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VA Charleston health care

This page is to introduce our Dentistry team.

Medical School: University of the PacificI am proud to provide comprehensive general dentistry services to our Veterans.&nbsp;I am married with three children and we love to get outdoors riding bikes, hiking, and exploring new areas.

Dr. Matthew Christie  is a Dentist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.

Medical School: Fairleigh Dickinson School of Dentistry Residency: University of Tennessee Memphis, TNPeriodontal therapy including tooth extractions and Dental Implant placement.&nbsp;In my free time I enjoy boating, fishing, skiing and hanging with my wife.&nbsp;

Dr. Robert Egert  is a Periodontist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.

Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina Residency: AEGD-1 - Wright Patterson Air Force Base

Dr. Derrick Bell is a Dentist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.

Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina I am a General Dentist. I provide patients with general dental services, including operative procedures (such as fillings/direct restorations) and fixed services (i.e. crowns, bridges, and implant restorations). I am in a unique position that also allows me to work with the community to ensure that our Veterans that live further away from our facility can receive the care they need from vendors that work with the VA.&nbsp;I really enjoy going to the beach, hiking, planning trips, and hanging out with my family including my dog, Willow. I also enjoy exploring Charleston, trying new restaurants and coffee places, and going to craft events.&nbsp;

Dr. Katie Hourigan  is a Dentist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.

Dr. Hammes has a comprehensive background in both dentistry and military service. He graduated from the University of Illinois–Chicago College of Dentistry in 2008 and immediately entered active duty in the U.S. Navy. During his first year, he completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Naval Station Great Lakes. He went on to serve as Dental Department Head aboard the USS Germantown (LSD 42) and as Health Services Department Head aboard the USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49). In 2013, he transferred to the Navy Reserves and completed a Fellowship in Implant Dentistry Fellowship at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. In Winter 2022, he served as the dentist for the U.S. Antarctica Program. Dr. Hammes joined the RHJVA Dental Service in 2024. Dr. Hammes’ care philosophy is to listen closely to patient concerns and communicate both a practical, near-term plan and broader long-term strategy so patients clearly understand expectations and treatment approaches in advance.

Dr. Hammes is a Dentist with the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System. 

Medical University of South Carolina 2005 AEGD residency Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center 2006

Dr. Limonta-Hodges is a Dentist with the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System. 

Dr. Ryals completed his undergraduate degree, a BS in Biology from Syracuse University. He went on to receive his DMD degree from Fairleigh Dickinson College of Dental Medicine in Teaneck, New Jersey. After graduation from dental school, Dr. Ryals completed a General Practice Residency Program at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Patterson New Jersey. Dr. Ryals completed his specialty training in Periodontics at Fairleigh Dickinson College of Dental Medicine and practiced Peridontics and Implant surgery for 30 years prior to joining the VA. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Ryals has spent much of his career training dentists and has served as Assistant Professor at Georgetown University, Howard University, and The University of Alabama Birmingham.

Dr. William T Ryals is a periodontist and the Assistant Chief of Dental Service

Dr. Novince carried out his clinician-scientist training at University of Michigan, obtaining his D.D.S. and Ph.D. in 2011. He performed his Graduate Periodontics training at the University of Washington, receiving his Certificate and M.S.D. in Periodontics in 2014. Dr. Novince is committed to practicing evidence based clinical care, which is evidenced through his clinician-scientist research publications. Dr. Novince has published over 35 peer reviewed manuscripts and book chapters, which have supported advancing knowledge about novel mechanisms influencing bone metabolism and periodontal health. Notably, his published works helped delineate that the oral and gut microbiota communities have distinct and separate immunomodulatory actions that regulate bone remodeling processes and skeletal homeostasis in the alveolar (jaw) bone. Dr. Novince’s research contributions have been recognized through awards and funding provided by the American Association for Dental Research, American Society of Bone and Mineral Research, and National Institutes of Health.

Staff Dentist (Periodontics) / Dental Service

Chad Novince, D.D.S, M.S.D., Ph.D., is a board-certified periodontist and oral implant surgeon at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biostatistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2003 as well as a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry in 2009. She completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the Ralph H. Johnson Veteran's Affairs Medical Center in 2010. She has worked at the VA Dental Clinic since 2010.

Dr. Pomerantz is a Dentist in the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System. 

General dentist. Education: State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, DDS 2001 General Practice Residency at VAMC in Buffalo, New York 2002

Dr. Harris is a dentist with the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.

Dr. Ference completed both his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree and Prosthodontic residency training at the University of Pittsburgh. With a vision to transform dental education, Dr. Ference taught graduate and residency students at the University of Pittsburgh where he conducted research focused on CAD-CAM produced prostheses for both complete and removable partial dentures through various manufacturing processes, including casting, 3D printing, additive, and subtractive technologies. He recently completed a 42-patient IRB study with the School of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science to fabricate cast metal removal frameworks and complete dentures using stereolithography, CNC milling, selective laser sintering, and traditional casting technologies.&nbsp; Dr. Ference role extends beyond curriculum development; he is also a mentor and advocate for residents, guiding them in the ethical and effective use of digital technologies. His efforts have led to significant improvements in resident satisfaction and patient outcomes, as well as recognition at the Medical University of South Carolina as a leader in digital dental education.&nbsp; He has lectured extensively to international dentists overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as at national meetings and study clubs. He has co-authored several publications for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry and a book on Occlusion, a primer for dental students for The American College of Prosthodontics. Dr. Ference has also contributed chapters to Barron’s Dental Admission Testing Book. Dr. Ference military career spans more than 38 years and is a combat veteran who deployed to various locations in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Ference is committed to community outreach, with the Navigation Center in Charleston to support the vulnerable and unhoused populations by helping provide dental services for patients to rebuild a sustainable independent life for themselves and their families. His holistic approach to dental education and patient care exemplifies his belief in that technology, when used responsibility and compassionately, can greatly enhance the healthcare experience for all.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Dr. John Ference is a Prosthodontis for the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.

Dr. Hwang graduated from Wofford College then got his PhD in Immunology and my dental doctorate from the Medical University of South Carolina.&nbsp; After graduation, she completed a residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry.&nbsp; She served over 9 years active duty in the Navy as a dentist and department head, spending most of her time at Camp Lejeune with the USMC.&nbsp; She is currently a reservist, drilling out of Charleston.&nbsp;

Dr. Hwang is a dentist with the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System. 