OUR PRACTICE

You deserve a dental team that helps you feel good while protecting your oral health. At Nathanson Dental, we are committed to creating a relaxing environment where you feel comfortable and welcome. From the moment you walk into our dental office in Hunt Valley, you discover a friendly team that takes every opportunity to help you have a positive experience.


We combine spa-inspired services with your scheduled treatments to turn every visit into a relaxing getaway. Our doctors believes that protecting your smile includes protecting your peace of mind. You can trust that we will treat you with respect and provide the quality dental care you need in the peaceful environment you deserve. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Hunt Valley.

Meet Our Doctors


Dr. Joel I. Nathanson

DMD, MAGD, D.ABDSM

Dr. Joel I. Nathanson, DMD, MAGD, graduated from Columbia University and earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. After his service in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, he began practicing comprehensive dental care in Baltimore in 1985. Dr. Nathanson is committed to offering top-notch dental care and has continuously pursued advanced techniques and technologies.


He's a pioneer in Maryland, receiving specialized training at the Lee Institute for Bioesthetic Dentistry and introducing WaterLase® "No Shot, No Drill" dental care. In 2007, he achieved the prestigious Mastership Award from the Academy of General Dentistry, an honor achieved by fewer than two percent of dentists worldwide. Dr. Nathanson remains dedicated to continuing education, having completed over 1,500 hours of additional training.


Dr. Nathanson is involved in various dental organizations and holds Diplomate status in the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Beyond dentistry, he's passionate about music and theater, having performed at notable venues and even winning on "Jeopardy!" He resides in Baltimore County with his wife and enjoys time with their children and grandchildren.

Dr Nathanson Headshot | Best Dentist for fillings, dentures and TMD | Hunt Valley MD
A man in a white lab coat and tie is smiling for the camera.

Dr. Joel I. Nathanson

DMD, MAGD, D.ABDSM

Dr. Joel I. Nathanson, DMD, MAGD, graduated from Columbia University and earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. After his service in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, he began practicing comprehensive dental care in Baltimore in 1985. Dr. Nathanson is committed to offering top-notch dental care and has continuously pursued advanced techniques and technologies.


He's a pioneer in Maryland, receiving specialized training at the Lee Institute for Bioesthetic Dentistry and introducing WaterLase® "No Shot, No Drill" dental care. In 2007, he achieved the prestigious Mastership Award from the Academy of General Dentistry, an honor achieved by fewer than two percent of dentists worldwide. Dr. Nathanson remains dedicated to continuing education, having completed over 1,500 hours of additional training.


Dr. Nathanson is involved in various dental organizations and holds Diplomate status in the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Beyond dentistry, he's passionate about music and theater, having performed at notable venues and even winning on "Jeopardy!" He resides in Baltimore County with his wife and enjoys time with their children and grandchildren.

Dr Vail | Best family dentist headshot | Hunt Valley same day dentist in MD

Dr. Shannon Vail

DDS, MS

Dr. Shannon (Burke) Vail is a Baltimore native, born and bred in Timonium where she spent most of her time either on the sports field or in the classroom. She received her B.A. degree from the University of Notre Dame in 2009, where she culminated her collegiate lacrosse career as Team Captain and a Division I First Team All-American. She furthered her studies at Drexel University where she received her M.S. degree in Health Sciences in 2013 and was then awarded a scholarship from the United States Navy to attend the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, from which she received her D.D.S. degree in 2018.


Upon graduation, Dr. Vail completed her residency year at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and continued her service in Norfolk, VA. During this time, Dr. Vail was able to further develop and refine her skills and capabilities while providing extensive dental care to a pool of over 30,000 patients. During her final year of military service, Dr. Vail served as the solo dentist on one of the Navy’s large amphibious ships, providing quality comprehensive care to over 1,200 sailors.


Dr. Vail met her husband, RT, while at the University in Maryland and the couple married in the fall of 2017. After relocating and reviving Dr. Vail’s childhood home in Timonium in the summer of 2023, they now live there with their daughters Burke and Emery and their son Callan (“CJ”). The busy family of five enjoys spending their time playing outside, going for walks around the neighborhood and attending local events and classes on the weekends.

Meet Our Team


Sabrina

Office Manager

I’m happiest when we’re able to help patients achieve a smile they love: one that’s healthy and filled with confidence. Dr. Nathanson and our team are the most supportive, wonderful people, and we are all devoted to helping patients change their lives! I work closely with Dr. Nathanson and patients to achieve great oral health, by assisting in various procedures. I also work in our in-house lab, to create custom appliances for our orthodontic patients. I enjoy working with my hands and with people.


My life is spent with my husband, who I met in high school, and our two sons. We also have a miniature Dachshund, Peanut Chew. I love cooking for friends and family and enjoy music and concerts.

Sabrina photo | Family dental staff in hunt valley md
Shay Headshot | Dental Staff | Hunt Valley MD | Get veneers, occlusal adjustments, and gum disease therapy

Renee

Scheduling Coordinator

Bio Coming Soon!

Joanie

Dental Assistant

I’ve always enjoyed helping people. Being a Dental Assistant for 40 years has been a great way to do that. I love helping patients achieve the dental health and smile they have always wanted. My time outside the office is spent with my husband, our puppy Holly, family and friends. I enjoy cooking, time at Deep Creek Lake and serving the community and my church.

Joanie | Best dental spa staff in Hunt Valley MD | Tooth Extractions, veneers, replace fillings, Botox
Jenna | Family Dental Staff | Treat Sleep Apnea and Same Day Emergencies | Hunt Valley MD

Danielle

Dental Assistant

It is my pleasure to be a part of the wonderful team here at Nathanson Dental. As an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant with 10 years of experience, I get great joy from being able to assist patients in achieving their dental goals. I love meeting new people and learning new things. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and trying new restaurants with my 13 year old daughter, Jada.

What Sets Us Apart

woman smiling at dentist | What sets our dental spa apart | Best family dentist in Hunt Valley MD

Comfortable Dental Care, With a Personal Touch

At Nathanson Dental, we take time to learn what you want and need in a dental experience. It’s essential that we understand your desires so we can help you achieve the healthy, radiant smile you deserve!


Dr. Joel Nathanson and our team provide patient-centered care, where the focus is always on you. We’ll work with you to find the approach that works for your clinical and personal situation. We want you to be an enthusiastic participant in your oral healthcare and to love every visit with us.

Comfort-Oriented Dentistry

Today’s advanced technology enables us to provide virtually painless dental care. Even people with severe dental anxiety soon learn there’s nothing to worry about when they come to visit us!


Whenever possible, we use the Waterlase MD®, a leading-edge technology that works without heat, vibration, or drilling. Laser dentistry reduces bleeding, post-op swelling, and pain.

We’re proud to offer a comprehensive Comfort Menu for your pleasure and enjoyment; let us know what you’d like and we’ll make it happen. You may choose to enjoy:

  • Neck and lumbar pillows for gentle support
  •  Warm blankets and throws
  •  Aromatherapy with essential oils
  •  Ceiling-mounted, personal TVs with Netflix
  •  Earbud jacks on each chair for private listening
  •  Dark glasses and comfort clicker
  •  Lip balm and hand lotion
  •  Warm, refreshing lemon- or lavender-scented towels
  •  Complimentary assortment of hot and cold beverages, as well as freshly baked cookies
Man smiling at dentist | Comfort care menu at our dental spa in Hunt Valley MD
A man is smiling while looking at his teeth in a mirror.

Comfort-Oriented Dentistry

Today’s advanced technology enables us to provide virtually painless dental care. Even people with severe dental anxiety soon learn there’s nothing to worry about when they come to visit us!


Whenever possible, we use the Waterlase MD®, a leading-edge technology that works without heat, vibration, or drilling. Laser dentistry reduces bleeding, post-op swelling, and pain.

We’re proud to offer a comprehensive Comfort Menu for your pleasure and enjoyment; let us know what you’d like and we’ll make it happen. You may choose to enjoy:

  • Massage pads, with optional heat, for your chair 
  •  Neck and lumbar pillows for gentle support
  •  Warm blankets and throws
  •  Aromatherapy with essential oils
  •  Ceiling-mounted, personal TVs with Netflix
  •  Earbud jacks on each chair for private listening
  •  Dark glasses and comfort clicker
  •  Lip balm and hand lotion
  •  Warm, refreshing lemon- or lavender-scented towels
  •  Complimentary assortment of hot and cold beverages, as well as freshly baked cookies
Man smiling at dentist | patient centric care at best family dental spa in Hunt Valley MD

Patient-Focused Care

Nathanson Dental is founded on the philosophy that your well-being is the center of our mission. We offer advanced care with the essential human touch: We’re respectful of your individual situation and unique concerns and will always care for you with compassion and empathy.


Dr. Nathanson and our team stay at the forefront of developments in clinical and customer care. We’re avid proponents of continuing education, to ensure we’re providing you with the best treatment and most positive, stress-free environment.

Nathanson Dental’s Core Values

Patient Centric

Surprising and delighting, exceeding expectations, giving patients the best dental experience possible.

Supportive

Encouraging and supportive of our patients and each other.



Positive

Joyful, looking to the bright side, optimistic, looking to make things better, solution oriented.

Honest And Ethical

Doing the right thing for patients and each other, looking for the ‘win-win’.

Innovative

Challenging the status quo, being better by being different, resourceful.

Giving

Giving to each other, to patients, and to the community.

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