the
Doctors

Dr.
Derek
Blank

Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Blank smiling

Education
& Honors

Dr. Blank earned his dental degree at the University of Maryland where he was awarded the national Albert Schweitzer Fellowship for his service with the homeless population of downtown Baltimore. He also participated in the oral maxillofacial surgery clerkship and pediatric externship at Children’s National Medical Center.

Advanced Training & Chief Residency

Following graduation, Dr. Blank completed a hospital-intensive general practice residency at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine. He then returned to the University of Maryland for his postgraduate fellowship in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Blank served as chief resident and completed specialty training at the School of Dentistry, University Maryland Medical Center, and Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Professional Memberships and Leadership

Dr. Blank is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. His leadership in professional organizations includes the Maryland Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Diplomates, and the Chevy Chase-based Premier Dental Study Club.

Home Life

Dr. Blank and his wife love to spend time with their 3 children, Anderson, Brinkley, and Beckett.

Dr. Blank walking away holding the hand of a young male patient

Laugh

He’s a Cleveland Browns’ fan. Seriously.

Grow

He enjoys triathlons, skiing, and surfing — each accurately described as “work in progress”.

Smile

He absolutely loves coming home to his wife and kids.

Dr.
Roma
Gandhi

Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Roma inside smiling at camera

Professional Training

Dr. Roma earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. She went on to complete her residency in pediatric dentistry at Nationwide Children’s Hospital which focused on hospital dentistry and treating medically complex patients.

Advanced Education

While in residency, she completed a Masters in Science at the Ohio State University. She also holds a masters degree in public health from Emory University. Before moving to the DMV area, Dr. Roma spent a few years working in a large private practice in Texas while her husband finished his residency training.

Memberships

Dr. Roma is a board-certified pediatric dentist and a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Home Life

In her free time, you can often find Dr. Roma chasing her two young boys at the local parks and trying to sneak-in some workouts on the Peloton!

Laugh

Workouts with my husband.

Grow

Becoming a professional baby wrestler. Pillow fighter extraordinaire. Magna-Tiles champ. Attempting to master cooking.

Smile

Planning our next off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Dr. Roma inside smiling at camera

the
Staff

Clinical manager Aned Mollinedo

ANED

CLINICAL MANAGER

Aned was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in New Orleans. She moved to Maryland when she was a teen and now calls it her home.  She is very passionate about working with kids and has been in the pediatric dental world for 6 years. Aned is always striving to make every visit a positive experience.

Pediatric dental hygienist

Ann

Pediatric Dental Hygienist

Originally from Harrisonburg, Virginia. Go Dukes! Now residing in Loudoun County with her husband and three children. Ann has been dedicated to pediatric dentistry for over ten years. She strives to ensure that all patients are confident and comfortable in the dental setting.

Pediatric dental assistant Elsy Estrada

Elsy

Pediatric Dental Assistant

Elsy is a Honduran-American native to Maryland. She is highly dedicated to fulfilling her role in dentistry, and is committed to making the experiences of all patients- big and small- a great one!

Dc pediatric smiles staffPediatric dental assistant Jamie Thorpe

Jamie

Pediatric Dental Assistant

I was born and raised in Maryland. I have a degree in early childhood education and am very passionate about children. I love being outdoors and active. I have a big family consisting of 4 siblings and 7 nieces and nephews. Also, I am obsessed with my dog Sadie.

DC pediatric smiles staffTreatment coordinator Roxi Castro

Roxy

Treatment Coordinator

LAUGH Getting together with family and friends and just having a good time!
GROW Love taking spontaneous trips, hikes and trying out different restaurants!
SMILE Nothing makes me smile more than my daughter!

DC pediatric smiles staffOrthodontic Assistant Samantha Blair

Samantha

Orthodontic clinical coordinator

Samantha grew up in Catonsville, Maryland but currently lives in Winchester, VA. She loves exploring local breakfast spots and thrift stores in her new neighborhood! She has been working in Pediatric Dentistry for over 6 years and loves helping kids become more confident during their dental visits.

DC pediatric smiles staffPatient Experience Coordinator Shae Coleman

Shae

New Patient Coordinator

Originally from Howard County, Shae has lived in Washington state, Southern California, and Georgia. Now residing in Washington, DC she deems this as her forever home! She has two step children who she absolutely loves and adores. Shae has worked in Dentistry for 3 years working as a Patient Coordinator, and loves to make everyone feel right at home!

DC pediatric smiles staff memberPediatric Dental Hygienist Sydney Coles

Sydney

Pediatric Dental Hygienist

Sydney is a California native, born and raised in Pasadena, California. She also spent a bit of her childhood abroad in London, England. However, she now calls Maryland her home, residing in Silver Spring with her husband. She received her degree from UMD and brings 10+ years of pediatric dental experience to DC pediatric smiles. Go Terps!

DC pediatric smiles staffPediatric Dental Assistant Zazzi Lopez

Zazzi

Pediatric Dental Assistant

Zazzi grew up in Rockville. She attended University of Maryland University College. On the weekends she enjoys spending time with her husband Chris and hiking with her two dogs, Pac and Zane.

We can’t wait to meet you & your child

We look forward to meeting you. Call 301-363-9026 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.

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