Island Children's Dentistry

Before coming to your your appointment, please complete the COVID-19 Informed Consent Form
Before coming to your your appointment, please complete the COVID-19 Informed Consent Form

Special Needs Dentistry

Young girl smiling - Island Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics

Gentle & Experienced

Special Needs Dentists Near You

At Island Childrens Dentistry we help especially children on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Here are some examples of how we do it:

  • Private room where noise is to the minimum.
  • We dim all lights if needed.
  • Tell, Show, Do. Explain and show everything before doing any procedure.
  • Desensitization technique.
  • ABA technique (call first to arrange and have everything ready before your appointment). Dental insurance companies do not reimburse the provider for ABA services hence there is a behavioral change in the behavioral procedures.
  • Morning appointments are encouraged for new patients and once the child gets acclimatized to the office environment, we can move the next appointments to the afternoon.
Young girl smiling - Island Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics

Meet Our Dental Team

At Island Childrens Dentistry, we are uniquely trained and qualified to care for your child. Our doctors are qualified to help your child feel safe, and well cared for. Dental care for patients with special needs requires specialized knowledge acquired by additional training and increased awareness and attention, adaptation, and accommodative measures beyond routine treatment. At our office, we have the experience necessary to provide appropriate dental care while keeping in mind your child’s unique nature. We have experience with children with ADHD, Autism, Aspergers, Down Syndrome, and other special healthcare needs.

Dr. Gema Island - Island Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics

Dr. Gema Island

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Gema Island is a pediatric dentist, a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. Dr. Island founded Island Children’s Dentistry in 2014. She’s dedicated to providing the highest quality of dental care in the most gentle, positive, and enthusiastic manner possible.

Dr. Island combines her academic background, research experience, clinical skills, and mother’s touch to deliver the best to her little patients and their parents. Dr. Gema obtained her Board certification in 2006 and did 3 years of residency at TUFTS University in Boston, MA. While at TUFTS, she received the prestigious Bates Award for her postgraduate research, and, in her senior year, she won the Aesthetic Dentistry Challenge. She has published articles in peer-review journals and has lectured nationally and internationally on different topics and participated in the Infant Oral Care and Prevention of Early Childhood Caries Project at San Francisco General Hospital.

Island Children’s Dentistry is committed to delivering the highest quality of care using the latest techniques and equipment. Dr. Gema has a special permit by the State of Virginia to provide conscious and IV sedation to her anxious patients, including “Laughing Gas” and Wand Anesthesia, along with Laser Dentistry, to reduce pain. As a mom —and dentist — minimizing fears and putting a smile on a child’s face brings her joy. Dr. Gema is originally from Mexico, is married, and has two kids, Becky and Eddie. When she’s not taking good care of her little patients, she enjoys playing tennis, going to the ballet, and traveling.

Dr.-Allie-Lonneman-Pediatric-Dentist - Island Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics

Dr. Allie Lonneman

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Allie Lonneman is originally from Kentucky. She was a member of the University of Kentucky Division I Women’s Soccer team. In her time as a Division I athlete, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology. She continued her education at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry where she obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine.

Upon graduating from dental school, Dr. Allie completed a residency in pediatric dentistry UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, a top 10 children’s hospital in the nation.

Dr. Allie is a pediatric dentist, a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Virginia Dental Association, and Northern Virginia Dental Society. Her favorite part about being a pediatric dentist is helping children identify and overcome their fears. Dr. Allie’s goal is to make every child’s experience a positive one and to instill healthy oral habits that will last a lifetime. She is excited to join the team at Island Children’s Dentistry and continue to deliver the highest quality of care alongside Dr. Island.

Dr. Allie is excited to call Virginia home and be close to her family and friends. She is an active member of the Northern Virginia community. On weekends, Dr. Allie loves to volunteer for the TOPSoccer Organization, a program for young athletes with special needs. She loves to try new restaurants and do anything outdoors. She enjoys playing soccer, as well as cooking and baking.

Dr. Bob Marzban - Island Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics

Dr. Bob Marzban

Orthodontist

Dr. Marzban started with dental school at the Medical College of Virginia where he earned his DDS Summa Cum Laude. A month after graduation, he moved away from Virginia for the first time since early childhood for his residency in Orthodontics. The University of Connecticut gave him a Masters in Dental Science, a specialty degree in Orthodontics, and a primo seat for college basketball games.

Growing up in Northern Virginia created very strong ties which eventually brought Dr. Marzban back to the area. He enjoys being near his siblings and childhood friends while raising a family. Between running into some of the thousands of smiles he’s created over the years, training and racing several Ironman triathlons, or teaching appointment at Columbia University, Dr, Marzban wants to ensure that his own children can see and appreciate the level of passion and commitment that he and his wife have in their lives.

Despite all that, Dr. Marzban believes that the most important factor for acceptance as a parent is actually whether or not he sings in an embarrassing way while taking the kids to swim practice with their friends.

Dr. Marzban would love to invite you to spend a little time in our office and see for yourself the high level of care from our team. His desire is to be passionate enough to inspire others.

DC Magazine Washington's Top Medical Professionals 2022

We are so excited to announce that Island Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics was named to the DC Magazine list of Top Healthcare Professionals 2022 !!
 
Dr. Island, Dr. Lonneman, and Dr. Marzban are all featured in the “Washington’s Top Healthcare Professionals” May 2022 issue of Modern Luxury.
 
We are very proud of the entire team here at Island Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics for this achievement! In fact, Island’s Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics was the only pediatric dentist and orthodontist on the list. Great job team!
 
Read our DC Magazine profile here.