About Your Dentist

Hannah Aaronson-Barsky, DDS

Dr. Barsky is a general dentist who practices both restorative and aesthetic dentistry. She believes patient comfort and patient education are essential to providing quality dental care.

Before dental school, Dr. Barsky was awarded an Intramural Research Training award at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research where she was published in cancer studies.

In her spare time, Dr. Barsky enjoys painting, drawing and sculpture. Dentistry has allowed Dr. Barsky to combine working with her hands and practicing health sciences in her career. Dr. Barsky was born and raised in Maryland and currently resides in Montgomery County with her husband and two young children.

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Paul Friedman, DDS

A practicing Periodontist for more than 20 years, Dr. Friedman’s passion is helping patients maintain or achieve a beautiful healthy smile. His expertise extends into all phases of periodontal and dental implant care. His goal is to provide a safe and comfortable dental experience.

His interest in periodontal care began while studying biological sciences at the University of Vermont where he graduated in 1985. He went on to earn both his D.D.S. degree and his periodontal specialty certificate at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry.

Committed to providing the best, most advanced periodontal care, Dr. Friedman keeps up to date on the advances in the dental field by attending courses throughout the country. Dr. Friedman has been a career-long member of the American Academy of Periodontology as well as several other professional organizations and study groups.

Dr. Friedman has lived in Howard County, Maryland for over 20 years. Some of his interests outside the office include spending time with his wife and two teenage sons. He enjoys skiing, cycling, travel as well as good movies and food!

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Mohammad Tofigh, DDS, MD

Specialty: Oral Surgery

Dr. Tofigh completed his bachelor’s degree in biology at Towson University, graduating magna cum laude. He then attended University of Maryland Dental School in Baltimore where he again graduated at the top of his class (magna cum laude). He went on to continue his education in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Hospital in New York City. During this time, he received his medical degree and completed an internship in General Surgery. In addition, he traveled abroad to Bolivia and Mexico among a team of surgeons treating congenital cleft lip and palate deformities. Dr. Tofigh attended to patients at multiple hospitals in NYC, including The Mount Sinai Medical Center, Bronx VA, Jamaica Hospital, St. Barnabas Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital Center, where he was involved in resident training as an Attending as well, before returning to Maryland. Dr. Tofigh cares for his patients with dedication and professionalism. His professional interests focus on dentoalveolar surgery, third molar removal, dental implants, bone grafting, general anesthesia / IV sedation, corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery, oral pathology, facial trauma and reconstruction and TMJ disorders. He is particularly interested in utilizing the newest technology in computer-aided surgical treatment planning to gain the highest level of precision and predictability achievable. He has coauthored a chapter in the text book Digital Technologies in Craniomaxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Tofigh is a part of several professional organizations. He is a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the American Dental Association. Outside of caring for patients, Dr. Tofigh enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children. He has a passion for nature and outdoor activities.

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Joseph Wilson Jr., DDS

Dr. J. Henry Wilson, Jr completed his undergraduate studies at St. Louis University in St. Louis, MO in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in 1991. He continued his training and completed a General Practice Residency program at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, DC with hospital rotations at the former DC General Hospital and DC Penal System.

Dr. Wilson is especially interested in cosmetic and implant dentistry and is committed to continued excellence in these disciplines of dentistry. In doing so, he continued his studies by training in the postgraduate program in Esthetic Dentistry from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry completing their Level I curriculum of 100 hours. He has also trained at the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) which is recognized as a pioneer in postgraduate dental training. Dr. Wilson is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Dr. Wilson was born in Washington, DC but was reared in Prince George's County, MD. He currently resides in Columbia, MD. He enjoys traveling, caring for his niece (of whom he has guardianship) and is very instrumental in activities within his church family.

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Hun (Harry) Shim, DMD

My Mission

“My mission in dentistry is to provide my patients with excellent care to attain beautiful smiles that last.”

Education & Continuing Education

Doctor of Dental Medicine
Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine – Cleveland, Ohio

Master of Science in Clinical Research
Case Western Reserve University – Cleveland, Ohio

Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) Orthodontic Certificate
Saint Louis University – Saint Louis, Missouri

Dr. Shim is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

Professional Memberships

Dr. Shim is an active member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontics, the American Board of Orthodontics, and the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society.

Life & Hobbies

When he isn’t practicing dentistry, Dr. Shim enjoys going on food adventures, reading, traveling, and playing tennis.

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Sharlini Sockanathan, DMD

Specialty: Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Sharlini Sockanathan is a board-certified pediatric dentist. She always loved going to the dentist as a kid herself and now strives to make every visit a fun experience for her patients. She looks forward to making her patients and families feel comfortable while bringing a smile into their lives. She loves when kids leave happy and are excited to come back to see her again!

Dr. Sockanathan was born and raised in New Jersey. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with minors in Chemistry, Mathematics, and Business from New York University. She earned her DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Upon completion of dental school, she went on to complete a General Practice Residency at Staten Island University Hospital.

She then practiced for a few years in Dallas, TX before realizing and pursuing her passion for pediatric dentistry. She returned to the east coast and completed her Pediatric Dental training at St. Barnabas Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident.  

Dr. Sockanathan enjoys giving back to the community and has volunteered in dental outreach programs in Israel and Peru. She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Sharlini enjoys traveling, baking, reading, and spending time with her family and friends!

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Asha Athans, DDS

“The mouth is the gateway to the body.”

“The best dentist is the one who doesn’t treat your teeth but your heart.”

My Mission

“My mission is to provide exceptional oral healthcare and improve the overall well-being of my patients. I strive to create a patient-centric environment where they feel valued, supported and informed.”

Education & Continuing Education

Doctor of Dental Surgery
University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine – Aurora, Colorado

Bachelor of Dental Surgery
College of Dental Sciences – India

Dr. Athans has completed continuing education in Invisalign treatment and veneers.

Professional Memberships

Dr. Athans is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Maryland State Dental Association.

Life & Hobbies

Outside of work, Dr. Athans loves spending time with her husband, toddler, and dog. They enjoy hiking, skiing, traveling, and trying different cuisines.