Clinical Team
Dr. Maria Wood
Founder and General Dentist
LANGUAGES
English, Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish
EDUCATION
Doctor of Dental Surgery
University of Maryland Dental School
Master of Science in Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Georgetown University
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
George Washington University
Advanced General Dentistry Residency
University of Maryland Dental School
Implantology
New York University College of Dentistry
Dr. Wood believes in a comprehensive and individualized approach to treating her patients. As no two people's values, diets and concerns are the same, she helps her patients meet their specific functional and cosmetic goals in a pain free and caring environment. She also stays up to date on the latest evidence-based home care tools and techniques, coaching her patients on how to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for life.
Dr. Wood treats patients with a variety of dental needs, from pediatrics to implants. She completed the Doctor of Dental Surgery program and Advanced General Dentistry residency at the University of Maryland Dental School. She then received her dental implantology certificate from New York University College of Dentistry. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Health from George Washington University and a Master's degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine from Georgetown University. She attends continuing education courses regularly to stay current on the latest advancements in her field. She is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and American Academy for Oral Systemic Health. She is also a contributing author on complementary and alternative medicine practices for the "ADA/ PDR Guide to Dental Therapeutics."
When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Wood can often be found either on a yoga mat or hiking her favorite trails with her family. She makes a goal to participate in dental mission trips to the underserved corners of the world and loves immersing herself in the local cultures. In addition to English, she speaks Spanish, Ukrainian and Russian.
Dr. Wood can't wait to explore your smile goals with you and help you look and feel your best!
Dr. Nahal Golpayegani
General Dentist
LANGUAGES
English, German, Farsi
EDUCATION
Doctor of Dental Surgery
University of Maryland Dental School
Dr. Nahal Golpayegani (“Dr Golpa” to her staff and patients) was raised in Germany. She moved to the United States when she was 12 years old and grew up in Rockville, Maryland. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Molecular biology, Cell biology, and Genetics from the University of Maryland, Dr. Golpayegani received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland Dental School in Baltimore.
Following dental school, Dr. Golpayegani was heavily involved in community service through the Medical Mission of Mercy MMOM. Previous to the pandemic, she embarked on mission trips to provide free dental care to underserved populations in the Philippines.
Dr. Golpayegani has been practicing as a general dentist providing basic preventive care and restorative dentistry for over 9 years to both adults and children. She is Invisalign certified and can provide orthodontic treatment to adults who qualify.
Dr. Golpayegani strives to provide dental care that is tailored to your individual needs. Her dental philosophy allows for a relationship-based approach to care with a focus on minimally invasive and conservative techniques using the latest technology in dentistry. Her goal is to develop and maintain open communication, discussion, collaboration about each treatment plan in order to achieve the most comprehensive care possible.
As a member of the Maryland State Dental Association and American Dental Association, Dr Golpayegani is enhancing her skills with continuing education courses each year.
Outside of work, Dr Golpayegani enjoys spending time with her family and friends and loves traveling and cooking. She is fluent in German and Farsi.
Dr. George Kesten (Emeritus)
General Dentist
LANGUAGES
English
EDUCATION
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Howard University
TRAINING
Clinical Clerkship
American Cancer Society at Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital
Dr. George Kesten has practiced dentistry in the DMV for almost 50 years, including the last 30 years operating out of the Chevy Chase Building at Wisconsin Avenue, where Smiles Elevated continues today. Dr. Kesten was cherished by his patients equally for his compassionate dental care and his wit and humor. In 2021 Dr.Kesten retired to spend more time with his family, including his kids and grandkids.
Dr. Kesten is a scholarship graduate of Queens College, City University of New York in 1969 and then earned a DDS at Howard University in Washington D.C. He graduated with honors and awards in Clinical Diagnosis and in Surgery in 1973.
He was awarded a Clinical Clerkship by the American Cancer Society at Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital in 1972.
Dr. Kesten was recognized over the years as one of Washingtonian Magazine's Top Dentists, and was recognized by Consumer Reports and Checkbook Magazine, Consumer Research Council of America, Angie's List, amongst others as a trusted provider. Dr. Kesten is a Life Member of the DC Dental Society and a member of the American Dental Association.
Clinical Team
Dr. Maria Wood
Founder and General Dentist
LANGUAGES
English, Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish
EDUCATION
Doctor of Dental Surgery
University of Maryland Dental School
Master of Science in Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Georgetown University
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
George Washington University
TRAINING
Advanced General Dentistry Residency
University of Maryland Dental School
Implantology
New York University College of Dentistry
Dr. Wood believes in a comprehensive and individualized approach to treating her patients. As no two people's values, diets and concerns are the same, she helps her patients meet their specific functional and cosmetic goals in a pain free and caring environment. She also stays up to date on the latest evidence-based home care tools and techniques, coaching her patients on how to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for life.
Dr. Wood treats patients with a variety of dental needs, from pediatrics to implants. She completed the Doctor of Dental Surgery program and Advanced General Dentistry residency at the University of Maryland Dental School. She then received her dental implantology certificate from New York University College of Dentistry. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Health from the George Washington University and a Master's degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine from Georgetown University. She attends continuing education courses regularly to stay current on the latest advancements in her field. She is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and American Academy for Oral Systemic Health, and is a board member of the University of Maryland Dental School Alumni Association. She is also a contributing author on complementary and alternative medicine practices for the "ADA/ PDR Guide to Dental Therapeutics."
When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Wood can often be found either on a yoga mat or hiking her favorite trails with her husband Brad and puppy Hemingway. She makes a goal to participate in dental mission trips to the underserved corners of the world and loves immersing herself in the local cultures. In addition to English, she speaks Spanish, Ukrainian and Russian.
Dr. Wood can't wait to explore your smile goals with you and help you look and feel your best!
Dr. Nahal Golpayegani
General Dentist
LANGUAGES
English
German
Farsi
EDUCATION
Doctor of Dental Surgery
University of Maryland Dental School
Dr. Nahal Golpayegani (“Dr Golpa” to her staff and patients) was raised in Germany. She moved to the United States when she was 12 years old and grew up in Rockville, Maryland. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Molecular biology, Cell biology, and Genetics from the University of Maryland, Dr. Golpayegani received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland Dental School in Baltimore.
Following dental school, Dr. Golpayegani was heavily involved in community service through the Medical Mission of Mercy MMOM. Previous to the pandemic, she embarked on mission trips to provide free dental care to underserved populations in the Philippines.
Dr. Golpayegani has been practicing as a general dentist providing basic preventive care and restorative dentistry for over 9 years to both adults and children. She is Invisalign certified and can provide orthodontic treatment to adults who qualify.
Dr. Golpayegani strives to provide dental care that is tailored to your individual needs. Her dental philosophy allows for a relationship-based approach to care with a focus on minimally invasive and conservative techniques using the latest technology in dentistry. Her goal is to develop and maintain open communication, discussion, collaboration about each treatment plan in order to achieve the most comprehensive care possible.
As a member of the Maryland State Dental Association and American Dental Association, Dr Golpayegani is enhancing her skills with continuing education courses each year.
Outside of work, Dr Golpayegani enjoys spending time with her family and friends and loves traveling and cooking. She is fluent in German and Farsi.
Karen Guzman
Registered Dental Hygienist
LANGUAGES
English
Spanish
EDUCATION
Fortis College
Karen has more than a decade of experience in the dental field, starting out as a receptionist and assistant prior to becoming a registered dental hygienist.
Karen is passionate about helping the community and has extensive experience working with geriatric patients and those with special needs. She has also worked in homeless shelters and strives to make dental health achievable for everyone, regardless of their life circumstances or physical abilities. Karen feels it is important that all patients feel comfortable coming in for preventative care and strives to help each patient leave the visit feeling good and learning something new about their oral health.
Karen was born and raised here in Maryland, and with family from El Salvador she is fluent in both English and Spanish.
In her free time, Karen enjoys spending time with friends and family, loves live music and is always on the lookout for tooth shaped goodies when out shopping!
Dr. George Kesten
General Dentist
LANGUAGES
English
EDUCATION
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Howard University
TRAINING
Clinical Clerkship
American Cancer Society at Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital
Dr. George Kesten has practiced dentistry in the DMV for almost 50 years, including the last 30 years operating out of the Chevy Chase Building at Wisconsin Avenue, where Smiles Elevated continues today. Dr. Kesten was cherished by his patients equally for his compassionate dental care and his wit and humor. In 2021 Dr.Kesten retired to spend more time with his family, including his kids and grandkids.
Dr. Kesten is a scholarship graduate of Queens College, City University of New York in 1969 and then earned a DDS at Howard University in Washington D.C. He graduated with honors and awards in Clinical Diagnosis and in Surgery in 1973.
He was awarded a Clinical Clerkship by the American Cancer Society at Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital in 1972.
Dr. Kesten was recognized over the years as one of Washingtonian Magazine's Top Dentists, and was recognized by Consumer Reports and Checkbook Magazine, Consumer Research Council of America, Angie's List, amongst others as a trusted provider. Dr. Kesten is a Life Member of the DC Dental Society and a member of the American Dental Association.