About Us
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide quality dentistry for infants, children and adolescents in a child-friendly, safe, state-of-the-art environment. We focus on caring for each child like they are our own, implementing prevention and education for parents and children. Here at Bright Starr Pediatric Dentistry, we strive for all visits to be a healthy and nurturing experience in a welcoming atmosphere.
Our Staff
Our friendly staff and fun and age-appropriate toys, educational books about teeth and kid friendly tv shows/movies in our waiting area and treatment rooms allow children of any age to feel comfortable and safe. If You have any questions or concerns our staff will always make sure to answer those.
Our Location
Located at Vista Gardens Marketplace, our pediatric dental office is convenient for all families living in many communities. Dr. Thrower and her staff are dedicated to making your child’s dental visit as enjoyable as possible and we look forward to helping your child have a bright and healthy smile!
Office Tour
Our Staff
Tanisha -- Office Manager
Tanisha is a dedicated dental professional with over 20 years of experience in the dental field. Her passion for oral health and patient care has driven her successful career. She is known for her compassionate approach and commitment to providing high-quality dental services. Tanisha's expertise, experience, and warm demeanor make her a trusted and valued member of the dental community. Not to mention, she cherishes spending time with her family and friends, whether it's organizing joyful gatherings or simply relaxing and creating beautiful memories together. She is also deeply committed to giving back to her community and often volunteers her time to help those in need. Furthermore, Tanisha's creative spirit shines through her work at Sweet Tee's Creations, where she crafts custom pieces filled with love and attention to detail for her valued customers.
Tanisha has a delightful habit of dancing like nobody's watching. Her love for dancing is so infectious that she can't resist breaking into dance whenever she feels the music moving her. Whether she's at home, out with friends, or even in the grocery store aisle, Tanisha's free-spirited dance moves never fail to light up the moment. Having undergone traditional braces in her youth, Tanisha has a unique perspective on the patient experience from both sides of the dental chair. This firsthand experience allows her to empathize with patients more deeply, understanding their concerns and aspirations regarding their dental aesthetics and overall oral health.
Fun Fact: Tanisha has an honorary Humanitarian Doctorate Degree!
Arnicia – Lead Clinical Manager
Arnicia is an accomplished dental professional with over 10 years of experience, progressing from Dental Assistant to Clinical Manager in just four years. Known for her outstanding communication skills, she effectively engages with both patients and colleagues, creating a warm and reassuring environment. Arnicia's extensive knowledge in dentistry enables her to educate patients on oral health practices while alleviating any anxieties regarding treatments or procedures.Dedicated to continuous professional growth, Arnicia actively participates in workshops and conferences to stay updated on advancements in dental technology and best practices. Her commitment to professional development not only enhances her expertise but also benefits her team and the overall patient experience.
Fun Fact: Arnicia is super silly, loves dancing and is the life of the party!
Kathleen (Ms. Kat) – Registered Dental Hygienist
Kathleen (Ms. Kat) has an impressive background and qualifications in the dental field. With 26 years of experience, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to her profession, progressing from a dental assistant to a hygienist with a Bachelor of Science degree from Old Dominion University in 2001. Her dedication, compassion, energy, and confidence in treating patients of all ages, particularly pediatrics and special needs, are truly commendable. It's also lovely to know that she values her personal life, enjoying quality time with her family, engaging in activities like pickle ball, boating, and dancing in the beautiful Chesapeake Bay Area.
Fun Fact: The Chesapeake Bay has a great sunset during the summertime! It’s a must that you check it out!
Traci – Registered Dental Hygienist
It is a pleasure to introduce Traci, a highly experienced and dedicated registered dental hygienist with an impressive 30 years of expertise in the field. Traci's academic background is rooted in her hometown, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the prestigious University of Pittsburgh.
Traci's passion for dental health is evident in her approach to patient care, as she takes great joy in educating individuals on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and witnessing the transformative power of a healthy smile. Her commitment to her craft is a testament to her dedication to providing exceptional care to her patients. Outside of her professional pursuits, Traci is a devoted mother to two adult sons, both of whom are currently pursuing their own academic endeavors. In her free time, Traci enjoys a variety of activities, including music, sports, and exploring the great outdoors with her loyal canine companion. Her well-rounded personality and interests make her a delightful addition to our practice, and we are thrilled to have her on our team.
Fun Fact: I guarantee you I can make you laugh lol!
John-Charles -- Marketing Patient Coordinator
Meet John-Charles, a vibrant dental professional with over 7 + years of hands-on experience dealing with insurance, marketing, treatment planning, and patient care. His genuine love for dentistry forms the cornerstone of his proactive, patient-centric approach, ensuring that each individual feels cared for and at ease during their visits. In addition to his full-time passion for dentistry, John-Charles innovatively operates a permanent cosmetic eyebrow business that highlights his creative flair for marketing! An international traveler at heart, he cherishes every chance to explore the world. His experience wearing both traditional braces and recently adult Invisalign, gives him unique insights, allowing him to relate to and support his patients through their cosmetic journeys for a perfect smile.
Fun Fact: I had my first cavity at the age of 28!
Andrese – Lead Patient Coordinator
Andrese is a passionate Front Desk Patient Coordinator with a year of dedicated experience in the healthcare field! From the moment she stepped into this role, she knew she had found her calling. Helping others has always been a fundamental part of who she is, and she takes great pride in providing excellent customer service to patients and their families. Everyday Andrese strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment for those who walk through our doors, ensuring that each patient feels valued and cared for. Before becoming a Patient Coordinator, she spent 13 fulfilling years as a Licensed Pharmacy Technician. She loved being able to contribute to patients’ well-being during that time, and often found herself enjoying the interactions she had with them. Andrese is very family-oriented and treasure every moment she gets to spend with her husband and children. Her family is her rock, and they keep her grounded and motivated. She believes that the values of compassion, empathy, and hard work she embodies in her professional life are reflected in how she nurtures her relationships at home.
Fun Fact: I’m an identical twin! I wonder if you can tell us apart, talk about Sister Sister, and not the tv show!
Cierra – Dental Assistant
Since 2017 Cierra has embarked on a fulfilling journey as a dental assistant, a career she wholeheartedly embraces! She takes great joy in giving back to her community and find immense satisfaction in her role. Dentistry is her true passion, and witnessing the positive impact of procedures on her patients brings her immense happiness. Bringing smiles to both patients and their families is a gratifying experience. Furthermore, educating others on the importance of dental care and sharing valuable knowledge is a source of pride for Cierra.
Fun Fact: I enjoy going to comedy shows and watching comedy stand up!
Nataly – Hygiene Dental Assistant
Nataly has been a dedicated professional in the dentistry field for four years, having graduated in 2021! She began her career at Bright Starr Pediatric Dentistry, where she has flourished in her passion for working with children. Nataly enjoys engaging with young patients, teaching them about dental health, and fostering their curiosity about the world. Outside of the office, Nataly loves going for walks, exploring nature on hikes to discover beautiful waterfalls, and playing games with her daughter. Her bubbly personality and commitment to making a positive impact on children's lives shine through in everything she does!
Fun Fact: I love to paint and color! Also I love to try at home science experiments and learn new things!
Ruby – Hygeine Dental Assistant
Ruby is a passionate dental assistant with a year of experience under her belt. She absolutely loves her job; there's nothing quite like seeing little “starr’s” smile and knowing she’s apart of bringing joy to their world. Working alongside her dedicated team, she ensures that every child receives the care they need for that perfect smile. Because let's face it, who wouldn’t want to work in a place where laughter and bright smiles and “bright starrs” are the norm?
Fun Fact: When I turned 15, I realized my calling in the dental field, and my dream is to one day become a Pediatric Dentist.
