile design.

She is especially proud of completing several hundred hours in continuing education, including studying complex TMJ and bite problems at the Dawson Institute in St. Pete's Beach, Florida. As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, she learned the latest in a wide range of cosmetic services.

It is not only the professional achievements that make her an excellent dentist but rather her thoughtful caring chair side manner. "The most rewarding part of dentistry is the relationships you develop with your patients." explains Esposito.

Gordon, Formica and Love, D.D.S., is located at 3233 Superior Lane, Belair Professional Bldg. Ste. B-25, Bowie. Call (301) 464-8545 or (301) 262-3535 to make an appointment with Dr. Esposito.

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