Meet the Staff
Dr. Thapar-Dua
Dr. Namita K. Thapar-Dua is a different kind of dentist. She takes time to listen to the patients (even with dementia/Alzheimer’s) and provide them with the best care she can. Rather than rushing through dental visits, Dr. Thapar-Dua listens, talks, and serves her patients by investing in long-term relationships. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Maryland’s prestigious Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, Dr. Thapar-Dua completed a general practice residency with the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Washington, DC. She is continually dedicated to advanced, postdoctoral study. Advanced
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Dr. Namita K. Thapar-Dua is a different kind of dentist. She takes time to listen to the patients (even with dementia/Alzheimer’s) and provide them with the best care she can. Rather than rushing through dental visits, Dr. Thapar-Dua listens, talks, and serves her patients by investing in long-term relationships.
A Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Maryland’s prestigious Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, Dr. Thapar-Dua completed a general practice residency with the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Washington, DC. She is continually dedicated to advanced, postdoctoral study. Advanced training allows her to provide patients with a health-centered and aesthetically pleasing approach to family dental care.
Formerly, Dr. Thapar-Dua co-owned The Mobile Dentist, which serviced more than 50 senior living communities throughout Maryland and the DC area. Having spent a large portion of her career focusing on the special needs of senior patients, Dr. Thapar-Dua’s experience in geriatric dental care is profound. To go beyond mobile dentistry, Dr. Thapar-Dua introduced SENIOR smile, a service that takes the dental office into senior centers and residences to provide comfortable, personalized dental care. SENIOR smile makes dental visits convenient and easy for patients, family members, and caregivers.
To give back to the community she adores, Dr. Thapar-Dua provides oral healthcare instruction at local schools, as well as in-services for caregivers. She works with the Maryland State Dental Association through Donated Dental Services (DDS) to persons who are desperately in need, such as the elderly, where they have a permanently disabled or chronic illnesses, are low income and have no other means of getting the dental treatment they need.
Dr. Thapar-Dua’s professional memberships include:
- American Dental Association
- Academy of General Dentistry
- Maryland State Dental Association
- Southern Maryland Society of Dentistry
- American Association of Women Dentists
- OKU (Omicron Kappa Upsilon) – National Dental Honor Society
- GROWS (Grass Roots Organization for the Well-being of Seniors)
- GGCC (Gaithersburg Germantown Chambers of Commerce)
- Nationwide Registries Top Doctors of America
Dr. Thapar-Dua lives in Clarksburg, Maryland with her boys Manav, Milan, her 2 stepchildren and Husband, Vikas Dua.
She enjoys cooking, travelling, playing puzzles and games, watching movies, going to sporting events, gardening, photography, reading and more. She is a dedicated mother and revolves her practice around her children and their activities. Her focus is equally evident at home and in her dental office. She is very friendly and hospitable and will make you feel at home when she comes to visit you on your appointments in the comfort of your own home.
Dr. Thapar-Dua and her family also have a non-profit organization, Thankful 4 Jordyn (T4J), in honor of their maltipom that suddenly died in 2020. The purpose of the organization is to build a community that lends a helping hand and supports each other in good and bad times. Check it out at Thankful4Jordyn.org and contact us to help or donate today!
Vanessa
(Office Administrator/Dental Assistant)
My name is Vanessa, just a little about me, I am happily married with 2 beautiful children. I am an animal lover 2 dogs/2 cats, I enjoy an occasional movie night. I am a dedicated mom, sister, daughter, and friend when I am not working.
I have had the pleasure to work for Dr. Thapar-Dua for over 10 years now. I love working for SENIOR smile. It does not feel like a job. It feels like a group of family members taking care of other family members. We are not just a regular dental office, only providing dental care, but also bringing awareness to the Senior community. From the Alzheimer’s awareness walks, to the Oral Cancer awareness marathon walk, taking courses on how to work with dementia patients, we are bringing much needed attention to the senior community. These are a few reasons why I love working for SENIOR smile and love working for our Senior community!
Chanda
(Office Administrator / Dental Coordinator)
My name is Chanda Chiluba, and I work in office administration and dental coordination, supporting both patients and providers to ensure smooth and efficient daily operations.
I enjoy being the first point of contact for patients and take pride in creating a welcoming, organized, and supportive environment. My responsibilities include scheduling appointments, coordinating patient care, managing records, and assisting with overall office workflow.
I especially enjoy working with Dr. Namita because of her passion for dental care and her genuine commitment to patient well-being, particularly when it comes to caring for elderly patients. Her dedication inspires a compassionate, patient-centered approach, which makes the work both meaningful and rewarding.
With a background in healthcare, I understand the importance of clear communication, attention to detail, and patient confidentiality. I strive to ensure that every patient feels comfortable, informed, and valued throughout their visit.
I’m passionate about learning, self-improvement, and building meaningful connections. In my spare time, I enjoy staying active and creative whether that’s playing paddle, getting lost in a good book, or having fun at karaoke. I believe growth comes from both challenging yourself and enjoying the little moments that bring energy and inspiration into everyday life.
Suyen
(Dental Assistant)
I am Suyen and I have known Dr. Namita for years. We go back to 1999 where we worked together for THE MOBILE DENTIST with Dr. Robert Mantoni. Then she became part owner and I helped her run the mobile practice. We parted ways when Dr. Namita opened her own practice in Bethesda, but not knowing we would reunite again one day at SENIOR smile! And I absolutely love working with her and for her mission in helping the elderly.
In my free time, I love to travel back and forth from El Salvador, my native country. I have two boys, Farid and Fernando, who are the lights of my life! I also am fortunate to still have my Mama and love her dearly.
I have learned so much in the field of dentistry, from front desk to assistant to now a certified assistant. I have been doing this a long time and don’t see myself doing anything else!
Dr. Mistry
(Dentist)
Dr. Bhavana Mistry is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. She has enjoyed practicing General Dentistry for over 30 years in the DMV area . Born in the UK and residing in Maryland for all her educational years , Dr Mistry has cherished a community of loyal patients, friends and family that extend to 3 generations.
When she is not creating chairside smiles she is enjoying quality time with her two lovely daughters. She loves hiking , biking , traveling , doing Zumba, and especially cooking and inspiring others to enjoy the art of creating healthy meals.
Dr Mistry has always provided dental service to all ages including the elder population. And now she is delighted to join our Mobile Dentist team to do just that!
Dr. Namita
(Dentist/Owner)
Namita Kumari Thapar-Dua (aka Dr. Nameet)!
I was born in Madison, Wisconsin! Fun facts, I wrote a children’s book called ‘The Mice in the Woods’ with my mom when I was in elementary school and published it in 2018. If dentistry wasn’t my passion, I would be working as a wedding planner!
Love to watch movies/show series, soap operas, color, play board games, work on challenging puzzles, cook , garden, spend time with my family, travel, sporting events, read and take care of our German Shepherd puppy!
It is a pleasure to take care of the elderly. The senior community needs special attention and I love providing the care they need. The attention and care we provide is similar to a family member. Everyone we care for is part of our family and that is the approach we have taken for almost 20 years! ‘Your family is our family,’ is our motto. Thank you for trusting and allowing us to care for your loved ones!
