{"id":16662,"date":"2025-11-14T09:49:26","date_gmt":"2025-11-14T14:49:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/centralvadev.wpengine.com\/amherst-va\/?page_id=16662"},"modified":"2026-02-13T11:28:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T16:28:22","slug":"meet-our-doctors","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.centralvafamilydentistry.com\/amherst-va\/about-us\/meet-our-doctors\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet Our Doctors"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Dr.
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Dr. John Howard<\/h2>\n

Dr. Howard was born and raised in Lynchburg. Dr. Howard graduated from Heritage High School in 1994 and then from the University of Virginia in 1997. He took two years off and taught science and coached football, basketball, and track at Sandusky Middle School before beginning dental school at the Medical College of Virginia in 1999. He graduated from dental school in 2003 and has practiced in Lynchburg and Amherst as a family dentist ever since. His wife, Adrienne, grew up in Amherst County and is happy to be home in Central Virginia to raise their family.<\/p>\n

Outside of the office, Dr. Howard can be found watching his two sons play basketball and baseball and helping pitch in as coach whenever possible.
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\"Dr.
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Dr. Benjamin Curling<\/h2>\n

Dr. Benjamin Curling was born and raised in Lynchburg. He began pursuing his career in dentistry by shadowing here at CVFD during his breaks from college. Dr. Curling completed his undergraduate education at Virginia Tech in 2016 where he gained two Bachelor\u2019s Degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry. He then earned his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. While in Richmond, he met his wife, Samantha. In 2022, Dr. Curling and his wife moved back to Lynchburg and joined our practice and the Central Virginia community. They now have a beautiful daughter, Covington.<\/p>\n

In his free time, Dr. Curling loves to watch sports, play pickle ball, and spend time with his wife and daughter.
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\"Dr.
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Dr. Ardalan Nabizadeh<\/h2>\n

Dr. Nab is a highly educated dental professional with a passion for excellence in patient care and education. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2015, earning a BS degree in Psychology-Neuroscience, along with minors in Chemistry and Biology. Building on this strong foundation, Dr. Nab pursued further academic pursuits, attending graduate school at North Carolina State University, where he obtained a MS degree in Physiology in 2019, complemented by a Graduate Certificate in Molecular Biotechnology. Dr. Nab embarked on his dental training journey at Virginia Commonwealth University. He successfully obtained his DDS degree in 2023.<\/p>\n

Dr. Nab\u2019s dedication to education extends beyond the dental office. He possesses a profound enthusiasm for teaching and recognizes the critical role that dental education plays in promoting oral health. Drawing from his experience as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and his work at the North Carolina Autism Society, where he provided invaluable tutoring services to children on the autism spectrum, Dr. Nab understands the significance of education. He warmly encourages individuals to seek his guidance for any dental inquiries they may have, ensuring they are empowered to make informed decisions regarding their oral health. Alongside his commitment to education, Dr. Nab is deeply engaged in community service. He actively volunteers at multiple free clinics in Virginia and North Carolina, offering essential dental care to underserved populations.<\/p>\n

During his free time, Dr. Nab finds joy in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He likes going to the gym, enjoys playing tennis, and embraces the opportunity to travel and explore new cultures whenever possible. Dr. Nab\u2019s commitment to continuous learning, patient education, and community service positions him as a valuable asset to the dental profession. By entrusting your dental needs to Dr. Nab, you can be assured of receiving exceptional care backed by a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for helping others.
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\"Dr.
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Dr. Louis J. Traci<\/h2>\n

With two decades of dedicated service in the field of dentistry, Dr. Louis J. Traci brings a wealth of expertise in oral surgery, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign\u00ae, and full mouth rehabilitations. Over the course of his career, Dr. Traci has completed over 1000 hours of continuing education, staying at the forefront of the latest advancements and techniques in dental care. He has successfully placed over 1,000 implants, providing for single tooth replacement solutions as well as full mouth rehabilitations using locator over dentures or full arch implant retained fixed prostheses, also known as teeth in a day or All-on-X\u00ae. Dr. Traci is known for his meticulous attention to detail, compassionate patient care, and a commitment to achieving optimal outcomes for each individual.<\/p>\n

Whether transforming smiles with cutting-edge cosmetic procedures or providing comprehensive rehabilitation solutions, Dr.Traci combines experience with innovation to deliver exceptional results. Dr. Traci also recognizes the importance of the oral-systemic connection and diligently obtains this pertinent information from each patient in order to provide the best treatment plan for both their oral and overall health and well being. In addition to a robust clinical practice, Dr. Traci is dedicated to advancing the field through ongoing learning and professional development, ensuring that their patients benefit from the most current and effective dental treatments available.<\/p>\n

Dr. Traci completed his Bachelors in Health Science Degree from George Mason University and after attained his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Virginia Commonwealth University. His parents both grew up in the Washington metropolitan area and he has family and friends that have resided in Central Virginia and Southwest Virginia for many years. He is excited about returning to Central Virginia and meeting you all and assisting in your oral health needs. In his spare time, he is an Orange Theory enthusiast, avid golfer, and a licensed pilot. He also enjoys hiking, running and cycling as well as spending time with his family and friends.
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