the
Doctors
Dr.
Derek
Blank
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
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.
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
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.
the
Staff
ANED
Practice Operations Manager
Aned moved to Maryland as a teenager and has called it home ever since. She brings over a decade of experience in pediatric dentistry, combining clinical care and practice management to make every visit run smoothly. She loves helping little ones feel safe, confident, and genuinely excited about taking care of their smiles. She’s basically a kid-whisperer!
When she’s not at the office, you’ll probably find her adventuring with her husband and their three kids. Camping is their family love language, and they’re always on the hunt for new places to explore, unplug, and make memories (usually involving sticky s’mores fingers).
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.
Jamie
Practice Operations Manager
Jamie was born and raised in Maryland. She began her career as a dental assistant and gained five years of hands-on experience before moving into practice management. She holds a degree in Early Childhood, which helps her connect naturally with young patients and make every visit comfortable for families. At home, she enjoys life with her husband, daughter, son, and their cat and dog. Her days are filled with love, laughter, and a little bit of chaos.
Shae
Business Development Manager
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!
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!
Claudia
Treatment Coordinator
Claudia was born in Alexandria, VA, but has proudly called Maryland home for most of her life. Her upbeat personality and love for music bring a fun & welcoming energy to the office—there’s never a dull moment when she’s singing along to her favorite songs!
In her free time, Claudia enjoys spending time with her two children and 6 beloved pets. She and her husband also love visiting amusement parks together whenever they get the chance.
Claudia entered the dental field with a heartfelt purpose: to help her son overcome his fear of dentistry. Her biggest passion is working with kids & making sure they all leave with a smile!
Melissa
Pediatric Dental Hygienist
I am a dedicated dental hygienist with 17 years of pediatric experience, and I’m passionate about helping children feel comfortable and confident during their dental visits. I’m married, a mom of two, and a proud stepmom, and our family wouldn’t be complete without our dog. Outside of work, I love to travel, try new experiences, dance, and enjoy great music.
Mary
Financial Manager
Originally from Ethiopia and raised in Maryland, Mary attended Marymount University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Public Health. Her passion for helping others naturally led her into the dental field. Mary loves working closely with children, ensuring they receive the best treatment and a consistently positive experience at each visit.
Mary is an avid homebody outside of work, but also enjoys trying new things and spending quality time with family and friends.
Laugh: She’s a huge fan of Friends—she's watched it countless times!
Grow: Mary loves traveling, reading, taking walks, or spending time outdoors
Smile: Nothing makes her happier than spending time with her family, especially her niece and nephew.
Lydie
Pediatric Dental Assistant
Lydie grew up in Rockville and has two years of experience as a dental assistant. Known for her friendly approach, she ensures every patient feels at ease. When she's not at the office, Lydie loves to hit the trails hiking and biking, embracing the great outdoors.
Becky
Practice Communications
Coordinator
Becky is a native of the DMV! She has many years of clinical and administrative experience in both the orthodontic and dental fields. Her cheerful & positive attitude is contagious and welcomes each family with a smile!
Nothing brings her more joy than spending time with her 3 children & granddaughters! She loves the beach, baking, all things coffee & cheering for her favorite football team! Go Washington Commanders!
Natalia
Clinical Coordinator
Born in Washington, DC, I am a dedicated pediatric dental assistant with six years of experience caring for children and promoting healthy smiles. As a parent of three, I bring compassion, patience, and a deep understanding of kids into everything I do. I love exploring new places and believe travel keeps life exciting and full of perspective. When I’m not on the go, I enjoy reading and spending time with the little ones who inspire me every day.
Talita
Pediatric Dental Assistant
Talita was born in Brazil and has called Maryland home since 2014. She loves working with kids as a pediatric dental assistant—helping them feel comfortable, easing their fears, and celebrating their bright smiles. When she’s off the clock, she’s usually outside with her husband, hunting for fun thrift finds, learning new languages, or getting competitive at game nights. She laughs at cheesy dad jokes, loves trying new things, and smiles the most when there’s kindness, good friends, chocolate, or sushi involved.
Bijou
Pediatric Dental Hygienist
Laugh: Outdoor adventures with my twin boys and pretending I'm still an elite volleyball player.
Grow: DIY Champ, soon-to-be CrossFit qualifier, and becoming my patients' favorite tooth fairy!
Smile: Watching my brother's basketball games, having a front-row seat to anything involving my boys.
Hai
Pediatric Dental Hygienist
Born and raised by the beach in China. Hai has lived in the US since 2006 and is a proud Howard graduate! She thoroughly enjoys caring for kids of all ages and loves seeing them become excited about their dental cleanings! She is happily married to Khai and has two wonderful, energetic boys.
LAUGH: Going out with my girlfriends
GROW: Travel and explore around the world
SMILE: Watching my boys grow up
Alisson
pediatric dental assistant
Salvadorian raised in Maryland with more than 6 years of experience as a dental assistant. Outside the office, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and relaxing at home with her cats.
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.
