Dr. Adam Navabi and Dr. Iris Hirschfeld are committed to helping each of their patients achieve optimal dental health. Both are graduates of the University of Pennsylvania and they also hold another dental degree from Germany. In addition, they both are trained dental technicians.

Dr. Navabi attended a residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the University of Maryland and served as clinical instructor at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Navabi also completed a program in implant dentistry. 

Dr. Hirschfeld acted as class president while being at dental school and graduated first in her class. She is a recipient of the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon Award making her a member of the National Honor Dental Society. Dr. Hirschfeld also attended a two year program in adult orthodontics and Invisalign. 

Both doctors are very experienced in the latest technology and materials in the dental field. They are members of the American Dental Association as well as the Maryland Dental Association. They both take numerous continuing education courses annually to stay up to date with the latest innovations in dentistry.

Dr. Navabi and Dr. Hirschfeld believe that your smile projects a sense of well-being. Even a subtle change in your smile helps you to project an image of self-confidence and high personal esteem. Nothing compares to a healthy, radiant smile in conveying personality, uniqueness and confidence. Their special interest is esthetic dentistry. The finest cosmetic dentists are those who embrace not only the scientific study of the latest advances, but also have the artistic eye and skilled hand to created natural looking smiles. Both doctors have this unique combination of talents and unbound enthusiasm for the artistry of their profession.

Clifford Zdanowicz, DDS

Dr. Zdanowicz attended Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania where he received a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Chemistry.  Dr. Zdanowicz then pursued a career in the dental profession and selected the premier program offered at Columbia University where he was awarded a Doctorate degree from the School of Dental and Oral Surgery in 1990.  His interest turned to national service and it was during his final year at Columbia that he accepted a commission as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy.  In 1997 Dr. Zdanowicz began his periodontal training at the National Naval Dental Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and received a certificate in Periodontics in 2000.

Dr. Zdanowicz received Board Certification (diplomate status) with the American Board of Periodontology in May 2001.  After a thirteen-year career in the Navy he resigned his naval commission with many accolades and the rank of Commander in September 2003.  Shortly thereafter, he was fortuante to have been offered an assignment with the Air Force Reserve.  In November 2004 Dr. Zdanowicz began his association with the 512th Airlift Wing on Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Delaware.  He is currently the Chief of Dental Services holding the rank of Colonel.

As a specialist, Dr. Zdanowicz focuses on the need for continued exposure and education to all new procedures and instrumentation that support the ideal patient outcome.  He feels fortunate to have attended educational events in places spanning from Seoul, Korea to Tokyo, Japan and throughout the Untied States.  His passion for Periodontics includes an astute understanding of the contributing factor of occlusal disharmony in periodontal disease.  Dr. Zdanowicz has studied at great length at both the Dawson Academy (Teaching the Concept of Complete Occlusion) and the Spear Curriculum Education Seminars.  His approach is directed by the understanding that the many facets of complete dentistry coalesce so that his patients are provided a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan encompassing the full spectrum of the masticatory system.

Our hygienists are skilled and knowledgeable in all aspects of dental hygiene and strive to assist you in keeping your smile healthy by providing routine preventive care as well as offering guidance to help you construct effective home care habits.

Stacy started working in the health care profession in 2000 when she worked at a medical center. This is where she learned that she wanted to pursue a health care profession. Since Stacy wasn't fond of working in the hospital setting, she became interested in the dental field. 

Stacy earned her Associates of Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene at Ferris State University in Michigan in 2007. Stacy enjoys meeting new patients and building relationships with current patients. She stays current with her knowledge in the dental profession by taking many continuing education courses annually. Stacy joined the Bethesda Smiles team in 2009.

Nichole Ivanov, RDH, BS

Nichole has been in the dental field since her senior year in high school in 2002 when she had the opportunity to do an internship at a local dentist office. After she completed her internship, the office hired her as a dental assistant for the summers between college courses giving her a great experience in the dental field.

Nichole earned her Associates of Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene at Ferris State University in Michigan in 2007 and then continued on to earn her Bachelors of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. While earning her BS Degree in Dental Hygiene, Nichole had the opportunity to travel to South Africa to provide dental screenings and oral health education to the underserved population. She was very grateful for this opportunity and hopes to have another opportunity like it in her near future. Nichole is a member of the American Dental Hygiene Association and participates in many continuing education courses annually to stay on the cutting edge of dental hygiene. Nichole joined the Bethesda Smiles team in 2008.

Our assistants are highly trained and knowledgeable in many clinical procedures and work hard in making sure you are comfortable and well informed during your visits. Their main priorities are staying one step ahead of our doctors by aiding them in providing quality dental care. 

Tomique grew up in Jamaica and came to the US 21 years ago. She attended Montgomery College and earned a certificate in Dental Assisting in 2007. Shortly after that she attended Southern Maryland Dental Society and received her x-ray certification. In addition to assisting, Tomique often helps at the front desk as she is very knowledgeable in insurance and billing after taking several courses on the subject. She is currently attending Prince George's Community College for Business Management. Tomique joined the Bethesda Smiles team in 2007.

Rugi is originally from West Africa/Sierra Leone. She moved to Germany in 1987 where she grew up and went to a trade school for a certificate in Dental Assisting. Rugi moved to the US in 2004 and still speaks fluent German. She loves working with people. Rugi joined the Bethesda Smiles team in 2009.

Gabriella has a European background and moved to the US in 1989. She finished her education at American University where she received a degree in Photo Journalism. Gabriella has been working in customer service for over 15 years and really enjoys every day interaction with people from all over the world. She likes working at the front desk because it allows her to meet interesting people every day. Gabriella joined the Bethesda Smiles team in 2010.

Nafiseh was born and raised in Iran where she obtained her bachelors degree in Nursing and worked in an Intensive Care Unit for 3 years. Nafiseh moved to the US in 2004. She joined the Bethesda Smiles team in 2006 where she was trained as a Certified Office Manager. After having her daughter, Nafiseh decided that she wanted to decrease her work hours in order to spend more time with her family. Now Nafieseh works a couple of days a week focusing on billing and accounting. Nafieseh is fluent in both English and Farsi.