Dr. Zinger
Ann Zinger, DDS
Dr. Zinger is a founder and CEO of RZ Dental Group which opened its doors in 1993. Dr. Zinger is very proud that RZ Dental is known for its high level of customer service and community involvement. Dr. Zinger is committed to providing high-quality, patient-focused care with the latest technology in a relaxed environment. Dr. Zinger will meet you with a genuine smile and give you her full attention. Dr. Zinger enjoys the constantly improving technology and will provide a wide range of treatment options. Dr. Ann Zinger is a longtime Columbia resident, graduating from Oakland Mills High School. She received her B.S. degree in biology from Towson State University, and then attended the University of Maryland Dental School where she received her D.D.S. degree. Dr. Zinger was Vice President of her graduating class as well as a member of the Prosthodontic Honor Society. She completed a postgraduate residency program in advanced general dentistry at the University of Maryland. Dr. Zinger was Chief Resident of this program.
Dr. Zinger lives in Western Howard County with her two beautiful daughters; Haylee and Riley, her husband, Billy, and their Weimaraners, Nixsea, and Jack. She enjoys the beach, being outside, watching her identical twins grow up, and spending time with all of her family.

 

Dr. Yap
Lani Yap-Encomienda, DDS
Dr. Lani Yap-Encomienda graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park as a College Park Scholar and Maryland Distinguished Scholar, majoring in neurobiology and physiology. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The University of Maryland School of Dentistry, where she completed clerkships in both Pediatrics and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and served on the Committee for Dental Recruitment and Admissions and the Clinical Advisory Board. Graduating in the top of her class, and in recognition of her academic achievement, Dr. Yap was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society, Gorgas Odontological Honorary Society, and Gamma Pi Delta Prosthodontic Honor Society. She earned several individual awards, including the Nathan David Gold Memorial Award for conscientious and enthusiastic dedication to clinical practice and the Irving I. Abramson Endodontics Award for outstanding skill and expertise in the diagnosis and technical aspects of endodontics.
After graduation, she completed a General Practice Residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital under the Department of Otolaryngology’s Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry – one of the nation’s most prestigious and selective general practice residency programs. During residency, Dr. Yap gained more extensive training in hospital-based dentistry, comprehensive treatment planning, and emergency oral care. As one of Hopkins’ three dental residents, she treated dental trauma cases, cardiac and transplant patients prior to surgery, and head and neck cancer patients preparing for radiation-oncology treatment. She was also exposed to pediatric dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery for medically compromised patients requiring general anesthesia in an operating room setting. Furthermore, she treated patients in the dental clinic, gaining additional experience with fixed and removable prosthodontics, rotary endodontics, dental implants, and outpatient oral surgery. Dr. Yap is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Maryland State Dental Association.
Prior to her dental calling, Dr. Yap was an academic advisor at the University of Maryland’s College of Computer, Mathematical, & Natural Sciences. She grew up in Ellicott City, attended Notre Dame Preparatory School in Towson, and trained in classical ballet for 18 years. She and her husband Steve have three young children and reside in Howard County.

 

Meet Our Team

The Team

 

Jen
Jen – Office Manager | Hygienist
Jen has been part of the practice since 2000. She values the team’s commitment to giving its best to patients and to one another every day. Jen contributes by actively listening to the needs of both patients and staff and by stepping in wherever she is needed throughout the day.

Jen graduated from the University of Maryland dental school in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her family. She has two daughters.

 

Shannon

Shannon – Insurance Coordinator
Shannon joined the practice in December 2020 and has worked in the dental field for 24 years. She appreciates the practice’s family-oriented environment, flexibility, involvement in the community, and long-term patient relationships.

Outside of work, Shannon enjoys spending time at the beach and being with her family. She has twin boys and a daughter.

 

Sheri

Sheri – Patient Coordinator
Sheri joined the practice in January 2022 and brings nearly 20 years of experience in the dental industry. She especially appreciates being part of a great team whose members genuinely care about both their patients and one another.

Sheri lives in Carroll County with her husband and enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren. In her free time, she also enjoys reading.

 

Diana

Diana – Patient Coordinator
Diana comes to us with a recruiting and sales background and has enjoyed the transition to working in our office with our amazing team. Diana lives in Sykesville with her husband Gordon, youngest daughter Bailey and doodle Sadie. She enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time with their blended family of six children and occasional house projects. Diana grew up in Wyoming and moved to Maryland over 30 years ago.

 

Stephanie

Stephanie – Dental Hygienist
Stephanie has been part of the practice since 2014 as a Registered Dental Hygienist. She values the high level of care and professionalism provided to patients and contributes through a patient-centered approach, gentle nature, and thoroughness.

A Maryland native, Stephanie resides in Mount Airy, Maryland, with her husband and family. She is also a proud owner of two rescue dogs. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and experiencing national parks.

 

Jody
Jody – Dental Hygienist
Jody joined the practice in January 2023. She values working with a cohesive team whose members support one another and share a focus on patients’ overall health. As a team member, she prioritizes patient health and success while contributing wherever she can.

Jody graduated from the University of Maryland dental school in 2012 and served as president of the student chapter of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. Originally from New Jersey, she returned to school to become a hygienist and remains active with the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, currently serving as vice president.

Outside of dentistry, Jody is an avid runner who also enjoys reading and is learning to play bass guitar. She is married to her husband, Chris, and is part of a large family that includes four children and six nieces and nephews.

 

Carly
Carly – Dental Hygienist
Carly joined the practice in 2024. She values the practice’s positive, friendly environment and its commitment to thorough, comprehensive care. In her role, Carly focuses on providing high-quality care while helping patients feel comfortable, educated, and confident about their oral health.

Carly attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore, where she earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Outside of the office, she enjoys baking and attending Baltimore sporting events. She also enjoys spending time with her husband, Mike, and their dog, Brodie.

 

Jill
Jill – Dental Hygienist
Jill joined the practice in July 2025. She appreciates being part of a high-quality team with strong integrity and brings that same commitment to her patient care. Jill strives to provide excellent care while treating each patient with the consideration and attention she would give a family member.

She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. Outside of work, Jill enjoys golfing, tennis, pickleball, hiking, reading, and traveling. She and her husband, Ben, have a blended family, and she is also a devoted dog mom to Frankie.

 

Destiny
Destiny – Dental Assistant
Destiny is a dental hygiene assistant and has been with RZ Dental Group since 2021. She is an aspiring dental hygienist looking to improve patients’ outlook on dentistry. Destiny loves working with people, playing ball with her dog Storm, and trying new restaurants with friends and family.

 

Tammy
Tammy – Dental Assistant
Tammy has been part of the practice since 1999, bringing decades of dedication to her role. What she appreciates most about the practice is the close-knit team, whose members feel like family to her. Tammy contributes by doing her best to keep the office running smoothly and support the practice’s continued success.

Outside the office, Tammy enjoys staying active and hiking two miles as often as she can. She is also a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Tammy and her husband, Dale, have four children and one granddaughter.

 

Erica
Erica – Dental Assistant
Erica has been a Dental Assistant for 4 years and became a valuable member of the RZ Dental Group in 2019. She finds joy in spending quality time with her family and friends. Outside of work, Erica embraces her love for the golf course, enjoys cooking with her boyfriend, and cherishes moments at the beach.Erica is passionate about her job, the patients, and the strong bond with the staff at RZ Dental. Her dedication and enthusiasm contribute positively to the team.

 

Jen
Riley – Dental Assistant
Riley joined the practice in 2022 and especially enjoys the opportunity to learn new things. She is completing her undergraduate education at Loyola University Maryland, with graduation planned for December 2026, and plans to apply to dental school during the 2026–2027 application cycle.

Outside the office, Riley enjoys weightlifting, fishing, and spending time with her family. Her mother is Dr. Ann Zinger, and she also enjoys time with her dad and her twin sister, Haylee.

 

Isamar
Isamar – Dental Assistant
Isamar joined the practice in May 2026. A Certified Dental Assistant who attended Howard Community College, she appreciates the teamwork within the practice and the team’s commitment to going above and beyond for patients while maintaining strict, hospital-grade cleanliness standards. She contributes by being a dependable team player who is always ready to help.

Outside of work, Isamar loves spending time with her two-year-old son and the supportive “village” she can depend on when needed. She also enjoys family time, self-care appointments, learning new things, and staying active.

 

Teri
Teri – Dental Assistant
Teri Chambers joined the practice in May 2026 as a dental assistant, bringing experience and a positive attitude to the team. She especially values working with people who do more than simply care for teeth—they care for the whole person and treat patients like family. Teri contributes her professional experience along with her practical, hands-on skills.

Her background includes certification as a dental assistant and lab technician, as well as additional dental assisting training noted in her questionnaire. Outside of work, Teri enjoys gardening, music, and martial arts. Her husband is a musician, and they share their home with two rescue dogs.