Dr. Aryas Safaie
Dr. Aryas Safaie was born in Manhattan and raised just outside New York City in Westchester County. He completed his undergraduate education at Binghamton University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Neuroscience. Dr. Safaie then attended Columbia University’s College of Dental Medicine, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
Committed to mentorship and student leadership, Dr. Safaie served as President of Student Government and as head coordinator of the student admissions committee during his time at Columbia. Prior to graduation, he received the Columbia Alumni Association’s Campbell Award, which recognizes one student from each school for exceptional leadership and commitment to the Columbia community. Through clinical volunteering and research focused on disparities in orthodontic care, Dr. Safaie developed a strong commitment to improving access to treatment and pursuing a career in orthodontics. He is honored to pursue his specialty training at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
In his free time, Dr. Safaie enjoys playing guitar, working out, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. He is also a bit of a foodie and loves hunting for new restaurants or unique cuisines. He is so excited to explore his new home in D.C and to join an outstanding team of residents and faculty at MedStar!
Dr. Bin Chen
Dr. Bin Chen was born in Fuzhou, China and moved to the United States at the age of 6. He lived in Georgia until the age of 13 and moved to New York and has lived there ever since. He received his degree in Biology from The University at Buffalo. He obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery Degree from Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. Then he went on to complete a general dentistry residency at NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. His passion for orthodontics developed in high school when he saw the profound impact that the field could have on others and on himself. Dr. Chen is excited to continue his education at Medstar Washington Hospital Orthodontic Residency Program and is honored to be part of the team.
Outside of dentistry, he loves to boulder, try new foods (especially sushi), cook, play board games, hang out with friends, play badminton, travel and explorer new places.
Dr. Elsy Nouna
Dr. Elsy Nouna was born and raised in Damascus, Syria, and moved to Michigan at the age of thirteen. She went on to complete all of her higher education at the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience; a Master of Management; and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). While in dental school, Dr. Nouna fell in love with orthodontics and took elective courses to deepen her understanding of the specialty. In her fourth year, she was awarded the Edward Cheney Award in Predoctoral Orthodontics, which recognized her outstanding dedication to orthodontic learning.
Dr. Nouna loves learning and teaching -- both have been a central part of her journey. She worked as a graduate instructor for undergraduate biochemistry courses and conducted research on language access in dental care. These experiences helped shape her patient-centered approach and ongoing commitment to education. Dr. Nouna was thrilled to match at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and is looking forward to joining a team of incredible residents and faculty members.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Nouna enjoys traveling, rock climbing, drawing, exploring parks and restaurants, and learning how to play the piano. Dr. Nouna loves spending time with loved ones and she is looking forward to hosting her friends and showing them around her new home in the DC area!
Dr. Sharon Laughter
Dr. Sharon Laughter received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Colorado with the U.S. Air Force Health Professions Scholarship. She went on to complete a General Dentistry residency at Mike O’Callahan Hospital prior to serving 10 years in the U. S. Air Force. Her dedication to learning led her to earn a fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry and obtain her Masters in Public Health from the Uniformed Services University and her Masters in International Relations from Northeastern University. During her military service, she was selected as the dental representative for U.S. Air Force global health missions in Eastern Europe and Africa. This role helped her appreciate the deep impact of oral health and the wide applications of orthodontics. Dr. Laughter’s combined career of global health and dentistry enlightened her to the vast benefits of orthodontics, and she is honored to join the team at MedStar Washington Hospital Center as an orthodontic resident.
Dr. Laughter, her husband, and three dogs love to hike and spend time outside. In her free time, she loves to plan trips, workout, and watch scary movies.
Dr. Héctor Hernández Villalvazo
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Dr. Hector Hernandez was born in Monterrey, Mexico where he studied Dentistry at Montemorelos University. He was class president, delegate of national student associations and part of numerous dental mission trips around the world.
Shortly after graduating he moved to southern California and obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Loma Linda University. He practiced general dentistry for three years in Central California helping the farming community at an
underserved area.
Dr. Hernandez is a proud fellow of the International College of Dentist and Academy of Dentistry International, both honor societies for dentists. From a very young age he found in orthodontics his true passion by watching his father at his office and is now thrilled to be part of the NOI team. In his free time, Dr. Hernandez love spending time with his wife and son, exploring the city or going out to the nature for a hike. He also enjoys going to the gym, play and watch soccer, improving his skills as a grill master and his never-ending search
for the best tacos.
Dr. Sherlly Dolmuz
Dr. Sherlly Dolmuz was born and raised in Maryland, with proud Nicaraguan heritage. She attended the University of Maryland College Park, where she completed the honors program in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Dr.Dolmuz then moved to New York City to obtain her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, where she was awarded the Abraham and Martha Barnett Scholarship. During her time at Columbia, she was an active member of the Hispanic Dental Association and received a BOLD (Building Our Leaders in Dentistry) Grant, which allowed her to connect Columbia students with the Washington Heights community through a series of health fairs and oral hygiene educational events. Dr. Dolmuz is excited to continue her adventure at the MedStar Washington Hospital Center Orthodontic Residency Program, and she can’t wait to dive into all the amazing experiences D.C. has in store!
In her free time, Dr. Dolmuz enjoys working out, hiking, painting, playing tennis, and exploring new places to eat. She also loves to travel and is always planning her next adventure! Her Nicaraguan roots play an important role in her life, and she enjoys sharing her cultural heritage through food, traditions, and community involvement.