Ryan M. Buckwalter, DDS, FICOI, FAGD

1420 Greenbrier Place
Charlottesville, VA 22901

434.973.2224

Dr. Thomas M. Starkey (RETIRED) – Ruckersville Family Dentist

Tom Starkey’s career was born from his passion for the life sciences and caring for people. And so began his undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota followed by the University of Tennessee, where he received his dental degree. From there, Dr. Starkey attended Southwestern Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX for one semester and then studied at the Institute de Touraine, France for one year in preparation for the next four years as a dental missionary in Benin, West Africa.

Dr. Starkey returned to the United States to pursue a one-year hospital residency program in Tennessee, followed by a move to Charlottesville Virginia, where he worked at the health department and in a group dental practice before launching his own private practice in 1988. He found Charlottesville to be the ideal location to raise his family of three children and still have access to the mountains, beach and Washington DC.

A humble man whose team approach included daily prayer, Dr. Starkey found his greatest delight in getting to know his patients on a personal level – just another facet of his interest in languages and cultural missions. His number one priority was to meet his patient’s needs in the most suitable manner for that individual. In doing this, his reputation grew to be officially recognized as the “Best Dentist in Charlottesville.”

Each day was fulfilled by ensuring that patients experienced their visit in a caring and gentle environment, where their needs and interests were valued and addressed by the office team.

During his 42 years in dentistry, Dr. Starkey has sought to create and continue such an environment, and in 2014 he invited Dr. Ryan Buckwalter with his passion and skills to join and lead the experience, continuing the legacy of smiles.

Charlottesville Family Dentist | Cville Family Dentist | Albemarle County Family Dentist | Hooville Family Dentist | Piedmont VA Family Dentist | Blue Ridge VA Family Dentist
  • "I am very pleased with how my appointment went yesterday. Everyone was really friendly. They explained everything to me about the procedure and stayed late to assure I was comfortable with the work I had done. Dr Ryan Buckwalter and his assistants were awesome. I highly recommend them for any dental work. Thank you."

    Donnette M.

  • "I was having toothache pain in my lower jaw. I called the next day to make an appointment and was given an appointment time for the very next day. I saw Dr. Ryan, who is knowledgeable, caring and has great people skills with his patients. I made another appointment to come back and have the work done."

    Denise K.

  • “Dr. Buckwalter and his assistant did a wonderful job with our 8 year old today. While they were busy talking teeth, my 3 year old was enjoying his new lip balm and balloon! Finished up with a treat from Starbucks with our gift card. So glad our kiddos don’t fear the dentist. More like they want to keep stopping in."

    Logan D.

  • “Unbelievable experience with Dr. Ryan Buckwalter. Night and Day difference from my last dental experience with another dentist. I no longer fear the dentist!”

    David S.