About Us

Dr. Singer

Dr. Singer earned a bachelor of science in Human Development from Vanderbilt University and his doctor of medical dentistry, DMD, at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Singer holds the title of Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the George Washington University Hospital. Dr. Singer’s work at the hospital includes treating facial trauma patients that have broken their jaws and teeth, treating medically compromised patients under general anesthesia in the O.R., and providing emergency dental care to patients admitted to the hospital.

Dr. Singer also performs reconstruction of cancer patients and helping other medically compromised patients. He works very closely with members of the Department of Otolaryngology (ENT-ear, nose and throat).

In addition to his practice, Dr. Singer was an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, instructing doctoral candidates in all aspects of restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. He has prepared articles on oral healthcare economics for the Swedish Government at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.

Dr. Singer is associated with the following organizations:

• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Sustaining Member
• Academy of Osseointegration
• International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Fellow
• American Orthodontic Society
• IDEA (Interdisciplinary Dental Education Academy)
• Academy of Periodontology
• Academy of General Dentistry, Fellow
• American Dental Association
• District of Columbia Dental Society
• Pennsylvania Dental Society

Dr. Taimour Raja

Dr. Raja graduated from the University of Miami with a dual Bachelors degree in Religious Studies and Immunology & Microbiology after which he joined the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, researching a novel immunotherapy for cancer using heat-shock proteins.  He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University College of Dentistry where he received one of the most progressive and technologically advanced dental educations in the nation. After graduating from dental school, Dr. Raja moved to Virginia and had been in private practice in Fredericksburg and Culpeper.

Dentistry for Dr. Raja, was always a clear choice, being an amateur artist, delving in mediums such as charcoal, pencil and ink sketch, and black and white photography. He prides himself in not only being highly trained in the technicalities and science of dentistry, but also looking at every case with an artistic and esthetic angle.

A vested member of the dental community, He spends countless hours constantly staying abreast in the latest and most advanced techniques in general and cosmetic dentistry by attending year round continuing education courses. He has pursued advanced training at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), the world-renowned post-graduate institute for esthetic and neuromuscular dentistry. Graduates of LVI are among the top 1% of highly trained esthetic and reconstructive dentists in the world. Dr. Raja is currently pursuing an Associate Fellowship with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry at the Medical College of Georgia. He is also a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.

Dr. Raja always wants to take the best possible care for his patients. His easy going and informative approach puts his patients at ease, and lets them discuss all possible treatment options so that they can have a comfortable, pain free mouth, and a smile that makes them glow.

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to combine the artistry of creating beautiful smiles with exceeding patients' expectations. This is coupled with partnering with dental professionals to embrace the challenges, which our ever-changing industry presents, with a strong emphasis on building solid relationships and maintaining, above all, integrity and an enriched quality of life for the patient.

Core Values

• Integrity
• Uncompromised quality
• Exceeding expectations
• Quality of life
• Embracing challenges
• Solid Relationships

The Team

Kathy

Kathy is Bolivian and graduated from Colegio Espana and moved to the US in 2006. Kathy's aspiring to become a dental hygienist. She joined DC Smiles in early 2009 and has quickly become an asset to the dental assistants and to Dr. Singer in ensuring our patients are always comfortable. Kathy also helps to keep our equipment and instruments in good working order and maintained. She enjoys listening to music and playing volleyball with her family and spends her free time reading and watching movies.

Marlene

Marlene was born and raised in Cochabamba, Bolivia. She obtained her Cirujano Dentista from Universidad Major de San Simon in 2001. She moved to Washington DC after graduating and began providing comprehensive and advanced dental care alongside local dentists. She enjoys raising her two daughters, spending time with her husband, and playing soccer. Marlene is always striving to improve herself professionally and personally.  In March of 2010, Marlene became ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certified, as well as BLS (Basic Life Support) certified.

Carla

Carla joined DC Smiles in January of 2008 as Office Manager. She is originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Carla is passionate about the dental field and is dedicated to providing attentive and valuable services to our patients. Carla studied business management at Northern Virgina Community College and has received training as a firefighter/EMT in Lancaster, PA. Carla has over 20 years of experience in general, orthodontic, cosmetic, implant, and oral surgery. She has acquired certificates in various areas of management and enjoys continuing to expand her knowledge of dentistry by attending seminars.  In March of 2010, Carla became ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certified, as well as BLS (Basic Life Support) certified.

Carla is a member of the Practice Administrators Leadership Solutions Study Club and the Association of Dental Implant Auxiliaries. She enjoys photography, scrapbooking, traveling and spending quality time with her family.

Dawn

Dawn joined DC Smiles as a patient coordinator/assistant after she was impressed with the excellent service and high standards that Dr. Singer and his staff provided while she was a patient herself! She understands how important a healthy, attractive smile is for your overall well-being & confidence, and is eager to help patients feel as comfortable as possible during their visit.

Dawn grew up outside of Cleveland, Ohio and graduated with a degree in Business Management and International Studies from Penn State University. After working for a business research company in D.C., she began to take courses in applied science, with the intention of pursing her interest in the dental field. In her free time, Dawn is a Washington Redskins Cheerleader, enjoys pilates classes and volunteering around the community.

Tonya

Tonya is originally from Central America. She speaks fluent Spanish and some French and has been with DC smiles for 8 years. She enjoys marketing DC smiles and engaging DC smiles in various volunteer opportunities in the community. Tonya supports all the team members in providing attentive service and quality care.

Tonya studied Art History at Montgomery College. She enjoys reading, art exhibits, traveling and biking.

Geraldine (Gerry)

Gerry started working at DC Smiles in June 2008 as a dental hygienist.  She has been practicing dental care for over ten years and has added incredible value to the DC Smiles staff.  Gerry attended Centerville High School and also attended Northern Virginia Community College to continue her dental education. In March of 2010, Gerry became ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certified, as well as BLS (Basic Life Support) certified. She is x-ray certified, oral sedation certified, ICAT 3D Imaging certified and Invisalign trained.  In her free time, Gerry enjoys running with her two pitbulls and hanging out with friends and family in downtown D.C..