The smile is the most important feature on a person’s face—it suggests the mood we’re in, the road we’ve traveled and, essentially, tells the story of who we are. In the following pages we gather the wisdom of some of the Philadelphia suburbs’ top dental health professionals by area of specialty to learn about their approach to proper oral care, how the profession has changed for the better and what they might be doing with their lives if they weren’t making us all smile a little easier and more beautifully.
Dr. James Vito
Periodontics and Prosthodontics
The most rewarding part of your profession: The smile that starts in a patient’s eyes that then moves to their face and ultimately their mouth when I have taken a particularly difficult dental situation and restored a patient’s dignity and self worth; the sense of gratitude that renders patients oftentimes speechless when they see the end result and realize they now have their life back. For me it is a humbling and rewarding experience.
Something most of your patients might not know about you: That there are less than 500 dentists worldwide that possess my unique skill set, and I am the only dual board-certified dental implant specialist in the area.
If you had to choose a new career other than one in health care: Either a painter or a sculptor because I like to create things that will impact someone positively looking at something that I created.
James Vito, D.M.D. | 523 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne | 610-971-2590 | jamesvito.com
Dr. Adam Weiss
Orthodontics
The single greatest health care advancement that influences the way you practice: My ability to scan a patient’s occlusion into the computer in order to create a digital 3-D model of their occlusion. I have software that then allows me to “treat” the malocclusion virtually at the beginning of care to forecast the final result. This information can be shared with the patient and is a great communication tool. From the digital scan, I can have wires bent robotically or clear aligners fabricated to make the virtual treatment a reality. Digital orthodontics brings a whole new level of precision and predictability to care.
The most rewarding part of your profession: My ability to create a functional occlusion and an attractive smile. An attractive smile can change how someone sees themselves and how others see them as well. This is powerful and can be life changing. To be able to be part of that transformation gives me immeasurable job satisfaction.
If you had to choose a new career other than in health care: I think that I would do something in the computer/technology world. I enjoy technology and the way it is constantly changing and evolving. When I can “Facetime” with my daughter from my iPad while she is away at college, it’s like she’s in the room with me. I am excited about what is available now, and look forward to what is coming down the road.
Adam Weiss, D.M.D., P.C. | 491 Allendale Road | King of Prussia | 610-265-3034 | orthodontists.com
Dr. Benjamin Cassalia
Orthodontics
The single greatest health care advancement that influences the way you practice: Digital technology and its uses in health care have made significant advancements in diagnosing and the treatment of patients.
The most rewarding part of your profession: The final product when active treatment is completed and the unveiling of a beautiful smile.
Something most patients might not know about you: Prior to dental school, I worked in the field of medicine as a cardiopulmonary technologist at Abington Memorial Hospital.
If you had to choose a new career other than in health care: Teacher or professor, because I would want to enrich the young minds of others from both my personal and educational experiences and knowledge.
Benjamin A. Cassalia, D.M.D. | 308 N. Main Street, Chalfont | 215-822-6320 | drcassalia.com
Dr. Brian Wilk
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
The single greatest health care advancement that influences the way you practice: Dental implants. We can now leave your healthy teeth untouched when you lose a tooth. In the past we took a one-tooth problem and created a three-tooth solution, which 20 years later became a three-tooth problem.
One thing you know now that you wish you had known in dental school: How difficult running a dental practice can be. We received very little practice management experience.
Something most of your patients might not know about you: I was a kicker and a screamer at the dentist as a young child.
If you had to choose a new career other than one in health care: A meteorologist. I love extreme weather.
Highpoint Dental Medicine | 200 Highpoint Drive, Chalfont | 215-822-1866 | highpointdental.com
Dr. David Stall
General and Cosmetic Dentistry
The single greatest health care advancement that influences the way you practice: Digital X-rays and 3-D imaging. These advancements allow for faster and more accurate diagnoses. Patients benefit because we do a lot less guessing about what we will find when doing surgeries and we do not have to wait for X-rays to develop, thus, having information at our fingertips.
One thing you know now that you wish you had known in dental school: I wish I had known how hard it would be to run a business. We should have received better instruction in operating a business and more about interpersonal relationships.
The most rewarding part of your profession: I really enjoy being able to improve the lives of my patients. Many people I see have not been to a dentist in years and require sedation to endure the amount of dentistry they need. However, most, if not all, of them thank me and my staff for helping them to resume more normal lives free of pain and able to smile again.
Four Star Smiles Dental Care | 1646 West Chester Pike, West Chester | 610-692-8454 | fourstarsmiles.com
Dr. George A. Bullock
Orthodontics
The single greatest health care advancement that influences the way you practice: The field of orthodontics has greatly benefited from the research that was done for the U.S. space program regarding the benefits of combining the properties of various metals to achieve a highly flexible and resilient wire. Because of the very special makeup of these wires they even react to the body heat found in the mouth. As a result, in my orthodontic practice I always use these hi-tech wires in combination with braces to provide a very gentle and effective way to improve the health and smile of my patients.
One thing you know now that you wish you had known in dental school: The importance of communication, especially listening, in establishing a good doctor-patient relationship. It is very important to take the time and really listen and learn about the concerns of the patient prior to providing any treatment.
The most rewarding aspect of your profession: The big smiles on the faces of my patients after their braces are removed or their Invisalign treatment program is completed. When the patients view their pre-treatment pictures they often say they are so glad they don’t have to go through life with their “old smile.” It seems as if their “new smile” generates a more positive outlook on life.
Orthodontic Specialists of Bucks County | 140 S. Clinton Street, Doylestown | 215-348-9521 | bullockorthodontics.com
Dr. Alan Smolen
Cosmetic Dentistry
The single greatest health care advancement that influences the way you practice: Everything old is new again. I have a state of the art office, but the most important thing that I can do as a dentist is listen.
One piece of advice you might have for improving one's oral health: Regularly scheduled hygiene and checkups.
One thing you know now that you wish you had known in dental school: I am treating people, not teeth.
Something most of your patients might not know about you: I was just appointed as faculty at the NYU School of Dentistry.
If you had to choose a new career now, other than one in health care: I am a dedicated home chef.
Yardley Dental Arts | 501 Floral Vale Blvd., Yardley | 215-504-2400 | yardleydentalarts.com
Dr. P. Michael Schelkun
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
The single greatest health care advancement that influences the way you practice: Contemporary anesthesia delivery using local, sedation and general anesthesia techniques. The current medications, monitoring technology, training and facilities have allowed us as surgeons to deliver the necessary care to our patients in a comfortable, anxiety free and safe environment that is convenient for our patients.
One piece of advice you might have for improving one's oral health: The single most important aspect of our oral heath care is proper home care using proper brushing and flossing techniques on a daily basis. Obviously this also includes the elimination of destructive social habits like smoking and cariogenic foods/drinks.
If you had to choose a new career now, other than one in health care: A professional athlete. I love all kinds of athletics and I think it would be fun to have playing a game as a career.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Centers | 158 York Road, Warminster | 215-672-6560 | omscenters.com
Dr. Paul Bahn
Pediatric Dentistry
One recommendation might you have for improving a patient’s oral health: I have found that many parents do not know or were unaware at what age they can floss their child’s teeth. This will vary by age and the individual, but the typical patient can start to floss, with the assistance of the parent of course, at around age 3. This is another reason we like to see patients at an early age, because at times even younger patients need to floss. Whenever teeth are touching tightly together, especially in the back of the mouth, it is time to introduce the floss. I only ask that they brush twice daily and floss once a day, but more will certainly not be harmful.
Something most of your patients might not know about you: I am a cancer survivor. I have a special place in my heart for kids and especially families that have or are currently going through some type of battle with cancer. I feel my experience obviously had a huge impact on the person I am today. The patients I have treated currently going through the same trials and tribulations are very special to me and require the highest level of care.
If you had to choose a new career now, other than in health care: Stay-at-home dad. I have the utmost respect for stay-at-home parents and especially my wife, who stays at home with our four children. Long hours, no pay, no holidays off—the list goes on with thankless responsibilities. I think it would be a great new career, at least for the short term.
Pediatric Dental Associates Ltd. | 7 E. Skippack Pike, Ambler | 215-653-0420 | teethforkids.com
Dr. Glenn J. Wolfinger
Prosthodontics
The single greatest health care advancement that influences the way you practice: The discovery of dental implant treatment has been the greatest advancement to improve the lives of patients. The ability to predictably replace missing teeth and restore function has been life changing for patients.
One thing you know now that you wish you had known in dental school: We know now that no patient needs to suffer with removable dentures. Dentistry is capable of providing permanent solutions for almost every patient.
If you had to choose a new career now, other than in health care: Prosthodontics is a blend of dentistry with engineering, computer science, and art. No other career is even imaginable.
Pi Dental Center | 467 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Washington | 215-646-6334 | pidentalcenter.com
Dr. Allison Rose
Pediatric Dentistry
The single greatest health care advancement that influences the way you practice: At the oral health national symposium, there was a focus on creating a welcoming environment for our 1-year-old. These guidelines were created to take preventative steps, provide acute care and give a comprehensive assessment for oral diseases and conditions. By creating this dental “home” and importance by the age 1 visit, we can possibly save the unnecessary pain and suffering of contracting early childhood cavities and the sometimes extensive and costly repair which all could have been prevented.
One thing you know now that you wish you had known in dental school: That I would absolutely love what I do and all the hard work, countless hours studying and in the lab would pay off in the fact that even after 12 years, I still wake up every day and say I love my job.
The most rewarding part of your profession: Getting a child to love coming to the dentist.
Something most of your patients might not know about you: I have never had a cavity.
Pediatric Dentistry of Collegeville | 555 Second Ave., Collegeville | 610-409-2599 | pediatricdentistryofcollegeville.com
Dr. James L. Robbins
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
The single greatest health care advancement that influences the way you practice: The Cone Beam CT Scan and the 3-D diagnostic software that is available to utilize with the CBCT Scan. The CBCT has allowed me to be more precise in my surgical planning, more accurate in my intra-bone diagnosis, and better able to demonstrate conditions and procedures to patients. A picture is worth a thousand words is definitely true with this technology.
Something most of your patients might not know about you: My patients see underwater photography displayed throughout my office. What most do not know is that I took the underwater photographs. They just think I like the pictures. They don't know that I have swum with sharks while diving.
The most rewarding part of your profession: Seeing a smile on someone I treated who was too shy or embarrassed to smile because of their appearance or because of missing front teeth is certainly one of the most rewarding. Having a patient refer another patient to me because of the way they were treated in my office is also priceless to me.
James L. Robbins, D.M.D., Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery LLC | 200 E. State Street, Media | 610-565-7200 | mediaoralsurgery.com
Dr. Harold Baumgarten
Dr. Howard Fraiman
Dr. Jeffrey Ingber
Prosthodontics and Periodontics
The single greatest health care advancement that influences the way you practice: Dental implants. First, dental implants are the most conservative way to replace a single tooth. Dental implants allow the patient to get a fixed replacement without affecting the adjacent teeth. They allow a single tooth replacement to stay as a single tooth restoration. Second, dental implants allow a patient who wears a denture to wear a fixed restoration with comfort.
One recommendation for improving a patient’s oral health: Patients should pay attention to brushing and flossing daily and to see their dentist on a regular basis. If problems occur, the dentist can manage it before it gets out of hand.
The most rewarding part of your profession: How much can a great smile impact someone’s life?
Amsterdam Dental Group | 100 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, and 1800 E. Lancaster Pike, Paoli | 610-651-5611 | amsterdamdentalgroup.com
Dr. Jeffrey Bellisario
Cosmetic Dentistry
How you got involved in dentistry: I had a difficult orthodontic case as a child I spent nearly four years as a frequent patient and saw what dentistry was all about.
Your approach to helping patients have a healthy smile: We try to offer “invisible dentistry.” This means using white porcelain fillings instead of silver ones, and all-porcelain bridges and crowns that contain no metal so that the teeth look as normal as possible. Fixed solutions, such as dental implants, all but eliminate the need for dentures.
Why patients come to your practice, besides your expertise: Most of our employees have been with us for many years and the patients are comfortable with knowing them. I wanted a place that was almost spa-like: warm and inviting, a place people wanted to be.
Dr. Jeffrey A. Bellisario, D.D.S. | 636 Wynnewood Road, Ardmore | 610-642-7024 | drbellisario.com
