At Howard County Smiles in Columbia, we truly care about our patients, and offer a warm, friendly environment, providing advanced dentistry for the entire family. Our staff consider themselves a partner in their patients’ overall health care, understanding and emphasizing the connection between dental health and overall well-being.
Dr. Ray Becker, Dr. Breanna Becker, and their staff are passionate about delivering the highest possible standard of care, dedicating hours every year to continuing education and training in order to provide the latest treatment options.
We spare no expense in time, technology, or efforts to deliver a high standard of care to our patients. All of the education in the world cannot surpass the importance of applying it in a compassionate environment that focuses on the patients’ individual needs.
Colleen, Operations Manager
Colleen has been with Howard County Smiles since 1993. She began her career as a registered nurse after receiving her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from UMBC. She obtained her ACLS and worked in the ICU at John Hopkins before taking some time off to be with her then 3 young children. Dr. Becker gradually coaxed her into the office to help out, eventually becoming the Office Manager. As the office grew, her role became more integral to the day to day operations and management. She loves helping patients navigate getting the care and treatment they deserve and assisting with the complicated world of dental insurance. When she does have free time, she enjoys cycling, yoga, hiking, reading and spending time with her family and 2 spoiled dogs, preferably at the beach!
Terry, Patient Coordinator
Terry went into the dental field shortly after high school. Her friends mother guided her into dental assisting and she never looked back! Over the years, she has worked in orthodontics and general dentistry, as a dental assistant and front desk. She has her Expanded Functions in Ortho. Terry enjoys interacting and helping our patients have a pleasant experience. When not working, Terry enjoys skiing, cycling, knitting and crocheting and spending time with her family and Grandchildren.
Michelle, Patient Coordinator
Michelle got into the dental field by accident! She always enjoys helping people no matter where it is. She started in the dental field as a dental assistant with on the job training, then went to Fayetteville Tech and Medix Institute for her CDA and X-Ray Certification. Michelle enjoys spending time with family and friends. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, cooking and relaxing. She strives to learn new things in dentistry and loves meeting and helping people!
Kiara, Patient Coordinator
Kiara started working in the dental field as a Dental assistant in 2017 and hasn’t looked back since. She found a love for both the clinical side of helping others achieve their optimal smile goal, as well as the administrative side of working with our wonderful patients.
When Kiara is not in the office, she loves spending quality time with family and friends. She is also a proud bookworm! When she’s not lost in a book she loves to sing karaoke and loves to travel!
It is great to be a part of this unique office and to work with such talented and caring people.
Ann, Hygienist
Ann has an extensive background in dentistry having worked as a dental assistant before going on to become a dental hygienist. Ann is a gradate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry with a Bachelors of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. Her undergrad was obtained at York College in Public Relations. She lives in Baltimore with her husband and very spoiled dog. When she isn’t helping people improve their oral health, she enjoyed traveling, cooking and playing football! Ann knew she had found the perfect office for her when she saw how Howard County Smiles takes care if their patients. Ann’s patients love her cheerful, upbeat nature and the way she cares for them and their oral health care.
Becca, Hygienist
Becca began her dental career following a friends suggestion. She began at the front desk as a patient coordinator and then became a dental assistant. She loved the field so much, she decided to go into dental hygiene. She spent 3 years at Marshall University and then took the Registered Hygiene program at CCBC graduating as a Dental Hygienist.
Becca loves educating her patient about their overall oral health and assisting them in achieving their dental goals. Becca loves reading, hiking, camping, working out and binge watching her favorite TV shows!
Jacinda, Lead Dental Assistant
Jacinda was born and raised in Maryland. She always knew she wanted to dedicate her life to caring for people. Jacinda attended Howard Community College with a focus towards nursing. She worked 17 years in assisted living care and a year in child daycare before joining the Howard County Smiles team! Jacinda came to HCS without prior dental experience, trained with Dr. Becker, obtained her X-Ray certification and is now the assistant team lead! Jacinda is married to her wonderful husband and together are proud parents two adopted fur babies. In her free time, she loves spending time outdoors hiking, kayaking or running 5K’s. She also enjoys being creative through baking/decoration cakes and crocheting.
Marisa, Dental Assistant
Marisa went into the dental field due to her love of helping others and beautiful smiles. In addition to being a great dental assistant, Marisa is also our lead lab tech. She is originally from Japan and Thailand and speaks 3 languages! Marisa earned her Bachelors degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice and Communications. She also has a Masters in Sports and Exercise Science and played Division One golf for the University of Northern Colorado while getting her degree! Marisa enjoys spending time with her husband, doing Cross Fit, traveling and golf, of course! She is excited to assist you with all your dental needs!
Flora, Dental Assistant
Flora loves that dentistry gives her the opportunity to learn something new every day while still fortifying her skills. A passion for science, healthcare and leaving positive impact on peoples lives is what brought Flora into the dental field. She always has an open mind and eager approach to each
day. Flora has her Bachelors Degree in Biology, as well as a certificate in Russian! She came to Howard County Smiles with dental assisting experience and eager to learn more. Outside of work, Flora plays a lot of sudoku, builds Lego cars, watches basketball and spends time with her loved ones.
Rebecca, Dental Assistant
Rebecca grew up in Catonsville, MD and entered the dental field a few years ago. She began working as a sterilization tech and then transitioned into Dental Assisting. Getting to know so many new people has been so much fun for her and what she enjoys the most about being in dentistry. Rebecca is currently getting her X-Ray Certification and is in school working towards a career in dental hygiene! She has 2 sisters and 2 crazy dogs and loves anything involving Taylor Swift!