Meet The Team

Dentist

Tontra Lowe D.D.S.

Dr. Tontra Lowe, owner of a premier dental practice in Gainesville, Virginia, is dedicated to providing exceptional care to the residents of Gainesville, Haymarket, and the surrounding areas.

Her path to dentistry began after she graduated with honors from Alabama A&M University and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. She later served proudly in the District of Columbia Army National Guard, where she retired after a distinguished career.

In 2005, Dr. Lowe earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Howard University College of Dentistry, followed by a general practice residency at East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine. Understanding that dental anxiety affects many patients, Dr. Lowe pursued advanced training in sedation dentistry to create a calm and stress-free experience for all her patients.

Her practice offers a comprehensive range of dental services, from smile makeovers and dental implants to secure, comfortable dentures, teeth whitening, and orthodontics. As a general dentist, her mission is summed up in her motto: “Change your smile…change your life!” This reflects her passion for helping patients achieve long-lasting, confident smiles.

Deeply involved in her community, Dr. Lowe serves on the board of a nonprofit organization and volunteers at the Fauquier County Free Dental Clinic in Warrenton, VA. She is also committed to educating young people about oral health, frequently giving presentations at schools with the help of her mascot, Marty the Molar.

Dr. Lowe has garnered numerous accolades. The Consumers Research Council of America has recognized her as one of America’s top dentists every year since 2011. Her practice, Awesome Smiles Dental Center, was named Best New Office in Haymarket and Gainesville in 2014, and it has consistently won the Readers’ Choice Award for Best Dental Office from 2014 through 2024.

Outside of her dental career, Dr. Lowe and her husband, Jay, enjoy time with their two sons: Dr. Malik Lowe, a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry, and Malcolm, who is currently studying at the University of Alabama (UA) School of Law. Dr. Lowe enjoys traveling and hosting gatherings with family and friends in her spare time.

Her professional affiliations include:

American Dental Association®
Virginia Dental Association
Old Dominion Dental Society
American Medical Billing Association
Prince William Chamber of Commerce

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Dentist

Emoke Basa, D.D.S, C.A.G.S.

Dr. Emoke Basa received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Hungary’s University of Debrecen School of Dentistry. After earning her degree, she completed an advanced education in general dentistry at Goldman School of Dental Medicine in Boston.

She remains at the forefront of her profession by completing several continuing education courses. Dr. Basa strongly believes in contributing and giving back to the community. She has participated in and volunteered for several missionary events, including the Mission of Mercy project held annually at Northern Virginia Community College. She also keeps her part-time position at Northern Virginia Community College, Medical Education Campus. Dr. Basa looks forward to your visit and the opportunity to share the Awesome Smiles experience with you, where everyone is treated like family.

Dentist

Karen Saavedra-Chavez, D.D.S.

Born and raised in Peru, Dr. Karen Saavedra-Chavez proudly continues her family’s legacy as a second-generation dentist, inspired by her father’s lifelong dedication to patient care.

She brings more than 13 years of experience in general and cosmetic dentistry to Awesome Smiles Dental Center in Gainesville, VA, where she is passionate about creating healthy, confident smiles for patients of all ages.

Dr. Saavedra-Chavez earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Inca Garcilaso de la Vega University in 2012. In 2017, she moved to the United States to pursue advanced training, completing a two-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. There, she refined her expertise in family dentistry, restorative treatments, cosmetic procedures, and comprehensive oral health care while treating patients from a wide variety of backgrounds.

At Awesome Smiles Dental Center, Dr. Saavedra-Chavez is known for her personalized and compassionate approach. She believes every patient deserves a comfortable, stress-free dental experience and takes time to understand everyone’s needs, concerns, and goals. Whether performing routine cleanings, cosmetic smile makeovers, or dental implant restorations, her mission is to help every patient achieve optimal oral health and confidence in their smile.

Outside the office, Dr. Saavedra-Chavez enjoys spending time with her family, working on creative DIY home projects, and baking — especially her signature sourdough bread. Her warm personality, clinical skill, and dedication to excellence make her an invaluable part of the Awesome Smiles Dental Center team in Gainesville, Virginia.

Lead Dental Assistant

Maria

Maria has been part of the Awesome Smiles team for over six years. She loves getting to know her patients and helping them feel comfortable, confident, and at ease during their dental visits. Maria especially enjoys helping patients overcome their fears of the dentist and feel better about themselves and their smiles.

Dental Assistant

Bridget

Bridget has been part of the Awesome Smiles team for over two years and enjoys helping others while growing her knowledge and experience in the dental field. She loves learning new things, trying new activities, and being part of a team that makes a difference in patients' lives.

Scheduling Coordinator

Ryan

Ryan enjoys being part of the Awesome Smiles team and loves the positive, welcoming atmosphere of the office and getting to know our amazing patients. He appreciates working alongside providers who are not only great dentists, but also wonderful teachers and motivators.

Office Manager

Dori

Dori has been part of the Awesome Smiles team for over six years and loves helping patients feel at home from the moment they walk through the door. She is proud to work alongside what she considers the best team in Gainesville and enjoys creating a warm, welcoming experience for every patient.

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OFFICE HOURS

Monday
11:00am - 5:00pm
Every Other Monday

Tuesday
10:00am - 7:00pm

Wednesday
7:00am - 4:00pm

Thursday
8:00am - 6:00pm

Friday
7:00am - 1:00pm

Saturday
8:00am - 2:00pm
One Saturday Per Month

Sunday
Closed

Awesome Smiles Dental Center

7500 Iron Bar Ln Unit 201
Gainesville, VA 20155

(571) 261-2600