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Dr.  Joseph A. Ruzzo - Founder

Dr. Ruzzo is the founder and principal of two prominent general dental practices in Northern Virginia. He founded his first practice in the Pentagon over 20 years ago. This private practice caters primarily to civilian employees of the Department of Defense. In 2001, Dr. Ruzzo opened the Dental Group of Tysons located in the Shenandoah Building, across from the McLean Hilton. Dr. Ruzzo is very active in the community. He serves on the Northern Virginia Advisory Council of Children's National Medical Center, and he is a former member of the Board of Trustees of the Children’s National Medical Center Foundation.  Dr. Ruzzo is as member of the McLean Chamber of Commerce and avid supporter of CharityWorks, Life with Cancer, the INOVA Foundation, McLean Project for the Arts, McLean Orchestra, Medical Care for Children Partnership Foundation, Virginia Opera, PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families, Wolftrap National Park for the Performing Arts, the Trust for the National Mall, George Mason University and numerous other educational and charitable organizations. Dr. Ruzzo is a graduate of the Dental School of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Nancy-Hygienist- RDH, BS

Nancy entered the dental field at the age of 15 years as a dental assistant.  She developed a deep passion for the field of dentistry, especially dental hygiene.  At 20 years old, she graduated from Temple University School of Dental Hygiene with an Associate’s Degree.  In 1984, she graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene Public Health and began practicing dental hygiene as well as accepting a teaching position at Temple University School of Dental Hygiene.  In 1985, she traveled to Switzerland to practice dental hygiene in the Emmental for three years.  Upon her return to the United States in 1988, she settled into private practice as well as a part time clinical position at Harrisburg Area Community College.

In the early ‘90’s, Nancy started an international dental hygiene placement agency and placed over 300 American and Canadian Dental Hygienists in European dental practices, including the countries of Switzerland, Germany, Holland and Austria.  During the late ’90’s, Nancy began research to develop a post-graduate course that would be taught to dentists and dental hygienists across the United states for the next 12 years at such venues as University of Pennsylvania and University of Pittsburgh, as well as numerous private practice settings.

Currently, Nancy practices Dental Hygiene with the Dental Group of Tysons while raising three teenage sons.

Annette-Hygienist, RDH, AAS, AA

Annette earned her Associates of Applied Science and Applied Arts Degrees at St Petersburg Junior College, St Petersburg, FL.  In October 2008, Annette moved from SW Florida and joined the Dental Group of Tysons, bringing her passion for her profession and expertise in periodontal therapy. Outside of her career, Annette enjoys the outdoors with her pet Corgi and has one grown daughter attending college in Central Florida.
Annette is an active member of the American Dental Hygiene Association and currently holds dental hygiene licenses in the states of Florida and Virginia.

 Heather-Treatment Coordinator

Heather has been in the dental field for over fifteen years and has worked in both the clinical and administrative side of dentistry. She has been a team member of the Dental Group of Tysons since 2007. Heather explains treatment options, financing and scheduling. She treats each patient with a unique, personal approach, and takes great care to make certain that patients’ questions and concerns are fully addressed.  Her passion is helping our patients receive exceptional care from the time they schedule their appointment to the time treatment is complete. 

Michelle-Office Manager

Michelle has been in the dental field for many years.  She has held a range of positions including receptionist, dental assistant, treatment coordinator and office manager.  She has had extensive training in customer service along with management.  She has been with the Dental Group of Tysons since 2009.  She enjoys being outside, walking, kayaking, boating or curling up with a book for entertainment.  She thrives on patient satisfaction.

Tammy - Dental Assistant

Tamara Lynn Bennett has been dental assisting since 1990.  She was born in
St.  Mary's County, Maryland.  She  started  her  dental  experience  at  the Andrews  Air Force  Dental  Clinic where  she  received   a  certificate  for the  volunteer dental  assisting  program. After  the  program  she  moved  to  Northern  Virginia  with  her  family.  She started as an   oral surgeon’s dental assistant.   After  several  years  as  an  oral  surgeon  assistant  she  decided  to go into general dentistry.  She worked there as head dental assistant.   After  8  years  she  got  married  and  started  a  family.  After taking  time  off    to  raise  her  son  and  start  a  family  business she returned to dental assisting..   She   has  been  with  our  office  since June of 2009  and  is  enjoying  working  along side  a  great  dentist  and  wonderful  staff.