Meet Karen Benitez, DDS, QOM-D, CBS
Founder & Designer of
Chevy Chase Pediatric Dentistry
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Diplomate American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Director Orofacial Myology
Lip & Tongue-tie Release Specialist
Certified Breastfeeding Specialist
Dr. Karen received her doctorate degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry in 2006. She is exceptionally proud of the strong education received at UMKC-SOD and the confidence it brought her in pursuing further hospital-centered training as she continued her post-doctoral training in a General Practice Residency program at Jacobi Medical Center, as well as her specialty in Pediatric Dentistry at St. Barnabas Hospital. Her training was extensive in Preventive & Restorative Care, Growth & Development in interceptive and comprehensive orthodontic treatment, Behavior Guidance & Desensitization to include oral, IV and IM sedation care and Trauma Management of Primary thru Permanent Dentitions.
Board Certification
Dr. Karen received her Board Certification in 2009 and her final achievement of recognition as a Diplomate in Pediatric Dentistry from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry after sitting for her oral exam before a committee of examiners in 2010. Since then, she has renewed this Diplomate certification, required after 10 years.
Dr. Karen practiced as a Pediatric Dentist for a year in Stamford, CT and Queens, NY before her big move to Washington, DC in 2010 where she married and has grown to raise her family of three children!
Life and Family
When not in the office, Dr. Karen is thoroughly involved in the numerous activities that our area so graciously offers to her young family! She is dedicated to spending quality time with her husband and their three children. They are often found at various local playgrounds and sports fields, local fairs, events, museums, spray parks, hiking trails, sports adventures, camping and venturing into nearby towns!
Dr. Karen is an outdoor enthusiast! As soon as she leaves the office, you can be sure to find her enjoying the fresh air during her hobbies of gardening, running, kayaking, paddle boarding, skiing, hiking, cycling as well as her love for parties. Dr. Karen truly enjoys organizing dinner parties, outdoor fire pit gatherings, dancing, interior design, cooking, baking, reading, culinary delights and enjoying fine arts from the Kennedy Center to museums and all music offered in between! But most of all, Dr. Karen loves the BEACH! She is often heard saying, “Take me to the beach!”, to which her children enthusiastically agree and venture about with her. Dr. Karen is blessed to have three children and a husband willing to enjoy the same love of spontaneity in road trips that she does. She truly believes in enjoying every moment life has given you and to enjoy only the best of company!
It is with tremendous enthusiasm that Dr. Karen Benitez has opened Chevy Chase Pediatric Dentistry to bring her knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for Pediatric Dentistry to the Washington, DC area!
Episode 201: Dr Karen Benitez, DDS: Never Stop Learning! February 2023
Dr. Karen, Lip & Tongue-tie Release Specialist, shares her perspective on tethered oral tissues (TOTs) and orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). Like many providers, it was her own child who led her to begin researching and educating herself on TOTs and OMDs. Dr. Karen discusses TOTs, OMDs, Craniofacial growth patterns, audible breathing concerns and so much more! Dr. Karen is passionate about educating both caregivers and other providers so we can truly help our children and patients thrive!
Dr. Karen Featured on
Top Doctors
It is with tremendous enthusiasm that Dr. Karen Benitez has opened Chevy Chase Pediatric Dentistry to bring to the Washington, DC area her knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for Pediatric Dentistry!
Checkout Dr. Karen featured online at Bethesda Magazine’s Face of Pediatric Dentistry.