Christina Pavlenko, D.M.D., is at the helm of a thriving dental practice in Huntingdon Valley that is poised to keep growing.
The first-generation immigrant discovered her love for science before becoming a dentist, earning a degree in chemistry and conducting research in neuroscience at Temple University as an undergraduate. Building on this acumen for the sciences and bringing in her flair for the arts, Dr. Pavlenko went on to earn her dental degree from Temple University’s Kornberg School of Dentistry. That very same passion for discovery continues to drive her work today.
“My dad was a dentist in the Soviet Union, and my aunt is a dermatologist,” Dr. Pavlenko recalls. “My grandmother wanted me to go to medical school. I was exploring options, but ultimately, I applied to dental school.”
The choice stemmed from a desire to blend medicine and art.
“Dentistry is very creative, and I always had an interest in the arts,” explains Dr. Pavlenko, a skilled piano player who studied at a music academy as a young person. “It allows for a blend of artistry and science, whether it is designing smiles, crafting dental restorations, or applying aesthetic principles. The field evolves so fast, and it’s a hands-on profession where you can constantly refine your techniques and create unique solutions for each patient.
“Dentistry is an ever-evolving field, and I find it exciting to stay and learn new techniques through continuing education and seminars,” she says. “It’s essential to offer innovative treatment methods to my patients while remaining competitive in this dynamic environment.”
Attracted to the idea of running her own practice, Dr. Pavlenko began scouring the landscape for suitable office space. In 2020 she found the perfect location in Huntingdon Valley. The pandemic presented challenges, such as delaying the acquisition of necessary permits, but she persevered and opened the practice she had long envisioned.
“I built my practice from scratch,” she shares. “It was a little tough, because I wanted a nice location, and I found one on Huntingdon Pike near Bryn Athyn College. It is a historic and beautiful area with cafés and restaurants and good traffic. Early in my professional career I gained experience in Warrington, Kensington, Northeast Philadelphia, and Abington, but I always wanted the freedom to build personal relationships with my own patients. The level of independence was very important to me.”
Ready for Anything
Dr. Pavlenko’s practice is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that allows for a full range of dental services, from routine cleanings to fixed restorations, dental implants, and more. Dr. Pavlenko’s patients benefit from the use of an iTero intraoral scanner, which captures high-definition images of both hard and soft tissues, eliminating the need for uncomfortable impressions. These cutting-edge scans allow her to create precise restorations and accurate placement for crowns. A Glidewell milling machine enables her to craft same-day crowns, offering convenience and quality in one visit.
The iTero scanner can also be used to facilitate treatment planning for Invisalign cases.
“Depending on the complexity of the Invisalign case, it can be a short or long treatment, but it’s very nice when the patient sees the results, before and after,” she shares. “The duration varies based on individual cases, but many people can see noticeable results within six months, and that’s very rewarding.”
Dr. Pavlenko finds the most fulfillment in tackling more complex procedures such as dental implants. To ensure she can offer the highest level of care, she has gone above and beyond in her continuing education to stay at the forefront of advancements in dentistry. So far, she has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education in implant dentistry.
“One of the greatest experiences was in Arizona, where we provided free care to those in need and veterans by replacing missing teeth with dental implants,” she shares. “Later, I benefited from training and mentoring from world-renowned leaders in implantology, one with Dr. Daniel Buser in Switzerland and another with Dr. Dennis Tarnow in the USA. These pioneers have shaped the field, lecturing globally and internationally and contributing to groundbreaking research in the field of implantology. I am proud to have books signed by them, which I still reference when needed.”
One of the highlights of her career involved a particularly challenging case in which she placed a Straumann narrow-diameter implant in the space that should have been occupied by the patient’s lateral incisor. The patient had a congenitally missing tooth and just finished braces.
“Dr. Tarnow guided me through this case, from the type of implant and bone-grafting material to use to follow up for this young lady,” Dr. Pavlenko says. “Having an expert like Dr. Tarnow to consult with when I have a challenging case enables me to formulate an optimal treatment plan for those patients. Working on this particular case reminded me of what Dr. Tarnow likes to say: ‘One miracle at a time.’ Moreover, I have made connections with local periodontists that inspire me in the field of implant dentistry. I have a network I can rely on.”
While treatments and modalities may change from patient to patient, Dr. Pavlenko’s philosophy remains the same: “Treat others as you would want to be treated.” This dedication to kindness and compassion extends to Dr. Pavlenko’s work in the local community. She strives to make the world a better place, offering her skills not only to her regular patients but also to a charitable organization. She has also provided low and no-cost treatments for fellow members of St. Stephen Orthodox Cathedral, demonstrating her commitment to uplifting those in need.
“I want to use my skills to help improve my patients’ lives,” she says. “I want people and the world to get better. We always try to treat patients with compassion and kindness to help make sure those people can have a positive impact on others. If we can change one life, one step at a time, that is the goal. I believe in the phrase, ‘one miracle at a time.’”
Christina Pavlenko, D.M.D.
2355 Huntingdon Pike
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
(267) 722-8087
Photo by Jody Robinson
Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Life magazine, September 2024
