Dr. Nelson has been practicing pediatric dentistry in Northern Virginia since July 1, 1990, after finishing his Intern-Residency in Pediatric Dentistry at the Children's Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina. He holds a B.S. in Chemistry from The Citadel and his D.M.D. from the Medical University of South Carolina.

Born in Newport Rhode Island, Dr. Nelson was the son of a marine and spent his childhood all over the country growing up on different military instillations. Dr. Nelson knew he wanted to be a dentist since he was eleven years old when he would go to his favorite pediatric dentist on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Since then, he has lived a life dedicated to achieving these dreams: after going to the Citadel on a swimming scholarship and completing dental school and residency, he has provided excellent oral healthcare to thousands of children throughout the Northern Virginia region for thirty years. He believes in taking the necessary time with each child to provide a relaxing, fun experience instead of a scary and rushed procedure. He is one of approximately 4,000 Board Certified Pediatric Dentists in the country and provides care to a large population of special needs children in the area. Dr. Nelson is also on staff at the Virginia Hospital Center and frequently uses the hospital for outpatient surgeries as well as on-call trauma cases. 

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his partner, Julia, and their four dogs, real estate, flying private aircrafts, and traveling. He has completed the Marine Core Marathon seven times so far, and plans to complete his eighth in October 2019. 

RoseMarie Gonzales has been the Restorative and Trauma Dentist in Dr. Nelson’s practice since August 22, 2005, after graduating from the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, University of Maryland Dental School. She was a Certified Dental Assistant for ten years prior to Dental School.  She earned her BA from Northern Arizona University while living in Arizona where her husband was stationed; raising a 2-year-old, working full-time in a Periodontal practice and attending class at night.

Dr. Gonzales was born and raised in Northern New Mexico, where her parents still live.  She has been married to John, a Retired Officer of United States Marine Corps, for over 30 years.  They have three daughters: Felicia Rose, 26; Alicia Marie, 22; and Clara Patrice, 16. Their Yorkipoo of 13 years completes their family. 

Dr. G’s philosophy is simple:  Treat each patient as if they are the most important patient, because, while they are in her chair, they are.  It really is that simple. Being a dentist has proven to be her dream come true.  She always wanted to care for others and raise a family—working in Dr. Nelson’s practice has allowed her to be present for her husband and her daughters as well as her patients.  It has afforded her the balance that she’d always hoped for.  

Free time is all about their daughters and spending time together! Visiting DisneyWorld allows John and RoseMarie to spend time with all three girls while seeing Felicia Rose, who trains cast members at Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios while she finishes her degree.  They have also enjoyed traveling to support Alicia Marie and Clara Patrice, who have played basketball since they were very young.  

Contact Us

Our office is located in the north end of Arlington. Nestled between North Glebe Road and Old Dominion Drive in the Old Dominion neighborhood. Please keep in mind that the only entrance into our parking lot is by way of Old Dominion Drive and there is no direct access from North Glebe Road.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to our office at (703) 525-8200 or email us at dr.edwardnelson@yahoo.com.

Our Office

2501 North Glebe Road, Suite 100
Arlington, VA 22207