The Dental Hub

Dr. Lindsey Putnam

Dr. Lindsey Putnam received her undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and Public Health from Elon University. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and completed her General Practice Residency at the University of Virginia.

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Dr. Akriti Jaura Gupta

We are delighted to introduce Dr. Akriti Jaura Gupta, DMD to our patients. Dr. Akriti completed her residency in the General Practice Residency (GPR) program at Berkshire Medical Center from July 2021 to June 2022 and holds a Doctorate in Dentistry.

Dr. Akriti comes from a rich and diverse background, originally from North India and raised in Chennai, South India. Her vibrant lifestyle includes a love for hiking, music, and food. Alongside her husband, she enjoys exploring new dining spots and traveling, having already visited nine countries.

With a strong dedication to her profession, Dr. Akriti is actively involved in organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Virginia Dental Association. She also volunteers for missions such as the Mission of Mercy, reflecting her deep commitment to the community. Her passion for dentistry began during childhood visits to the dentist with her grandmother and has grown into a career focused on creating beautiful smiles.

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Dr. Fernando Saavedra

Dr. Fernando Saavedra, originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, now proudly calls Richmond VA his home. A dedicated dentist with River Run Dental, he brings a compassionate approach to dental care, focused on meeting individual health goals using leading-edge technology. Dr. Saavedra is an active member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.

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Dr. Carolina Braga

Dr. Carolina Braga is originally from Gulf Shores, Alabama. She graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biomedical Sciences. She then received her Doctorate of Medicine in Dentistry from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In her practice, Dr. Braga prioritizes providing high-quality, needs-based dental care. She values building relationships with her patients and providing individual-centered treatment. Dr. Braga was recognized by The American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry with an award for her efforts in cosmetic dentistry and a member of American Dental Association.

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Dr. Cynthia Brooks

Dr. Cynthia Brooks is a graduate of The Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry. Upon graduation she began working as an associate dentist at a general dentistry practice in Charlottesville, Virginia. Shortly thereafter she became the first female president of the local dental society. She then teamed up with Dr. David Gilrain to pioneer Gilrain and Brooks Dentistry in 2001. Since then, the practice has grown to include a team of dedicated dental hygienists and an extraordinary support staff. In 2022 Gilrain and Brooks partnered with River Run Dental, where Dr. Brooks continues in her role as Partner Dentist. Dr. Brooks’ mission is to provide high-quality dentistry in a friendly and peaceful environment and to continue to serve her long-time patients in the Charlottesville, VA area.

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Dr. Nitya Reddy

Dr Nitya Reddy completed her Doctorate of Dental Surgery and her Master of Science in Periodontics at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is currently a member of the American Dental Association and American Academy of Periodontology. She also volunteers for Missions of Mercy which provides free dental care to underserved and rural areas in Virginia. Dr. Reddy specializes in periodontics, which includes diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, placing dental implants, extractions, and gum grafting. It is important for Dr. Reddy to connect with her patients and be a part of their oral health journey throughout their life.

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Dr. Vanessa Sturz

Dr. Vanessa Sturz attended Randolph-Macon College where she received her Bachelor’s in Chemistry. Later, she earned her Master of Science in Clinical Research at the University of Virginia as well as her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her combined experience in both the Public Health space and Dentistry space makes her a well-rounded practitioner who serves both her patients and her community well. In her dental work, she prioritizes empathy and compassion when working with her patients. Her goal at River Run is to help patients overcome dental anxiety and maintain their oral health.

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Dr. Rubana Masood

Dr. Rubana Masood is a Virginia native, originally from Short Pump, VA. She earned her Master of Science in Physiology as well as her DDS from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. Later, she continued her dental education by completing her Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) at The University of California- Los Angeles where she stayed and practiced for several years before returning home to Virginia. She is a member of numerous organizations including the American Dental Association, the Virginia Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. She believes that by being attentive to a patient’s individual needs and goals, she is able to empower her patients and leave them feeling better than when they came in.

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Dr. Jacob Fant

Dr. Jacob Fant completed his Bachelor’s of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology as well as his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the University of Florida. Later, he relocated to Virginia and earned his Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) at Virginia Commonwealth University. Currently, he is a member of the American Dental Association, the Virginia Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He is driven to provide comfort, trust, and support to his patients, with an emphasis on treating the whole person. Outside of River Run, he volunteers with free dental care clinics, community health centers, and Mission of Mercy projects.

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Dr. Clairise Cash Parker

Dr. Clairise Cash Parker is a Virginia native, originally from Williamsburg, VA. In 2013 she attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and received her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. Later, she attended Virginia Commonwealth University where she earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery. She enjoys dentistry as a means of improving her patient’s quality of life, by getting them out of discomfort, improving their self-confidence, or helping them achieve optimal oral health. She is passionate about how rewarding and impactful dentistry can be and often gives back to the community by participating in dental projects such as Missions of Mercy, Remote Area Medical projects, fundraising for The Jamaica Project at VCU, and supporting local free clinics. She remarks, “giving back is a responsibility that comes hand-in-hand with my training as a dentist.”

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