Frederick, MD General, Cosmetic, Prosthodontic, Oral Surgery, Endodontics, Periodontics, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dental Care, Sedation Dentistry and Family Dentists

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 Dentistry).

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

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

PearlFection Dentistry

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

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. Brian Chang is a native of the Washington Metropolitan area, growing up in Silver Spring, Maryland.  He then earned his undergraduate degree at the 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 a 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 .

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 who attend various colleges and graduate schools.

PearlFection Dentistry

Dr. Chi is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army. Dr. Chi graduated from the University of Virginia with a bachelor's 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 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

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.

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. 

Dr.Blake Rosacker received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology in 2006 from the University of Colorado. He received the Health Sciences Collegiate Program Scholarship (HSCP) in 2008, and went on to graduate from Case Western School of Dental Medicine with his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry degree in 2010. He continued his education at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School earning a Masters degree in Oral Biology and receiving a certificate of specialization in Comprehensive Dentistry. He attained his board certification from the American Board of General Dentistry in 2013.

In 2015, he reported to Marine Corps Recruiting Depot–Dental Clinic, Parris Island, SC. In his initial year, CDR Rosacker served as assistant department head for general dentistry where he led a 70 member team in the delivery of dental care to a population of more than 18,000 Marine Recruits and coordinated the daily schedules of 41 dental providers. During that time, he developed and implemented the new team dentistry concept which reduced average dental treatment days for recruits by 50%. For his efforts he was recognized by the Deputy Surgeon General. Subsequently, CDR Rosacker took over as Credentialing Tour Coordinator, mentoring 11 new dental officers in complex patient care. From 2017 to 2021 CDR Rosacker served as general dentistry department head for two years each for both the Capodichino Flightline Dental Clinic and subsequently the US Naval Hospital in Naples Italy. As department head for the Flight Line clinic, he led a 13 member team in delivering dental care and maintaining readiness for 1,600personnel. As department head for the Naval Hospital, he increased patient access to care by 300% while leading a 20 member team in the delivery of care to 3,000 beneficiaries. During this period, he also served as the dental liaison for naval assets in Poland and Romania, resulting in a 50 percent increase in readiness for forward deployed forces. In 2021, he reported to Walter Reed National Military medical center where he served as the Program Director for the General Practice Residency Program and trained six new dental officers in complex hospital based dental care each year. In the summer of 2023 CDR Rosacker reported to the Naval Post Graduate Dental school where he currently serves as the Program Director for the two-year Comprehensive Dentistry Residency Program. His program trains 16 residents in multi-disciplinary specialty care for forward deployed units and confers a Masters Degree in Oral Biology.

Throughout all his successes, CDR Rosacker met his wife while traveling abroad in the Pacific Rim on Semester at Sea during his undergraduate years where they visited 9 different countries. He has been married for seventeen years and they have 4 children together

PearlFection Dentistry is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Andrew Avillo to our distinguished dental team, now represented by 17 dentists. Dr. Avillo's career includes serving as the dentist to several Presidents of the United States and the First Families from 2017 to 2024. Dr Avillo brings unparalleled expertise to our practice and our patients. Dr Avillo will work at our Frederick Maryland Pearlfection Dentistry locations and at the Maryland Sedation Dentistry and Surgical Center, also in Frederick Maryland, on Thomas Johnson Drive.

Dr. Andrew Avillo recently retired after serving in the US Navy Dental Corps for over 25 years. While in the Navy, Dr. Avillo completed two separate residencies, served on two ships (USS Comstock and USS Ronald Reagan), and directed dental residency programs for 10 years. In addition to tours in Iceland and Parris Island, SC, he was stationed in San Diego and here in Maryland at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

In addition to his role at PearlFection Dentistry, Dr. Avillo will devote a significant portion of his time to our sister company, Maryland Sedation Dentistry and Surgical Center. There, he will work with our team of anesthesiologists and leverage his advanced skills to provide dental care under general anesthesia, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for patients who:

• Have significant dental anxiety or phobia
• Require complex dental procedures
• Have special medical or behavioral health needs
• Children who might not be able to sit for needed dental care

Dr. Avillo will also provide specialized care to patients with Medicaid insurance at the Surgical Center, ensuring that high-quality dental services are accessible to those who need it but otherwise may find the costs prohibitive. This commitment reflects PearlFection Dentistry and Maryland Sedation Dentistry dedication to inclusivity and excellence in care.

Dr. Nicholas Leon-Guerrero, a highly respected board-certified endodontist (Root Canal Specialist), is proud to offer his expertise and compassionate care to the Frederick Maryland and Urbana Maryland community, under the PearlFection Dentistry group of general dentists and specialist dentists. Known for his meticulous and state-of-the-art technology, and commitment to patient comfort, Dr. Leon-Guerrero is dedicated to preserving natural teeth and providing patients with fast, effective, and pain-free treatments.

With training in conventional, apicoectomy, regenerative, minimally invasive, surgical endodontics, as well as endodontics performed under general anesthesia (sedation endo), Dr. Leon-Guerrero combines his broad skill set with the latest advancements in dental technology, including microscope-guided procedures and modern imaging, to ensure the highest level of care. This combination of precision and innovation results in treatments that are not only highly effective but also gentle and comfortable.

Dr. Leon-Guerrero’s commitment to patient care is built on clear, honest communication and a personalized approach to every treatment plan. He prides himself on taking the time to educate his patients, ensuring they fully understand their options and the steps involved in their care. This approach, along with his use of advanced tools like the operating microscope, 3D cone beam imaging, and root canal treatments under general anesthesia, has earned him a reputation for delivering exceptional outcomes while making every patient feel at ease.

“I believe in treating the whole person, not just the tooth,” says Dr. Leon-Guerrero. “It’s about more than just fixing a problem—it’s about providing relief and restoring comfort, all while preserving what’s most important: the natural tooth.”

Dr. Leon-Guerrero is one of the few endodontists in the country to be a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics, a distinction held by fewer than 25% of endodontists nationwide. His commitment to excellence extends beyond his clinical work into leadership roles and community involvement. Dr. Leon-Guerrero serves on the Executive Committee of the Northern Virginia Dental Society, is a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and regularly volunteers at the Northern Virginia Community Dental Clinic. He has also led humanitarian dental care efforts in Fiji, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Guatemala, offering vital dental services to underserved communities.

Meet Dr. Sanaz Vahid, DDS

Board-Certified Periodontist & Implant Dentistry Specialist 

Dr. Sanaz Vahid is a highly trained, board-certified Periodontist and Implant Dentistry Specialist who is proud to serve patients at PearlFection Dentistry and the Maryland Sedation Dentistry and Surgical Center. A second-generation dentist and lifelong resident of the greater Washington, DC area, Dr. Vahid brings advanced surgical expertise, a compassionate chairside manner, and a deep commitment to exceptional patient care. 

Dr. Vahid specializes in dental implant surgery, bone and gum grafting, sinus lifts, All-on-4® implant therapy, crown lengthening, and comprehensive treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. She is also one of the select dentists in the region trained in IV sedation, allowing her to treat patients who experience dental anxiety or who require complex surgical procedures in a comfortable, hospital-grade setting. 

She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Vahid then went on to complete a rigorous three-year residency in Periodontics and Implant Surgery. Her advanced training also qualifies her to perform specialized procedures such as lip repositioning surgery, buccal fat pad removal, esthetic and therapeutic Botox®, and dimpleplasty. 

Dr. Vahid is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Board of Periodontology, American Dental Association, DC Dental Society, Maimonides Dental Society, and Alpha Omega Dental Society. She is also the Founder and President of Women of the World of Dentistry, an organization dedicated to educating and empowering women across all roles within the dental profession. In addition, Dr. Vahid has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in both medical and dental journals. 

Outside of the office, Dr. Vahid enjoys SoulCycle, fashion, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. She is honored to provide advanced periodontal and implant care to the community she has always called home. 

Dr. Vahid is currently welcoming new patients. 

Call PearlFection Dentistry at (301) 663-5550 to schedule your consultation.