Barbara B. Bell, DDS

BARBARA BELL, DDS

Dr. Barbara Bell was born and raised in New York State and was the daughter of two OB/GYN physicians. After working in their offices for many years, she came to know the patients, their families and of course their newborns. Her creative and artistic nature drew her to dentistry. In 1973, Dr. Bell started at Georgetown University School of Dentistry as the youngest female to be accepted at the dental school at that time. Dr. Bell completed her general practice residency at Cornell Universities’ North Shore Hospital where she developed her skills in full mouth reconstruction, implant restoration, cosmetic and general dentistry. Additionally, she studied hospital dentistry and oral surgery under the tutelage of the top Cornell oral surgeons and general dentists. Dr. Bell practiced for six years in Nevada and spent time practicing in the public health service. She returned to the East Coast in 1985 where she became a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and continued to practice for 20 years in Frederick. Dr. Bell continues to stay on top of the latest technological developments in dentistry, which is reflected in the design and techniques used in her new office.

After Dr. Bell’s three children went to college, she and her companion, Wayne, moved to Shepherdstown, WV with their geriatric animal family of nine. Her cats Lizzy, Leppy, KB, Mittens, Buster and Nelly keep her busy. When she’s not chasing her cats and dog, she’s caring for her two rescue draft horses. Dr. Bell enjoys gardening, home design, and decorating her house for Christmas.

MELISSA HESS, CDA

As a duo, Dr. Bell and Melissa Hess have practiced all-encompassing dental care, with an emphasis on aesthetic services for almost 20 years together. Melissa started with Dr. Bell in 1989 and quickly fell in love with the cosmetic aspect of dentistry. She furthered her education in radiology, expanded functions and the fabrication of prosthetics, challenging the board for her CDA. Melissa values the overall patient experience and has implemented features to the office that make the trip to the dentist efficient and enjoyable. Melissa’s true passion in life has always been for art and design. She and Dr. Bell have been partners in multiple ventures ranging from home construction to their opening of a design and home accessories store. She’s great with color and is able to mix and match designs to create anew. Her favorite pastime is to paint portraits and believes, “the eyes are the window to the soul but a dazzling smile is magnetic.”

Melissa is very excited to be back in Frederick. She missed the patients and the camaraderie. Melissa writes, “I have had other opportunities to go back into dentistry, but I wouldn’t work for anyone else. Dr. Bell has been an employer, my teacher and mentor, my business partner and my very best friend.” Melissa currently resides in Shepherdstown, WV with her husband, across the street from Dr. Bell.

KATIE BELL

As a new member of the dental team, Katie brings a business degree from Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Hamilton in 2007 and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Following graduation, Katie worked in El Salvador on a number of health and environmental development projects. She moved to Washington, D.C. upon returning to the States and worked for over two years at a public health research and consulting firm. The excitement of opening a new technologically advanced practice drew Katie over to the dental world. She works one on one with patients in the office as well as behind the scenes ensuring that we are providing the highest quality of care.

When not at the dental office, Katie can be found on the rugby pitch. She plays for the Washington, D.C. Furies Women’s Rugby Club and has been playing rugby since college. She’s managed to keep all of her teeth and is thankful her mom is a dentist!

CAROLYN KING

Carolyn was born and raised in Illinois. She earned her dental hygiene degree from Prairie State College in Chicago Heights and has been practicing dental hygiene since the mid – 1980′s. After obtaining her hygiene degree, Carolyn went on to get her bachleor’s in Music Performance from North Central University in Minneapolis, MN. She has directed choirs and taught private lessons in piano and voice.

Carolyn has been married for over 22 years to Rex, a retired Army officer. Because of his military career, they’ve had the opportunity to live all over the U.S. as well as in Seoul, Korea and Mannheim, Germany!

Carolyn is a mother of two teenage children, and in her spare time she enjoys quilting.