Business Spotlight
Meet Dr. Crissy Markova
Owner of Virginia Center for Orthodontics
When Dr. Crissy Markova was in high school, she shadowed an orthodontist whose office wasn’t far from her home. She saw a bright and bustling office with an attentive staff, full of patients who seemed happy to be there. More important, she noticed the profound effect a healthy smile could have on a patient’s life. Years later, this experience would eventually lead her to Rosslyn, where she recently opened Virginia Center for Orthodontics (VCO).
Located at 1600 Wilson Blvd., VCO is quickly garnering top ratings on Yelp, Facebook and Google. Patients love the office’s modern décor, the friendly and helpful staff, and Dr. Markova’s thorough and professional care.
VCO stands out because it’s led by a doctor with some pretty impressive credentials: Dr. Markova has an undergraduate degree in kinesiology from the University of Michigan and a Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. She also did a two-year residency at Washington Hospital Center and Children’s National Medical Center, where she was resident team leader of the Cleft Lip and Palate Craniofacial Clinic.
Unlike traditional residency programs offered through universities, Dr. Markova’s residency experience with the Children’s National Medical Center gave her the opportunity to help patients with many serious conditions. She felt privileged to support children with cleft lip and palate through what were often difficult surgical procedures with extended recovery time. “It was so rewarding helping these patients and their families,” she says.
The VCO office is equipped with cutting-edge orthodontic technology, highlighted by a 3-D intraoral scanning system. The scanner creates a 3-D model of a patient’s mouth without the need for traditional plaster impressions. 3-D models are uploaded to the latest orthodontic software, giving patients an adjustable visual model of expected post-treatment results. This combines with accelerated treatment options that, in some cases, can give results in as little as a few months.
Dr. Markova welcomes patients of all ages, with most tending to be teenagers or young adults. She has established expanded hours for her practice to accommodate busy work schedules. Many times, she sees patients after normal working hours. “We’re very flexible, and our services are customizable for every patient,” says Dr. Markova.
Dr. Markova and her staff at VCO are active in the local community. Among other activities, VCO has recently undertaken a partnership with the Arlington Soccer Association to provide travel scholarships for league players. Additionally, VCO has established partnerships with veteran’s aid associations and educational based charities to help people in the local community.
Also a Rosslyn resident, Dr. Markova walks to work each day, adding that she’s “thrilled to be in Arlington.”
“Everyone has been so welcoming to me,” she says. “And I love it here!”
For more info: http://www.vcosmiles.com/
Photo Captions: (TOP) The Virginia Center for Orthodontics office, located at 1600 Wilson Blvd., is a welcoming space that employs cutting-edge orthodontic technology.
(RIGHT) Dr. Crissy Markova and Patient Services Liaison Shannon McCarthy