Meet the Doctors

All of the doctors at Children’s Dentistry of Charlottesville are passionate about the dental health of children and have dedicated themselves to the quality care of their patients as well as caring about the entire family. Get to know our doctors:

 

As the founding president of Children’s Dentistry of Charlottesville, Dr. Carney started treating patients in Charlottesville November 2004. She completed her bachelor’s degree (BA) at the University of Tennessee, her doctor of dental surgery (DDS), master of science (MS) and certificate of pediatric dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College of Virginia. In April 2007, Dr. Carney received distinction as Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Board certification is a rigourous, voluntary testing process to demonstrate highest professional knowledge. In addition to her responsibilities at Children’s Dentistry of Charlottesville, Dr. Carney continues to teach at Virginia Commonwealth University as Clinical Associate Professor, School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Rebellato arrived in Charlottesville August 2005 and founded Pantops Orthodontics, a dental practice specializing in braces and sharing location with Children’s Dentistry of Charlottesville. Pantops Orthodontics serves the patients of Children’s Dentistry of Charlottesville as well as other patients of the community. He graduated in 1989 at the top of his dental school class at McGill University, Montreal, Canada and then completed his orthodontic residency training in 1993 at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Rebellato has been an orthodontic instructor at Virginia Commonwealth University (1993-1997) and Mayo Graduate School of Medicine (1997-2005). Dr. Rebellato is a board certified orthodontist and has received numerous awards, lectured nationally and internationally, and published numerous book chapters and scientific articles. Dr. Rebellato continues to lecture to dental societies, University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College of Virginia.

Dr. Lovell grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia and received her bachelor’s degree (BS) from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. She then obtained her doctor of dental surgery (DDS) from Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University. She joined Children’s Dentistry of Charlottesville July 2006 after relocating from Richmond. She is currently serving a two year term as the Coordinator for Public Health representing the Shenandoah Valley for the Virginia Dental Association. As a part of her duties, she is responsible in this region for “Give Kids a Smile,” a national day of recognition held each February to highlight the dental needs of children during National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Dr. Pikula joined us August 2007 from Los Angeles, where she recently completed her residency program in general practice dentistry. This specialized program provides comprehensive training to dentists in the care of medically compromised patients, dental emergency treatments, pediatric dental care as well as expanding dental knowledge in a constantly changing field. She completed her doctor of dental surgery (DDS) in May 2006 at University of Detroit, Mercy School of Dentistry. Her master degree (MS) in neurophysiology/pharmacology and bachelor degree (BS) in developmental biology were completed at California State University. Dr. Pikula also spent two years as a research associate at the Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California before pursuing her career in dentistry.

Dr. Nelson also joined August 2007 after completing her certificate of pediatric dentistry and master of science in dentistry (MSD) at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College of Virginia. Her prior educational experience includes a bachelor's degree (BS) in Biology and French from Denison University while studying as a recipient of the Heritage Scholarship. Dr. Nelson originally comes from Pennsylvania and most recently lived in Lexington, Kentucky and Richmond, Virginia. She has completed the first portion of the board certification process by passing a written national examination. She will become board certified in pediatric dentistry upon the completion of her oral examination, which is pending.

Dr. Kevin Clifford joined Children's Dentistry of Charlottesville in 2009 after completing his specialty residency in pediatric dentistry.  He grew up in Richmond, Virginia and received his bachelor of science (BS) from Virginia Commonwealth University.  Dr. Clifford also obtained his doctorate of dental surgery from the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University.  In 2009, Dr. Clifford was awarded his Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry.  He has completed the first portion of the pediatric board certification process and plans to become board certified upon completion of the final examination this year.  Dr. Clifford is a member of the American Dental Association, Virginia Dental Association, Shenandoah Valley Dental Association, Charlottesville Dental Society and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. John Will comes from Tennessee and attended Southern Adventist University prior to dental school.  He completed three years of undergraduate education prior to receiving early acceptance to Loma Linda University Dental School.  His doctorate of dental surgery (DDS) was awarded in 2008 and Dr. Will was recognized as an outstanding student at Loma Linda University by achieving the Anderson Award.  Dr. Will extended his stay at Loma Linda University by enrolling in the dental anesthesiology residency program.  During his two years of training, he received extensive education in pharmacology, physiology, internal medicine, general anesthesia and conscious sedation.  Dr. Will has had research published in the July 2010 issue of Dental Clinics of North America.

Dr. Eric Lovell grew up in Martinsville, Virginia and aspired to become a dentist while undergoing orthodontic treatment.  He began his journey into the field of dentistry by attending the University of Virginia, where he received his bachelor of science (BS) degree.  Upon graduation he proceeded to the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University to obtain his doctorate of dental surgery (DDS).  Dr. Lovell is a member of the American Dental Association, Virginia Dental Association, Shenandoah Valley Dental Association, Charlottesville Dental Society and the Virginia Academy of General Dentistry.  Dr. Lovell provides general dentistry services to the patients at the practice that have their adult teeth.