Patrick Ng-a-fook, DDS, or “Dr. Pat,” at Smile Design Manhattan in Midtown West, New York City, began his education as an undergraduate at the State University of New York at Stony Brook in Stony Brook, New York. In June 2002, he graduated with a bachelor of arts in economics, a minor in business, and a concentration in biology. This trio of interests encouraged him to further explore science and anatomy, as well as a career in dentistry.

In 2003, Dr. Pat enrolled at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry in Richmond, Virginia. There, he earned his doctor of dental surgery.

Following graduation, Dr. Pat enrolled in an advanced education in general dentistry residency at Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, through Lutheran Medical Center. This experience helped Dr. Pat discover his passion for working with patients and presented him with the opportunity to train dental residents, something he always wanted to do.

Never one to slow down, Dr. Pat has also pursued an education in endodontics and earned a certificate from Lutheran Medical Center with a focus on surgical and nonsurgical endodontic treatment. His extensive knowledge and expertise in these areas established him as Smile Design Manhattan’s resident endodontic expert.

Dr. Pat is board eligible from the American Association of Endodontics. He’s also a proud member of the American Dental Association, the New York Dental Association, and the American Association of Endodontists.

When he isn’t working to save or restore his patients’ teeth, you can find Dr. Pat traveling, trying out new cuisine, or spending time with his family.

Nancy Jiyoung Ahn, DMD, at Smile Design Manhattan in Midtown West, New York City, began her undergraduate education at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, in Stony Brook, New York. In 2011, she received her bachelor of science in biology, which ignited her passion for oral health and dentistry.

Dr. Ahn was accepted to the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in Newark, New Jersey. She spent the next four years working under the guidance of renowned professors and specialists, earning her doctor of dental medicine in 2016.

The following year, Dr. Ahn completed her general practice residency at Jacobi Medical Center in Bronx, New York, which exposed her to complex cases that allowed her to enhance her skill set and provide comprehensive oral care.

Professionally, Dr. Ahn is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

She uses her training and expertise to help patients of all ages to reach and maintain good oral health, and create beautiful confident smiles. Outside of providing preventive and surgical care, Dr. Ahn also regularly contributes her dentistry expertise to medical and scientific journals.

In her spare time, Dr. Ahn enjoys practicing yoga, traveling, and spending time with friends and family members.

Robert G. Veligdan, DMD, is a nationally recognized general and restorative dentist that embodies a Holistic approach to treatment. He has specialized in minimally invasive care and in creating beautiful smiles for over 39 years in Manhattan, New York City. His list of accomplishment rivals the number of happy patients he’s helped over the years. Becoming the first dentist worldwide to perfect porcelain laminate veneers is one of the many crowning achievements in his dentistry career.

Now commonplace, in the 1980s, the use of porcelain laminate veneers was considered a radical dental treatment because it was entirely new and it was a conservative alternative to full crowns. Dr. Veligdan is one of the first dentists to have perfected the technique and help develop the cement used to bond veneers to teeth. He introduced Porcelain Veneers to a national audience as part of a Smile Makeover on the ABC TV program "Good Morning America."

The first video explaining the techniques for porcelain laminate veneers was written, directed, and produced by Dr. Veligdan. It's been shown to hundreds of dentists by Columbia University’s School of Dental and Oral Surgery Continuing Education Department, where he has served as a clinical professor for over 20 years.

Dr. Veligdan’s journey started at a young age when his passion for dentistry first blossomed. In 1975, he graduated from University of Pittsburgh School of Dental and Oral Surgery. This achievement marked the beginning of his outstanding career in cosmetic dentistry. Over the decades, he’s made several appearances on CBS, FOX, CNN, and CNBC, and has been featured in GQ magazine.

Helping restore beautiful smiles to the people of New York City has been an incredible experience for him and his wife, Rosa, a world renowned concert pianist. Because of his expertise, passion, and devotion to implementing the latest trends in cosmetic surgery, it’s easy to make Dr. Veligdan your first choice for any cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Veligdan is ready to help you gain confidence with customized treatment plans. Call or book your appointment online to get started today.

Andrew Boyd, DDS, is a skilled restorative and implant dentist practicing at Drs. Boyd P.C. in the Midtown East neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City.

Dr. Andrew graduated Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 2007 with a BA in Psychology. He received his DDS degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 2011, where he was awarded many clinical and academic honors and was also Student Government President. After dental school, he completed a one-year general practice residency at the Midtown Manhattan VA Hospital, followed by three years of advanced specialty training in prosthodontics. In his final year, he was elected chief resident by his professors and peers.

Dr. Andrew is an expert in the latest in digital, cosmetic, and reconstructive dentistry. He also enjoys teaching prosthodontic and reconstructive dentistry at Touro College of Dental Medicine in Hawthorne, New York. At Touro, he is one of few dental specialists who help patients with complex dental needs smile again. 

Dr. Andrew lives in Westchester County with his wife, Stephanie, who works as a Marketing Director in New York City.

“Dr. Alvin” graduated from Lafayette College in 1967 with a degree in biology. He then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 1971 with numerous honors. He completed a mixed dental internship in general dentistry, general anesthesia and oral surgery at Philadelphia General Hospital, where he was selected as Intern of the Year. He has been in private practice in midtown Manhattan since then and has taught at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in the Division of Operative Dentistry for over 25 years. Dr. Alvin takes pride in passing along his honed dental skills and expertise to the next generation of Boyd dentists.

Dr. Alvin and his wife, Anne, live in Chappaqua, New York, and have four children named Justin, Allison, Evan and Andrew. Anne is a volunteer EMT in Chappaqua.

“Dr. Justin” graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Dartmouth College in 1996, where he was captain of the varsity Men’s Lacrosse team. Before dental school, he spent a year working in this office as a dental laboratory technician. He graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 2001, attaining many clinical and academic honors. After dental school, he completed a one-year General Practice Residency at the midtown Manhattan Veteran Affairs Hospital. Since then, he has been practicing full-time at Drs. Boyd P.C. and taught operative dentistry at Columbia. Dr. Justin is committed to learning the latest dental techniques, and his passion for dentistry shows in how well he treats his patients.

Dr. Justin lives in Chatham, New Jersey, with his wife, Jess, and he loves coaching his four sons in lacrosse and running after his young daughter in his free time. Jess is an advertising creative producer in New York City.

Meet Dr. Schraner

Dr. Schraner was born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She moved to New York City to attend NYU for both undergraduate and dental school. She has participated in dental outreach programs and was awarded honors in esthetic dentistry. After graduation, she completed her general practice residency at Lutheran Hospital in Brooklyn, where she treated children, adults and special needs patients. Dr. Schraner has been practicing dentistry in Manhattan for the past 7 years.

At Riverside Dental, family dentist and oral surgeon Gemini Master-Patel, DMD, and her team offer complete oral health care to people of all ages in Yonkers and Thornwood, New York.

Riverside Dental is a full-service practice, offering general, cosmetic, and laser dentistry. Each office features ample parking, friendly staff, and welcoming, warmly-lit facilities. 

Individuals and families from all over Westchester County visit Riverside Dental to access oral health care, including professional teeth cleaning, dentures, and orthodontic treatment with Invisalign®. The team also performs oral surgery, including extractions and the placement of dental implants.

The Riverside Dental team believes patient education and preventive care are key to maintaining beautiful and healthy smiles. They use diagnostic procedures, like 3D digital panoramic X-rays, to catch cavities, gum disease, and bone loss early in their development.

Riverside Dental offers same-day visits. The team knows emergencies can occur at any time and are happy to assist at a moment’s notice.

Call the nearest Riverside Dental office today to schedule a new patient visit or book your appointment online.

At Riverside Dental, family dentist and oral surgeon Gemini Master-Patel, DMD, and her team offer complete oral health care to people of all ages in Yonkers and Thornwood, New York.

Riverside Dental is a full-service practice, offering general, cosmetic, and laser dentistry. Each office features ample parking, friendly staff, and welcoming, warmly-lit facilities. 

Individuals and families from all over Westchester County visit Riverside Dental to access oral health care, including professional teeth cleaning, dentures, and orthodontic treatment with Invisalign®. The team also performs oral surgery, including extractions and the placement of dental implants.

The Riverside Dental team believes patient education and preventive care are key to maintaining beautiful and healthy smiles. They use diagnostic procedures, like 3D digital panoramic X-rays, to catch cavities, gum disease, and bone loss early in their development.

Riverside Dental offers same-day visits. The team knows emergencies can occur at any time and are happy to assist at a moment’s notice.

Call the nearest Riverside Dental office today to schedule a new patient visit or book your appointment online.

Azariy Yusupov, DDS, is an experienced orthodontist at Amazing Smiles Orthodontics, serving individuals and families at three locations in the New York City area, Mill Basin, Brooklyn; Forest Hills, Queens; and Five Towns in Cedarhurst, Long Island.

Dr. Yusupov began his career pursuits at the Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine in Stony Brook, New York, earning his dental degree. 

Before entering private practice, he completed a three-year specialty program in orthodontics at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) in Newark. There, Dr. Yusupov received postdoctoral training in the latest orthodontic techniques, including temporary anchorage devices (TADs), clear braces, and Damon braces.

Dr. Yusupov is active in the professional orthodontic community. He regularly participates in continuing education courses and attends conferences to stay abreast of new technologies and treatment advances.

Outside of work, Dr. Yusupov enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. He also enjoys working out and is an avid tennis and pickleball player. Dr. Yusupov welcomes anyone seeking improved oral health and a more balanced smile to Amazing Smiles Orthodontics today.

Past President of the New Jersey Orofacial Pain society. Associate Clinical Professor NYU College of Dentistry. Director of Orofacial Pain Service, Department of Rheumatology Hospital for Joint Diseases, NY, NY. Program Director, Advanced Education in Orofacial Pain Residency Program at Lutheran Medical Center, Brooklyn NY. Director of Orofacial Pain Service, NYU Langone-Brooklyn. Invited speaker at national and international conferences.

Through her practice in the Midtown area of New York City, New York, and Miami, Florida, Shara Miller, DDS, is proud to play a role in enhancing the dental health and wellness of those in her care. She finds her work deeply rewarding and enjoys getting to know her patients as they navigate their dental health needs.  

A lifelong learner, Dr. Miller began her studies at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and Public Policy. 

She went on to complete her dental degree at the New York College of Dentistry (NYU College of Dentistry) in New York City and remained in the city to complete her residency at NYU Langone Hospital Brooklyn, formerly known as Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn. 

Now in private practice, Dr. Miller continues to seek out opportunities to learn more about the ever-changing field of dentistry, including continuing education on procedures and platforms. She also spends a considerable amount of time researching the latest technology to bring to her practice. 

Preventive dentistry is the heart and soul of Dr. Miller’s practice. She believes that by enhancing each patient’s dental hygiene habits, they can prevent dental decay and gum disease. When patients need restoration work, Dr. Miller provides top quality fillings, extractions, root canals, and crowns.

Cosmetic dentistry is also an area of focus. From teeth whitening to dental veneers and Invisalign®, patients have access to the very best services and treatments available. There’s never pressure to choose one path over another, and patients are encouraged to play an active role in shaping their cosmetic dentistry treatment plan.

She strives to make each and every patient feel comfortable throughout their time at the practice. From scheduling treatment and providing follow-up care, patients are warmly welcomed and thoroughly cared for.

For those searching for outstanding dental care, make time to sit down and meet with Dr. Miller. Visits can be booked online or over the phone today.  

 

Dr. Karina Zaygermakher, DMD, views good dental health as a pillar of overall health and prioritizes her professional development. Trained in general dentistry, she continually expands her knowledge. She pursued biology at the University of Massachusetts and obtained her dental medicine degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. Dr.Zaygermakher further honed her skills during her residency at the Department of Corrections in Rhode Island.

Dr. Zaygermakher offers common dental procedures and stays at the forefront of dental innovations. She has mastered the CEREC crown procedure, a cutting-edge technique that allows her to complete a crown restoration in less than an hour. Her services also include personalized dental and sports night guards and laser treatments such as diode lasers, all designed to provide efficient and effective care.

Dr.Zaygermakher recognizes the significance of dental aesthetics and a radiant smile. As a licensed provider of Phillips® Zoom in-office whitening procedures and Invisalign®, the clear alternative to metal braces, she is dedicated to helping her patients achieve their desired smiles, ensuring their comfort and satisfaction.

The American Dental Association and the Massachusetts Dental Society accredit Dr.Zaygermakher. She is licensed to practice in New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois and provides her services in English and Russian for the convenience of all her patients.

Robert Castracane, DMD, is a skilled dentist and a leading practitioner of implant dentistry. He serves patients at Advanced Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry in the Flatiron district of New York City, New York, and specializes in creating healthier, more beautiful smiles to give his patients the highest quality of life.

He earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics and psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia before pursuing his doctorate in medical dentistry from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Castracane then headed to Brooklyn, New York, to complete his general practice residency at the Kings County Medical Center.

Dr. Castracane has served as an associate professor at the New York University College of Dentistry in Manhattan and then at the Seton Hall University School of Graduate Medical Education in Paterson, New Jersey, where he shared his passion for dentistry with the next generation of dental practitioners. While there, he further developed his skills as the program director of general practice residency at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center before beginning private practice.

Dr. Castracane is a graduate of the Misch International Implant Institute as well as the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in Pennsylvania. A strong believer in continual improvement, Dr. Castracane holds the highest credential in his field as a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry (ABOI/ID), a rigorous certification held by only about 600 dentists globally.

Book an appointment with Dr. Castracane by calling Advanced Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry today.

Dr. Toccafondi is a graduate of Edgemont High School, Fordham University, and Georgetown Dental School. He is a member of The Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, New York Dental Association, Ninth District Dental Association, and is a past president of the Yonkers Dental Society. He is committed to continuing education, and excellence in dentistry and has taken over 1,000 hours of continuing education. He has been treating families in Westchester for over 30 years. Dr. Toccafondi has a wife, two children, and enjoys skiing, running, and traveling.

Dr. Joel Christo graduated with his doctorate from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in southern California. He completed his residency at Montefiore Medical Center and has been working in private practice ever since. He continues his learning through various continuing education courses in a wide variety of fields such as implant and cosmetic dentistry. In his spare time, his hobbies include playing many sports and performing music.