About

About Us

Getting to know our friendly doctors and staff

Your Hometown Family Practice

West Springfield Dental Arts was established over 50 years ago as a local family practice by the Winkler Family. Our tradition of personal care continues by serving dental needs for thousands of patients who have come to know and visit our practice through friends and family. As testimonial to the continuity and quality of care, we have over 500 legacy families who have sent generations to us year after year.

OUR DOCTORS

Highly Trained and Experienced

“Dr. Mark” grew up locally in West Springfield and graduated from West Springfield High School.

He“Dr. Mark” grew up locally in West Springfield and graduated from West Springfield High School.

He stayed in Virginia, attending the University of Virginia, where he earned his bachelors in Chemistry. He then attended Medical College of Virginia in Richmond for Dental School.

He worked in this office withhis father and brother, also dentists, beginning in 1990 after graduating dental school. His father retiredin 1992.

Outside the Office and In the Community: Dr Mark enjoys anything outdoors, including golf, fishing, hunting and hiking. His wife, Cheri, works as a dental hygienist locally. They have 2 grown daughters, Victoria and Sabrina.

Dr. Mark and Cheri enjoyweekend trips to their cabin in the Northern Neck as well as relaxing at local wineries.

Mark Winkler, DDS.

First Job: Working here at our current building cutting the grass and doing general maintenance.

Unusual job: In high school, Dr. Mark delivered prescriptions for a small, local pharmacy.

Cheri Winkler, Dr. Mark’s wife, was one of his instructors in dental school.Conflicting Loyalties: Nats vs. O’s.

Fun Facts

A Tennessee native, Dr. "Neil" Charaipotra moved to Northern Virginia in 1999 to join Dr. Mark and soon became co-owner of West Springfield Dental Arts. He attended the University of Tennessee receiving both his undergraduate degree in Biology and Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS).

Dr. Neil has completed numerous postgraduate dental courses and earned his fellowship with the American Dental Implant Association (ADIA). He holds membership with the American Association of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and is a standing member of the American Dental Association, Virginia Dental Association, and Northern Virginia Dental Society. Dr. Neil has been recognized by Northern Virginia magazine and Checkbooks magazine as a Top Dentist in Northern Virginia.

He is dedicated to the newest advancements in cosmetic and implant dentistry and keeps up to date with the latest cutting edge technology. His current practices include surgical dental implant placement, Invisalign orthodontic treatment, and laser soft tissue therapy. Other high tech treatment modalities include Trios digital scanning allowing for the most accuracy in digital impressions as well as CBCT 3D radiographic analysis.

He spends many hours each year volunteering his time and dental services to educate children at various schools on dental health and treat patients that are less fortunate. Dr. Neil has taken a mission trip to Dominican Republic delivering rehabilitative dentistry to underprivileged people. He works with Give Kids a Smile as well as provides pro bono dentistry to community citizens in need.

Dr. Neil’s interest in dentistry began in his teenage years through his numerous orthodontist appointments. His orthodontist persuaded him to explore the field of dentistry. This is why Dr. Neil feels strongly about providing guidance to today’s youth. He promotes the field of dentistry with prospective students through summer mentorships.

When Dr. Neil is not practicing his passion for dentistry, he spends most of his time with his lovely wife and 3 children. He is an avid sportsman and coaches his kids’ soccer and basketball teams. He loves to travel and explore different restaurants in D.C.

Neil Charaipotra, DDS.

*favorite color is orange because of his lifelong dedication to the University of Tennessee.

*he named his oldest child’s middle name Tenn….take a guess why.

*favorite vacation was a safari through South Africa where his guide gifted him a giraffe tooth.

*can name any 80’s song in 4 beats or less!

Fun Facts

Born and raised in Saint Petersburg, Florida, Dr. Melissa Smiley attended the Center for Advanced Technologies at Lakewood High School. She then graduated from Florida State University with a B.S. in Exercise Science. While volunteering at the Leon County Dental Clinic in Tallahassee, she decided to become a dentist. She served as a board member of the FSU Pre-Dental Society. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Before moving to Virginia, Dr. Smiley was practicing dentistry at a not-for-profit clinic in Tampa, Florida. While working with an underserved population, she also took on the role of training assistants in their clinical practice. She enjoys treating patients of all ages with restorative and cosmetic dentistry..

Outside the Office and In the Community: In her spare time, Dr. Smiley enjoys spending time with her friends, family and two dogs, Piper and Tres. She also enjoys going to the beach, reading, and working out at a neighborhood gym. She’s an avid runner, having run multiple half marathons and will run her first Army Ten Miler this Fall.

Melissa Smiley, DDS.

First job: Receptionist at Divine Doggy Daycare and Groomer

Family: One of ten siblings

Daily drink: Milk (and lots of it!)

Fun Facts

Dr. Yeliz Swayne was born and raised in Burke, Virginia, and attended Lake
Braddock High School. She is very excited to join West Springfield Dental
Arts, where she can practice and serve the community in which she grew up.
Dr. Swayne received her B.S. in Biology from the University of Virginia and
her M.S. in Physiology from Georgetown University. She earned her Doctor of
Dental Surgery degree at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Following dental school, Dr. Swayne completed a General Practice Residency
program at the Baltimore VA Medical Center, where she received additional
training in advanced dental procedures, including implant dentistry,
endodontics, oral surgery, and hospital dentistry. Since then, Dr. Swayne
has worked in private practice in Virginia.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Swayne enjoys spending time with her husband and
family, traveling, playing soccer, and exploring restaurants in DC. Dr.
Swayne is also an avid sports fan, and loves cheering on the DC and UVA
sports teams!

Yeliz Swayne, DDS.

Favorite Place to Visit: Cesme, Turkey

First job: Summer camp counselor at Kiddie Country in Burke

Pets: A parakeet named Milo

Favorite TV Shows: The Office and Parks and Recreation

Fun Facts

Originally from North Carolina, Dr. Roma Mislankar graduated from North
Carolina State University where she earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences.
Her love for both Art and Science is what drew her to the dental field. She
then went on to receive her D.M.D. from the University of Louisville in
Kentucky. While in dental school Dr. Roma spent her summer rotation
volunteering at the Northern Virginia Dental Clinic in Falls Church. She has
been eager to move back to DC ever since!

Dr. Roma has over 5 years of clinical experience. While highly qualified in
all areas associated with general dentistry, she has a particular interest
in cosmetic restorative dentistry, endodontics, and Invisalign! Dr. Roma is
passionate about delivering high quality dentistry through education,
prevention, and patient centered care. She looks forward to getting to know
you, providing the best care possible, and making your visit an enjoyable
experience.

When Dr. Roma is not practicing dentistry, she enjoys doing yoga, reading,
traveling and exploring her new home with her husband and high school
sweetheart, Kevin. She's all ears when it comes to trying out new places to
eat so please recommend your favorite restaurants!