Dr. Margaret A. Valega

My Love of Dentistry

Dentistry is the perfect profession for me because I am a perfectionist. I love the people I care for, working with my hands, and delivering excellent dental care. Every day is unique, with different patients and different procedures keeping me excited and engaged, always striving to increase my abilities to the benefit of my patients.

I particularly love practicing restorative and cosmetic dentistry. With the lab I use, I can create a smile simulation for the patient before starting the process so that the patient knows what their beautiful new smile will look like. Nothing gives me more joy than restoring function and increasing a patient’s self-esteem, and seeing their happiness at the end of the treatment is always my number one goal.

As a dentist, I have the opportunity to get to know each patient personally. I learn about their personal lives, not just their teeth. Over the years, I have developed many friendships with my patients and I look forward to their visits as a time to catch-up on what’s been happening in their lives and with their families.

I find it rewarding to be in a field where I can make a positive difference in the lives of my patients, whether I am alleviating dental pain or helping them attain or re-attain a stunning smile. Dentistry helps heal both physical and emotional pain, and I am honored that my patients trust me to provide such care for them.

My Education and Commitment to Continuing Education

I graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1981 and was awarded my Doctor of Dental Surgery, also at Georgetown, in 1986. Between undergrad and dental school I worked full time as a dental assistant.  It was then that I found my true calling. Following graduation, I knew I was entering a profession that required a commitment to continued education. Oral healthcare is an ever-evolving field, with new technologies and treatment methodologies being constantly developed. I owe it to my patients to provide them with the most up-to-date care available, to shorten treatment duration and improve the outcome. Therefore, I regularly enroll in courses and study oral healthcare topics through study clubs, dental meetings, and dental literature.

In addition to continuing my own education I am dedicated to sharing knowledge with the incoming dental professionals, volunteering as a Dean’s Faculty member at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry.

My Personal Life

I was born in Elizabeth, NJ, grew up in Olney, MD, where I attended Sherwood High School, and I have called Poolesville, MD, my home since 1988. The other dentist in our practice is my husband, Tim. We were married in 1986 in Dahlgren Chapel on Georgetown University’s campus and have three amazing sons and a daughter-in-law. We enjoy spending time with our sons and daughter-in-law!

For hobbies, I am an avid reader and enjoy counted cross-stitch. I am committed to fitness, having completed eight marathons and numerous half marathons.