Meet The Team
I began my formal education at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA, and earned my Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Louisiana State University’s School of Dentistry. That was over 22 years ago, but it feels like yesterday!
Technology has advanced so rapidly that continuing my education has become a vital aspect of my practice. I have taken advanced dental education at both the L.D. Pankey Institute and the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Study. I believe that in order to provide the best outcomes for our patients, with the greatest longevity, I have to stay ahead of the curve.
Many of the courses that I attend are cutting edge, with topics such as laser dentistry, CAD/CAM (CEREC®) dentistry, Invisalign®, Lumineers®, TMJ/occlusal disease, and MRI interpretation of the TMJ, just to name a few.
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Academy of General Dentistry
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American Dental Association
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Virginia Dental Association
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Shenandoah Valley Dental Association
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My wife, Dr. Sandra Catchings, and I live in the middle of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. We moved here after Hurricane Katrina hit our previous home in New Orleans. We love this area and the wonderful people in it.
Sandra and I have one son, William, and a slew of animals, including a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier named Eliza, a leopard Bengal cat named Minncat, a boxing turtle rescued from the hurricane named Worminator, a bearded dragon named Geico, and a Mini Rex Rabbit named Stormy, not to mention three Sebastopol geese and four Buff Orpington chickens.
When I’m not taking care of the garden and the animals, I enjoy teaching high-speed drivers’ education and tinkering with radio-controlled cars, trucks, and airplanes. I also stay active in our community and have served for many years on the board for the Augusta Health Free Dental Clinic.
Meet Dr. Bradford
H. "Brad" Bradford III D.D.S.
Dentistry for me is not just a career, it is a calling. Each day, I get the privilege of making exceptional, scared, or pain-filled patients comfortable, and help keep healthy patients on the right path. It is not a privilege I take lightly. I feel that each patient deserves to get the best we have to offer every day we are available; no matter what the circumstances, we will deliver the best we possibly can.
So many people have a fear of going to the dentist. When we can convert a fearful patient to a happy one, it is incredible. Our patient base is a very diverse one, with patients from all walks of life and all socioeconomic levels. With such diversity, we have learned that dental problems affect different people differently. That is why we develop a customized path back to health for each person. Patients know that they mean more to us than simply a set of teeth.
I began my career at 15 years of age as a dental assistant. I saw patients come in with pain that was relieved in minutes; it was like magic! It was a gift that I wanted to be able to give to other people. In 1990, I graduated with my Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in New Orleans, LA. I am licensed to practice dentistry in Virginia, Louisiana, and Maine.
Over the past 30 years, I have studied at the world-renowned Pankey Institute, the Dawson Academy, DOCS Education, and with Conscious Sedation Consulting,. Continuing my education in sedation has allowed me to offer treatment to patients that are extremely anxious and might not be able to present for treatment otherwise. I treat patients comprehensively, to discover the origins of dental problems as well as the damage and treat the whole patient. My advanced training allows me to build structurally sound and beautiful dentistry that will last as long as possible in an environment that the patient can tolerate.
I have also had the pleasure and experience of teaching dentistry at LSU Dental School for several years.
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American Dental Association, House of Delegates
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Virginia Dental Association, House of Delegates
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Shenandoah Valley Dental Association
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American Equilibration Society
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American College of Dentists, Fellow
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American Academy of General Dentistry, Fellow
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Virginia State Board of Dentistry, current Vice President
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Virginia Board of Health Professions, Board Member
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My husband, Dr. Bradford, and I moved to the mountains of Virginia after experiencing Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. This area is beautiful and WAY above sea level! I have one son, William Catchings Bradford, but most of my free time is spent working with our many animals. I enjoy hobbies of cooking , jewelry making, making forms of printed art through different mediums, beanie making, gardening, and fitness. We have a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier named Mosca, two Leopard Bengal cats named Ruby and Rocky, a boxing turtle rescued from the hurricane named Worminator, a Mini Rex Rabbit named Yahoo, five (5) Sebastopol Geese (Glade, Thor, Siv, Fettuccine, and Loki), and eight (8) chickens -some are named Joan Jett, Black Heart, Cocoa Channel, and Francois.
Children’s health issues are also at the forefront of my mind. My son William had Reflex Neurovascular Dystrophy, also called Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome. I am his biggest advocate and have adopted the task of bringing awareness of this disease. Because it is hard to diagnose and not well known, many children suffer for many years and undergo unnecessary procedures/surgery before they are properly diagnosed.
Meet Dr. Catchings
Sandra J Catchings, DDS, MCSD, FAGD, FACD
Dentistry is my calling. It is the way that I can give to society and help others in my community. My patients are blessings to have in my life. Their lovely and unique personalities have enlightened me and made my life fuller than I could have ever imagined.
Alleviating patient anxiety and prevention of further dental disease are very prominent in my mission. I believe that dental work lasts best when it is placed into a situation that encourages success. Often, patients need help relieving anxiety to make this possible and I can offer moderate conscious sedation to help them. I have had much success with the anxious dental patient. My goal is to help the anxious patient save themselves from emergency painful dental situations and give them hope for a beautiful smile. I believe we can change lives by improving self-image through smiles. Doors of opportunity open for people when they believe in themselves and are confident. Why should an anxious patient not have this same opportunity? With sedation intervention, they can!
I appreciate the precious opportunity that I have to help someone past their fears and dental concerns. I love that we, as a team, can have such a positive effect on the whole patient and their life. I love the hope for better health and lives that comes along with compassionate, customized dental care.
As our front office manager, I take extra care of making sure the front office runs smoothly and on time each day. I strive to ensure that all patients have a pleasant experience, whether new or established. I am a true people person and treat patients as I would my family members.
When not working, I enjoy my cat, Atticus, gardening, crafts, cooking, and cars. I am an active Moose member and do a lot of community service. I love spending time with family and friends.
Denise Hite
Front Office Manager