Ever since she was a young girl, Dr. Despina Markogiannakis was fascinated by the blend of art and science in the field of dentistry. At the age of 10 she heard a visiting dentist at career day at school describe how he was able to change someone’s life by recreating their smile and she was inspired to pursue the profession.
“I always say I have a passion for changing patients’ lives, and I personally have the opportunity to do that daily through their oral health,” says Dr. Markogiannakis, owner and operator of Smiles of Chevy Chase, whose patients affectionately call her “Dr. Marko.”
For more than 12 years she and her team have been providing comprehensive dental care to patients in the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia areas, and she has built a reputation for being one of the leading dentists in the region.
Dr. Markogiannakis was voted as a Top Dentist by the Washingtonian and Bethesda magazines and was named a Readers’ Choice Winner for Best Cosmetic Dentist by Potomac Lifestyle. She consistently creates a 5-star experience for her patients by blending state-of-the-art dental technology with personalized care to deliver precise, effective treatments in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
“We strive to provide the ultimate patient experience using a combination of technology, experience and artistic skill,” she says. “We offer everything from same-day emergency repairs, routine cleanings, fillings, crowns, porcelain veneers, implants, cosmetic dentistry, smile makeovers, clear aligner therapy, TMJ relief, laser gum therapy, Botox, and Zoom whitening, all in one location.”
Personalized patient care is a top priority at Smiles of Chevy Chase. Dr. Markogiannakis and her team have created a comfortable, professional environment designed to help put patients at ease and build a foundation of trust. She understands that many people can be fearful of going to the dentist, which can lead to forgoing dental care altogether and, ultimately, lead to additional health concerns over time.
“We educate our patients about the connection between oral health and systemic health, and how taking care of one supports the other,” says Dr. Markogiannakis.
Poor oral hygiene can raise the risk of several diseases elsewhere in the body and make chronic conditions harder to manage, including diabetes, dementia, heart disease, and high blood pressure. By taking a proactive role in managing her patients’ dental health, Dr. Markogiannakis helps to prevent problems before they occur.
“Our team specializes in treating patients as a whole,” she stresses. “From the time our patients come in we listen to them about what’s going on in their life outside of their dental health, what their concerns are, and tailor a treatment plan specifically designed to meet their needs.”
Dr. Markogiannakis uses advanced technology to accurately diagnose and treat even the most complex concerns. Intraoral cameras help provide more detailed dental exams; digital x-rays offer a better view of the teeth and gums without excess radiation; 3-D scans provide detailed views for a more precise diagnosis; and 3-D digital impressions offer a more comfortable, highly accurate alternative to traditional molds for crowns, veneers and invisible liners.
“Not only does this digital technology allow us to educate our patients about their dental conditions by showing them a clear image of their problems, but also, from a treatment standpoint, it allows us to track our patients’ changes over time,” stresses Dr. Markogiannakis. “These techniques allow us to bring function and aesthetics together, and that’s what I love about the art and science of dentistry.”
Smiles of Chevy Chase
5454 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 810
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Smilesofchevychase.com
Phone: 301-652-0656
IG: @smilesofchevychase
“I have a passion for changing patients’ lives through their oral health.”