Providing Exceptional Comprehensive General Dentistry

R.L. Howell, D.D.S. & Associates is a private general dentistry practice that has served the greater Suffolk community since 1959. Dr. Leroy Howell moved into the office at 102 Western Avenue in 1968. His son, Dr. Ralph L. Howell, joined the practice in 1989, forming a partnership with his father. Since then, the practice has steadily grown to include four general dentists: the Howells and Dr. Vanessa N. Vargas. In June 2007, we opened a second office, Harbour View Dental Center, in the Harbour View section of Suffolk. At both offices, we utilize advanced dental technology, provide exceptional comprehensive general dentistry services, and treat our patients like family.

At R.L. Howell, D.D.S. & Associates, we pride ourselves on our dedication to each and every patient. To speak with a member of our staff, contact R.L. Howell, D.D.S. & Associates today.

Ralph L. Howell, D.D.S.
R. Leroy Howell, D.D.S.
Vanessa Vargas, D.M.D.

Ralph L. Howell, D.D.S.

Dr. Ralph L. Howell grew up in the Suffolk community. In 1982, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the College of William and Mary. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 1989, where he graduated with honors and was a member of the distinguished national dental honor society Omicron Kappa Upsilon. Dr. Howell was also recognized with the Medical College of Virginia’s A.D. Williams Scholarship Award.

Dr. Ralph Howell has been an active member of the community, as well as organized dentistry. He is the current President-Elect of the Virginia Dental Association. Currently, he serves as the vice president of the Colonial Virginia Council Executive Board for the Boy Scouts of America and has served as the medical officer for the last three national Boy Scout jamborees. He is a past president of the Suffolk Rotary Club, and as an active member of Oakland Christian Church, serves on the church's board of deacons.

Professional Memberships

American Dental Association
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
American College of Dentists
Virginia Dental Association
Tidewater Dental Association
Academy of General Dentistry
Delta Sigma Delta
Portsmouth-Suffolk Study Club
Sentara Obici Hospital Medical Staff
Pierre Fauchard Academy
International College of Dentists
American Institute of Parliamentarians

R. Leroy Howell, D.D.S.

Dr. Leroy Howell has been a member of the Suffolk community for most of his life. He attended Chuckatuck High School before going to Elon College in North Carolina, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry in 1951. He returned to Virginia to study dentistry at the Medical College of Virginia, where he completed his doctor of dental surgery degree in 1955 and oral surgery internship in1956.

Later in 1956, Dr. Howell joined the U.S. Army Dental Corps and subsequently served in the U.S. Army Reserve until 1964. During that period, he also began the private practice in Suffolk that has become R.L. Howell, D.D.S. & Associates.

Dr. Howell is actively involved in the Suffolk community and participates in many civic organizations, including the Rotary Club of Suffolk (member since 1964), the Chuckatuck Ruritan Club (member since 1959), the Boy Scouts of America–Colonial Virginia Council, the Suffolk Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Elon College Board of Trustees, the United Church Homes & Services, and the NationsBank Advisory Board.

Dr. Howell is also an active, lifelong member of the Oakland Christian Church. Through the church he continues to provide many services to the congregation and the surrounding community. Dr. Howell is the past chairman of the board of deacons and currently serves as the church moderator. Dr. Howell has also been a member of the Long Range Planning Committee since 1996 and has enjoyed teaching at the Oakland Christian Church Sunday School since 1959.

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

American Dental Association
Virginia Dental Association
Tidewater Dental Association
Delta Sigma Delta
Portsmouth-Suffolk Study Club
Sentara Obici Hospital Medical Staff
Fellow of the International College of Dentists-1998
American College of Dentists

Vanessa Vargas, D.M.D.

With dedication, care, and expertise, Dr. Vanessa Vargas provides patients at R.L. Howell, D.D.S. & Associates with exceptional care. Dr. Vargas received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Medical College of Georgia, where she graduated in the top 15 percent of her class. Dr. Vargas is certified in both advanced cardiac life support and basic life support techniques. She also speaks Spanish fluently.

Dr. Vargas has been the recipient of many honors and awards that highlight both her academic and professional achievements. These recognitions include the Premedical Honor Society (Alpha Epsilon Delta), the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, University of Georgia Presidential Scholar, University of Georgia dean’s list, American Dental Association Scholarship (of which Dr. Vargas was a two-time recipient), and the Medical College of Georgia dean’s list.

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

American Dental Association
Academy of General Dentistry
Hispanic Dental Association
Virginia Dental Association
Tidewater Dental Association