FALMOUTH DENTAL ARTS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Falmouth Dental Arts Healthcare Team
- Member of the FDA
Dr. Karagiorgos, DMD, grew up in the greater Boston area, but established a connection with Maine early on: "When I was in high school, I remember coming up to visit Maine and the seacoast with my family on the weekends." From high school he went on to graduate from Northeastern University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.
While he went on to work as a structural engineer, Dr. K ultimately decided it was not the best field for him. So he took some time to figure out what that field might be. During this time he worked as a project manager for the Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games in Athens, Greece in 2004. When he returned to the US he became more interested in dentistry and enrolled in classes to prepare to apply to dental school. This path led him to become an assistant in the oral surgery department at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where he was later welcomed as a student and earned his doctoral degree in dentistry.
Dr. Georgia Smith grew up just down the road from Falmouth Dental Arts, in Yarmouth, Maine. As the daughter of two veterinarians, Dr. Smith saw the life of medical professionals from a young age, and from a very close point of view. She always valued the aspect of helping people (or pets!), and considered pursuing the family business. As a high school student, she shadowed her childhood dentist and appreciated the work-life balance a career in dentistry provided.
Dr. Smith earned her undergraduate degree from Northeastern University in Boston, and attended Dalhousie Dental School in Halifax, Nova Scotia. After graduating from Dalhousie, Dr. Smith took her practice back to her home state, working in multiple practice locations as the sole on-site dentist. Looking for a more collaborative and team environment, Dr. Smith was referred to Falmouth Dental Arts by a colleague who knew Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos as wonderful teammates.
"I love seeing our patients and building a connection with them. I try to help them feel at ease right away, from their very first phone call and when they first walk through the door."
Marlene has enjoyed working in dentistry since 1990. "Working at FDA is like working with extended family," she explains. "Everyone works together as a team and we all care about each other, which makes it such a great practice to work at and be treated as a patient. There is such a connection between staff and patients - it is very special."
Marlene completed business school in New York and brings much experience and knowledge to our very caring front desk team.
Marlene loves spending time with her husband - whether it be cooking at home together, year-round charcoal grilling with their neighbors, or watching sports together. They are avid "backyard birdwatchers," share a love for animals, and have two cats that they just adore!
"Our motto is, "Have fun while doing great work!" It's all about working as a team to do the best for our patients and keep them relaxed. Everyone here helps each other." Mary has worked in the dental field since 1995, many of those years spent at Falmouth Dental Arts. For Mary, the dental care here is excellent in part because of the encouragement and support that staff members receive to take continuing education classes. "We're constantly improving our knowledge," she explains. "These courses help us to communicate well together, which is very important." She also notes the importance of listening to patients and finding out about their past dental experiences so they will be more comfortable and receive the best treatment. "We explain things and show examples to our patients. I think this really helps them understand and feel more at ease. They'll ask more questions," she says. It's also the transformations she witnesses that keep Mary so interested in dentistry. She enjoys helping people and seeing the results of a successful treatment. "I love knowing that our patients feel good about themselves afterward. They see the success, too." Mary graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She is also a Certified Dental Assistant and holds an X- ray Certification. Married with two children and a cat, Mary stays active with her kids. She volunteers, organizes, and fundraises for sports and other school activities. Mary also enjoys snowmobiling and being at the lake with her family. When she has a moment to herself, Mary likes reading non fiction and detective/murder -mystery novels.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Certified Dental Assistant
"I love helping patients feel relaxed and at ease during their dental appointments. There are people who dread coming and some are very fearful. I understand the anxiety of these patients. I hope my presence, compassion, and experience as a Dental Assistant helps everyone have a better experience when coming here."
Pat has been a Certified Dental Assistant for over 17 years. She worked with Dr. Nelson at A Perfect Smile for 15 years and recently came back to join the team at FDA. "The reception from this team has not only been welcoming but genuinely loving. It is beyond words to come back and see familiar faces. I feel like I never left." Pat handles patient radiology and assists chairside for cosmetic and restorative procedures.
Pat enjoys spending her free time with her boyfriend, friends, and family, and loves a good bonfire.