If the overwhelming response to a recent Suburban Life reader poll is any indication—and we’re pretty sure it is—then residents of the Philadelphia suburbs have countless options for high-quality care when it comes time to “open up and say ahh.” On the following pages, we tell you who they are and where to find them. We also spoke to a dozen dental health professionals of various disciplines—from cosmetic dentistry and endodontics to oral surgery to pediatric dentistry—about their best advice for how to achieve a healthy smile, their secrets to “sweet tooth” satisfaction, and how the latest advancements in technology and treatment are beautifying the Philadelphia suburbs’ pearly whites, one smile at a time.
Click here to view the 2012 Top Dentists list.
BENJAMIN CASSALIA | Chalfont
What’s your best advice to patients for a healthy smile? Maintain routine checkups with their dentist to maintain the health of their teeth and surrounding tissues. There is nothing more perfect than natural, healthy teeth.
What brand of toothpaste do you use at home? There are many excellent brands of tooth paste on the market. We usually use Colgate.
Outside of the office, how do you keep busy and/or relax? When I am not in my office I keep busy working on our farm. Although it might seem like work, it also helps clear your mind doing something outside your normal routine.
What is the funniest, most interesting or most profound thing a patient has ever said to you? A patient once said to me that friends of his asked him why he had to get braces. When I asked him what he said, he responded, “I told them I had to get braces because I didn’t clean my room.”
What is the single best thing about your profession? The single best thing about my field is the end product. There is nothing like the unveiling of someone’s teeth that have been masked by a set of braces.
JENNIFER DUNCAN | Chalfont
What influenced you to pursue a career in dentistry? I had a need that was not being fulfilled in my past work—making a direct impact on someone’s life. I believe in relationships. Dentistry is an avenue for having a long-term relationship with a patient in helping them with their dental health as well as their overall health.
What technology or recent advancement has had the greatest influence on your practice? I believe the greatest impact on my practice is our office design. The design includes how the office looks, feels, smells and operates. This can be from the color of the walls, the comfort of the dental chair, the scent of the cleaners and the paperless patient charts. We have taken the time and effort to create an environment that is comfortable and efficient in delivery quality care.
What is the funniest, most interesting or most profound thing a patient has ever said to you? There are so many stories that have impacted me but the one that has touched me on the deepest level was recently from a 30-year-old female. She read my story in the December issue of Suburban Life. She said that she was talking with her mother about her wanting to change her career. She read my story and said to her mother, “If Dr. Duncan can do it, so can I.” … It made me realize all of us don’t really know how we impact each other’s lives.
ERICKA KLEIN | Devon
What influenced you to pursue a career in dentistry? When I volunteered to work for a dentist in college, I discovered that this profession can change lives. I was amazed to witness a patient’s tears of joy after seeing their new smile for the first time. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to be a dentist.
What technology or other recent advancement has had the greatest influence on your practice? Digital X-rays and intraoral cameras have not only increased the level of care I am able to provide, but they have also facilitated communications with my patients.
What is your favorite “sweet treat” or guilty pleasure? The vegan peanut butter chocolate dessert from Whole Foods.
Outside the office, how do you keep busy/ relax? Having two young boys keeps me very active. When I am not at work, I love to garden and hike through Valley Forge National Park.
What is the funniest, most interesting or most profound thing a patient or mentor has ever said to you? Throughout the years, I have had the good fortune to have some great mentors. The one pearl of wisdom they all shared with me is that the patient always comes first.
KARA FRAIMAN | Ardmore
What influenced you to pursue a career in oral health? My father was a dentist and loved being one. I grew up watching him so fulfilled with helping people through dentistry. In dental school, I was introduced into the specialty of endodontics. Doing a quality root canal is a very exact process, an art form of dentistry. Each tooth can present its own unique challenges. … From a young age, surgical procedures have always interested me. In endodontics I have the opportunity to include both root canal therapy and dental surgery, all included through one day’s work.
What brand of toothpaste do you use at home? Any toothpaste as long as it has fluoride and is ADA approved.
Outside of the office, how do you keep busy and/or relax? I am the mother of four wonderful children. My sons play hockey and any other sport they can fit in. My youngest daughter figure skates and loves to play and or go places with her friends. … My oldest child sadly died from a very rare degenerative brain disease. For the time she was here on this earth with us, we lived every moment we could with her. In her memory my husband and I created a nonprofit organization called Ashley’s Angels. Our mission for the foundation is to help other sick children like Ashley and their families.
JOSEPH R. GREENBERG | Villanova
What’s your best advice for patients to have a healthy smile? One must always look at their teeth and smile as part of their whole face. When it looks right—symmetry to the center, harmonious flow with facial features—a subconscious part of our brain—the limbic system—tells us it’s right.
What brand of toothpaste do you use at home? My family and I, and every patient I influence, use toothpastes with high levels of xylitol. Xylitol is a natural substance as sweet as sugar that reduces the stickiness of dental plaque/biofilm and the ability of bacteria to make the acids that cause tooth decay. Our current brand is called Spry, and it can be purchased at Whole Foods.
Outside of the office, how do you keep busy and/or relax? My regular teaching at Penn and at [Temple University’s Kornberg School of Dentistry] keeps me very busy outside of the practice. … I also do a lot of volunteer work for “at risk” children who have high levels of oral disease which impacts their present and future lives. I like being involved and effective in dentistry and the community and so relaxation time is not a priority for me.
ROBERT A. LANTZY | Newtown
What influenced you to pursue a career in dentistry? My mom always told me I’d be a good doctor from a young age; she planted the seed and it grew. I also got early exposure to medical care by helping with my totally dependent quadriplegic brother.
What technology or other recent advancement has had the greatest influence on your practice? CEREC technology is the latest for my office. It enables us to make crowns and other porcelain restorations in one visit—no impressions, no temporaries that loosen, and no second visits.
What is the something that patient, mentor or someone close to you has shared that has stuck with you? It may not be totally dental related, but my good friend’s dad once stated, “Never assume anything unless you assume you’re wrong.” I feel it has made me a better person by making sure you are doing the right thing.
Outside of the office, how do you keep busy and/or relax? My daughter got me into sprint triathlons a few years ago, so swimming, biking and running keep me fit. I am in a father/daughter and father/son group that has annual camping and canoeing trips. I also enjoy gardening and landscaping at our home.
LEIGH-ANN MALTZ-DICHTER | Narberth
What is your best advice for patients to have a healthy smile? Floss! Floss! Floss! And smile a lot! People who floss regularly tend to be healthier in general and reduce their risks of decay, gingivitis and bone problems, as well as reducing their risk of systemic diseases. People who smile a lot and show off their teeth tend to take better care of their teeth.
What technology or other advancement in your field has had the greatest influence on your practice? Digital radiographs have helped significantly reduce radiation and give better diagnostic quality and speed of care. But the holistic approach of dentistry to be a part of the patient’s general medical care has been more important to my practice. I like to spend time teaching patients how their diets, medications and systemic conditions are influencing their mouth and vice-versa.
What brand of toothpaste do you use at home? I prefer the simpler toothpastes without tartar control and whitening additives to minimize side effects and sensitivity. I do recommend fluoride as we have no detectable fluoride in the suburban water supply.
LINDSEY MARSHALL | Ardmore
What influenced you to pursue a career in dentistry? I had surgery when I was young and after that I always wanted to be a doctor. Then, as I got older, I came to have a strong background in science and arts and I thought that dentistry would embody both of those strengths.
What is the funniest, most interesting or most profound thing a patient has ever said to you? Better put, name something a patient—or, if you prefer, a mentor—has said to you that has stuck with you?
The most profound thing a patient has ever said is that I saved their life. After examining their mouth, I could see that they were at risk for significant medical issues and suggested they see their MD for clearance before we began treatment. The patient called me later to say he had very high blood pressure and diabetes and that I saved his life. Like they say, the mouth is a window into the body.
What is the single best thing about your profession? That I can take away a lifetime of embarrassment and anxiety for someone and just watch their personality bloom when they are pain free and confident with their appearance and not afraid to smile.
FRANK C. PREZIOSO | Yardley
What is the most profound thing a patient has ever said to you? An older patient once told me to carefully balance work with my involvement in my children’s lives. I really took that to heart, and have structured my work schedule so that I can still be there for my family.
In terms of food, what is your favorite sweet treat or guilty pleasure? Give me chocolate chip cookies with a large glass of cold milk and I’m a happy dentist. I eat those treats in moderation, of course, and I brush and floss thoroughly afterwards.
Outside of the office, how do you keep busy and/or relax? Being with my wife and two daughters is my favorite pastime. Also, as a former college lacrosse player, I try to stay in shape by jogging. I enjoy reading as well, which calms me down. Finally, cheering for my boyhood teams—the Mets and the 2012 World Champion New York Giants—is still fun!
What is the single best thing about your profession? I think that the best thing about my profession, and what made me interested in dentistry in the first place, is the balance between working and fostering relationships with my patients. … I have the simple satisfaction of knowing that, in performing dental procedures, I am always helping people.
MICHAEL ROSENBAUM | Ambler
What is your best advice for patients to have a healthy smile? Brush your child’s teeth until they are 8 or 9 years old, and then supervise periodically. You can look at all the research on preventing dental disease, mouth rinses, fluoride protocols, xylitol, but if the plaque is not being removed effectively on a regular basis, bad things happen.
What is your favorite “sweet treat” or guilty pleasure? Really dark Mexican stone-ground chocolate, which is not nearly as cariogenic—i.e., cavity causing—as sticky candies.
Outside of the office, how do you keep busy and/or relax? Golf, running, biking, weight lifting, painting, sculpting, museums, watching Philly sports, the shore, the mountains, traveling. My wife and I are empty nesters.
Name something a mentor once shared that has stuck with you. My partner and mentor, Dr. Mark Goldstein, said that the only decision in our profession that needs to be made is to ask yourself: What would you do if the patient was your own child? Everything else will fall into place from there. I am the program director of the Temple University Hospital pediatric dental residency program, and I say this to my residents every day.
JONATHAN SCHARF | Exton
What is your best advice for patients to have a healthy smile? Never be afraid to discuss with dentist any concern about how your teeth look. It’s not vanity to want a beautiful smile; everyone is entitled to that. If you’re not happy you’re your smile, that’s good enough reason to find out options for improvement. Smile makeovers are not just for movie stars.
What brand of toothpaste do you use at home? Colgate Optic White, but it doesn’t matter as long as it tastes good and it makes you want to use it. I also like SmartMouth mouthwash by Triumph Pharmaceuticals. This stuff is unbelievable; it works like a charm on bad breath odors.
What is your favorite “sweet treat” or guilty pleasure? Sushi and a Grey Goose “saketini” or crepe suzettes and a double espresso. I’m also a sucker for a great glass of red wine.
Outside of the office, how do you keep busy and/or relax? Travel, collect and make wine; right now I’m making a Napa Valley cabernet. I also fly fish, cook and play golf.
What is the single best thing about your profession? It’s corny, but I get great satisfaction by having an impact on people’s lives. If you can exceed expectations for a smile makeover, it really does change your life.
P. MICHAEL SCHELKUN | Warminster
What’s your best advice for patients to have a healthy smile? Make sure you see your dentist at least twice a year. … If you don’t like your smile or your teeth, they can be improved—especially today with all the state-of-the-art treatment options.
What brand of toothpaste do you use at home? I and my family use basic Crest or Colgate fluoride toothpaste. Remember toothpaste is just a flavored carrying agent for fluoride. The most important aspect of home hygiene is to brush with a soft toothbrush properly at least three times a day and floss once a day.
What is your favorite “sweet treat” or guilty pleasure? Hands down, ice cream.
Outside of the office, how do you keep busy and/or relax? I do a lot with my family with their sports and other activities. I am involved in a number of ministries with my church; I train in mixed martial arts; I am an avid fisherman and [fan of] sport shooting, along with skiing, fitness, wine collecting, boating, travel and politics. I really just enjoy life and this great country of ours.
What is the single best thing about your profession? For me it has always been about the ability to help people. There is nothing more satisfying than to be able to take away someone’s pain and anxiety or to improve their looks and function.
