About Us
Welcome to Shepherd Dental – A Trusted Part of the Community for Over 45 Years
At Shepherd Dental, we are proud to have served the Shepherdstown area for more than four decades.
From the very beginning, our mission has been simple: to treat every patient with kindness, honesty, and the gentle care we would want for our own loved ones.
Over the decades, we've had the joy of seeing generations of families grow, sharing in your milestones and building lasting relationships along the way. Whether you're coming in for a routine visit or seeking more involved care, you'll always be welcomed with a warm smile and treated like one of our own.
Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives for all these years. We look forward to continuing to serve you with the same heart and dedication for many more to come.
Meet The Doctors
Dr. Pratima Chandler
General Dentist & Practice Owner
Dr. Anita Chitnis
General Dentist
Born and raised in Mumbai, India, Dr. Chandler earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 2012. She spent the next three years honing her clinical skills in both government hospitals and private practices across Mumbai. Her passion for dentistry and drive for continued growth led her to the United States, where she pursued and completed a Master of Business Administration from Drexel University, Philadelphia, followed by a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Dedicated to lifelong learning and clinical excellence, Dr. Chandler has completed over 400 hours of continuing education and is currently working toward earning the prestigious Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD). She is deeply committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care and takes pride in fostering a supportive environment for both her patients and her team. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Chandler enjoys experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen and cherishes spending time with her four-year-old daughter and her loving husband.
Dr. Chitnis was raised in Fairfax, VA before earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia. She later went on to graduate with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University College of Dentistry. After dental school, Dr. Chitnis completed a one year general practice residency at North Shore University Hospital on Long Island, NY. She practiced in Philadelphia for two years but decided to move and settle back home in the Northern Virginia area. Outside the office, Dr. Chitnis enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and puppy. Her favorite activities include outdoor hikes, Peloton cycling classes, and Harry Potter movie marathons.
Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Office Manager
Diane Johnson
Diane has been in dentistry for over 25 years and brings a wealth of experience and compassion to Shepherd Dental. As our Office Manager, she loves educating patients about their dental care, helping them understand their insurance benefits, and guiding them toward making the best decisions for their oral health. One of Diane's favorite things about Shepherd Dental is the incredible team environment. She enjoys working alongside a supportive group that truly cares about one another and their patients, creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere every day. Outside the office, Diane loves traveling, attending Broadway shows and concerts, visiting museums, and learning about different cultures and foods. A fun fact about Diane: she was once a licensed detective! Her dedication, knowledge, and genuine care for patients make her an invaluable part of the Shepherd Dental family.
Treatment Coordinator
Luckey Umana
Luckey serves as our Treatment Coordinator and brings eight years of dental experience to Shepherd Dental. She is passionate about helping patients understand their treatment recommendations and navigate their insurance benefits with confidence. Luckey finds great fulfillment in seeing patients regain confidence in both their dental knowledge and their smiles. She loves being part of a team that genuinely cares about patients and one another, creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported. Outside of the office, Luckey enjoys spending time with her two daughters, going on spontaneous adventures, participating in sports activities, and working toward her college degree. Fun fact: Luckey has an impressive talent for understanding dental insurance benefits and can often decipher coverage details faster than most people can read them.
Lead Dental Hygienist
Rusti Beall
With more than 33 years in dentistry, including over 20 years as a Registered Dental Hygienist, Rusti brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our practice. She enjoys helping patients improve their oral health and finds great satisfaction in seeing the pride and confidence patients gain when their home care efforts pay off. Rusti appreciates the strong team culture at Shepherd Dental and believes that great patient care starts with a great team. Outside the office, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and an occasional trip to the horse track. Fun fact: After all these years, Rusti still loves watching sports and cheering on her favorite teams.
Dental Hygienist
Melissa Grapes
Melissa has been helping patients achieve healthier smiles for over 17 years. As a dental hygienist, she is passionate about patient education and believes that empowering patients with knowledge is one of the most important aspects of dental care. She especially enjoys seeing patients improve their oral health by putting healthy habits into practice. Melissa loves the collaborative atmosphere at Shepherd Dental and the positive energy that comes from working with a team that supports one another. Outside of work, she enjoys thrift shopping, hiking with her dog, and spending time outdoors. Fun fact: Before becoming a dental hygienist, Melissa worked as a hairstylist and even owned a dog treat business.
Lead Dental Assistant
Hunter Petrie
Hunter is our Lead Dental Assistant with nine years of experience in dentistry, including orthodontics, endodontics, and general dentistry. She is dedicated to creating a positive experience for every patient and enjoys helping patients on their journey toward healthier smiles. Hunter values the strong teamwork at Shepherd Dental and appreciates the supportive environment that allows everyone to learn and grow together. When she's not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and making memories in the Outer Banks. An avid reader, Hunter is always looking for her next great book.
