Blacksburg

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.

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.

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.