Joanna Claustro DMD

10/16/2026

I am always excited to support organizations that are aimed at elevating and empowering women to go after dreams, take control of their health, and build networks that influence for good. 💛

It was a pleasure to sponsor the Next ChaptHER Ladies Who Power Lunch at the The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner as incredible speakers took to stage to discuss perimenopause and women’s health.

If you’ve caught my series on YouTube: Perimenopause and Oral Health, you know that these topics have been on my mind. And I know that so many women are going through this normal phase of life right now. Be sure to check out the series and to subscribe to the channel! 🥰

I am so thankful for NextChapther for creating space for women and to my bad ass bestie, Alexandra owner of Excel Pilates NoVA for introducing me to the group. ✨

10/14/2026

Raise your hand if you remember Dee! 🙋🏻‍♀️ If so, come on in for some swag because that means your are an OG and have been with me for a hot minute! ⏰

Sometimes the universe sends us signs that remind us of how far we have come and the POSITIVE wave of influence we leave behind us.

Just as I have entered a season of change — fall with a fresh set of allergies, rolling out a new practice management system, Julie getting ready to retire 😭, my commitment to fighting corporate influence on patient care, my hormones 🫠… Dee walks in with her son Eli just as we had 3 OG patients in the chair and I was hit by a wave of gratitude. ✨

Dental school and all of the continuing education doesn’t prepare you for the realities of being a business owner, leader, and emotional support system for the people you care for. Responsibilities I choose day in and day out. 💛 It is humbling to know how many former team members continue to show support in different ways.

DeYondalan Kinamore Hutchinson thank you for swinging by when you could have done a million other things while you were visiting the DMV. I love seeing how much you and your family has thrived. We met on one of your hardest days and I will never forget the lessons I learned that day. Here are some pics of our babies when we were all babies! 🥰

10/13/2026

Designing a new smile requires training, collaboration, an understanding of function, and a vision. ✨ Today I got up early to work on a complex case to make sure no detail is missed. And I got to see the sun rise over Loudoun. No complaints here! 💛

I am so thankful for the education and opportunities that learning from and working with Clinical Mastery Series has given me. It’s not just knowledge and skill — but community. It’s access to incredible minds that help me see past my own blind spots and make me a better clinician for my patients. 👩🏻‍⚕️ And it’s about strengthening my ability to communicate with patients, specialists and labs to make sure outcomes exceed expectations and any challenges along the way are met with confidence.

If you are a patient choosing a dentist to rebuild your smile, don’t settle. Ask questions, be clear on your goals, and get to know your doctor’s process and training. For me, my process starts with a conversation and continues on through detailed planning, precision, and a passion to inspire smiles.

If you are a doc looking to change lives — invest in high quality continuing education. For me, I found my professional purpose with Clinical Mastery. I hope to see you at a future course!

10/04/2026

📺 New Video Drop! If you are struggling between the choice to treat a tooth with a crown and root canal, or to move forward with an extraction and implant, these 4 questions can help you gain clarity and confidence in your decision.

Too often we get recommendations and options from our doctors and we don't even know what questions to ask. My goal is to help patients become better advocates for themselves. This includes my own patients too -- because my ability to best meet their goals and expectations is limited by the conversations we share when they are in my chair.

I will be posting videos to address common dental scenarios that aren't so common for every day people. If you have a particular question or concern that you aren't comfortable asking or just curious to discuss, drop it in the comments. I'm here to demystify dentistry and inspire smiles.

Being told you need a root canal, a crown, or a tooth extraction ca...

10/02/2026

I’ve been caring for this crew and their smiles for over a decade! Watching these boys grow into young (super tall) men has been a joy. ✨

I am so proud of the youngest of patients whose families have trusted us with their health over the years, because they grow into big kids or young adults with solid dental habits, an understanding of the importance of their visits, and the tendency to have fewer restorative needs.

It has always been my goal to treat kids like the tiny humans they are with real emotions, real questions, and real concerns. Just as we do for our adults, we start our visits with a conversation. We build trust, we establish consent, and we encourage kids to think about what is important to them about their oral health.

If you are looking for a new dental home for you and your family, give us a call to schedule your new patient experience. 703-688-8768

10/01/2026

A 🦷 reminder and 🧠 hack…

Anyone else struggle at bedtime? Tonight I resorted to pairing toothbrushing with goofing off on the piano. An instrument Hudson otherwise loathed… turns out it’s fun when it’s delaying bedtime 🤪

Here’s the thing. Every night is different. Sometimes I insist that he brush right after dinner (even if he ends up snacking on something later). Other nights he’s a dreamboat and brushes for 2 minutes and flosses without argument. And, yes… once in a while I stand there brushing his teeth for him while both of us are on the verge of tears.

But I have set the standard that brushing is important. Just like doing homework. Just like making it to basketball practice.

So just like sports and schoolwork, I find creative ways to make oral health fun and a normal part of his 9-year-old lifestyle. Some nights are tough and aren’t perfect, but consistency is important when building habits.

And sometimes… we miss a night completely. But I remind him (and myself) that it’s ok… just gotta get back on track tomorrow. No guilt, but also no excuses. 😉

09/30/2026

Because you deserve the best. ✨

Dental visits can be vulnerable and uncomfortable. So when you find a dental team that takes the time to listen and understand what is important to you — it’s hard to go anywhere else.

Every visit starts with a conversation. Because every visit catches you on a new day with new concerns, new stories to share, and new goals.

Your smile is constantly changing.

That’s why finding and keeping a consistent dental team that you trust is so important. We establish your unique healthy baseline, track changes, and identify potential signs of risk so you can make confident decisions regarding your care.

With each return visit, we gain better insight into your oral and systemic health, your functional patterns, and lifestyle risks. As a result, your smile is healthier and better protected.

So, yeah… that’s why patients travel — sometimes across state lines — to experience the Team Claustro DMD difference. 🫶🏽

If you are looking for a new dental home, give us a call at 703-688-8768. We look forward to earning your trust!

09/25/2026

I FOMO HARD. 👀 Ultimate Occlusion 1 with Clinical Mastery Series changed my LIFE as a dentist and I rarely miss the opportunity to serve as a faculty mentor on these weekends.

BUT I also know that my soul (and back) need time away — and EDM music too. 😜

The consolation is that I’ll be spending the weekend with fellow CMS educators, so we will be talking teeth, occlusion, and all the things that inspire us to 🤘🏽

And here’s the point: dentistry — especially as a solo owner — can be isolating. Clinical Mastery didn’t just give me the knowledge and skill to elevate patient care, it gave me access to friendships that elevate me as person. I am so fortunate and grateful to sit at the table (or share the dance floor) with leading experts in the field. ✨

If you are a dentist planning your CE calendar for next year, CMS should be at the top of your wishlist. Demystifying occlusion isn’t just about full mouth rehabs, it’s about understanding function and building stability for your patients. Cheers to all the docs in Dallas this weekend — I’ll be thinking of you all in Vegas!

Stay tuned for scenes from Tiësto 🎶
Alexander Clark, DDS, FAGD, FICOI and Lindsay Cash I’ll see you soon!

09/24/2026

Gratitude Post 🥹 Helping Victoria build confidence with a brand new smile has been such a fun and fulfilling journey for the entire team!

We cannot thank her and her wife for their trust and for the amazing catered lunch to celebrate on delivery day! ✨ A huge shout out to woman-owned Saint Germain Catering for delivering a beautiful spread that blew us away. Seriosuly delicious!

These cases are complex and sometimes backbreaking — but each and every one is a reminder of how powerful Improved function, health, and confidence can transform lives. 💛

If you are ready for a smile design, give us a call at 703-688-8768 to schedule a consult. You don’t have to feed us. (But we will gladly sit at a table with you if you do! 🥰)

Inspired smiles are healthy smile. Be inspired by our team. 👑

09/23/2026

Real Talk: Every woman on this planet is going to go through hormonal shifts throughout her life. Perimenopause is amongst one of the least discussed and happens during a phase in life when we are busiest and navigating so much change in other aspects of our life.

I am excited and proud to have completed my first series of videos on YouTube that explores how Perimenopause Impacts Your Oral Health -- and how your dentist may spot clues that you are entering a new phase of your reproductive cycle.

I share my own experiences as I navigate my hormonal and functional health and provide valuable tips and insights to help you maintain your health, longevity, and even your sanity!

In this series I cover:

✅ How estrogen controls saliva production and why you may be experiencing more gum inflammation and cavities during perimenopause

✅ How your risk for gum disease rises during perimenopause and how that impacts your risk of heart disease

✅ Why your dentist may spot signs of bone density changes before signs of osteoporosis show up

✅ Why TMJ and facial muscle pain increase during perimenopause, and how your teeth and bite are at greater risk of injury

If you enjoy this series, be sure to subscribe for more informational content. It is my goal to demystify dental care, empower you to become a better advocate for yourself, and inspire healthier smiles through conversation and quality dental care. 💛

Functional dentistry is part of your overall functional health. And perimenopause is when the effects of shifting hormones can show up in your mouth first. J...