ohio denWe all know that it’s very important to keep a good oral hygiene routine and take care of our teeth and gums every day.
By the age of 50, many Americans have lost teeth due to injury, smoking, gum disease and tooth decay. Tooth and gum health can affect a person’s bite, smile, facial structure, overall health and lifespan. There are many reasons why it is important to take care of our teeth.
Research shows that people who have their teeth at age 74 have a greater chance of reaching age 100, so the health of teeth and gums can affect life expectancy.
Columbus has many wonderful dental practices available. This feature will spotlight some of the best in town. These dentists and dental specialists are all local, so when you need to take care of your teeth, we hope you visit these local dentists and specialists.
Jason C. Stoner, DDS, MS
Periodontist
When did you begin practicing?
I opened my practice in June 2002. I’ve had the great fortune of opening four additional locations with the help of much of my original team. I’ve also had the pleasure of mentoring five associate periodontists over the past 18 years.
How did you get started? What interested you in dentistry?
I developed an interest in dentistry when I was in high school. I had a strong mentor growing up — my dentist! My exposure to the trials and tribulations of dentistry at an early age provided me with a clear path to dentistry.
A career in periodontology and dental implantology was made evident when my college geography teacher arranged for me to shadow his periodontist, exposing me to the ways a periodontist can treat a patient.
What makes you unique?
I strive to be an early adopter of treatment techniques and advanced technologies providing patients with the most state-of-the-art therapies in periodontal diagnoses and surgical therapies. LASER, biomedical materials that enhance healing, advanced digital technologies with virtual surgical applications and minimally-invasive techniques that are at the absolute forefront of periodontics and dentistry allow for my treatments to be comfortable, natural, and affordable.
What is your specialty or favorite procedure?
I love to make the impossible possible through advanced esthetic techniques. Doing a little extra work can have a huge impact, cosmetically and functionally. People who are missing teeth or have no teeth live an average of 30% shorter lives than those with teeth. I get to change people’s lives by changing how they feel and look at themselves.
If you could tell patients anything, what would it be?
Dentistry, and specifically periodontics and implant therapies, don’t have to be scary anymore because of painless procedures. Dental problems don’t fix themselves. Your mouth is the gateway to your health. See a board-certified periodontist that is able to give you a long-term plan to total health.
Jason C. Stoner, DDS, MS
Stoner Periodontic Specialists
Offices in Dublin, New Albany, Springfield and Chillicothe
(614) 889-8222
www.stonerperio.com
Lori Cronin, DDS
General Dentist
When did you begin practicing?
My dental career began in 1984 as a dental hygienist. While working full-time, I took my prerequisites for dental school and was accepted into The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. As a part-time dental hygienist and a full-time student, I completed the four-year program in three and a half years. I began practicing in 1992.
How did you get started? What interested you in dentistry?
By seventh grade, I knew I would work in the dental field. I had very strong mathematics and science skills, and I realized I had been noticing people’s smiles since I was in kindergarten!
I have always been fascinated by people’s smiles — the way their smile shares something about them, the way their smile is contagious, the way smiles make everyone feel good, both the giver and the receiver.
What makes you unique?
I’m enthusiastic and optimistic. I live by the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12).
I volunteer with a non-profit organization called Honor Flight Columbus which flies groups of our veterans to Washington, D.C. for a day to visit their memorials. The smiles during this day are endless.
My favorite getaway is to Walt Disney World. It’s the best place to find the largest collection of smiles! After all, my nickname at the office is Tinkerbell.
What is your specialty or favorite procedure?
What I consider my specialty is the confidence I bring my patients in helping them with their smile through orthodontic treatment, cosmetic procedures, crowns and veneers. I enjoy giving our patients confident smiles with orthodontic treatment.
If you could tell patients anything, what would it be?
I would tell my patients they are the best part of dentistry! I enjoy getting to know them and their stories. I like hearing about the special events in their lives, all the special moments that have brought them happiness, and especially smiles.
Lori Cronin, DDS
Gentle Dentist
69 E. Wilson Bridge Road
Worthington, Ohio 43085
(614) 431-3311
www.coulmandental.com
Melissa Baker, DDS
General Dentist
When did you begin practicing?
I began my dental career as a dental hygienist in 1983. I graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in dental hygiene and started working for a dentist in Cincinnati, Ohio, where we specialized in treating fearful patients. This led me to teaching a course at the University of Kentucky on cleaning teeth and helping a fearful patient through their first appointment.
How did you get started? What interested you in dentistry?
My parents had friends in the dental field that loved what they did. In the 1970s, I did not know that a woman could be a dentist. I set my sights on dental hygiene. After working as a hygienist for six years and helping patients with their fear, I wanted to do more. I was accepted and proud to be a Buckeye at The Ohio State University.
What makes you unique?
I am extremely proud that our patients gave us the name “The Gentle Dentist.” It makes me feel like my original mission came to fruition. I love helping people reach their dental goals in a gentle, loving manner.
I just celebrated my 25th year as a dentist. All the well wishes from patients made me realize it is more like treating friends.
What is your specialty or favorite procedure?
I love doing cosmetic procedures. I like helping patients reach and exceed their goals. Sometimes, they know they don’t like their smile, but they can’t articulate why. I truly feel that we are a team working toward the common goal of a beautiful smile!
If you could tell patients anything, what would it be?
Floss, brush and use fluoride! The condition of your mouth is a sneak peek at your overall health. You may get away with poor hygiene when you are young, just as you can get away without exercising, but it changes as you get older. We begin to add medications that change the flora of our mouths which also impacts our cardiovascular system. They also cause dry mouth, which can change your decay rate. Good dental hygiene is more important than we might think.
Melissa Baker, DDS
The Gentle Dentist
69 E Wilson Bridge Road
Worthington, OH 43085
(614) 431-3311
www.coulmandental.com
Andy Ben Gilbert, DDS, MS
Prosthodontist
When did you begin practicing?
I have been practicing dentistry since 2010 and have been a private practice prosthodontist since 2013.
How did you get started? What interested you in dentistry?
I began my career as a mechanical engineer at Battelle Memorial Institute and then at American Electric Power before pursuing a career in dentistry in 2006. My wife is actually a dental hygienist, and she encouraged me to follow my gut, get out of my cubicle, and pursue my gift of helping people on a daily basis thru dentistry. I firmly believe that my engineering background made me uniquely equipped to specialize in prosthodontics. Prosthodontics is the “problem solving” specialty within the dental community. I get referrals for the most challenging cases in Columbus
What makes you unique?
I am a certified prosthodontist. After I finished dental school, I furthered my education by completing the rigorous prosthodontic residency at The Ohio State University and earned my master’s degree. I trained for three years under some of the greatest minds in restorative and implant dentistry. I am trusted and referred to by hundreds of fellow specialists and general dentists in Columbus and surrounding areas.
What is your specialty or favorite procedure?
Prosthodontics is the dental specialty which focuses on aesthetics and the replacement of missing teeth and other oral structures. I specialize in improving a person’s quality of life through comprehensive dental care. I get excited about restoring both function and confidence to people who have been missing both in their lives. My favorite procedures are those that give a person the ability, and sometimes even a reason, to smile again!
If you could tell patients anything what would it be?
Many people feel insecure about their smiles or the overall health of their teeth. My exceptional team and I will listen to you and help you develop a customized plan to achieve your life-changing results. I guarantee that you will feel genuine care and hospitality that is unlike any other.
Andy Ben Gilbert, DDS, MS
3360 Tremont Road, Suite 120
Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221
(614) 451-1300
Douglas Goff, DDS
Prosthodontist
When did you begin practicing?
I started my practice in Columbus in 1985. In 1990, I opened a satellite practice in Chillicothe.
How did you get started? What interested you in dentistry?
When I was growing up, I was always interested in building and creating new things. When I was in high school, my girlfriend’s father was a dentist — a specialist called a prosthodontist. He had a practice on Michigan Ave. in Chicago and served at Northwestern University. He introduced me to dentistry and the complexities of prosthodontics. I learned how I could blend my passions for science and art to create beautiful outcomes that could change people’s lives.
I went to the Illinois College of Dentistry for dental school and came to The Ohio State University to complete a residency in advanced prosthodontics.
What makes you unique?
Prosthodontics is a specialty that involves re-creating a person’s smile and function. We can do this in many ways, and it is our job to figure out how to best do that while achieving the patient’s wants and goals. We will work as a team with other specialists (orthodontists, oral surgeons, periodontists, endodontists and pedodontists) to create the desired result.
What is your specialty or favorite procedure?
It is my role as a prosthodontist to help the patient get what they want. I have to form a plan using all of our available options to get us there. I may take worn and discolored teeth and create a new smile with porcelain veneers or crowns. If there are missing teeth, we will utilize implants to serve as supports to build on to provide function and stability. Sometimes we utilize removable prosthetics such as custom dentures or partial dentures. Dental implants have changed dentistry. It gives us many options from relaxing one tooth, to a whole arch or mouth.
If you could tell patients anything, what would it be?
What is most gratifying for me is working with a person to help them restore lost confidence and self-esteem by creating a beautiful smile that gives them their function back. That is what it’s all about.
Douglas Goff, DDS
3360 Tremont Road
Columbus, Ohio 43221
(614) 451-1300
1132 Western Avenue
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
(740) 775-8640
www.drdouglasgoff.com
Jackie Berkowitz,
DDS, MS
Orthodontics
When did you begin practicing?
I began practicing orthodontics on September 1, 1977, after attending Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry and post graduate orthodontic training.
How did you get started? What interested you in dentistry?
I started my career and private practice after 2 years of full-time orthodontic academics. I have maintained academic positions on a part-time basis for 41 years, at multiple universities.
What makes you unique?
Our practice has been built over the years based on a tradition of:
• Achieving excellence through Exceptional service
• Contemporary “evidence-based” therapy
• Value based orthodontic care
• Academic expertise and leadership
• Transparent and Detailed Communications
• A tradition of exceeding patient expectations
The mission, philosophy, and foundation of our practice’s success is to provide an overall outstanding treatment experience for our patients and their families. Our practice has been built upon- and is committed to- providing the finest, high-quality orthodontic care in a friendly, enjoyable, and caring environment.
What is your specialty or favorite procedure?
“Orthodontics” comes from the Greek, meaning “straight teeth”. It is the specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws (skeletal components). While providing the most contemporary and advanced child and adolescent care, we also provide a special emphasis and experience in Interdisciplinary TEAM therapy in the management of preesthetic, pre-implant and pre-restorative dental needs. In addition, we provide pre-orthognathic surgical therapies for severe skeletal discrepancies, including craniofacial deformities.
If you could tell patients anything, what would it be?
The goal of our orthodontic practice is to, “transform the ordinary, into extraordinary”.
My advice is to choose only a Board-Certified Orthodontist. You should choose the orthodontic practice by feeling confident that you have the best “Orthodontic TEAM” working with you.
Jackie Berkowitz, DDS, MS
955 North Hamilton Road
Gahanna, Ohio 43230
Office: (614) 475-9800
Mobile: (614) 395-6364
Berkybraces.com
Jackie@berkybraces.com
Shelly L. Lee, DDS
Endodontist
When did you begin practicing?
I joined my current practice in 2011. I have been practicing endodontics since 2001 after graduating from the endodontic residency program at The Ohio State University. Prior to that I attended dental school at Northwestern University.
How did you get started? What interested you in dentistry?
I first became interested in dentistry when I was working as a research technician at Bowman Gray School of Medicine after graduating from Wake Forest University. I knew I wanted to continue my education onto a post-graduate level and a colleague from the lab, who was applying to dental school, introduced me to the idea of dentistry as a career choice.
What makes you unique?
I am most motivated by the connections I form with my patients. We have limited time to spend with each patient, so I intentionally schedule extra time for each treatment in order to get to know my patients on a more personal level. This also helps patients feel more at ease since many are anxious about having a root canal treatment.
What is your specialty or favorite procedure?
Endodontics is the specialty of root canal treatment where we treat inflamed or infected teeth to save and repair them. Our patients can often present with symptoms of facial swelling and restricted jaw opening due to dental pain. When treatment is complete and these patients are relieved of their pain, or they end up falling asleep during the procedure because they are comfortable and free of pain, that’s a very rewarding feeling.
If you could tell patients anything, what would it be?
I would tell them that we care about their comfort, first and foremost. We care about doing the best work we can do in conjunction with their general practitioner and other specialists. We care about the long-term success of their overall oral health.
Shelly L. Lee, DDS
Lee and Murrin Endodontics
1570 Fishinger Road
Columbus, Ohio 43221
(614) 459-2000
www.uaendo.com
Richard E. Scheetz Jr., DDS, MS
Oral Surgeon
When did you begin your practice?
I had the pleasure of practicing with well-respected oral and maxillofacial surgeons Bernard Snyder, T. William Evans and Douglas Anderson beginning in 1985. I was a member of the original maxillofacial trauma team at Grant Hospital.
In 1994, I opened Oral and Facial Surgeons of Ohio, currently affiliated with the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Columbus Crew, treating oral, facial and jaw injuries.
How did you get started? What interested you in dentistry?
I had a very strong interest in biology. I was honored as a Notre Dame Scholar, finished 1st in my class at The Ohio State University with degrees in dentistry and anatomy. I had the opportunity to be the very first honorary registrar to travel to London, England, to both Westminster Hospital in London and Queen Mary’s Hospital near Wimbledon.
What makes you unique?
The master’s degree in human anatomy makes it possible to provide reconstruction for patients with severe facial injuries. I was also given the opportunity to be one of the first three dentists in Ohio to attain certification in Advanced Trauma Life Support.
I have arranged the medical and dental personnel for five medical/dental mission trips to Guatemala to help children and adults with various issues such as: cleft lips, cleft palates, cleft noses and other birth defects, the removal of abscessed baby teeth, the moving of bone from one area of the body to the face, etc.
What is your specialty or favorite procedure?
I am concentrating on removal of teeth, dental implant reconstruction, orthognathic (jaw) surgery and the treatment of unique tooth disorders in children.
If you could tell patients anything, what would it be?
I enjoy engaging with my patients. It’s not just about the surgery, it’s about the people you treat, listening to them and doing your best to make them happy.
Richard E. Scheetz Jr., DDS, MS
5155 Bradenton Avenue, Suite 100
Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 734-1504
www.omfso.com
Gregory A. Rekos, DDS, MS
Oral Surgeon
When did you begin practicing?
I fell in love with Columbus while completing my surgical residency at The Ohio State University. I joined Oral and Facial Surgeons of Ohio in 2010. That same year, I began working with the Columbus Blue Jackets. With a growing practice and a growing family, we couldn’t be happier with where we chose to live.
How did you get started? What interested you in dentistry?
I was fortunate to work at an oral surgeon’s office in high school as part of a mentorship program. Seeing firsthand how creativity, skill and science intermingled with compassionate care made being an oral surgeon my foremost goal in life. I feel blessed each day to be living my dream!
What makes you unique?
I practice the full scope of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and pride myself in providing an individual, customized plan to suit each patient’s needs and goals. I communicate with each patient’s dentist and any other dental or medical specialists necessary to provide a truly unique multidisciplinary experience. Being responsible for oral and facial injuries for the Columbus Blue Jackets keeps me on my toes.
What is your specialty or favorite procedure?
Removal of third molars (wisdom teeth) and placement of dental implants make up the majority of my practice. I also enjoy orthognathic surgery. I would have to say that my favorite surgeries involve a combination of procedures that result in dramatic improvement of esthetics and function. Being able to remove a painful, broken dentition and replace it with a beautiful smile is extremely gratifying.
If you could tell your patients anything, what would it be?
If you think your child may need to have wisdom teeth removed, have them evaluated before age 19. Treatment at an early age, before teeth are fully formed, can dramatically improve the recovery process. Make sure that the surgeon that you choose for your surgery is a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. See your dentist for regular evaluations and ask questions!
Gregory A. Rekos, DDS, MS
Oral & Facial Surgeons of Ohio
5155 Bradenton Avenue, Suite 100
Dublin, Ohio 43017
614-764-9455
www.omfso.com
Robert Haring, DDS, MS
Pediatric Dentistry
When did you begin practicing?
I started practicing pediatric dentistry in 1987 after graduating from The Ohio State University Dental School and completing a two-year residency at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
How did you get started? What interested you in dentistry?
I had an early desire to be in healthcare, and I always knew I wanted to work with children in some capacity. I love children, and I think my personality is a perfect fit between the attention to detail necessary in the dental profession and just wanting to have fun. I love my job!
What makes you unique?
One of the things very important in my specialty is to build confidence in the kids so they can achieve something they didn’t think they could. In our office, not only do the doctors and staff all work together to build that confidence in the children, we work really hard at making their experience fun.
We want them to come back for their next appointment with a positive attitude toward their dental care. Our office has a water theme with a game room and a separate, fun room with a large ship for the younger kids to explore. This makes our office very unique and inviting.
What is your specialty or favorite procedure?
We are fortunate that most of our patients enjoy coming to the office and experience very little anxiety. However, one of the most rewarding challenges for me is to help a child deal with their anxiety.
Along with their parents, I try to build a level of trust and get them to partner with me in order to achieve a successful treatment. Parents regularly get emotional expressing their gratitude when this happens, and it is a very motivating experience for the entire team.
If you could tell patients anything, what would it be?
Making an effort to establish good oral healthcare habits at a young age will last a lifetime.
Robert Haring, DDS, MS
4395 W. Dublin-Granville Rd
Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 761-3361
www.dublinkidsdds.com
