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!!

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 in 2020, 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 in July of 2019.  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 two daughters.

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!

Jong

Dental Hygienist

I joined Dr. Grieco’s team in January of 2023. Having been a hygienist for over 13 years, I love giving the gift of good health to our patients. I’m passionate and detailed. I guess that’s why my first bachelor’s degree is in computer science! In addition to providing direct patient care, I also teach at Northern Virginia Community College in the Dental Hygiene Program. In my military service, I was a trained Medic and Dental Corps Technician. When I’m not working, I enjoy trying many different kinds of food. Korean bakery items are top on my list. My life is full of fun, food and fitness. 

Tyler

Dental Assistant

Dr. Grieco has been my personal dentist for as long as I can remember!  (Ellen told me it has been 21 years, to be exact!)   I am a prospective dental hygiene student, and in the meantime I am working as a dental assistant with Dr. Grieco and the team, ensuring quality care and patient satisfaction.  In my spare time I enjoy reading nonfiction books and exploring the outdoors.  I look forward to seeing you in our state-of-the-art office and know you’ll have a great experience here.