After 15 years practicing in Pasadena, Dr. Terrie Driscoll opens a family-centered dental office with comfort, community, and even a therapy dog at its heart.
When Dr. Terrie Driscoll opened the doors to Driscoll Family Dental in July 2024, she wasn’t just launching a new business – she was creating a home for her patients.
“I wanted to create an environment where I could take care of my people,” Driscoll said, reflecting on what inspired her to start her own practice. “My patients are my friends, and I care about each and every one of them.”
Though Driscoll grew up in Carroll County, her heart has been in Pasadena for nearly two decades. After earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in Baltimore, she spent 15 years practicing locally as an associate dentist. When it came time to branch out on her own, there was no question about where she wanted to set down roots.
“I love The Dena,” she said with a smile. “It reminds me of my childhood hometown. There’s such a small-town feel here. I can go out to eat or stop by a local business and run into patients or friends – it just feels like home.”
At Driscoll Family Dental, that sense of home is more than just a sentiment – it’s a guiding philosophy. Her staff of 15, whom she lovingly refers to as family, work hard to make sure every patient feels comfortable. From offering neck pillows and dimmed lights to changing the radio station, no detail is too small when it comes to patient care.
“This is a completely ‘No Judgies’ office,” Driscoll explained. “What matters is that you’re here. Everything else can be fixed. We want people to feel like they’re surrounded by people who care.”
That warm, welcoming approach is one of the practice’s defining features. Another is Walter – the office’s four-legged team member. Walter, Driscoll’s dog, is a calming and therapeutic presence for patients who may feel anxious in the chair. “Walter works very hard,” she laughed. “He wanders around to check on everyone, and sometimes he’ll even curl up in a patient’s lap. We pay him in cheese.”
Beyond creating a friendly atmosphere, Driscoll Family Dental offers a full range of general dental services, including exams, cleanings, crowns, implant restorations, and dentures. The office also provides cosmetic procedures such as in-office whitening and Botox. For Driscoll, however, nothing compares to the rewarding experience of cosmetic restorations.
“When a patient sees their new smile for the first time and starts crying tears of joy – that’s when I know I’ve made a difference,” she said. “Those moments mean everything to me.”
The practice has also embraced modern technology, with upgraded equipment and new digital scanners to improve patient care. But Driscoll insists that the true heart of the practice is its people – both patients and staff. The addition of associate dentist Dr. Abigail Disman, she noted, was one of the most rewarding milestones in her first year.
“She’s so kind and caring,” Driscoll said. “I am honored that we can care for the residents of Pasadena together.”
Looking ahead, Driscoll says her goals remain simple: to keep helping people every day and to continue making patients feel at home. “I hope when people leave my office, they feel like they just spent time visiting friends – and that they want to come back.”
When she’s not in the office, Driscoll enjoys family time, cheering on her son at baseball games, going to the theater with her daughter, crocheting blankets, and relaxing near the water with her husband. At home, Walter and his 100-pound canine brother, Wilbur, keep her busy.
As for the community response so far, Driscoll said she has been humbled by the support. In a recent Best Of Pasadena poll, Driscoll Family Dental was voted 2025’s Best Dentist in Pasadena. “When someone tells me, ‘My friend recommended your office,’ it’s about the nicest thing I’ve ever heard. That trust means so much,” said Driscoll.
Driscoll Family Dental is located at 8556 Fort Smallwood Road, Suite B in Pasadena and is currently accepting new patients. Appointments can be made online at driscollfamilydental.com or by calling 410-360-5116.
“I love, love, love my job,” Driscoll said. “Being a dentist is the best job in the whole world. I get to help people every day – and that matters.”
