When Richard J. Salvatore, Jr., 27, joined Salvatore Dental in Malta, the family dental practice went from two generations of dentists to three.
My father, my brother, my sister and myself were all dentists, said Richard J. Salvatore, Sr., 67.
The family dentists first operated in Schenectady from 1934 until just about four years ago, when Richard J. Salvatore, Sr. turned the Malta practice from a part-time office to full-time.
Dentistry became a family tradition because of genuine interest and desire, said Richard J. Salvatore, Sr.; there was never any pressure.
`Everyone else kind of liked the way we lived and liked the idea and we all got into it. We felt very comfortable with it,` said Richard J. Salvatore, Sr.
His son followed in his footsteps and after graduating from SUNY Buffalo and completing a one-year general practice residency at Erie County Medical Center near Buffalo, it was time to join the family business.
`Growing up, being around the office; whenever I visited it was like seeing my aunts and uncles and grandfather, visiting family,` said Richard J. Salvatore, Jr. `I liked the fact that everyone was laid back. I’m hands on and like treating patients. I wanted to do something in medicine and after seeing everything, I knew dentistry was the way for myself.`
The younger Salvatore’s fiancE, Vera, is also on track to join the family practice when she completes her residency at Ellis Hospital.
Salvatore Dental prides itself on providing quality dental care in a comfortable environment where patients feel (and are treated) like family.
`We’re very family oriented, family based. We’ve been seeing the same families throughout multiple generations. The same families come in,` said Richard J. Salvatore, Jr. `It’s kind of more of a home atmosphere. If you come visit the office we have a Saratoga feel with horses on the walls. It’s very laid back, not a sterile environment; very friendly staff make it like you’re visiting friends and very comfortable. We’ve got nice plush couches in the waiting room, it’s like a living room.`
Richard J. Salvatore, Sr. said just like the dental practice itself has moved through the generations, so have the patients. He even treats a patient who’s been coming to the dental office since before he was born.
`I still have patients that originally started with my father,` said Richard J. Salvatore, Sr.
The office has seven operatories and two hygienists. While the values and approach to dentistry have remained largely unchanged through the decades, there have been some upgrades.
`Technology-wise we stay up with the technology,` said Richard J. Salvatore, Sr., who said he does all general dental procedures, including root canals and cosmetics.
Richard J. Salvatore, Sr. said he’s pleased with the reputation he’s built.
`I wouldn’t do anything different, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve been doing it 40 years and it feels like four. I enjoy it so much and don’t have any plans of retiring,` said Richard J. Salvatore, Sr.
Salvatore Dental participates with about 90 percent of insurance companies and with the addition of Richard J. Salvatore, Jr., will be offering evening and weekend hours.
The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and evening hours are still being nailed down.
Salvatore Dental is located in Malta Commons at 100 Saratoga Village Blvd., Suite 31B in Malta. Visit www.salvatoredental.com for more information.
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