Matthew Hofrichter, DDS
Dr. Matthew Hofrichter became an Associate Dentist at Real Life Dental in 2018. He completed his undergraduate degree at the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. During his time in D.C., he spent six months in Barcelona at the Institute of the International Education of Students.
Dr. Hofrichter then attended the VCU School of Dentistry where he was an active member in community health. After graduating from dental school, he continued his education and completed the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Prior to joining Real Life Dental, Dr. Hofrichter worked in a Federally Qualified Healthcare center in Roanoke, Virginia.
Dr. Hofrichter has used his time and skills to volunteer with Missions of Mercy, the Bradley Free Clinic in Roanoke, East Cooper Community Clinic and North Charleston Free Clinic, as well as mission trips in Jamaica.
He is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Virginia Dental Association and the Southwest Virginia Dental Society.
Dr. Hofrichter grew up in Great River, NY and attended East Islip High School on Long Island. He played four years of soccer in undergrad and now uses his free time to golf and play more soccer.
Edy Fulop, DMD
Dr. Erno (Edy) Fulop became an Associate Dentist at Real Life Dental in 2019. He received his first dental degree from the University of Debrecen Medical & Health Science Center in Hungary in 2007 where he graduated with honors.
Dr. Fulop then completed a General Practice Residency in Debrecen, Hungary. He also worked as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Debrecen.
Dr. Fulop then moved to the United States where he received another dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine in 2016. Following graduation, Dr. Fulop worked at a private practice in Williamsburg, Virginia before joining Real Life Dental.
Dr. Fulop can translate between English and Hungarian. He has used his translation skills during missions’ trips to care for orphans in Eastern Europe and continues to provide translation for patients today.
Dr. Fulop was born in Transylvania and his family later immigrated to the United States. He grew up in California, but upon marrying his wife, Kara, he is now proud to be a Virginian.
During his free time, Dr. Fulop enjoys fishing, Bass Pro Shop, and playing with his two lovely daughters.
Elisabeth Combs, DMD
Graduating magna cum laude, she earned a B.S. degree in Human Health Sciences at The University of Kentucky.
Dr. Combs then attended The University of Louisville School of Dentistry, where she earned a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry.
Dr. Combs has a heart for the mission field and taking care of those in need. While in dental school, she led and participated in several Christian Dental Society Mission Trips to St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. She also spent a month on the Seneca Nation’s Indian Reservation in Irving, New York, as an extern in their dental clinic.
Dr. Combs strives to provide every patient with a beyond-exceptional dental experience from the time they walk in the office and throughout their treatment. Dr. Combs is passionate about educating her patients on the link between oral health and total body health. She is a member of the American Dental Association®, Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Dr. Combs is excited to experience all that Virginia offers.
Dr. Combs’s commitment to health and wellness extends beyond the dental office. When she’s not creating smiles, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her Golden Retriever, Biscuit.
Her other interests include cycling, traveling, skiing, group fitness classes and cooking.
Andrea Marquez, DDS
Dr. Marquez graduated from VCU School of Dentistry with an undergraduate degree achievement in the study of prosthodontics, granted by the American College of Prosthodontics in 2022. In June 2023, she successfully completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Residency in Houston, Texas, and was recognized with a Technology Award for her outstanding performance in digital dentistry.
Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Dr. Marquez is fluent in both Spanish and English. She can communicate with patients from different backgrounds, ensuring that language is never a barrier to providing quality care. With a genuine commitment to patient care, a love for digital dentistry and esthetics and a passion for continuous learning, Dr. Marquez is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care that combines the art and science of dentistry.
Dr. Marquez has a love for exploring the great outdoors and challenging herself with hiking adventures. She also has a passion for dance and likes to express her creativity through salsa, the merengue, contemporary and other styles.
Dr. Kim, DDS
Dr. Kim graduated from Hermon Ostrow School of Dentistry at University of Southern California after learning his passion to help the community that needed help when he was volunteering at Mission of Mercy. He also received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Dongguk University, and Bachelor of Science in Biology at Iowa State University. He has served in the U.S. Army in 2001 through 2003 as a Sergeant in a Military Police Battalion.
Outside dentistry, Dr. Kim enjoys watching movies, dramas, listening to music, and playing video games. He currently resides in Blacksburg with his wife and two sons.
Anishma Shrestha, DDS
Dr. Anishma Shrestha graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Colby-Sawyer College. Dr. Shrestha is a strong advocate for the connection between oral health and overall health. She is dedicated to delivering the highest quality care, focusing on providing a comfortable and stress-free dental experience for her patients.
With a deep compassion for helping others, Dr. Shrestha has dedicated her career to providing essential dental care to communities. For her community service, Dr. Shrestha was recognized by the Michigan Dental Association with the “Outstanding Student Leader Award” in 2023.
Originally from Nepal, Dr. Shrestha is bilingual, fluent in English, Nepali, and Hindi. She is enthusiastic about treating a diverse patient population and is driven by a profound passion for patient-centered care. In her free time, Dr. Shrestha enjoys hiking, traveling, spending quality time with her family, and staying involved in her community.
Dr. Shamsaie, DDS
Born in Iran in 1963, I moved to the United States in 1981 to pursue my education. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Indiana University in 1985, I chose dentistry as my profession, graduating from Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis.
For the past 35 years, I have continuously expanded my skills through education and training in various dental specialties, including orthodontics, prosthodontics, surgery, and implants. My commitment to patient care is reflected in my emphasis on education, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their dental health. Outside work, I enjoy traveling, exploring different cultures, and cooking. I am excited to bring my expertise and passion for dentistry to the Salem, Roanoke, and New River Valley communities.
Dr. Chao, DDS
I graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2022 with a DDS degree. Following that, I completed a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at UTHealth Houston. This experience enriched my knowledge and skills, enabling me to manage more complex cases and provide comprehensive care. After a year of practice in the Houston metro area, I decided to make a change and move to southwest Virginia, where I’m drawn to the breathtaking mountain views.
Outside of work, I have a passion for travel and enjoy exploring new places and cultures. I’m also a foodie at heart. Growing up as Mongolian Chinese and experiencing American life a bit later has given me a rich blend of cultural experiences, allowing me to connect with people more easily and with an open mind. To maintain balance and energy, I practice yoga and Pilates, which help me stay grounded, no matter where my travels take me.
Sheila Hardee, DDS
Dr. Sheila Hardee is a 1989 graduate of the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. She also holds a BA from UNC Chapel Hill and an MBA from Averett University. With nearly 20 years of experience in private practice in Virginia Beach, Dr. Hardee brings a wealth of expertise and a commitment to providing exceptional care to her patients.
As an early pioneer in CAD/CAM technology, Dr. Hardee earned Advanced Certification in CAD/CAM dentistry in 2000. Since then, she has lectured and trained dentists across the United States and internationally, sharing her knowledge and passion for innovative dental technologies. In addition to her work with CAD/CAM, Dr. Hardee is certified and licensed in laser periodontal therapy (LANAP), offering cutting-edge treatment options for her patients.
Outside of the office, Dr. Hardee is a passionate traveler and photographer. She loves exploring new places and capturing the world through her lens. Her adventurous spirit extends to her personal life as well—she is married, has one son named Deck, and is a proud grandmother of three.
Dr. Hardee’s dedication to her craft and her love for adventure make her a dynamic and inspiring member of our team.
Robert Banks, DDS
With over 30 years of experience in dentistry, Dr. Robert Banks has a long and distinguished career. For 22 of those years, he owned and operated two successful practices in Northern Virginia. Dr. Banks earned his BA from the University of Louisville, followed by a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Kentucky State University, and he graduated from the University of Louisville Dental School in 1993.
Outside of his dental practice, Dr. Banks enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, whether it’s camping, hiking, or just enjoying the beauty of nature. A self-proclaimed culinary enthusiast, he loves honing his cooking skills for his family and always has a good (or sometimes bad) dad joke ready to share.
When asked what he loves most about being part of Real Life Dental, Dr. Banks shared, “I look forward to being able to help people with their dental needs, particularly in the areas of restorative dentistry, implants, same-day crowns, and Invisalign treatments. When you feel better about your smile, you feel better about everything. I like knowing I can help people with their smile.”
Dr. Banks’ extensive experience, commitment to patient care, and his warm personality make him a valuable part of our team.
Damon Thompson, DDS
Dr. Damon Thompson is the Founder and CEO of Real Life Dental, which opened in March of 2010. Dr. Thompson’s Real Life Dental has been named as one of the “Best of the New River Valley” dental offices for several years running, as voted by the readers of The Roanoke Times. His passion is to provide the community with the absolute best dental experience available, by delivering the ultimate in technology, customer service, office environment, and dental services. He has been a Premier Provider for Invisalign and a member of the Doctors for Oral Conscious Sedation organization (DOCS) since 2010. His investment in the CEREC technology allows patients to receive necessary dental crowns in the same day, saving time and hassle for the patient. Dr. Thompson has partnered with the Dentistry From The Heart organization to provide an annual day of free dental services for those in our community who have limited financial access to dental care. The recent event in October 2021 provided care for over 100 patients in a single day.
Dr. Thompson is from the Town of Blacksburg, the son of Dr. Dan Thompson (retired). Upon graduating from Virginia Tech (1992), Dr. Thompson attended Virginia Commonwealth University’s Medical College of Virginia dental school, finishing magna cum laude in his Class of 1996. Damon accepted a commission in the United States Navy after graduation and completed a General Practice Residency at the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton (USMC), CA. He served aboard the USS ARCTIC AOE-8 supply ship for two years as the ship’s only dentist. Once his military service was complete, Dr. Thompson returned to Blacksburg in 1999 to join the dental practice of Drs. Thompson and Schnecker. Real Life Dental was formed in 2010 with four employees; the company has now grown to over 30 wonderful team members, with more expansion planned in the future to serve our community.
Dr. Thompson has been married to his wonderful wife, Andi, for over 25 years. They have five wonderful boys: Ethan, Seth, Isaac, Luke, and Micah.