Dr. Seema Ahmed
Dr. Seema Ahmed earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, where she was a Cognitive Neuroscience major with a minor in Spanish. She graduated with high honors, and was given the prestigious commencement distinction of Phi Beta Kappa. Dr. Ahmed went on to earn her doctoral degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, the first dental school in the world. After earning her D.D.S., she completed her post-doctoral training in a rigorous, two-year general practice residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA, where she was selected as Chief Resident during her second year. During that time, she also completed a fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania Department of Oral Medicine and Pathology.
Dr. Ahmed is known to examine her patients as a whole, and not just focus on their “teeth,” which helps patients better understand the correlation between their oral health and their overall systemic health. Her extensive hospital training has equipped her well to treat medically complex patients in the dental setting. She is passionate about the medical-dental interface and has a special interest in the dental recognition of sleep apnea, gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the often-undiagnosed laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). She works with a network of physicians in her area to help facilitate patients in receiving the proper medical care to help improve complex disease co-management through multiple specialties. She has lectured at the national level on this topic to other dentists, as well as to medical doctors.
Dr. Ahmed’s clinical expertise is in occlusion (bite disorders), and she has extensive training and experience in the restoration of the worn dentition. She has developed a niche for treating patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (“TMJ”) and other orofacial pain syndromes, and routinely serves as a clinical consultant for other dentists and specialists in her area.
Dr. Ahmed has been recognized by her peers as a 2019 “Top Dentist” by Washingtonian Magazine, Virginia Living Magazine, Northern Virginia Magazine, and Consumer’s Research Council of America. She is a passionate and dedicated lifelong learner, and is actively pursuing additional post-doctoral coursework at the world-renowned Spear Education Center based out of Arizona, where she is a Faculty Club Member. She also participates in a local study club with other highly motivated dentists and specialists in her area, where they meet monthly to discuss complex patient cases and share ideas.
Dr. Ahmed understands that coming to the dentist, especially after a long hiatus, can be difficult for many people, and she goes to great lengths to create a warm, nonjudgmental atmosphere where her patients feel safe to discuss their dental goals, as well as their fears. When she’s not in the office, Dr. Ahmed loves cooking, baking, reading, and traveling.
Dr. Barra
Dr. Barra received his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.
As a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and Massachusetts Dental Society, Dr. Barra is committed to continuing education, especially in the areas of cosmetic dentistry. Lately, his studies of digital smile design have enabled him to create the ideal smile for patients based on facial analysis, pre-existing dental conditions, and each patient’s individual preferences. This concept brings together technology and dentistry, and allows multiple specialties to view and share treatment options and create a complete comprehensive guide on how to care for the patient properly and restore him or her to ideal oral health.
Dr. Barra is passionate about addressing oral health as an integral part of overall systemic health, and shares many of the same philosophies as Dr. Ahmed in how best to diagnose and treat patients. He has extensive training in digital dentistry, and stays very up-to-date in the most cutting edge technological advances in the field. He is Invisalign-certified as well, and trained in a variety of restorative and surgical procedures. He has a very warm, personable attitude in his patient care that helps patients feel very comfortable, and we are confident that you will all love getting to know him and work with him just as we have.
Dr. Barra grew up in Northern Virginia before moving to Boston for dental school. He met his wife, Dr. Zarah Ali, while studying at Tufts. For the last 10 years they have made Boston their home and are excited about moving to DC! Dr. Barra enjoys traveling, cooking and cheering on all DC sports teams!
Scotch
Meet Dr. Barra’s cuddly Goldendoodle who is the newest member of the Old Town Smiles family! This sweet pup, Scotch, will be with us on Mondays and Tuesdays, and is a certified therapy dog with specific training and experience in dental offices to help patients with anxiety or phobia, or just anyone in need of a good cuddle! Scotch has a very calming presence, and brings a lot of joy to those around him. He has been known to stay nearby when he can sense fear or anxiety, and also will peacefully nap on your lap during your appointment, if you so desire. If you would like to have Scotch attend your appointment with you, please schedule on Mondays or Tuesdays (or select Fridays), and request his presence.
(Please note, Goldendoodles are one of the most hypoallergenic breeds, and are often used as therapy dogs in hospitals as well. The dog is washed and brushed before coming in to ensure minimal to no shedding. If you are concerned about allergies or prefer to avoid the dog for any other reason, please let us know and we will make appropriate accommodations. Each operatory is, as always, disinfected between patients, in addition to the entire office is professionally cleaned each night by a hospital-grade cleaning crew).