Virginia Beach Dentist

Why Dr. Santos Became a Dentist

Dr. Santos’ dental career actually began while she was in college working as a part-time dental assistant. She became really fascinated watching the dentist work and decided she wanted to become one herself. So, right after she graduated, she immediately went to dental school and has been practicing ever since. She still has the same passion for helping people just like when she was an assistant, but she’s happy to have so much more knowledge and skill to offer her patients now. She consistently goes above and beyond for our patients, even calling them at home to make sure they are feeling alright after a treatment.

Education & Background

Dr. Santos has owned and operated Smile by Design of Virginia Beach for more than thirteen years. Her hometown is Norfolk, Virginia, and she received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Old Dominion University. After working as a chemist for a few years, Dr. Santos attended Virginia Commonwealth University where she was granted her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She then completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency and was an army dentist for 3 years.

Because she believes that learning should never stop, she is currently a member of the American Dental Association and the Spear Education Center Study Club.

• American Dental
  Association
• Spear
  Study Club

Life at Home

Dr. Santos is married to our practice’s business manager, David Santos, and they have two children, Madison and Matthew. Madison is currently attending Dental School herself! Outside of being a mother, she likes to spend most of her free time cooking, and she cooks at home most evenings. If you ever need a new recipe to spice things up, she’s the person to ask! She also enjoys gardening, reading, going to the gym, walking the dog and spending time with her numerous pets.