A dentist who has opened a new practice at Harbour View East shopping center is a new face in Suffolk after previously practicing his profession in Portsmouth.

Tarek ElBadawy, who graduated dental school in his native Egypt in 2004, officially opened Suffolk Complete Dental Care, 6255 College Drive, Suite E, on March 12.

The practice is equipped with the industry’s latest products and equipment, ElBadawy said, which in turn offers patients the “most up-to-date procedures and services.”

Informing and educating patients on the latest procedures and health care choices available for specific needs is central to his approach to dentistry, according to ElBadawy.

“From routine cleanings and simple fillings to more in-depth restorative and cosmetic services, every patient will receive individualized care to help them keep their teeth for a lifetime,” he said.

ElBadawy earned his doctorate of dental surgery from the School of Dental Surgery at the Misr University for Science and Technology, and he also taught oral surgery in Egyt for 1-½ years.

After moving to the United States, he passed his boards and completed an advanced education in general dentistry residency at the University of Maryland, and an advanced program in implant dentistry at the NYU College of Dentistry.

ElBadawy is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Virginia Dental Association and the Tidewater Dental Association.

He said he continues to seek advanced training in a wide range of dental issues and techniques. Through continuing education programs like Invisalign (invisible braces), aesthetic continuum and doctor leadership, he receives additional training on procedures including crowns, veneers, aesthetic restorations and teeth whitening.

Just before moving to Suffolk, ElBadawy said, he worked at a Portsmouth dental practice where 80 percent of patients were children.

On the move to Suffolk, ElBadawy said Suffolk has a lot of potential for growth and — important to someone planning to start a family soon — is a good place to raise children.

“It’s a vibrant city,” he said, adding that Harbour View East is a central location.

ElBadawy said his practice offers a “fun and friendly environment” — especially when it comes to children.

“A child’s first experience in the dental chair shapes their attitude toward dentistry for their whole life,” he said. “We try to make it light — it’s not a visit you dread.”

For more information, visit www.suffolkcompletedentalcare.com.