Our Team

Introducing Your Dental Professionals

Dr. Robert A. Simmons, DDS, MAGD

Dr. Robert A. Simmons graduated from The Medical College of Virginia, School of Dentistry in 1978. He grew up in the Virginia Beach area and decided to return there to open a dental practice. Dr. Simmons has proudly serviced the Chesapeake, VA and North Carolina areas for over 30 years. Even after 30 years Dr. Simmons remains passionate about the dental profession, quality care and patient relations.

Because Dr. Simmons is committed to providing the best possible dental care for his patients, he takes many hours of continuing education courses in dentistry every year through well-known organizations such as the Dawson Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.

Continuing Education Includes:

Dr. Simmons has also achieved the prestigious distinctions of a Fellowship and a Masters in the Academy of General Dentistry. The Fellowship requires 500 hours of certified continuing education as well as the successful completion of an intensive, eight-hour exam covering every aspect of dentistry. The Masters level is achieved by completing an additional 400 hours of hands-on clinical work, plus 200 hours of lecture work.

When he is not busy with dentistry, Dr. Simmons enjoys playing in various musical groups in the area. He is a member of Sol Libre, which has opened for the Wailers and for Norah Jones.

About Our Team

Dr. Simmons strives to hire the most qualified personnel in the area for his practice. Our staff of nine is committed to providing our patients with the highest quality care possible.

Jackie Sorey- Jackie has been working for Dr. Simmons for the past 26 years. At this point Jackie has specialized in denture care for patients. She works alongside Dr. Simmons in the fabrication of high quality, natural looking dentures. Jackie finds her job rewarding because she can see the direct results of quality care. Dr. Simmons custom makes his dentures to ensure a proper fit for his patients and Jackie is a key to our success. Jackie has a sincere care for her patients and finds extreme joy when she sees a patient transformed with confidence as a result of their new natural looking smile.

Tina Copeland- Tina is the best of the best. Tina joined our team in May 2002. Tina brought with her 16 years of experience in the dental field. Shortly after graduating as a dental assistant in 1989, she returned to college to receive her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Old Dominion University in May 1995.Tina’s dental knowledge and experience makes her a superior Dental Hygienist able to aid in proper diagnosis and treatment of dental related conditions. Tina truly understands the individual needs of each patient and makes every attempt to meet those needs.

Molly Lavender- Molly has eight and a half years as a dental assistant. Molly is currently the practice office manager. Molly’s diverse experience in many areas of the practice makes her a true team player. Molly says “ I really enjoy working with the patients. It really makes me feel good to know that I am taking part in helping people who are in pain, frightened or even those who are self conscious about their smile. I am just so glad that I can help them by holding their hands, empathizing with them or just a word of encouragement or praise. There is no better reward”. People like Molly help create a friendly caring place to work.

Debbie Simmons- Debbie has a degree as a Medical Laboratory Technician. Debbie worked at Sentara as a laboratory technician for 10 yrs then moved to management for five more years. Debbie also serviced in the Naval Reserves for 15 years as a Hospital Corpsman. Debbie is relatively new to the dental profession and brings much needed knowledge with general heathcare issues, customer services and information technology solutions.

Danielle Scott- Danielle comes to the dental field with two and a half years experience but she has packed a lot into those years. She handles most of the scheduling in our office. You can hear her smile as she answers the phone. Her positive attitude is contagious and is felt throughout the office. There is nothing she likes more than the interaction and helping of patients. It is always a sunny day with Danielle. She has lived in the Blackwater area of Virginia Beach for the past 24 years. You might catch her taking her black lab, Toby, for a walk or 4-wheeling in the mountains on the weekends.

Lisa Corbett- Lisa is a very seasoned dental assistant with over 18 years in the business. She is originally a native of Richmond, Virginia. She now resides in Currituck, NC with her husband Billy, a firefighter in Norfolk.

Gretel and Fritz, her two, four-year-old miniature schnauzers are also part of her family. In fact, she can be frequently seen volunteering with the Schnauzer Rescue of the Carolina’s. Lisa is definitely an advanced dental assistant. Her technological acumen places her ahead of her colleagues. There is nothing she enjoys more than the family atmosphere and interaction with our patients. She is always there to hold your hand. Comfort and compassion are just part of her nature. Lisa is perhaps best described as the epitome of Southern Charm and Hospitality.

Christie Balance- Christie is one of our hard working dental hygienists. She comes with six years in the dental profession having graduated with honors from Old Dominion University. While at ODU she was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. Her professional acumen adds to the depth of our practice. Christie comes from a lineage of dental hygienists. Her mom and aunt are both hygienists which brings a total of 50 years of combined experience. In fact, Christie’s mom, Rindy Balance worked in our practice for 14 years providing the best possible professional care to her patients. Christie is following the family tradition. On the weekends, you may find Christie at the beach, boating, or hunting.

Ruth Edney- Ruth has been a dental assistant for the past 22 years. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Ruth's dental acumen enables her to understand patients' needs thus helping them find the treatment that is best for them. Her empathy shows in her gentle touch, the "perfect touch" for comfort dentistry.

Born and raised in Blackwater, she loves the outdoors. She is no stranger to camping. Her hobbies include gardening, baking, and equestrian competition.

The next time you are faced with a dental dilemma, ask Ruth. She is always there to help.