Meet Your Local, Family Dentists

Dr. Melissa Amaral, D.D.S.

From a very young age, I knew I wanted to be a healthcare professional. Dentistry allows me to utilize my artistic skills along with my academic skills. What I find so rewarding about dentistry is how multifaceted it is and how I can improve the overall quality of a person’s life by educating them about their dental health. I especially love when a person is able to overcome their previous dental phobias by simply listening to how the fear originated and replacing that terrible memory with a pleasant dental experience. It’s amazing that we can overcome fears at any age. Dentistry doesn’t have to be scary anymore, and I try to make it as pleasant as possible!

Education

I believe in lifelong learning. The Jesuit philosophy of education aims to shape and develop the entire person. Being that I attended two Jesuit Universities (Santa Clara and Creighton), that philosophy remains with me. Graduating dental school was literally just the beginning of a life dedicated to acquiring as much possible knowledge and information as I can to help my patients.
High School Diploma, Washington High School, Fremont, CA, 1996
Bachelors of Science, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA 2000
Doctor of Dental Surgery, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 2004
Continuing Education

Although there is a requirement specific to each state mandating a certain number of continuing education hours, I far exceed these requirements each year. As a general dentist, I must be knowledgeable in ALL areas of dentistry. I choose to participate in so much continuing education because dentistry is constantly changing and I feel it is my personal responsibility to be exposed to all new materials and methods available to me. I believe in evidence-based dentistry, so even though I spend many of my weekends traveling for education, I do not incorporate anything into my office until I can stand behind it philosophically and clinically.
After researching the technology since I was in dental school, I am confident in and proud to use CEREC® technology in my practice. That means we can provide a great service to our patients with the increased convenience of a crown on the same visit.
Professional Memberships
I am a strong believer in organized dentistry, and that it is through our national, state, and local chapters that we can all work together to improve patient access, quality care, and much needed education across the globe.
In the Community

I have been involved in the Northern Nevada Dental Health Program since 2004. I donate many hours of my time and materials to children of families who do not have the economic means to provide their children with proper dental care. The program is wonderfully rewarding. The children are great and the parents are so appreciative. Most times it is the child’s first dental visit, so I have the opportunity to make it fun! It also is a great reward to provide comprehensive and preventative care to a family and never have to consider whether they can afford it or not, because it is all donated. When possible, my husband and I have plans on joining a national organization that travels to underserved communities around the world, providing much needed dental care.
Outside the Office

My husband, Dr. Nick Anastassatos, and I met in dental school and married in 2007. We have a son and a daughter who keep us busy. When I’m not in the office, or with my children, I love reading, cooking new recipes, wine tasting, painting, and traveling.

Dr. Nicholas Anastassatos, D.D.S.

My team and I are committed to providing all of our patients with exceptional comprehensive dental care in a friendly, inviting, and professional environment. Through continuous education, my team and I are able to maximize our knowledge, while creating an office environment that is conducive to helping our patients fully learn about the importance of dental care and take control of their continued oral health. Our commitment to our education and our craft allows us to provide our patients with the most ideal treatments possible, through which we can give our patients an improved sense of happiness and well-being.

I personally look forward to working with you, and sharing with you all that this wonderful team has to offer.

Education
- My education has provided me with a solid foundation in dentistry, and I continue to build upon this foundation with continuing education courses and memberships with several prestigious dental organizations. I have achieved the following degrees and diplomas:
- Graduated from Carson High School – Carson City, Nevada
- Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (graduated with honors) – University of Oregon
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree – Creighton University School of Dentistry
- Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
Continuing Education

I have completed over 1000 hours of continuing education in the past ten years in all areas of dentistry in order to provide the best possible care for my patients. By participating in continuing education opportunities, I am able to provide the most up to date and technologically advanced treatments designed to improve my patients’ oral health. Additionally, continuing education allows me to provide evidence-based dentistry, treatments that have been scientifically proven to provide the most aesthetic and long-lasting results.
Professional Memberships
Outside the Office

I am originally from Carson City and I couldn’t be more proud than to serve the community of Northern Nevada for the past ten years. My wife, Dr. Melissa Amaral, and I currently live in Reno and have been practicing together for almost four years. We have a two year old son and an infant daughter. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, golfing and yoga. I also spend a lot of my personal time advancing my dental techniques and knowledge through continuing education. I am especially interested in dental implants and CEREC® dentistry.
I also enjoy giving back to the communities I serve. I have been involved with the Northern Nevada Dental Health Program for the past ten years. Through this organization, I am able to provide pro bono dental care for children in need. Giving the gift of a healthy, beautiful smile to a child is one of the most rewarding experiences, and I am proud to support this program. I also work with the “Adopt a Vet” program. I have had the privilege of making pro bono dentures for some of our country’s veterans. I love giving to those who have given so much to us.
Dr. Anastassatos is your experienced Reno, NV dentist, contact our office today to schedule your first appointment!