Meet the Doctors
Our doctors are leaders in the Richmond dental community. In addition to having an exceptional chairside manner that puts even the most nervous patients at ease, they are consistently voted Richmond’s Best by local publications such as Richmond Magazine, Style Weekly, Virginia Living, and Our Health Magazine. Our team of doctors serve the entire central Virginia region – from Charlottesville, VA to Richmond, VA to Colonial Heights, VA.
Dr. Brent Rusnak
Founder of River Run Dental, Dr. Rusnak is an award winning dentist in Richmond VA who is well trained in the latest dental techniques. He places a strong emphasis on keeping up with dental technology advancements in order to consistently enhance his patient experience. As someone who is passionate about providing his community with healthy smiles, Dr. Rusnak regularly volunteers with the Mechanicsville Free Dental Clinic. He also works as an adjunct faculty member at the VCU School of Dentistry. Dr. Rusnak was named Top 40 Under 40 by Style Weekly in 2014 and has been named one of Richmond’s Top Dentists for the past 6 years by Richmond Magazine.
Dr. Molly Adler
Dr. Adler is passionate about helping others. She has been actively volunteering with the Virginia Mission of Mercy Projects since she was a pre-dental student at Virginia Tech. She also participates in The Jamaica Project and Give Kids a Smile through the VCU School of Dentistry. Dr. Adler loves to constantly learn new things, particularly about dentistry! She is currently a member of the American Dental Association, the Virginia Dental Association, and the Richmond Dental Society.
Dr. Bala
Endodontist Dr. Bala DDS, MS, joins our River Run Dental family. Dr. Bala is a passionate care provider with a rich background in dental science, biomaterials, and instruction. She received training in dental science from Tamil Nau Dr. MGR Medical University before earning a Master of Science in biomaterials at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed specialized endodontics training at Boston University.
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.
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.
Dr. Vivian Bui
Dr. Vivian Bui was raised in Charleston, South Carolina, where the saying was “Smiling Faces, Beautiful Places.” She is dedicated to carrying this motto with her in serving the local communities of Richmond and creating healthy smiles.
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.”
Dr. Ariadne Dane Dongieux
Dr. Dane Dongieux is originally from Sterling,VA. She graduated magna cum laude from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry after completing her Bachelors in Biology at the University of Mary Washington. She believes in practicing excellence by providing complete care to her patients and has taken numerous courses in Cosmetics, Implant Dentistry, Full Mouth Reconstruction and Sleep Dentistry. Dr. Dongieux gives back to the community through dental mission trips both locally in Virginia and internationally in Jamaica and El Salvador. In 2003, Dr. Dongieux received both the Loudoun Healthcare and the INOVA Health Systems Award for her research in Biomedical and Health Sciences. Dr. Dongieux is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and is working on her fellowship.
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.
Dr. Brittany Field
After completing her undergraduate degree at The University of Virginia, Dr. Field attended dental school at the VCU School of Dentistry. Dr. Field was active in student leadership and organized dentistry while in dental school. Additionally, she volunteered at a number of Mission of Mercy projects as well as the VCU Jamaica Project dental mission trip. She graduated in 2017 and was then selected for a post-doctoral residency program at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine. Dr. Field loves connecting with her patients and creating an environment where people feel comfortable receiving their all-important dental care. Although she was born in Fairfax, VA, Dr. Field has lived in Richmond since 1999 and loves serving the dental needs of her hometown.
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.
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.
Dr. Shrineel Patel
After obtaining his undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida, Dr. Patel moved to Richmond, Virginia where he attended the VCU School of Dentistry. He served as Vice President of his dental school class, and also completed a fellowship in dental academia through the American Dental Education Association. Following graduation, Dr. Patel completed residency training at an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program located within the Medical University of South Carolina. He then spent a couple of years in private practice in Charlotte, NC prior to moving back to Richmond.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Emily Sinclair
Dr. Sinclair attended The University of Mary Washington where she received a BS degree in biology. Following undergrad, Dr. Sinclair began work on her MS degree in human physiology at the Medical College of Virginia at VCU. Her thesis research focused on growth factors involved in head and neck cancers, which was eventually published in the Journal of Oral Oncology. Dr. Sinclair then attended the School of Dentistry at VCU and gained her DDS degree in 2013. Dr. Sinclair loves spending time her her husband and son, traveling and running.
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.
Dr. Alexa Vinson
A graduate of the VCU School of Dentistry and Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Dr. Vinson is a dentist in Richmond VA who enjoys the technical side of dentistry and loves discussing dental procedures with other experienced dental professionals in order to constantly better herself. She enjoys giving back to her community and staying involved through projects such as Give Kids a Smile and Mission of Mercy. Dr. Vinson is a member of the American Dental Association, the Virginia Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Her dental services include dental crowns, fillings, bridges, Invisalign, and more.
Dr. Jennifer Wheeler
Dr. Wheeler is originally from Northern Virginia, but has lived in Richmond for the past 11 years. She was a recognized University Scholar during her undergraduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. After graduating with a B.S. in Biology she completed her D.D.S degree at the VCU School of Dentistry. Dr. Wheeler serves as a volunteer dentist and adjunct faculty member overseeing VCU dental students at the Mechanicsville Free Dental Clinic. She is passionate about supporting Give Kids a Smile and routinely participates in additional projects to provide free dental care for underserved populations such as the local Mission of Mercy (MOM) projects as well as international mission trips.