Our Dental Implant Doctors

DR. GREGORY “GREG” ZOGHBY

Since Dr. Zoghby began placing implants some 25 years ago, he has not only helped hundreds of patients restore both their dental function and oral health but, as a part time Associate Professor at the Medical College of Virginia VCU Dental School since 1986, he has been sharing his techniques with upcoming dental professionals and oral surgery residents.

His interest in implants dates back to dental school; Dr. Zoghby notes that his academic research during that time focused on bone metabolism which, during the implant healing process, is an integral facet of successful dental implant placement. This early implant interest motivated him to enroll in Branemark’s (a company that pioneered implants) original implant placement course.

Along with his COFS partners, he hosts an implant study club for RVA dental professionals whose goal is to educate the Central Virginia dental community on the most current technologies and techniques. Dr. Zoghby has presented lectures at these meetings, sharing his knowledge on a variety of topics, including congenitally missing lateral incisors. He currently participates in a small local academic study club that centers on coordinated implant treatment among specialists. Dr. Zoghby has a special interest in implants for orthodontic anchorage (he has attended special training for orthodontic implant use by Straumann at the University of North Carolina).

He describes his personal approach to implants: “I am not about quick results. I prefer procedures that work on 90% of the people 90% of the time with a 90% success rate.” He considers himself “an academic at heart whose focus is on predictability over speed,” and he refers to a favorite quote from Dr. Dennis Tarnow, one of the great educators in implant dentistry and currently Director of Implant Education at Columbia University: “One miracle at a time.”

“COFS stresses innovation along with education,” he sums up, and with a smile he adds, “governed by science along with common sense!”

DR. JEFFREY “JEFF” CYR

“Dental implants are a wonderful technology to help patients replace missing teeth. They are clearly the best technology for tooth replacement. However, there are other tooth replacement options available, so my approach is to provide my patients as much education as possible regarding their specific treatment options. That way the patient can choose the option that they feel is best for them.” states Dr. Cyr enthusiastically.

During his over 20 years of placing dental implants, he has regularly participated in a many continuing education courses involving all aspects of implant dentistry. “I find great satisfaction in the whole spectrum of implant therapy, ranging from simple tooth replacement to full mouth replacement,” he adds.

Dr. Cyr feels that a strength of COFS is that “we place a very high level of effort and importance on the education of our patients and dental colleagues regarding the delivery of implant dentistry. I believe that patients and dentists who make fully informed decisions tend to have the highest level of satisfaction with the care that is provided.”

DR. ANDREW “DREW” FERGUSON

Dr. Ferguson has been placing implants since he began practicing with COFS. “Implants are the state-of-the-art choice for restoring missing teeth and restoring oral function,” he states without hesitation. “My personal philosophy and goal for each of my patients is to help them through the implant process with minimal time and minimal discomfort.”

“Our Practice is unique,” he adds. “We are here for you from start to finish, whether it be to take the time to explain each detail of the procedure throughout the treatment, or simply…and perhaps most importantly, to hold your hand, both figuratively and literally!”

Dr. Ferguson has also served as the liaison between our Practice and our implant consulting firm, working to enhance and update each of our offices in the areas of implant patient education and staff training.

Because of his research and dedication, we now have specialized staff, our Implant Coordinators, at all six of our office locations. Their job is to meet the needs and expectations of our patients as well as our referring dentists. It is thanks to this process that COFS is now able to offer the highest quality of dental implant and grafting services at whichever office is most convenient for our patients.

DR. AMMAR SARRAF

Dr. Sarraf brings a background of implant-related studies including hands-on coursework with the Misch International Implant Institute, whose goal is “to set and elevate the standard of care in implant dentistry.” He is also a member of the local affiliate of the International Team for Implantology (ITI), an alliance of implant professionals whose mission is “to promote and disseminate knowledge on all aspects of implant dentistry and related tissue regeneration through education and research to the benefit of the patient,” staying abreast of the most up-to-date technology. Dr. Sarraf also adds specialized training that has focused on bone grafting and soft tissue management to his implantology experience.

“My personal approach to implants is that “an implant is an ideal procedure option that assists in returning the patient’s function and esthetics. My objective is to reach this goal, based on each patient’s individual needs.”

“COFS is unique,” he notes, “in that we collaborate so well with each patient’s referring and/or restorative dentist. I’m pleased that our practice contributes to the continuing education of the Richmond dental community by hosting Implant Study Clubs (continuing education seminars presented by renowned leaders in the field of implantology) for our colleagues and referring dentists.”

DR. CHARLES “CHARLIE” BOXX

Enthusiasm and compassion along with a sense of humor are all evident when meeting Dr. Charlie Boxx. “I would describe myself as approachable and down to earth, easy-going but a hard worker (if that combination exists,)” he says modestly with a smile. “No question is ‘dumb’ or ‘inappropriate.’ I want patients to know that I’m here for them, and I want their experience to be nothing but positive.”

A son of two medical professionals, his dad a general dentist and his mom employed at a medical research firm, Charlie’s interest in dentistry began during his childhood in Newport News, VA spending time in his father’s dental office. During the summers of his years at Virginia Tech, where he majored in Biology graduating Cum Laude, he shadowed and assisted an oral surgeon. “It didn’t take long for me to realize that this was what I wanted to do with my life. I loved the combination of dentistry, medicine, trauma, and anesthesia.”

Dr. Lauren E. Kaplan

Dr. Lauren Kaplan has a history of taking on anything and making it happen. Just ask anyone who saw her ride a bike across the country, building homes and raising money for affordable housing along the way.

Dr. Kaplan joins us after a four-year residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at VCU School of Dentistry, where she also graduated Magna Cum Laude as a Doctor of Dental Surgery. While at VCU, she earned a number of awards – but the one that meant most to her was the 2017 Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society award, because it was presented to her by her mom.

Dr. Kaplan’s mother was a prominent pediatric dentist in Chesapeake, Virginia ­– so the future oral surgeon literally grew up in the profession, spending countless hours in her mom’s office. By the time she entered college as an undergrad, Dr. Kaplan was well acquainted with dentistry. During her years at UVA, along with her studies, she volunteered at the Charlottesville Free Dental Clinic. Her dedication to volunteerism continued when she moved to Richmond to attend VCU School of Dentistry, where she worked with Missions of Mercy and the Special Olympics Mission of Mercy to provide free dental care.

After years as an accomplished student and resident physician, she was offered the opportunity to join Commonwealth Oral & Facial Surgery. Said Dr. Kaplan, “I was drawn to COFS for its reputation of phenomenal patient care. Many of the doctors here had spent time with VCU residents, and also joined us for Mission of Mercy projects. It was important to me to find a practice that values giving back to the community.”

Dr. Nicholas L. Broccoli

His friends know him as a man with a tremendous amount of positive energy. His patients know him as an oral surgeon who puts their needs first. And the Chester community will soon know Dr. Nick Broccoli as one of the leading oral surgeons in the area.

Dr. Broccoli joins Commonwealth Oral & Facial Surgery from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he completed his four-year residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Prior to Cincinnati, from 2013 to 2017, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. There, he worked with and learned from several members of the COFS team – and he also discovered a personal attachment to the Richmond region. “I fell in love with the city,” said Dr. Broccoli. “There are so many outdoor activities – the river, rock climbing, biking – and it’s in the ideal location, close to the mountains and the beach. I knew I wanted to come back someday.”

Richmond is just one of the cities Dr. Broccoli has called home. As part of an Air Force family, he lived in Texas, Japan, Arkansas, Virginia and New York. While living in Long Island as a teen, he developed an interest in dentistry, inspired by his middle school wrestling coach, the local dentist. “Watching the precision, attention to detail and skills required, I knew this was the career path I desired.” Dr. Broccoli began his medical track at James Madison University, where he earned a BS in kinesiology/exercise science and a minor in biology while wrestling for the Dukes. He went on to earn a Master of Science in medical genetics and genomics at Tulane University School of Medicine in 2012, before starting dental school at VCU. Through the years, he has also learned through volunteering with the Missions of Mercy and the Jamaica Mission Project, and as a research technician at the North Shore – Long Island Jewish Health System.

Dr. Sean Eccles

He’s a highly skilled surgeon, he’s immersed in technology, and he’s been helping patients with dental challenges since he was a senior in high school.

Dr. Sean Eccles was born and raised in a small rural town in central New Jersey. As a high school student, he began working at an orthodontics practice, and continued to work there summers throughout college. But as he was exploring careers, he was also greatly interested in science and computers. His choice to enter oral and maxillofacial surgery allows him to combine all those interests.

His education began with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a minor in Bioinformatics from Ramapo College of New Jersey. From there, he attended Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, where he earned the title Doctor of Dental Surgery. While at Stony Brook, he served as class president – and he also spent time in Madagascar on a dental outreach mission.

In 2018, Dr. Eccles chose to do his residency at VCU Health in Richmond. There, he gained extensive experience in jaw surgery, digitally planned and 3D printed guides, and placed more than 170 implants. Now that his residency is complete, he has joined the team at Commonwealth Oral & Facial, bringing with him expertise in digital dentistry/surgery and 3D printing, a great attitude and a wonderful sense of humor.

When he’s not working with patients, Dr. Eccles can be found fishing, playing the guitar, working on carpentry and home renovation projects, and assembling and maintaining computers. He also enjoys spending time with his wife Katie, who is a general dentist, and jogging through the Fan with his rescue dog Adeline.

Dr. Vickas Agarwal

He has both his DDS and MD. He’s a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and has extensive experience with advanced dental implant rehabilitation and bone grafting. He has also been an assistant professor, an international volunteer, an author of textbook chapters and journal articles, and the recipient of numerous awards. Yet even with all his accomplishments, Dr. Agarwal is most known for his friendly, easy-going demeanor, and warm sense of humor.

Dr. Agarwal came to Commonwealth Oral and Facial Surgery (COFS) from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where he practiced oral and maxillofacial surgery as an assistant professor at the School of Dentistry, and as an attending surgeon at VCU Health System. A native of Northern Virginia, he attended VCU for his undergraduate education as part of the guaranteed admission dental school program. It was the first step toward fulfilling a longtime goal, as according to Dr. Agarwal, he’d “had [his] heart set on oral and maxillofacial surgery since [he] was in high school.”