Winchester Dental is pleased to welcome Dr. Chase Garris to our practice! Dr. Garris grew up in nearby Fauquier County. He chose Virginia Tech for his undergraduate work, and earned his dental degree from VCU School of Dentistry. He and his wife, who is also a dentist, have just completed year-long dental residencies in Sitka, Alaska. While they enjoyed their time there, they are glad to be home. Dr. Garris looks forward to getting to know our patients! We’re delighted to “meet” him through this interview.
Dr. Garris, about which areas of dentistry are you passionate?
I’m very interested in the surgical aspects of dentistry—general surgical procedures, crowns and bridges, and general restorative work.
You’ve just completed a year-long dental residency in Alaska. What are some of the most significant things you’ve learned during this first year following your graduation from dental school?
I did some valuable work with implant placement and restoration of implants, endodontics (an area focusing on the pulp of teeth) including molar endodontics, and removable prosthodontics (dentures).
What made you feel that Winchester Dental would be a good match for you?
Just from walking through the doors, I could tell it was a welcoming place to be, with great modern technology that makes dentistry better for patients. And of course, the staff! Everybody was so friendly and made me feel so much at home, I felt like I was on the team already!
What are your thoughts about holistic treatment and airway-focused dentistry, which are the basis of the practice at Winchester Dental?
As a new dentist, I already understand the signs of airway issues and can inform patients about the repercussions of these problems. I look forward to working closely with Dr. Gio and learning as much as I can from him about these areas.
Which areas of continuing education do you plan to pursue?
I plan to do continuing education coursework in aesthetics and cosmetic dentistry, as well as furthering my surgical background. I’m looking forward to learning about more complex implant placement and bone grafting. I had some exposure to those areas during my residency year, and I want to expand it to help more patients.
As you join Winchester Dental, what are you most excited about?
I’m excited about the potential I have to learn and to help more patients. Winchester Dental is a great practice—we use the latest dental materials and equipment to achieve the best restorative outcomes for our patients. I look forward to learning more about the technology and from the experience of all the doctors here.