Island Dental

Dr. Friend was born in the mountains of Western Maryland, near Deep Creek Lake. Her mom, who is a hygienist, read dental books to her as "bedtime stories". Dr. Friend's early introduction to dentistry soon became a lifelong passion. She earned her undergraduate degree from Frostburg State University in 2013 and became a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in 2017. After graduating, Dr. Friend worked in underserved areas of Baltimore city for a year. In 2018, she moved...Read More to Southern Maryland and has since practiced in general, cosmetic and family dentistry. She has passionately developed her skills and knowledge through continuing education. Dr. Friend is a Certified Botox provider, Certified Invisalign provider, sedation certified, and loves working with children. She is skilled in tooth extractions and root canals. Dr. Friend has experience in all aspects of dentistry and focuses on providing comprehensive general and preventative care to her patients. She enjoys collaborating with her patients to help them find personalized oral health solutions. Read Less

Originally from Florida, a happily married mother of 4, with an undergraduate degree from Rutgers University in Biology; and a Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 2000. She started in dentistry as a dental assistant and worked for 12 years in that field both in private practice and the Air Force prior to deciding to obtain a degree in dentistry. The military brought her to Maryland. She has been in the area for 19 years and has been fortunate...Read More to have sustained continued growth during that time. "I really enjoy what I do and I like to think that that is evident in my work and to my patients." When not doing dentistry, she enjoys traveling and time with my family. If asked what sets us apart from the other dentists in the area, I would say: "One-- that like a lot of people in the community I have a history with the military. I served in various branches of the Air Force and retired after 22 years. That instilled in me a great set of values. The military doesn't offer degrees in dentistry, we receive our professional education through state and private colleges like everyone else. Once in the service the continuing education we are required to maintain is often double that of what civilians in most states require. So I am thankful for the additional education and training I received while in the service and that which I continue to pursue to better serve my patients. Two-- we are an all female practice so while there are some great male dentists out there, they don't always have the same gentle touch and compassionate demeanor that we in our office do. That is very important I think in dealing with a population of people that are sometimes very frightened about the aspects of dentistry. Thirdly and finally -- we are constantly trying to stay informed about all the newest technologies and changes occurring in dentistry. So in our office we are paperless with digital technology in each operatory. We can confirm appointments via email and text. Patients, both existing and potential ones, can check our website to learn about different procedures as well as current promotions available at anytime." Here at Island Dental, we like to offer an array of dental services to our community. Dentistry is no longer just about pulling teeth or drilling and filling. It's about building beautiful smiles, inside and out. Invisalign, Veneers, Snap-On-Smiles, Juvederm dermal fillers, Botox, and even Snore Guards. The snore guards won't exactly enhance your smile, but your roommates smile will generally be bigger. After many years, Dr. Gaylord has decided to transition into retirement so that she can spend more time with her family, travel, and enjoy everything life has to offer. Read Less

Jessie started in oral surgery in 1999 with extractions, bone grafts, sinus lifts, and placement of dental implants. Over the last 20 years Jessie has continued to build upon her dental education by taking continuing education courses, attending dental seminars, and participating in community service dental health events. After years of assisting on the surgical side of dentistry both in Oral Surgery and in Periodontics, Jessie has joined us here in the hopes of expanding her education in genera...Read Morel dentistry. Jessie's belief that having been there for patients who've reached their last stop on the "dental train" at the oral surgery chair has given her the skills to be understanding of patients needs, compassionate, and the ability to relate to patients no matter their circumstance in life; should prove to be beneficial to us. Jessie resides in Southern Maryland and is a proud mother to 3 children Jacob, Julianna, and Jackson. Jessie also has 3 fur babies Oakley, Sophie Grace, and Jimmy. Jessie loves reading, family game & movie nights, food, traveling, and shopping. Read Less