Dr. Bennett A. Thomas
Dr. Bennett A. Thomas earned a bachelor's degree in zoology at Ohio University in 1983 and went on to attain his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from West Virginia School of Dentistry in 1987. To further advance his skills, Dr. Thomas did a General Practice Residency at Charleston Area Medical Center in West Virginia. After working with a dentist in Virginia Beach for a time, he founded his own practice, Dr. Bennett A. Thomas and Associates, (also known as Drs. Thomas, Thomas, and Holwick) in 1989.
Dr. Thomas is committed to providing personalized, comfortable dental care in a warm and caring environment. He has over 30 years of experience in helping his patients achieve excellent oral health. His commitment to learning about the latest advances in dentistry ensures that you always receive the highest quality, most up-to-date dental care possible. He has a thirst for knowledge, and attends so many continuing education seminars that he always surpasses the number of hours required by the state per year for licensure!
A native of St. Albans, WV, Dr. Thomas enjoys golfing, surfing, deep water fishing and writing poetry in his spare time. He also loves visiting the local elementary schools and reading to the young students, who appreciate his sense of humor!
"I am a super hero to my patients! What is my 'super power?' I am known for giving painless injections, often singing to my patients during the process, which makes for a soothing, pain free experience!"
Dr. Elizabeth Thomas
Dr. Elizabeth Thomas, also known as "Mrs. Dr. Thomas" to her dental team and patients, is a native of Charleston, WV and did all of her college years at West Virginia University. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 1983, and graduated with her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from West Virginia's School of Dentistry in 1987. (Go Mountaineers!) With a passion for advancing her skills in all areas of dentistry, Dr. Thomas went on to complete a General Practice Residency at Charleston Area Medical Center in West Virginia. She and her husband, Dr. Bennett Thomas, opened Thomas & Thomas Dental Associates in the Great Bridge area of Chesapeake in 1989, in hopes of becoming the neighborhood dentists. Thank goodness they did, as over 30 years later they are still here!
Dr. Thomas is committed to the comfort and well being of her patients. While performing the dental exams, she has the opportunity to meet the patients. She takes a personal interest in their lives and makes sure she knows each patient by name. She also takes pride in the appearance and cleanliness of the office, thinking of it as an extension of her "home," and wanting to have a welcoming feeling for everyone.
In her free time she enjoys spending time on Ocracoke Island, NC; walking on the beach, reading books, and just relaxing with family and friends.
" The best part of my profession is seeing my patients who eventually become friends and using the latest in technology to give them a beautiful and healthy smile.”
Dr. Robert T. Holwick
Dr. Robert T. Holwick attended St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, NY and received his bachelor’s degree in biology. With a passion for helping others and a love of science, Dr. Holwick attended Georgetown University School of Dentistry where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
Dr. Holwick joined Bennett A. Thomas DDS & Associates in 1997. He enjoys getting to know our wonderful patients and providing solutions that help them achieve excellent oral health. Dr. Holwick is experienced in all areas of dentistry and is certified in soft-tissue laser treatments.
A native of Williamstown, MA, Dr. Holwick enjoys hiking and competing in triathlons. He also helps with designs and special effects for the charity Halloween Haunted Attraction in his free time.
"I enjoy working with patients of all ages in all aspects of dentistry, from simple fillings to full mouth reconstruction including implant crowns. I like to stay on top of the latest technology that improves our patients’ comfort. Having worked here for over 20 years, I especially enjoy the camaraderie with the other dentists and dental professionals on our team."
Dr. Chanel Stohrer
Dr. Chanel, as she likes to be called, graduated from Virginia Tech where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences ( with a minor in psychology) and Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Dentistry where she obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 2020. She is the recipient of the Hugh Douglas, Jr. Award for excellence in Prosthodontics and the William C Brokaw Memorial Award in Pediatric Dentistry.
Prior to joining our practice in 2020, Dr. Chanel spent the last ten years pursuing her passion for dentistry by volunteering on mission trips throughout Virginia, as well as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. She provides excellent dental care blended with kindness, gentleness and a smile.
In her spare time, Dr. Chanel loves to travel and experience new cultures and foods. Traveling has become second nature to her because, although she is a native of Virginia Beach, many of her family members live in South Africa! She also enjoys painting and staying healthy by running 8K, 10K and half marathon races with her sister and dad.
"I believe dentistry is an incredible field that involves life-long learning, compassion and fulfillment from helping others!"
Dr. Kathryn 'Katie' Veltman
Dr. Kathryn Veltman, affectionately known as Dr. Katie, joined Great Bridge Dental in 2024 and shares the same passion for providing comprehensive dentistry that we have become known for. As a proud Virginian with a deep commitment to exceptional dental care, Dr. Katie earned her bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Virginia (go Hoos!) Following her undergraduate studies, she completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. Driven by her desire for excellence, Dr. Katie then undertook a two-year General Practice Residency at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC. This intensive training allowed her to refine her skills in a hospital setting, providing her the opportunity to work with a diverse patient population and deliver a compassionate approach to dental care.
Dr. Katie and her husband met in dental school and the military brought them to the Tidewater area, where he is an active duty dentist in the United States Navy. In her free time, she enjoys taking long walks, reading mystery/thriller novels and exploring Virginia Beach cuisine with her husband. She is excited to bring her comprehensive training and warm, personable approach to Great Bridge Dental where she is dedicated to making each patient's visit comfortable and positive!
Kelli Meadows
Office Administrator
Kelli received her Dental Assistant Certificate and Certificate in Dental Radiation Safety from Kee Business College in 2001. After working as a Dental Assistant for almost 16 years she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Old Dominion University in 2016.
Kelli is a native of Poulsbo, WA and moved to Virginia in 1999 and is a Great Bridge resident. She joined Drs. Thomas, Thomas, and Holwick in September 2012. Kelli loves the community environment of Great Bridge and the relationship this office has with their patients. She enjoys her co-workers and loves that our doctors value their employees and patients and treat them like family.
Camie H
Treatment Coordinator/Dental Assistant
Camie has over 20 years of experience with Drs. Thomas and Thomas, having joined the team in June 2002. She loves working with a diverse group of staff and patients that trust each other. Camie received her Dental Assisting Certification from Medix School in Townsend, MD and is also certified in Dental Radiation Safety.
Sheila L
Treatment Coordinator
Sheila began working for Dr. Thomas and Associates in July 2020. As a treatment coordinator, she enjoys working closely with the patients and having them become more like family. She also appreciates how working with a knowledgeable team on a day to day basis makes her job more enjoyable.
In addition to Sheila's computer skills and knowledge of scheduling and dental insurance, she is a certified dental assistant and has her certification in dental radiation safety. She is originally from Edison, NJ.
Theresa Spare
Treatment Coordinator
Theresa joined our team in June of 2022. She was formerly a registered dental assistant, having graduated summa cum laude from ECPI in 2014 with her associates degree in dental assisting. She got in to dentistry to be part of a team that helps people and in her current position she enjoys guiding patients to their ultimate goal of obtaining a happy, healthy smile! Theresa is originally from Hazleton, PA.
Shannon Roland
Treatment Coordinator / Dental Assistant
Shannon attended Broward Community College in Ft. Lauderdale where she received her Dental Assistant Certification. She is also certified in nitrous oxide sedation and dental radiation safety.
After working for 24 years as a dental assistant, Shannon joined Drs. Thomas, Thomas, and Holwick in September 2016. She loves working with new technology and her work team, especially Nancy – she is a joy to work with!
Cheryl Everett
Treatment Coordinator
Cheryl has over 33 years of experience in the dental field. She recently returned part-time to the position she held full- time for 20 years, with 3 years of retirement in between. She is interested in helping patients achieve the look they desire for their teeth by using her extensive knowledge of dental insurance and finance options to make it happen. Cheryl grew up in Virginia Beach and currently resides in Moyock. What she loves about her job is that it has retained its family atmosphere through the years and she enjoys watching multiple generations grow up with us!
Kim Paxton
Registered Dental Hygienist
Kim received her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree from Old Dominion University and joined Dr. Thomas and Associates in 1999. She additionally holds certification in local anesthesia/ nitrous oxide sedation administration, obtained from Old Dominion University.
Kim enjoys helping her patients maintain and improve their oral health and watching our patients' families as they grow. Patients with special needs are her favorite!
Rindy Ballance
Registered Dental Hygienist
Rindy attended Great Bridge High School and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene at Old Dominion University in Norfolk. As a member of our dental team since 2002, Rindy enjoys being part of a great team, working with our wonderful patients, and working with state-of-the-art equipment and updated procedures.
Teri Wilson
Registered Dental Hygienist
Teri grew up in Virginia Beach, graduating from Kellam High School. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree from Old Dominion University. She was previously certified as an anesthesia assistant for sedation dentistry and holds certification for local anesthesia and nitrous oxide administration. Teri is further trained in digital scanning and in dental sleep medicine assessment for patients with potential sleep/breathing disorders. She joined our team in January of 2022.
Teri's favorite aspect of her career has been building relationships with her patients and using that rapport to help them better understand their oral health. After over 25 years as a dental hygienist, she loves that she is still learning new things all the time!
Kimberly Steckline
Registered Dental Hygienist
Kimmy grew up in West Virginia, got her degree in dental hygiene from Wytheville College (Wytheville, VA) and has resided in Chesapeake for over 20 years. She joined Great Bridge Dental in June of 2023, bringing over 30 years of experience as a dental hygienist. She is certified in local anesthesia/nitrous oxide administration from Old Dominion University, and is also laser certified and trained in digital scanning.
Kimmy loves getting to know her patients and helping them understand the connection between their oral health and their overall health!
Nancy Nance
Dental Assistant
Nancy started with Dr. Thomas and Associates in 2007 and has learned about dentistry through in-house training. In addition to having her Certification for Dental Radiation Safety from Old Dominion University, Nancy enjoys learning from everyone and incorporating all techniques into one; her own! She gives shout-outs to Mrs.(Dr. Thomas), Linda, Gina, Heather Old, and Dr. Thomas!
Nancy grew up in Virginia Beach and enjoys “ridding the mouth of dental decay one tooth at a time” and working alongside our staff, doctors, and patients.
"I started from the bottom, now I'm here."- Drake
Heather Pap
Dental Assistant
In 2003, Heather graduated from the Academy of Dental Technology with her Dental Assistant Certificate. In December 2017 she joined Drs. Thomas, Thomas, and Holwick. Heather grew up in Virginia Beach and enjoys working with her second family here at the office. She also enjoys learning about all of the latest technologies that dentistry offers and has obtained her Certification for Dental Radiation Safety.
Amy Lee
Dental Assistant
Amy, who is from Merry Hill, NC, attended Martin Community College and graduated in 2012 as a Certified Dental Assistant, as well as a Dental Assistant II. She also holds certifications in Nitrous Oxide Administration and Dental Radiation Safety.
Since joining our team in July of 2020, Amy has enjoyed working with our patients and specializes in making them comfortable! She also enjoys the opportunity to learn new procedures and implement new ways of doing things in a cohesive group of coworkers.
Tori N
Dental Assistant
Tori joined our practice in July of 2019. Shortly after starting with us she received her Certificate in Dental Radiation Safety from Virginia Commonwealth University. As a daughter of an Army Ranger, Tori grew up all over the world before her family settled in Chesapeake, VA.
The part that Tori loves the most about her job is that everyday she has the opportunity to interact with different patients. She is a real people person! She also enjoys the opportunity to learn about the dental field and loves learning all the new technology that dentistry utilizes!
Mandy S
Dental Assistant
Mandy joined the practice as a dental assistant in 2021 and is X-ray certified. She is from Chesapeake! Mandy loves the continual learning which dentistry offers and is happy when doing any aspect of patient care, from the moment the patient comes through our doors until they are departing with their next recare appointment scheduled.
Madison B
Dental Assistant
Madison is from Chesapeake and graduated from Hickory High School. She joined Great Bridge Dental in January of 2023 and holds a certification in Dental Radiation Safety. She likes that everyone works well as a team here and is especially enjoying learning new skills from Shannon!
Nicholas H
Dental Assistant
*** Coming Soon ***
Ayla Belcher
Dental Assistant
Ayla is from Portsmouth and is a proud graduate of Radford University. She joined our practice in 2024, has over 9 years of experience as a dental assistant and is certified in Dental Radiation Safety. Ayla is passionate about dentistry and her dogs, Rex and Princess Penelope. Did we mention that Ayla loves her dogs?
Drs. Thomas, Thomas and Holwick and team are very professional. They completed my treatment and took into consideration my concerns and needs. - John
By utilizing implants to stabilize dentures we were able to provide this patient with a smile that he can be proud of. He does not have to worry about movement in his dentures when he laughs, smiles, or eats. The implants help the denture snap into place to provide the stability he desired. Look at how natural his smile appears!