Our Dental Staff

Pearlfection Dentistry - Urbana

Dr. Stringer finished her undergraduate work at Penn State University, where she not only made dean’s lists each semester but also received numerous awards, given to the top student of the class. While attending Penn State she was invited to join the National Health Pre-professional Honor Society, Alpha Epsilon Delta. She received her D.M.D. (Doctor of Medical Dentistry) from the University Of Pittsburgh’s School Of Dental Medicine, where she graduated with an outstanding academic record. She attended Pitt with an academic scholarship, awarded only to a highly select group of students, showing outstanding academic achievement. Dr. Stringer has focused training in sedation dentistry, oral surgery, and AEGD (Advanced Education in General Dentists in Frederick Maryland Dentistry). She has participated in “Give Kids a Smile Day” since 2007. She is also a member in good standing with the American Dental Association , the Maryland State Dental Association, and Frederick County Dental Society and HDA.

On a personal note, she and her husband, Stewart, live in The Villages of Urbana, with Bopeboe and Veete, their golden retriever and Labrador retriever. Dr. Stringer enjoys hiking, gardening, fishing, playing the piano, skiing, traveling and playing fetch with her dogs.

Dr. EJ’s is a sponsor of The United Way, SPCA, UNICEF, Goodwill and NPR.

Pearlfection Dentistry - Urbana

Dr. Jared Lawson graduated magna cum laude from West Virginia University School of Dentistry in Morgantown, WV and received his undergraduate degree in biomedical science from Marshall University in Huntington, WV. During his time at WVU, Dr. Lawson participated in volunteer outreach programs providing dental care for underserved populations and traveled to Guatemala where he gave fluoride treatments to children in rural villages. He also won his class research competition and presented his project at the American Dental Association conference in San Antonio. Dr. Lawson previously practiced dentistry in Columbia, MD, but relocated to the Frederick area for its rich history, culture, scenery, and community.

Dr. Lawson is a member of the American Dental Association, Maryland State Dental Association, as well as the Academy of General Dentistry. He is dedicated to continuing education and staying current on the newest developments in the field of dentistry. Dr. Lawson most enjoys his interactions with his patients, where he strives to form personal connections and make visits as comfortable as possible. Outside of the office, Dr. Lawson enjoys backpacking, motorcycling, collecting vinyl records, and playing guitar. He has two older sisters and seven nieces/nephews in his hometown of Teays Valley, WV.

Pearlfection Dentistry - Urbana

Dr. Pratik Patel, a native of Virginia, attended Bishop Ireton High School. He graduated from The George Washington University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. Dr. Patel received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) from SUNY at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine and completed his General Practice Residency at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania. After working as a Gener al Dentist, Dr. Patel decided to pursue further training and specialize in Endodontics. He received his Certificate in Endodontics from Columbia University in New York City.

Dr. Patel is a Specialist member of the American Association of Endodontists . He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada [FRCD(C)], and has Specialist Registration with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario. Dr. Patel has performed pro bono work abroad in third world countries, such as in India and Guatemala. He enjoys traveling, sports, and outdoor activities. His favorite teams to watch are the Nationals, Capitals, and Redskins!

Pearlfection Dentistry - Urbana

Dr. Brian Chang is a native to the Washington Metropolitan area, growing up in Silver Spring, Maryland. He then earned his undergraduate degree at University of Virginia in Biology and Economics.

Dr. Chang earned his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania through the Health Professional Scholarship Program from the U.S. Army. He decided to pursue additional training and completed his residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Medical Center. He spent the following four years as the Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Fort Polk, Louisiana, treating our soldiers and other service members.

Dr. Chang decided to come back to the Frederick, Maryland area with the surgical knowledge and expertise gained from his training in the army.

He is active in variety of professional associations and has been published in professional journals.

Dr. Chang is board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery .

Pearlfection Dentistry - Urbana

Dr. Tigani is committed to providing his patients with the best possible orthodontic care in the Washington area. He has worked in orthodontics for over fifteen years and believes in treating each and every patient with the individual care and attention they deserve. Dr. Tigani is passionate about his profession and enjoys combining the art and science of orthodontics. He provides his patients with the latest technology and advances in orthodontics while maintaining a personal and caring relationship with every adult, teen or child. Dr. Tigani believes every patient should have a healthy, happy smile that lasts a lifetime.

Dr. Tigani received his Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University in 1988 where he majored in Psychology and minored in Biology. He then received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, Dental School in 1992, after which, he worked with his father, brother, sister and brother-in-law as a general dentist while pursuing his orthodontic degree. Dr. Tigani then completed a two year orthodontic residency program at Columbia University in 1995.

Dr.Tigani is a native Washingtonian who is involved at both the professional and community levels. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the World Federation of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the District of Columbia Dental Society and a fellow of the International College of Dentists (ICD) and the American College of Dentists (ACD). The ICD is an honorary international organization that recognizes dentists for outstanding and meritorious service to the profession of dentistry and to the community. The ACD's members exemplify excellence through outstanding leadership and exceptional contributions to dentistry and society. He is a past President of the District of Columbia Dental Society, a component of the ADA that helps in the further advancement of the dental profession while being an advocate for the community and dentistry as a whole. Dr. Tigani is the past Chairman for the D.C. Dental Society's 'Give Kids a Smile Program,' an annual event providing oral health care to low income families in the Washington, DC area. He currently represents the District of Columbia Dental Society as a delegate to the American Dental Association and also serves on the ADA Council on Membership.

Dr.Tigani has been involved with his community civic associations, coaches soccer and basketball for the past 20 years, and serves on numerous boards and councils. He is currently a delegate to the American Dental Association. He has been married for 27 years and has four children whom attend various colleges and graduate schools.

Pearlfection Dentistry - Urbana

Dr. Ashley Seals, a native of the Washington, DC area, graduated from University of Maryland, College Park with a bachelor degree in Neurobiology/Physiology. Dr. Seals earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Howard University College of Dentistry, where she was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Dental Society. Dr. Seals went on to complete a 3 year surgical residency in Periodontics at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York, where she also earned her Masters in Periodontics. During her time at Columbia University, she performed extensive research at the Center for Craniofacial Regeneration and was an associate clinical faculty member. Dr. Seals is also a board certified diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, qualifiying her to be proficient in advanced gum surgery and implantology. Dr. Seals is an active member of several professional organizations including: American Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontology, DC Dental Society, and Greater Washington Academy of Women Dentists. Outside of the office, Dr. Seals enjoys hiking, kayaking, watching basketball, international cuisine, and live performing arts.

Pearlfection Dentistry - Urbana

Dr. Chi is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army. Dr. Chi graduated from the University of Virginia with a bachelor degree in Biochemistry. He was awarded the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland in 2005. He completed a three-year residency program specializing in prosthodontics at the U.S. Army Postgraduate Dental School in Augusta, Georgia in 2008, and a Master of Sciences in Oral Biology from Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University, August, GA. His thesis entitled ‘Resistance to abrasion of extrinsic porcelain esthetic characterization techniques.’ was published, in July 2017, in the Army Medical Department Journal. Dr. Chi has to his credit a fellowship in Oral Oncology and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics from The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas in 2018 where his clinical work titled ‘Prosthodontic treatment of a patient with Ewing sarcoma of the left maxillary sinus: A clinical report’ was accepted for publication in 2018, in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.

Dr. Chi has been conferred numerous awards. In 2018, he was conferred the Maxillofacial Foundation Award by the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthodontics. In July 2016, Dr. Chi was awarded Meritorious Service Medal by the United States Army. Dr. Chi was as an ‘Invited Speaker’ at International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Korea Section and Seoul International *Dental* Exhibition & Scientific Congress on the topic of ‘Zirconia Restorations’.

Dr. Chi has multiple scientific papers published in both national and international journals as well as poster discussions at national conferences. Dr. Chi presented two abstracts entitled ‘Prosthodontic treatment of a patient with Ewing sarcoma of the left maxillary sinus: A clinical report’ and ‘The effects of zinc on radiation-induced dysgeusia: A meta-analysis’ during American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthodontics and American College of Prosthodontists meetings in 2018.

Dr. Chi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists and an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics.

Pearlfection Dentistry - Urbana

Dr. Badakhshan, otherwise known as Dr. B, is Maryland-born and raised. Originally from Gaithersburg, she knew from a young age wanted to help people.

While attending the University of Maryland College Park she knew she wanted to be in the healthcare field. She started working as a dental assistant part-time and fell in love with the dental industry. She then completed her undergraduate major in biology then continued her graduate school in dental at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Dr. B continues to learn more about the dental industry by completing various licensing courses every other year. She is certified in Invisalign which gives her the ability to help her patients attain straight teeth without metal braces. Dr. Badakhshan loves to see her patients complete their treatment with a big smile on their faces and Invisalign helps her achieve that.

“I love it. I think dentistry is really rewarding. You get to help people achieve their smiles.”

Through the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, she received certification for botox injections. These injections help patients suffering from TMJ, grinding, jaw clenching which can lead to other health concerns like high blood pressure if untreated.

Dr. Badakshan knows going to the dentist can be a scary thing. She loves to build strong, lasting relationships with her patients because she wants everyone to be treated as if they were her family.

“Coming out of school and going into practice I’ve always tried to treat patients like I want to be treated. I treat them like family, I would give them the same treatment I would give my mom.”

Dr. Badakshan enjoys getting to know all of her patients on a personal level. She loves getting to know about what they do and their families. Dr. Badakshan doesn't want her patients to feel like another number, so she makes it a point to remember them and things about them.

Dr. B’s biggest goal is having her patients feel comfortable coming to her and trusting her with their health. This is why she doesn’t rush any part of the process. Dr. Badakshan makes sure each patient is well informed and their decisions.

Dr. B thoroughly goes over all options a patient has with their treatment and situation in mind. Together we review X-rays in detail, answering any questions they have. She takes time to ensure everyone is on the same page. Dr. Badakshan makes a point to ensure her patients are comfortable and pain-free.

“I feel they need to be informed in their own care.”

Dr. Badakshan is fluent in Farsi, so if you are needing someone to speak with about your dental health in this language she is the perfect doctor for you.

Outside of work, Dr. B is known for keeping a healthy lifestyle. She loves to exercise and do yoga. Dr. Badakshan understands a healthy body is displayed through all aspects of the body, through exercise, healthy eating, and oral care. Even a low-grade infection in your mouth can be detrimental to your overall health.

Dr. Badakshan has been a member of the PearlFection team since 2018. She helps her patients get a beautiful smile, whether that's just by cleaning their teeth or doing a cosmetic treatment. But most importantly, Dr. Badakshan gives her patients their oral health back.

' We have a lot of specialists we have a lot of general dentists. ” Dr. Badakshan said.
' It's constantly growing and evolving and it's really great for the staff as well as for the patients. They get really great care here. ”

Pearlfection Dentistry - Urbana

Dr. Nikta Pashai is a general dentist that is devoted to giving quality patient care and building long term relationships with each of her patients. She is committed to providing healthy smiles through carefully designed and customized treatment plans. As a member of the American Dental Association, Maryland State Dental Association, and Academy of General Dentistry, she is dedicated to continued education and staying current with new advances in the dental field.

Dr. Nikta Pashai was born and raised in Ellicott City, Maryland. She attended University of Maryland, College Park, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She earned her dental degree from University of Maryland School of Dentistry in Baltimore. While in dental school, Dr. Pashai enjoyed giving back to the community by participating in Mid- Maryland Mission of Mercy events and providing dental screenings for Special Olympics participants.

After completing her dental degree, Dr. Pashai went on to complete an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency program at University of Maryland School of Dentistry. During her residency, Dr. Pashai was able to expand on her current skills by managing complex comprehensive cases and gaining proficiency with cutting edge technology.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and outdoor activities.

Pearlfection Dentistry

Dr. Joseph Lee DDS is an accomplished and experienced endodontic specialist who is dedicated to the principles of medical excellence and total patient care. Dr Lee earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery, degrees from Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery, after graduating from dental school, he was accepted into the elite training program of the U.S. Army AEGD Residency program and stationed at Fort Meade, MD. With his doctorate degree secured, Dr Lee decided that he wanted to specialize and excel in root canal treatment, so he applied and was accepted into the Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry’s specialty program in endodontics. At Case Western, Dr Lee earned his Master of Science in Dentistry in Endodontics. This degree is reserved for those dentists who have demonstrated exceptional skills and have completed a rigorous study and clinical program specializing in the field of endodontics. These advance degrees assure patients that the doctor who will be performing their root canal has skills and training far in advanced of the average dentist.

Dr Lee has practiced dentistry around the world administering General Dentistry with the US Army in Korea, Walter Reed Hospital and at Fort Eustis, VA.

Dr. Lee believes in communicating with patients along every step of the endodontic process and encourages patients to ask questions before, during and after the root canal is completed. His goal is to not only perform exception endodontic care, but to provide exception customer service, so patients never feel like a number.

In order to facilitate root canal procedures at the Frederick Maryland locations, Dr. Joseph Lee utilizes the state of the art in endodontic surgery microscopy, as well as Cone Beam CT technology, rotary endodontic hand pieces, and top of the line materials to provide the best outcome possible.

Pearlfection Dentistry

Treating kids and putting a smile on their faces has always been the goal. For almost two decades Dr. Sholander has been taking care of the dental needs of children and she would love to meet yours. While helping kids' smiles grow is a major priority, she also wants them to enjoy the process, whether that means talking about their interests, playing games, breaking out in song or helping them express their dental concerns.

Growing up in a family of medical professionals, Dr. Sholander was exposed to dentistry at a young age, enabling her to pursue her dream of becoming a pediatric dentist. After graduating from the University of Georgia with her undergraduate degree, Dr. Sholander completed her Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia. She also achieved a Master in Oral Biology, reinforcing her desire to provide the most current and scientifically driven dental care for her patients. She practiced as a Family Dentist for 6 years before getting married and returning to school to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry. When her specialty program at the Georgia Health and Science University was completed, she moved to the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area with her family.

When she is not in the office laughing along with her patients, she likes to spend time with her husband, two daughters and her dog. The whole family can usually be found exploring a hiking trail, museum, new restaurant or just a good book.

In order to provide the best dental care for children at the PearlFection Dentistry Frederick and Urbana Maryland locations, Dr. Sholander utilizes the state of the art in pediatric dental technology, nitrous oxide delivery systems, Cone Beam CT technology, and top of the line materials to provide the best possible outcomes, in a safe and comfortable, child friendly and reassuring environment.

Dr. Heather Sholander is backed up by the PearlFection Team of 11 other doctors, including 4 general and cosmetic dentists Drs. EJ Stringer, Jared Lawson, Tammira Badakhshan, and Nikta Pashai, one oral surgeon, Dr. Brian Chang, two endodontists, Dr. Pratik Patel and Dr. Joseph Lee, a periodontist, Dr. Ashley Seals, an orthodontist, Dr. Stephen Tigani, and a prosthodontist, Dr. Amos Chi, and a support staff of dental hygienists, assistants and front team. The goal at PearlFection is to always have the most skilled doctor in their particular field do the dental procedures that they are best at. That may be why PearlFection has such outstanding outcomes and 98% of our patients say they would refer a friend or family member.

PearlFection Dentistry has two locations, one in Urbana, Maryland and one in Frederick Maryland and is owned and operated by our dentists. Dr. Sholander sees pediatric dental patients at both locations.

So if your kids need pediatric dental care, orthodontics, teeth extractions or just a semi-annual teeth cleaning in Frederick Maryland, Urbana Maryland or the surrounding Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, DC or West Virginia area, you could take your kids to a general dentist, or you can put your kids’ teeth and long term health in the hands of a specialist doctor like Heather Sholander DDS, who has spent her career focusing on the dental care of children.

At PearlFection Dentistry our patients have access to all our specialists, but unlike other dentists who may refer a patient out for pediatric care or wisdom teeth extractions or orthodontics, you never pay for multiple consultations at PearlFection. If you need to see multiple specialists and general dentists, there is only one consultation fee for a particular issue. This can save you hundreds of dollars and a lot of time, because all procedures are done under one roof, we call this comprehensive dental care.

PearlFection and Dr. Sholander are accepting new patients, we accept most dental insurances, and we are open 6 days a week. Call 301-663-5550 in Frederick or 301-831-8303 to make an appointment or visit our website at www.pearlfectiondentistry.com or www.pearlfectionurbana.com to make an appointment online.

PearlFection Dentistry

Dr. Peterson Huang is a Dual Board-Certified Prosthodontist. He grew up in Vancouver, Canada where he received his bachelor’s in science degree in Integrated Sciences and a Minor in Music from the University of British Columbia. After obtaining his dental degree from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, School of Dental Medicine, he received his Certificate of Specialist in Prosthodontics and a Master of Science from the University of Maryland, where he is a Clinical Assistant Professor on the Dean’s Faculty, teaching prosthodontics to the University of Maryland Dental School students. Dr. Huang has publications in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, “From childhood to adulthood: Oral Rehabilitation of a Patient with Ectodermal Dysplasia” and “The Effect of Various Disinfectants on Dental Shade Guides” (2014).

He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists (FACP), a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (FRCDC) and a member of the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics. Dr. Huang is also a staff member in the Department of Surgery, INOVA Fairfax Hospital and is a member of the Tumor Board there.

When not in the office caring for his dental family, Dr Huang enjoys finding new restaurants to try with family and friends and spending time with his three cats, Captain, Morgan, and MacCavity. He continues to play the piano, which he almost decided to do professionally, after his graduation with an Associates Degree from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.

As a prosthodontist, he examines and treats all types of disabilities caused by loss of teeth and supporting structures, this is frequently accomplished with the use of dental implants, dentures and other prosthetic devices. With help from his highly trained team members, he provides advanced treatment plans for the construction of corrective restorations and prostheses to restore proper function and esthetics of the mouth, face, and jaw.

Pediatric Dental Specialist in Frederick and Urbana

Bringing healthy smiles to young patients and setting them on course for a lifetime of oral health has always been important to Dr. Constanza Mondragon. “Dr. Connie” believes in ethics, caring, and a dedication to children and families. Originally from Columbia, South America, her passion for serving others led her to attend dental school at El Bosque University in Bogota, where she received her DDS degree. After relocating to Florida, she completed the International Dental Graduate program at Nova Southeastern University and earned her DMD certification.

Dr. Connie is committed to providing a high standard of care to implement and maintain her young patients' oral health. She believes her greatest joy and rewards come from the little ones. While attending Nova Southeastern University, she was actively involved in community events aimed at providing oral healthcare services and education to the community and volunteered to provide free essential dental services to children in need. In keeping with her interest in meeting the dental needs of children, Dr. Connie went on to receive a post-graduate degree in Pediatric Dentistry from NSU. She later traded the sunshine and beaches of Florida for the proximity of family in the D.C. Metropolitan area.

Dr. Connie is seeing pediatric dental patients at both the Frederick, MD and Urbana, MD offices. Specialized pediatric tools and equipment along with an exceptional team of orthodontists and other specialists with pediatric expertise help Dr. Connie to maintain a convenient, worry-free environment for young patients and their families at both locations. She is also bilingual (English/Spanish) and extremely skilled at making children of all ages feel safe and comfortable.

When she is not in the office, Dr. Connie enjoys spending time with family and friends, including playing soccer with her nephew and joining in other outdoor adventures. She likes to stay healthy and fit through Zumba, long walks, and working out at the gym. She also enjoys traveling, dancing, and going to the movies.

Pearlfection Dentistry - Urbana

Dr. Scott Pasieta is a Dual Board-Certified Periodontist with over a decade of experience in gum disease treatment, advanced cosmetic procedures, and the placement of dental implants. He completed his graduate studies at the University of Maryland Dental School and went on to earn his certificate in Periodontics from the Naval Postgraduate Dental School in Bethesda, Maryland. As a Navy Periodontist, Dr. Pasieta was afforded the opportunity to practice and travel all over the world. This included a stop in the Aloha State, where he established a private Periodontic practice and served as an attending Clinical Periodontics faculty member for the New York University Waikiki Health Clinic.

Dr. Pasieta is a board-certified Diplomate of both the American Board of Periodontology (ABP) and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), the world’s largest dental implant organization. He also maintains active memberships with the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Dental Association (ADA). Dr. Pasieta utilizes his advanced knowledge and expertise to perform implant surgery, crown lengthening, gum recontouring, and pocket reduction procedures. He also supports patients with non-surgical root planing and scaling treatments to clean and repair damaged tissues.

While in the office, Dr. Pasieta has at his disposal the most advanced facilities, equipment, and tools available for gum surgery and implantology, which helps him to ensure the ongoing oral health and wellness of his patients while providing the best possible outcome. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, cooking, attending the theater, and watching sports.

As a Periodontist, Dr. Pasieta specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of inflammatory diseases that affect the gums and other tooth-supporting tissues. Periodontists treat cases ranging from mild gingivitis to severe gum infections and other conditions requiring aggressive periodontal therapy or surgical intervention, including the placement of dental implants.

What is a Periodontist and why do I need one

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PearlFection Dentistry

Dr. Golly is a board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS) with a decade of experience encompassing dental implant surgeries, wisdom teeth extractions, anesthesia, dental-alveolar procedures, hard and soft-tissue facial trauma, oral and facial pathology, jaw surgery, and facial cosmetic surgery. Dr. Golly’s true specialty is implant supported denture cases, where she is a world leader, with over 4000 “all on four” hybrid denture cases done, including zygomatic and pterygoid implants. For these cases, Dr Golly performs the surgery and implant placements and teams up with a prosthodontist who does the denture portion of the procedure.

Born and raised in Spokane, WA, Dr. Golly received a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Washington State University in 2002, then earned her DDS degree from the University of Maryland in 2007. She went on to complete her oral and maxillofacial residency at Louisiana State University, where she also earned her medical doctor (MD) degree.

Dr. Golly is an active member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). Oral and Maxillofacial surgery is one of 12 specialties currently recognized by the American Dental Association. The term “maxillofacial” specifically refers to the jaw and face. Dr. Golly is also trained and certified to provide sedation and anesthesia, including the IV sedation used during more invasive procedures.

Dr. Golly is known by her patients for a friendly, caring, and compassionate attitude along with exceptional levels of knowledge and understanding that lead to positive outcomes. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling, cooking, tennis, and teaching her sons to ride horses. She also enjoys spending time with her animals, including a chocolate lab, one horse, and two ponies.