From GW Chemistry Major to General Dentist in a Local Neighborhood Practice

Rachel M. Taylor, BS '18, GW Department of Chemistry Talks About How Her GW Degree in Chemistry Gave Her What She Needed to Achieve Her Goal...

Dr. Rachel M. Taylor grew up in Northern Virginia and chose to attend The George Washington University for undergraduate studies, where she earned her Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Chemistry in 2018. The GWU Chemistry curriculum prepared Dr. Taylor very well by equipping her with necessary problem-solving and critical-thinking skills for her future endeavors. Upon graduation, she spent five years in Pennsylvania for dental training. Dr. Taylor received a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 2022 and then moved to Lebanon, PA where she spent one year completing a General Practice Residency at the Lebanon VA Medical Center (VAMC). This hospital-based residency program at a Veterans Affairs hospital gave Dr. Taylor experience managing and treating geriatric and medically compromised, dentally complicated patients with comorbidities. General dentistry procedures at the VAMC included crowns & bridges, removable partial & complete dentures, restorations, and simple to complex diagnosis and treatment planning. Furthermore, Dr. Taylor gained significant specialty experience including routine & surgical extractions, bone grafting & alveoloplasty, root canals, periodontal soft tissue & osseous surgeries, and placement of over 70 implants.

During dental school, Dr. Taylor mentored undergraduate women interested in a career in dentistry and tutored other students at Pitt Dental and young students in a Boys & Girls Club after-school program. She also provided free dental care through organizations in Pittsburgh including Mission of Mercy and Catholic Charities. Currently, Dr. Taylor is a member of the American Dental Association, Virginia Dental Association, Northern Virginia Dental Society, and the DC Dental Society as a Metropolitan Member. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Taylor enjoys coffee shops, country music, watching the Capitals, beach days, and spending time with her friends, family, and mini goldendoodle, Cappuccino.

Dr. Taylor is happy to be back in the DMV and works full-time at MT Dental Partners in DC, which is a very short walking distance from the GWU campus. She looks forward to welcoming new patients, meeting you, your friends, and family, and helping achieve your dental goals! Additionally, she hopes to see fellow GWU faces at MT Dental Partners!

“As a child, I always loved going to the dentist. Initially I was apprehensive, but my childhood dentist, Dr. Edward Nelson, put me at ease with his patient and calm, yet confident demeanor. I visited the dentist often because I had a stubborn crossbite which required years of dental work including an expander and extractions followed by braces. Every experience I had was positive – I was rewarded with a prize after every visit and I always looked forward to going back. I know a lot of people dislike going to the dentist and that is exactly what I hope to change – I want to bring my patients the same positive experiences that I’ve always had so they too, will feel comfortable and hopefully enjoy going to the dentist.” – Dr. Taylor