Dr Sandra J. Catchings

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. Education & Continuing Education Professional Affiliations Outside the Office 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. American Dental Association, House of Delegates Virginia Dental Association, House of Delegates Shenandoah Valley Dental Association American Equilibration Society American College of Dentists, Fellow American Academy of General Dentistry, Fellow Virginia State Board of Dentistry, current Vice President Virginia Board of Health Professions, Board Member 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.