By Kevin Canessa Jr.
Observer Correspondent
KEARNY –
Generations of residents of West Hudson and South Bergen counties have come to know just how special a place The Smile and Implant Center is. Even people who often cringe going to the dentist will tell you that fear is rare when they enter this practice’s doors.
And while that same family and welcoming atmosphere is still as strong as it’s ever been — there’s been a significant change in leadership, as Dr. Blair Schachtel, D.M.D., has purchased the business and has taken over the practice with a partner.
Schactel is an experienced dentist, having successfully practiced in Livingston for 18 years. His practice there remains. But when he heard The Smile and Implant Center was on the market, he knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
“I’d known about the place for many years,” Schachtel said. “I knew there was a wonderful staff and that patients were always treated like family — and they’d do anything for the patient. When I found out it was for sale, I made a quick call, and later that day, I was meeting with the then owners.
“We made a deal quickly. And here we are now.”
One of the reasons Schachtel says he was interested in taking over The Smile and Implant Center was because over the years, the practice had boomed.
“It just kept growing by leaps and bounds,” he said. “Plus any place that treats patients like family is a special place.”
And indeed, that family aura continues under Schachtel’s leadership.
But what sets this practice apart from many other dental practices is that if you go there — and need any kind of dental work, and we mean any — you won’t be shuffled off to specialists elsewhere. That’s because every kind of dental specialist is already on staff at The Smile and Implant Center.
“Patients never have to leave here and do their dental work in phases,” Schachtel said. “We’ve got on staff an oral surgeon, an anesthesiologist, a periodontist, a pediatric dentist. And we also have a dermatologist who perform Botox treatments right here on site.”
And it’s the people who have dedicated their lives to the practice that have impressed Schachtel the most.
“There are four people here who have been on the staff for more than 25 years. That’s incredible,” he said. “Even though I’ve only been here for a few days, I knew from day one that this place was different. The respect and care they’ve all shown me has been incredible — and I know that translates well with our patients.”
Meanwhile, Schachtel says that prospective clients should never tell themselves they can’t get dental work done because of finances. He said The Smile and Implant Center will work with patients to come up with a financial plan that’s comfortable for the practice and the patient.
“We don’t want to turn patients down because of the cost of dental care,” he said. “Think of it this way. When people need dental work — and they put it off — that care is going to cost a lot more down the line. So we want people to get done what needs to be done as soon as possible so the cost is less. Finances should never be a factor when determining whether to get dental care.”
So whether you’re a longtime patient — or someone in need of a new dentist — you’ll likely find The Smile and Implant Center is where you’ll want to go.
“They may come in nervous at first, but by the time they leave, they’ll be calm and looking forward to their next visit,” Schachtel said.
Indeed. The Smile and Implant Center is located at 837 Kearny Ave., Kearny. Call them at 201-991-1055. Hours of operation are: Monday, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Visit them online at www.TheSmileAndImplantCenter.com for more details.
