Our Team


Joseph P. Grieco, Jr., DDS, FAGD

Dr. Grieco earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychobiology from UCLA and Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Georgetown University. He has been practicing dentistry since 1982.

Dr. Grieco’s interest in becoming a dentist was due to the influence of his family dentist, Dr. Richard Cowan, in Redondo Beach, California. While attending UCLA, Dr. Grieco had the opportunity to work in the Los Angeles Free Clinic as a dental assistant. Dr. Grieco saw firsthand that the dentist was able to relieve discomfort almost immediately. As a result, “I never viewed the dentist as one who causes pain, but rather, as one who alleviates it.”

Upon graduating from UCLA, Dr. Grieco attended the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara in Mexico. He spent six months learning Spanish and lived with a Mexican family during that time. After two years, he transferred to Georgetown University’s School of Dentistry in Washington, DC where he completed his studies in 1982. The Lord used the experience in Mexico to prepare Dr. Grieco for doing mission work in Honduras and Guatemala. “Proverbs 16:2 says, ‘The mind of a man plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps.’ That was certainly the case with me!”

As a young graduate, Dr. Grieco met Dr. Ralph Gibson, who mentored him and guided him in his new career. The two of them practiced together for over 10 years. Dr. Gibson was very progressive in dentistry and his influence was immeasurable.

In 1994, Dr. Grieco opened his own practice in Fairfax City. Since that time, there have been dramatic changes in materials and techniques available to dentistry. For his pursuit of continuing education, Dr. Grieco was made a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) in 2004. Although Dr. Grieco always strives to utilize the latest expertise and technology for his patients, he also wishes to be known for his compassionate care and gentle touch.

Dr. Grieco is active in organized dentistry, and is a member of the following associations:

·        American Dental Association

·        Virginia Dental Association

·        Northern Virginia Dental Society

·        Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry

·        Christian Dental Society

Professional awards and accomplishments:

·        Rated as a top dentist by:  Washingtonian, Washington Consumer’s Checkbook and Virginia Living Magazine

Dr. Grieco resides in Fairfax, Virginia. He enjoys playing guitar and spending time with his family.



Charlton Ho, DDS

Born and raised in Maryland, Dr. Ho earned a B.A. in Biochemistry from Virginia Tech in 1984, graduating magna cum laude.  In 1988 he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Georgetown University, graduating cum laude.

For nearly 30 years, Dr. Ho ran a successful dental practice in McLean, Virginia.  Since his retirement from private practice ownership, Dr. Ho has continued to stay engaged in dentistry by working part time, volunteering at a local charity dental clinic, teaching, mentoring, and doing international missions work.  We are happy to have him on Dr. Grieco’s Team as of January 2022.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ho has invested in continuing education to stay current with the new advances in dental technology and to provide the best care possible for his patients, including those in orthodontics, dental implants, and dental CAD/CAM CEREC technology.  Dr. Ho is a graduate of a two year orthodontic program through the International Association of Orthodontists, and is one of less than 400 dentists to have completed the extensive curriculum of Orognathic Bioesthetics International (OBI).

Dr. Ho is active in organized dentistry, and is a member of the following associations:

·        American Dental Association

·        Northern Virginia Dental Society

·        Academy of General Dentistry

·        International Association of Orthodontists

·        Orognathic Bioesthetics International

Professional awards and accomplishments:

·        Induction into the Omicron Upsilon Dental Honor Fraternity in 1988

·        Rated as a top dentist by the Washington Consumer’s Checkbook in 1996, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2012, 2015, 2018 and 2022

Every year Dr. Ho volunteers his time to provide care to those in need through various missions.  These include the Northern Virginia Dental Society’s Mission of Mercy, The American Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile Day, The Kentucky Mountain Mission, the World Gospel Outreach in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, El Ayudante in Comayagua, Honduras, Gloria El Padre in Chihuahua, Mexico, The Bob Davis Mission in Guatemala, and the Helping Hands Clinic in Treasure Beach, Jamaica.

In his free time, Dr. Ho enjoys making music, and can be seen playing electric bass at his home church, HTC McLean.  He also enjoys exercising, traveling, and spending time with his family, especially his two grandkids!!



Timothy C. Liu, DDS

Born in Silver Spring, Maryland, Dr. Liu earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology and Physiology from University of Maryland College Park and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from University of Maryland School of Dentistry in Baltimore.

After dental school, Dr. Liu continued his studies by completing an Advanced Education in General Practice Residency (GPR) at WellSpan York Hospital in York, Pennsylvania. He is approved by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. Now he is excited to be back in the DMV and experience its traffic again firsthand, and we are excited to have him on Dr. Grieco’s team as of August 2023.

Since 2016, Dr. Liu has been working with the Center for Health Literacy to integrate a successful community-based approach into a healthcare system that can improve state oral health knowledge and availability.  He co-founded a non-profit organization, Schools for Smiles, to build on a community service that taught oral hygiene, nutrition, and health to Pre-K through 3rd graders. Garnering interest from university clubs, pre-professional programs, and the Maryland school of public health, Schools for Smiles is still helping kids today.  

Engaging in community service has allowed Dr. Liu to practice the values and beliefs that he holds close to his heart as a Christian, such as serving others through relational love and humility. During a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic, he had the fulfilling opportunity of reaching out to underserved neighborhoods by helping locals receive medical and dental care that is normally inaccessible. Seeing everyone on the team volunteer their time to see patient after patient in the beaming sun, without ever losing their smiles, continually motivates him to keep serving others with a joyful heart. 

Dr. Liu is active in organized dentistry, and is a member of the following associations:

·         American Dental Association

·         Northern Virginia Dental Society

·         Academy of General Dentistry

·         Horowitz Center for Health Literacy

In his free time, you can find him filming videos and taking pictures. He enjoys playing tennis and pickleball when the weather is nice.  When the weather is bad, he is a Lego builder extraordinaire!  


Dayana

Insurance Coordinator

Having worked in the dental field for 8 years, I have to say there is always something new to learn.  As a dental assistant, I have worked chair side in the office, and I was also part of a team offering dental care to folks in nursing care facilities.  Since joining the team at Gentle Dental Care as the Insurance Coordinator, my focus has turned to helping our patients maximize their insurance benefits which can make dental treatment possible and affordable.  The world of dental insurance can be very complicated, and I love figuring out the details.  Call me crazy!  I was born and raised in Northern Virginia, and have three young children whom I absolutely adore. We love trying new restaurants, going to the beach and long road trips.


Dienny

Dental Assistant

Having been a dental assistant for many years, I made the switch to Dr. Grieco's team at Gentle Dental Care and have never looked back! I really love helping people with their dental concerns, and working directly with Dr. Grieco has been great.  As a team we care about every aspect of our patients' smiles.  Whether someone is in pain or wants to make a cosmetic change, Dr. Grieco and I work together to get the best possible result for every patient!  When I'm not working, I love spending time relaxing with my husband and wonderful children.


Ellen

Office Manager

Be careful about having a dentist for a friend – you just might end up working for him some day. That is what happened in the year 2000. Over the years I have learned a lot about dentistry, and I’ve had the opportunity to do a little bit of everything here. While I have enjoyed everything I’ve done, my focus is keeping our office running as smoothly as possible. That’s easy to do since we have such a great team and great patients.  I live in Fairfax and enjoy my two adult children and my fun-loving dog and kitty cat. When I have a lull in the activity, I enjoy reading, singing in a worship group at my church, and oh yes, my favorite, anything that has to do with S-N-O-W!



Jocelyn

Dental Assistant

I love being a part of Dr. Grieco's team and using my previous dental experience. It’s exciting to be part of a practice that puts patient care above everything else.  When I am assisting the doctors, it will be my pleasure to ensure that you receive the quality care you deserve. Outside of the office, I love travelling, cooking Mexican food, trying new foods, and most of all - spending time with my little son!