Our Team

Your Smile Specialists

Northwest Periodontics and Implant Specialists was established in Woodstock, GA over 35 years ago. Since its inception, it has helped patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles by providing periodontal-centered treatments. Dr. ElMaraghi, Dr. Halpern, and the rest of the team are proud to carry its legacy of putting you first.

The best results come from a team effort. From our extensive training, and use of the most recent technology, to the amount of time we allot for appointments, patients feel comforted in our care.

Northwest Periodontics and Dental Implants, WOODSTOCK, GA

Our Team

Your Smile Specialists

Northwest Periodontics and Implant Specialists was established in Woodstock, GA over 35 years ago. Since its inception, it has helped patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles by providing periodontal-centered treatments. Dr. ElMaraghi, Dr. Halpern and the rest of the team are proud to carry its legacy of putting you first.

The best results come from a team effort. From our extensive training, and use of the most recent technology, to the amount of time we allot for appointments, patients feel comforted in our care.

Arwa ElMaraghi, D.M.D., M.S.D. – Periodontal Specialist

Arwa ElMaraghi, D.M.D., M.S.D. – Periodontal Specialist Dr. ElMaraghi is a periodontist, earning her Bachelor of Science and her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Kentucky. She completed a one-year General Practice Residency at the VA/KY Clinic at the University of Kentucky. Dr. ElMaraghi received intensive training in all areas of general dentistry including exodontia, geriatrics, conscious sedation, special needs patients, and fixed/removable prostheses. Dr. ElMaraghi completed a three-year Periodontal Surgical Residency at Roudebush VA Medical Center. During her years of residency, she received a Master of Dental Science with a minor in Pathology from the University of Indiana School of Dentistry.

Dr. ElMaraghi is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the American Dental Association, the Georgia Dental Association, and the Northwestern District Dental Society. After residency, Dr. ElMaraghi worked in a private practice with one of the most respected and sought-after periodontists in Kentucky. She continued to learn and expand her surgical skills to include more complex treatments like full mouth restorations using implants (DIEM, Pro-Arch, All-on-4, Teeth In a Day), immediate placement and temporization of implants, and highly cosmetic cases.

Dr. ElMaraghi uses state-of-the-art technologies and premium products to ensure the best results for all her patients. She uses a team approach in treatment with the patient’s preferred restorative dentist and other physicians as needed. On a personal note, Dr. ElMaraghi is married and has one daughter. She enjoys the outdoors, hiking, swimming, travelling, and spending time with her family.

Stanley D. Halpern, D.D.S. – Periodontal Specialist

Dr. Halpern is a periodontist who earned his Bachelor of Science Degree and Doctor of Dental Surgery from Emory University. He completed a dental residency program at the University of Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital. Dr. Halpern received his residency training in Periodontics at Emory University School of Dentistry.

Dr. Halpern established his practice in the Marietta/Woodstock area over 25 years ago. His interests include Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP), Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique, LASER periodontal therapy, dental implants, bone and gum augmentation, and cosmetic periodontal procedures. Dr. Halpern and his staff strive to provide a professional, caring, and comfortable environment for our patients and use the latest technologies available for their benefit.

Dr. Halpern is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the American Dental Association, the Georgia Dental Association, the Northwestern District Dental Society, the Georgia Academy of Dental Practice, the Georgia Society of Periodontists, and the Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity. He is a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the G.D.A.

Dr. Halpern has been an adjunct clinical professor in the Department of Graduate Periodontics at the Dental College of Georgia. He is actively involved in the NWDDS and the GDA. He is the former president of the Northwestern District Dental Society and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Georgia Dental Association. Dr. Halpern is a member of the Center for Interdisciplinary Dental Studies and the Spear Study Club.

Outside of the office, Dr. Halpern enjoys playing golf, traveling, watching sports and spending time with his wife, two daughters, and sons-in-law. He also takes any chance he gets to play with his new grandson.

Kathy-Practice Business Manager

Kathy started working at Northwest Periodontics in 2019 after moving from South Georgia to the North Georgia mountains to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She previously worked at a large General Dentistry practice in Tifton, GA as the Business Office Manager for twenty years.

Kathy loves NW Perio and is happy to be a part of a team that is so welcoming and caring towards patients, new and old.

Most of Kathy’s free time is spent with her seven grandchildren or visiting her family back home in Pennsylvania. Kathy and her husband also love to travel and experience new places.

Alyssa- Treatment Coordinator

Alyssa is our Treatment Coordinator. Along with Kathy, her role is to go over treatment plans with our patients, handle financial arrangements, and schedule surgical procedures. She started working in dentistry in 2003
at a large General Dentist practice in South Georgia. She also worked at a Pediatric Dental practice in her home state of Arizona.

Alyssa and her husband, Blake, live in Holly Springs with their five daughters and two yorkies. Alyssa is very active at her kids’ schools and she and her girls love volunteering at their church and Goshen Valley Boys Ranch. She also loves baking and gardening.

Wendy- Patient Coordinator

Wendy is the first friendly face you see when you walk into our office. Not only does she greet all our patients and make sure they are ready for their appointments, she makes sure that every new patient has everything needed to be able to have a thorough first visit. She has a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Central Florida and loves helping to plan any continuing education events that we host.

In her spare time, Wendy loves to do Pilates, play cards or board games, and she loves to cook. She started working at Northwest Periodontics in 2021 and is enjoying learning all about the dental field and meeting all of our amazing patients.

Irene- Front Office Manager, Jasper

Irene is one of our newest staff members, she joined our practice in August of 2023 after working in Pediatric Dentistry for seven years. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and has several years of experience in Customer Service in multiple areas.

She moved to Georgia with her two kids and two cats in 2016. Outside of dentistry, she is a huge foodie and enjoys cooking, gardening, knitting and yoga.

Jen- Insurance Coordinator

Jen started working at Northwest Periodontics in July of 2023. Starting in dentistry at the age of 19, she has had 30 years of dental experience in both the front office and assisting chairside with patients. Jen works hard to get insurance claims paid in a timely manner and ensures that the patients are getting the most out of their insurance benefits.

Jen and her husband have 3 children, two of which are grown and their youngest in middle school. Jen enjoys being with her family and friends in her spare time and has found herself to be busy with her new side business of baking and making charcuterie boards.

Tacari- Surgical Assistant

Tacari received her Dental Assistant Certificate from Bryman College in Washington State in July of 2006. She joined the Northwest Periodontics family in 2019 & loves every aspect of dentistry, from patient relationships to the technical challenges involved in periodontal surgery.

With her knowledge in general dentistry, oral surgery, endodontics, and periodontics, Tacari has a wide variety of experience to assist Dr. ElMaraghi and Dr. Halpern with many surgical periodontal procedures.

Tacari has a son named Michael, she enjoys family time, playing bingo, and softball.

Jenifer- Surgical Assistant

Jenifer has been a Certified Dental Assistant since 2019 when she graduated from GSDA. She started off in General Dentistry but is grateful for the opportunity to continue to grow and learn in her role here as a Surgical Assistant.

She strives to make patients feel comfortable and at ease by helping to comfort patients before, during and after their dental procedures. Jenifer loves spending time with her husband Jose and their precious one- year-old daughter Genesis.

Heather- Surgical Assistant

Heather has been in the dental field for over 18 years. She started her career in General Dentistry, received her certification for dental assisting, and pursued the requirements to become an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant in 2007. She later went on to become an Instructor of Dental Assisting at the University of North Georgia. She recently joined the practice in 2023 and has a newfound passion for periodontal surgery and is looking forward to the new experience and expansion of her career.

In her spare time, Heather enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, reading, and more recently has developed a love for ATV cross-country racing with her husband and their 2 children.

Sharon, RDH- Registered Dental Hygienist

Sharon has been a dental hygienist with Northwest Periodontics since 1990. Attending continuing education classes helps to maintain her proficiency in her field and provide state-of-the-art care to her patients. Her passion is helping patients understand and achieve optimal oral health while building a rapport with them. Many of her patients are more like family!

Sharon and her son Trent, live in Woodstock. Becoming a “Gigi” in 2020 was a highlight during COVID! Her grandson brings her great joy. During her time away from work, Sharon enjoys hiking, playing tennis, spending time with friends and visiting family back home in South Carolina.

Shelley, RDH- Registered Dental Hygienist

Shelley Biggs is one of our dental hygienists here at Northwest Periodontics. She takes pride in making sure that you have a comfortable experience in the dental chair and have the best oral care possible. Shelley is a 2004 graduate of West Central Technical College and has taken many hours of continuing education to stay on top of the ever-changing trends in dentistry. She takes pride her role here and strives to bring her best to each patient. Shelley is a lifelong resident of the state of Georgia and lives in Talking Rock with her husband Jason and her children and grandchildren. They enjoy spending time outdoors in the mountains- hiking, kayaking, and overlanding.

This is a little bit about our team.

We look forward to seeing & getting to know you!

Contact us at our Woodstock practice 770-928-6655 or at our Jasper practice at 706-253-6655 to make an appointment today! We look forward to the opportunity of working with you.