Exceptional
Dentistry, Personalized Care

Brian E. Laurence is full professor at Howard University College of Dentistry. Dr Laurence earned his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University in 1990 and his dental degree from Howard University in 1994, graduating as class valedictorian. He then went on to complete a general practice residency (GPR) at the Medical Center of Delaware in 1995. From 1998 to 2003 Dr. Laurence was a National Institute of Health (NIH) Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) fellow in oral epidemiology at New York University and in 2008 Dr. Laurence obtained his doctorate degree in epidemiology from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. From 2011 to 2018, Dr. Laurence served as a grant reviewer for various NIH study sections including at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and at the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). As a researcher, his contributions to science include extensive publications including but not limited to studies investigating the association between sickle cell disease and oral health, depression and systemic health and oral health outcomes in adolescent populations. In addition, he has received over $2 million dollars in research funding to date. As a clinician, in addition to the extensive training in comprehensive patient care he has received over the last 30 years, he has been the recipient of extensive training in implant restoration procedures and in techniques for the surgical removal of teeth using atraumatic approaches. Dr. Laurence is consistently on the lecture circuit, most recently speaking at the National Dental Association convention in Richmond, Virginia in July 2026 and is planning to present at the Greater New York Dental Meeting in November 2026.

Sefa S. Laurence holds a Bachelor’s of English from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, an Associate’s of Applied Science from New York University where she graduated Cum Laude and a Master’s of Science in Dental Hygiene from Old Dominion University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. For the past 21 years, she has worked as a dental hygienist and for over 10 years worked as an assistant Professor at Howard University and Northern Virginia Community College. She has a special focus on intraoral digital radiology, local anesthesia and intraoral scanning, and is passionate about prioritizing optimal oral healthcare for every patient she treats. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, four sons, family, and friends and cooking.

As the Front Desk Coordinator/Receptionist, my daily responsibilities include welcoming and assisting patients, checking them in and out, answering and returning phone calls, scheduling appointments based on patients' needs, verifying insurance coverage, collecting and distributing mail, and organizing and filing reports and insurance claims. I also ensure the front office operates efficiently by providing excellent customer service and supporting both patients and the clinical team.

As a dental assistant some of my duties are preparing the exam rooms, greeting and seating patients, assisting chairside during procedures, sterilizing instruments and managing dental office inventory.