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Dr. Stephenson, a native of the Caribbean island of Dominica, has called the DC Metro Area her home for many years. She received a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biology from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and worked in biomedical research before deciding to pursue a career in dentistry. In 2006 Dr. Stephenson received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Howard University. In 2007 she completed a residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During and after her residency she had the opportunity to work with the underserved children and special needs population in Florida and Washington, DC. This experience sparked a desire to specialize in the field of pediatric dentistry. In June of 2011 Dr. Stephenson completed her Pediatric Dentistry Residency at Howard University; where she held the position as chief resident, earning her the Pediatric Dentistry Award for Outstanding Leadership and Academics. In 2013 she became board certified in Pediatric Dentistry.
In addition, she holds memberships in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry.
As one of five children, Dr. Stephenson values the importance of family and believes in treating every patient as if they are her own. She also strives to give her patients optimal care and the best experience possible at every visit by understanding the importance of patience and compassion. In addition, she enjoys traveling, the performing arts, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Dr. Heidi Vatanka graduated from dental school at the University of Oslo, Norway in 1997. Upon graduation, she worked as a general dentist in Norway and in the United Kingdom providing comprehensive dental care to children and adults. Her passion for children’s dentistry matured while working as a general dentist for over ten years. In pursuit of her goal to become a children’s dental specialist, she enrolled in the Pediatric Dentistry Postdoctoral Program at Howard University College of Dentistry. In June, 2011 she graduated at the top of her class and received the Pediatric Dentistry Award for demonstrating academic excellence and overall clinical proficiency.
She is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and is the recipient of the Richard C. Pugh Achievement Award honoring the top three percent scores of the May 2011 Qualifying Examination. Dr. Vatanka’s international experience in dentistry brings a unique perspective to pediatric dental care. She has a gentle and conservative approach to dental treatment with an emphasis on prevention of dental problems in children. She believes in making every child’s dental visit a positive experience in order to ensure a lifelong positive attitude to dental and oral health.
She is affiliated with the following professional organizations: College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry · American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry · American Dental Association · International Association of Pediatric Dentistry · Norwegian Dental Association.
Dr. Vatanka is married, has a son and a daughter and resides in Alexandria. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, playing soccer and has just started learning to play the piano.
Dr. Alan Savage is a native of Richmond, VA and currently resides in the Washington DC Metropolitan area. Dr. Savage graduated from Hampton University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center in St. Petersburg, FL.
Dr. Savage received his postdoctoral specialty training in Orthodontics at Howard University in Washington, DC. He has been the recipient of various awards throughout his training including the Orthodontic Biomechanics Award and Pediatric Dentistry award. In addition, he was chosen to be a guest lecturer at the 2015 National Dental Association conference. He is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontics, American Dental Association, Mid-Atlantic Society of Orthodontists, Virginia Dental Association, National Dental Association, and Continental Orthodontic Study Club.
Dr. Savage regularly participates in continuing education courses to keep up with the latest technology, research and developments in Orthodontics. He is committed to providing the highest quality of treatment to improve his patient’s oral health and esthetics.
In his free time, Dr. Savage enjoys playing tennis, bowling, and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Shaden Alfaqih attended Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. While in dental school, Dr. Shaden developed a passion for treating kids and patients with special health care needs. After graduating, she completed her specialty training in pediatric dentistry at Howard University College of Dentistry.
She strongly believes that oral health is integral to overall health and therefore establishing a dental home at an early age will help instill good oral hygiene habits in children that will continue with them into adulthood. She hopes to provide gentle, compassionate and outstanding dental care that is tailored to her patients’ individualized needs.
Dr. Shaden is affiliated with Inova Hospital and currently has privileges at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital as well as Inova Loudoun Hospital, where she provides dental care for patients under general anesthesia.
Dr. Shaden is a board-certified pediatric dentist. She is a member of the following organizations: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, Virginia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Virginia Dental Association, Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry and Northern Virginia Dental Society.