Dr. Roschella

Karen Roschella, DDS
Dr. Roschella is a founder and CEO of RZ Dental Group which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2023. Dr. Roschella has a patient-centric philosophy that focuses on providing excellent dental care as well as outstanding customer service. Dr. Roschella enjoys getting to know all of her patients and treats everyone like family. She loves creating beautiful smiles. Dr. Karen Roschella grew up in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, graduating from Greater Latrobe High School. She graduated with honors from West Liberty State College with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. Dr. Roschella received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland School where she was a member of the Gorgas Odontological Honor Society and the Prosthodontic Honor Society. She then completed an advanced general dentistry residency at the University of Maryland.

Dr. Roschella lives in Howard County with her husband John. She has two adult sons, Joseph and Nicolas. She enjoys traveling, yoga and pickleball and is an avid Pittsburg Steelers fan.

 

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. Brown
Ashley Brown, DDS
Dr. Ashley Brown graduated with a degree in Biology from McDaniel College in 2006. She then obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the esteemed Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. While at Meharry, Dr. Brown excelled, receiving many awards and honors. She graduated in the top 5% of her class and was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society.Dr. Brown is a well-known and highly regarded dentist among her colleagues and patients. She is respected by all, not only for her professional achievements but her clinical skills and volunteerism in dentistry. She has worked extensively with children as well as adults in preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry in various communities throughout Maryland. She has excelled at private practice and stays current with the latest technology and advances in dentistry. Dr. Brown continues to broaden her scope of practice in dentistry. She received her fellowship with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. She now serves as Faculty at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry’s Implant Continuum Program.

 

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

 

Linda

Linda – Team Leader
Linda has worked at RZ Dental Group since 2006 as a Registered Dental Hygienist. In 2014 she became the Team Leader and supervises the day to day operations of the office.

Linda lives in Woodbine with her husband. She enjoys spending time with her three adult children, their spouses and her three grandchildren, Luke, Julianna and Landon.

 

Shannon

Shannon – Insurance Coordinator
Shannon has been in the dental industry for 20 years as a patient coordinator, insurance coordinator, and office manager. She joined RZ Dental Group in 2020. Shannon enjoys spending time at the beach and being with her twin boys and daughter.

 

Sheri

Sheri – Patient Coordinator
Sheri joined the RZ Dental Team in January 2022. She has had many roles in the dental industry, including certified dental assistant, sterilization tech, oral surgery assistant and patient coordinator. She lives in Carroll County with her husband and enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially her two grandchildren!

 

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 – Registered Dental Hygienist
Stephanie is our full-time dental hygienist and has been with RZ Dental Group since 2014. She is known for her patient centered approach, gentle nature, and thoroughness. One of Stephanie’s favorite things about working with RZ Dental Group is the high level of care and professionalism provided to patients. Stephanie is a Maryland native and currently resides in Mt. Airy with her husband Matthew and their dogs Jade and Nala. When she is not spending time with her family, you can find her hiking or enjoying the beach. Stephanie and her husband also love exploring national parks and look forward to trying new authentic cuisines.

 

Rachelle
Rachelle – Registered Dental Hygienist
Rachelle is excited to be back as part of the RZ Dental Group hygiene team. She has been working in the dental industry for eleven years as a dental assistant and dental hygienist. She is truly passionate about helping people keep their smiles healthy. She has a Bachelor of Science in exercise science from Shippensburg University and an Associate of Arts in dental hygiene from Howard Community College. She lives in Severn with her wife Joey and their two dogs. She plays softball and baseball but she really loves to watch and play all sports.

 

Zehava
Zehava – Registered Dental Hygienist
Zehava joined RZ Dental Group as a registered dental hygienist in the summer of 2018. She graduated with honors from Baltimore Community College in 2017. With a special passion for pediatric dentistry, Zehava brings a gentle touch to her work. She lives in Pikesville with her husband and four kids. When she is not in the office, Zehava is in full-time mom mode with an occasional break for DIY crafting.

 

Jen
Jen – Registered Dental Hygienist
Jen has enjoyed being a part of the RZ Dental team for 22 years! She joined the practice as a dental assistant in 2000 and then earned her Bachelor of Science degree in dental Hygiene from the University of Maryland in 2007. She lives in West Friendship with her husband Jeff, two daughters and an English mastiff named Tess. She loves to read, bake and play pranks on her family!

 

Naomi
Naomi – Registered Dental Hygienist
Naomi began her dental career in 1997 [in Ohio] as a dental assistant, and became a hygenist in 2003. In 2021 she relocated to Maryland, and joined the RZ dental team in 2023. She enjoys educating and encouraging patients through their dental journey. Naomi resides in Baltimore with her son. In her spare time she enjoys nature walks, and visiting local museums and events.

 

Jody
Jody – Registered Dental Hygienist
Jody graduated from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in 2012. She has a rich history of service, including holding leadership positions with the Maryland Dental Hygienists’ Association, where she served as President in 2017-2018.

Jody resides in Parkville with her husband and her bloodhound named Bruno. Apart from her dedication to dental hygiene, she’s an avid runner, having completed multiple marathons. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading and participates in woodworking classes.

 

Destiny
Destiny – Dental Hygiene 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 working with RZ Dental Group since 1999. She is a certified dental assistant and dental radiation technician. Tammy is the liaison with the dental laboratories and is responsible for all incoming and outgoing cases. Tammy currently lives in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania with her husband Dave. She has a son, three stepchildren and one granddaughter, Aubree. Tammy likes to hike with her rescue dog Kacey, she loves watching the Steelers play and spending time with her family.

 

Krissy
Krissy – Dental Assistant
Krissy’s dental career impressively covers over 22 years, so far. Krissy is the head certified dental assistant at RZ Dental Group. She also completed her certification in dental expanded functions and orthodontic expanded functions. Krissy is living her best life with her husband, kids and grandbaby. She loves working out, boxing, traveling, and most importantly, spending time with her family.

 

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.