Dr. Keren Sperling, DMD, MSc.

Dr. Keren Sperling is an American Board-Certified Periodontist and Dental Implant Surgeon serving patients throughout Northern Virginia and the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Her practice focuses on periodontics, dental implant surgery, and advanced periodontal care.

Education and Training
Dr. Sperling completed her specialty training in Periodontics and Dental Implant Surgery at New York University (NYU). Prior to NYU, she earned both her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree and a Clinical Master’s Degree in Perio-Pathology from Tel Aviv University, graduating with highest honors. Before specializing in periodontics, she practiced as a general dentist, giving her a broad foundation in comprehensive dental care.

Professional Philosophy
Dr. Sperling believes that education is an essential part of excellent patient care. She is committed to lifelong learning and regularly lectures on periodontics, dental implants, and oral health to dental professionals and the community. Her approach combines clinical experience, continuing education, and careful treatment planning tailored to each patient.

Academic & Leadership Roles
Dr. Sperling is the founder of the Sperling-Zimvie Study Club, which brings dental professionals together for continuing education, collaboration, and advanced learning. She previously served on the faculty of the Department of Periodontics at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Her professional recognition includes the 2021 Stevie Awards for Women in Business, where she received Bronze honors for Woman of the Year – Healthcare and Mentor/Coach of the Year – Health/Wellness.

Professional Affiliations
Dr. Sperling maintains active membership in professional organizations supporting continued education and excellence in dentistry and periodontics, including:

• American Academy of Periodontology (AAP)
• American Dental Association (ADA)
• Virginia Dental Association (VDA)
• Northern Virginia Dental Society (NVDS)
• American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE)

Personal Life
Dr. Sperling lives in Vienna, Virginia, with her husband, their three daughters, and their three cats. Outside the practice, she enjoys spending time with her family, outdoor activities, running, and high-intensity interval training. She also enjoys the beach and traveling to explore new destinations around the world.

Dr. Erin Yu, DDS, MS.

Dr. Shan-Huey (Erin) Yu is a Board-Certified Periodontist specializing in periodontics, dental implant surgery, and advanced bone grafting procedures. Her background combines clinical practice, academic teaching, and periodontal research.

Education and Training
Dr. Yu earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from National Taiwan University in Taipei, followed by a two-year general dentistry residency. She then completed her advanced specialty training in Periodontics and earned a Master of Science degree at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Research & Recognition
Dr. Yu has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications in periodontology, dental implants, and advanced bone grafting techniques. In 2020, she was selected to collaborate on the American Academy of Periodontology’s Best Evidence Consensus statement regarding periodontal tissue phenotype modification.

Her professional honors include the Richard J. Lazzara Fellowship Award and the Nevins BioHorizons Fellowship from the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation.

Academic & Leadership Roles
Dr. Yu currently serves as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Advanced Oral Sciences and Therapeutics at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. She also holds a visiting faculty appointment at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

Professional Affiliations
Dr. Yu is an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), reflecting her continued involvement in the advancement of periodontal education, research, and clinical care.

Personal Life
Dr. Yu lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with her husband and daughter. Outside of dentistry, she enjoys playing tennis, watching films, and exploring new restaurants.

Dr. Chia-Yu “Jennifer” Chen, DDS, DMSc

Dr. Chia-Yu “Jennifer” Chen is a Board-Certified Periodontist and Harvard-trained clinician-educator with extensive experience in periodontal and implant care. Her approach combines thoughtful treatment planning, current scientific evidence, and clear communication, with an emphasis on helping patients understand their options and working closely with referring dentists to achieve predictable, long-term outcomes.

Education and Training
Dr. Chen completed her advanced specialty training at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where she earned both her Certificate in Periodontology and Doctor of Medical Sciences (DMSc) degree in Periodontology and Oral Science. Her training integrated comprehensive clinical care with advanced research, providing a strong foundation in periodontal therapy, dental implant treatment, and regenerative procedures.

Professional Philosophy
Dr. Chen believes that exceptional periodontal care begins with understanding each patient’s individual needs and goals. She places particular importance on clear communication and collaborative treatment planning so that patients feel informed and comfortable throughout their care. She brings the same evidence-based and detail-oriented approach developed through her academic career to everyday clinical decision-making.

Academic & Leadership Roles
Dr. Chen has served as an Assistant Professor and Predoctoral Director in Periodontology at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where she taught and mentored dental students and residents while providing clinical care through the Harvard Faculty Group Practice. Her experience as both a clinician and educator has shaped an approach centered on careful diagnosis, interdisciplinary collaboration, and thoughtful treatment planning.

Research & Recognition
Dr. Chen is an accomplished clinician-scientist and educator with more than 40 peer-reviewed publications. Her professional honors include the American Academy of Periodontology’s 2021 Educator Award, the 2024 Nevins BioHorizons Fellowship, and the 2026 R. Earl Robinson Periodontal Regeneration Award.

Professional Focus
Dr. Chen’s clinical interests include comprehensive periodontal care, dental implant therapy, soft-tissue and regenerative procedures, and interdisciplinary treatment planning. She is particularly interested in translating advances in periodontal and implant research into practical treatment approaches that improve patient care.

Personal Interests
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Chen enjoys traveling, exploring new places and restaurants, practicing aerial yoga, and following competitive figure skating.