About Tidewater Dental

Your family’s trusted dental partners for life

We’re on your team

We’re always here for you. Our entire team is committed to building a relationship with you that’s centered around trust and excellent dental care. Your well-being is our utmost priority. This is why our team is ready to work with you to keep your smile healthy with the latest and most effective techniques and equipment in dentistry.

“You can count on our team to provide a fulfilling and efficient dental care experience”

Dr. Todd D. Cooper, DDS

After graduating from the University of Mary Washington with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Dr. Todd Cooper received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland – Baltimore College of Dental Surgery.

He is the distinguished recipient of the Maryland Academy of General Dentistry Award for High Proficiency in Clinical Care and Patient Management. Dr. Todd Cooper is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Maryland State Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He has been a Delegate to the Maryland State Dental Association’s House of Delegates since becoming a dentist. Dr. Todd Cooper is a Fellow in the prestigious Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, achieving the highest level of training with laser tissue therapy. He is fully licensed to perform laser periodontal therapy (LANAP).

He is known for his attention to detail and chair-side manner, as he enjoys educating patients about their dental condition and options.

BSc. Biology, University of Mary Washington
DDS, University of Maryland – Baltimore College of Dental Surgery
Recipient of the Maryland Academy of General Dentistry Award for High Proficiency in Clinical Care and Patient Management.
Fellow Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry
Active member of the American Dental Association, the Maryland State Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry.

Dr. Reza Nikpourfard, DDS

Dr. Nik has been practicing dentist since graduating from the University Of Maryland School Of Dentistry 18 years ago. He loves treating complex dental cases with an emphasis on implant and cosmetic dentistry.

His patients describe him as highly skilled, fast, but with a gentle touch and a great bedside manner. His goal is to make his patients feel like they are in the hands of caring professionals who understand their needs and have the skills to deliver comprehensive treatment.

Dr. Nik teaches Latin dance in his spare time, and he enjoys traveling, surfing, and spending time with family and friends.

DDS, University Of Maryland School Of Dentistry.

Dr. Valla Grayeli, DMD

Providing the most advanced dental care in a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere are the priorities of Valla Grayeli DDS. Dr. Grayeli graduated top of his class at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry and is among the most accomplished and regarded general dentists in the Washington D.C Metropolitan area. He is diligent in his pursuit to stay current in providing the profession’s leading dental care procedures while utilizing state-of-the-art technology, supplies and equipment

BASc Biology, James Madison University
Doctor of Dental Medicine – DMD, Temple University-Kornberg School of Dentistry

Dr. Douglas Risk, DDS, ABGD, FICD

Dr. Risk began his dental career after graduating from Georgetown University in the United States Air Force where he attended a 2-year general dentistry residency, having served in a variety of clinical, command, deployed and administrative assignments.

Upon retirement after 30 years of service, Dr Risk held a variety of positions as consultant for quality assurance, risk management, infection control compliance, patient safety and accreditation. Dr Risk is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) for 2020-2021 and is a member of the American Dental Association Standards Committee for Dental Products. He continues to serve as the Civilian Air Force Consultant for Dental Patient Safety and Infection Control.

He is a Diplomate of the American Board of General Dentistry and a Fellow of the International College of Dentists.

BSc. Zoology, Ohio State University
DDS, Georgetown University
General dentistry residency, Wilford Hall Medical Center
Diplomate American Board of General Dentistry
Fellow International College of Dentists
Member of the American Dental Association Standards Committee for Dental Products.

Dr. Bruce Finagin, DDS

Dr. Bruce Finagin received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, receiving the Quintessence Award for Excellence in Restorative Dentistry.

Dr. Finagin continued at the University of Maryland, completing a residency in Prosthodontics, the dental specialty in complex restorative treatments. He has been providing comprehensive dental care in St. Mary’s County for over 20 years with a special concentration in advanced restorative techniques. Dr. Finagin has extensive experience in the placement and restoration of Dental Implants, as well as more traditional treatments such as dentures, crowns and bridges.

Dr. Finagin lives in Callaway, Maryland with his wife Desiree and restores old cars in his free time, when he is not fishing.

DDS, University of Maryland, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery
Prosthodontics residency, University of Maryland
Recipient of the Quintessence Award for Excellence in Restorative Dentistry

Dr. Pooja Soni, DDS

Pooja Soni was born in Gujarat, India. She pursued her dental education in Mumbai. She relocated to the United States and enrolled in the Advanced Standing Program at Howard University College of Dentistry and received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). She is very passionate in educating about oral health and its impact on the entire body. She keeps abreast of the ever-advancing technology and aims to provide best possible treatment options available to her patients. She is a certified Invisalign®️ and Botox®️ provider and offers nitrous oxide and oral sedation. She is involved in various community services, including going on mission trips to help the underserved. She has two kids, Ansh (4 years) and Ayaan (2 years), who make sure that she stays busy at home. During her free time, she loves dancing, cooking, travelling, and spending time with family.

Doctor of Dental Surgery, Howard University

Dr. Gibson Bartelus, DDS

Dr. Bartelus is a Boston native and received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Atlantic Union College and then went on to attend Howard University College of Dentistry. After receiving his Doctorate of Dental Surgery, he completed a General Practice Residency at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center in NY. In addition to his dedication to improving his dental skillset, Dr. Bartelus is a proud Boston sports fan (Go Pats!), and enjoys fitness, food, and trying to catch up on his never-ending reading and watching lists.

Doctor of Dental Surgery, Howard University College of Dentistry Washington, D.C.
B.S. Biology Chemistry Minor, Atlantic Union College South Lancaster, MA.

Dr. David Peto MSD, DDS, Periodontist

Dr. Peto graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry in 2005. He completed a one-year General Practice Residency in Los Angeles at the University of Southern California.

He then worked as a general dentist for two years after that. Afterwards, he moved to Houston for his periodontics residency in 2008, and completed his program in 2011 with a certificate in periodontics and a Masters degree.

Dr. Peto then moved back to California, bought a practice, and also worked in different general dentists’ offices, providing specialty care, before moving back east in 2018 to be closer to family in Maryland and Toronto.

Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, 2005
General Practice Residency, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, 2005 – 2006
University of Southern California School of Dentistry; Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree
Postgraduate Program in Periodontics, University of Texas, Houston, Texas, 2008 – 2011

Dr. Rei Sekiguchi, DDS, PhD, Periodontist

As a Board-certified periodontist, Dr. Sekiguchi is highly skilled in placing implants and regenerating tooth-supporting tissues. While she does believe implants are an excellent way to replace lost teeth, her treatment emphasis is on saving teeth. Whenever possible, she uses regenerative strategies to regain lost tissues. She is passionate about helping patients address their oral health and the importance of healthy teeth. Dr. Sekiguchi strives to build a relationship of trust with her patients through listening, explaining diagnostic findings, and taking every step to maximize comfort during procedures, while working together to achieve therapeutic goals. She keeps abreast on the most up-to-date technology through continuing education courses. Her hope is to exceed her patients’ expectations for treatment and improve their quality of life.

Dr. Sekiguchi received her Bachelor of Science with high distinction and Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Toronto. Dr. Sekiguchi then attended the University of Rochester where she earned a Master of Science degree in Dental Science and received her Certificate in Periodontics. From there she received her Ph.D. in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences and Biomedical and Health Informatics from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and National Institutes of Health. She received clinical recognition while in Rochester (ICARE Star) and research awards from the National Institutes of Health and the International Association for Dental Research. Dr. Sekiguchi is a member of the American Board of Periodontology.

When she is not in the office treating patients, Dr. Sekiguchi enjoys music, drawing, and swimming.

Coming Soon

Dr. Phillip Nguyen, DDS

Dr. Phillip Nguyen was born in Chicago, Illinois but grew up in Lorton, Virginia. He considers Northern Virginia his home having graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. He then attended Virginia Tech for his undergraduate degree where he graduated summa cum laude in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. He was always wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, and completed his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry in 2015. While in dental school, Dr. Nguyen was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society for his excellence in academics and leadership, an honor only given to the top students of each graduating class.

Following graduation, Dr. Nguyen completed an oral and maxillofacial surgery internship at the University of Pennsylvania before finishing his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at West Virginia University School of Dentistry and Ruby Memorial Hospital, where he was chief resident. The residency program at WVU provided Dr. Nguyen with extensive knowledge and skill in dentoalveolar and implant surgery, bone grafting, orthognathic surgery, management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, maxillofacial trauma, anesthesia, and diagnosis and treatment of pathology.

Dr. Nguyen has also had the opportunity to give back to the community by participating in Mission of Mercy projects and volunteering at the free clinic.

In his free time, Dr. Nguyen enjoys cooking, fishing, amateur powerlifting, spending time with his wife, Jean, trying new restaurants, and playing with his dogs Bonnie and Oliver.

Coming Soon

We are all about your needs

There are many reasons to love Tidewater Dental. We make dental visits simple with:

Flexible appointments guaranteed to start on time
Free teeth whitening for life
Multiple locations across Southern Maryland
Friendly and effective dental care for the entire family

New Patients

About Allan Schulman, DDS

Allan D. Schulman, DDS, LLC, is the top-rated dentistry practice led by highly experienced dentist Dr. Allan Schulman. For more than 30 years, Dr. Schulman has provided general and cosmetic dentistry with a gentle touch to Glen Burnie, Maryland, residents. Services include crowns, dental implants, dentures, veneers, emergency dentistry, and much more.

Dr. Schulman earned his dental degree at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in Baltimore. Following dental school, Dr. Schulman trained at both the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies in Las Vegas and The Nash Institute of Dental Learning in Charlotte, NC. He’s an active member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Schulman is one of the select Baltimore-area dentists chosen as a Top Dentist by Baltimore Magazine and Guide to America’s Top Dentists.

When Dr. Schulman isn’t busy with his bustling dentistry practice, he loves spending time in the great outdoors. He enjoys skiing, hiking, and helping out with children’s sports teams.

Use online scheduling or call the Allan D. Schulman, DDS, LLC, office to book an appointment with Dr. Schulman today.

Convenient & Efficient Appointments

We know you have a busy life, so we do all we can to ensure your experience at the dentist is simple and easy. We guarantee that your appointment will start on time and offer multiple locations and same-day appointments.