Dr. Nadgie Ortiz-Diaz,

Being a pediatric dentist means the world to me. Not only do I get to instill good oral health habits at an early age, but I also get to influence the well-being and self-esteem of young people in my community. That is one of the main reasons I became a pediatric dentist; as a child, my health and confidence was restored by my own dentist after I broke a tooth. He gave me my smile back, and I always wanted to be able to make my patients feel the same way I did. Seeing my patients’ keep their smiles beautiful is the best reward. ‍ I genuinely enjoy my patients and love the relationships I have with them. My goal is to always care for others’ well-being and do what is in their best interest. ‍ I graduated from the University of Puerto Rico’s School of Dental Medicine in 1999 with my Doctorate of Dental Medicine. My Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Certificate was completed at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. I returned to the University of Puerto Rico’s School of Dental Medicine for my specialty in pediatric dentistry and attended Mount Sinai Medical School for certification in dental anesthesiology. ‍ Every day is a learning experience for me. I learn from my patients and colleagues how to be a better person and a better pediatric dentist. I also get to learn about advancements in the field from peers and world-renowned dentists though continuing education. This continuous learning helps me to keep my knowledge current with the new treatment alternatives that my patients can benefit from. I love to be able to offer different alternatives to the parents so they can make their best-informed decision pertaining to their kid’s oral health. ‍ A former Associate Professor for the Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program of the University of Puerto Rico’s School of Dental Medicine, I now lecture locally and regionally on pediatric dentistry, anesthesia, sedation, management of medical emergencies at the dental office, and pharmacology. ‍ Originally from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, I recently moved to Dulles and am looking forward to becoming an active member of the community. My husband and I have a four-year-old son and we love to sight see around Virginia and go to the movies together. Most of my free time is devoted to my friends and family.