For over 15 years, Dentist has been building healthier smiles and stronger trust across New York. Here's the story behind the practice, the people, and the principles that guide every appointment.
What started as a one-room practice in Midtown Manhattan has grown into one of New York's most trusted dental destinations — built on relationships, not just procedures.
In 2008, Dr. James Hartley opened Dentist with a vision that dental care should feel less like a clinical obligation and more like a trusted relationship. Armed with his DMD from Harvard and a genuine frustration with impersonal, assembly-line dentistry, he set up a two-chair practice at 245 Lexington Avenue.
The early days were about earning trust one patient at a time. Word spread quickly — not because of flashy marketing, but because patients left feeling genuinely cared for. By 2012, the practice had expanded to a full floor, welcoming Drs. Sarah Mitchell and Linda Chen to the growing team.
Today, Dentist is a multi-specialty clinic serving thousands of families across the New York metro area, equipped with the latest digital dentistry technology — without ever losing that founding sense of personal connection.
Dr. Hartley opens Dentist with 2 chairs, 1 assistant, and a mission to make dental care feel human. First 50 patients came entirely through word of mouth.
Practice expands to full floor. Dr. Sarah Mitchell joins as cosmetic specialist and Dr. Linda Chen leads the new pediatric dental program.
Dentist becomes one of the first NYC clinics to implement full digital X-ray, 3D cone beam CT scanning, and same-day CEREC crowns — reducing treatment time by 40%.
Dentist receives recognition from the American Dental Association for outstanding patient safety standards and clinical innovation in the Northeast region.
Dentist serves 8,000+ active patients, employs 12 board-certified dental professionals, and continues expanding its services — all while keeping that original personal-care promise.
"To be the most trusted dental practice in America — where every patient feels seen, valued, and genuinely cared for."
We envision a future where anxiety-free, accessible, high-quality dental care is the standard — not the exception. Through innovation, education, and empathy, we're building that future one smile at a time.
"To deliver exceptional, personalized dental care that transforms not just smiles, but the entire patient experience."
These aren't slogans on a wall — they're the principles that guide every decision, every interaction, and every treatment plan we create.
Every clinical decision begins and ends with what is best for the patient — not what is quickest or most profitable. We never upsell unnecessary procedures.
Clear pricing before every procedure. No hidden fees, no surprises at checkout. We walk every patient through treatment plans in plain language before proceeding.
Our team undergoes 40+ hours of continuing education annually. We adopt evidence-based best practices and invest in the latest technology to deliver superior outcomes.
Dentistry should be for everyone. We accept most insurance plans, offer in-house savings plans, and provide pro bono services for underserved community members each quarter.
We exceed OSHA and ADA sterilization standards across all operatories. Our infection control protocols are reviewed quarterly by an independent compliance officer.
We operate a paperless front office, use digital records exclusively, and have reduced single-use plastics by 70% since 2021 as part of our green dental commitment.
Our certifications aren't just plaques — they represent years of rigorous training, ongoing audits, and an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of dental care in the United States.
Every member of our clinical team holds active licensure, participates in accredited continuing education, and is credentialed through the major dental associations that govern best practice in the US.
American Dental Association accredited practice since 2008. Annual compliance review.
Full HIPAA compliance for all patient data, records, and communications. Audited annually.
Full occupational safety compliance exceeding federal standards for all clinical and administrative staff.
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Our cosmetic team meets the highest aesthetic dentistry standards.
Our 4,200 sq ft clinic on Lexington Avenue is purpose-built for comfort, privacy, and clinical precision. Every square foot was designed to reduce anxiety and maximize treatment accuracy.
Low-radiation digital X-ray with instant imaging. 3D cone beam CT for complex diagnostics — 90% less radiation than traditional film.
In-house milling technology crafts permanent porcelain crowns in under 2 hours. No temporary crowns. No second appointment needed.
6 fully-equipped private treatment rooms with ceiling-mounted screens, noise-canceling headphones, and heated massage chairs.
Class B autoclave system with validated sterilization cycles. All instruments individually pouched, tracked by lot number, and logged digitally.
Nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation available. Dedicated recovery area with continuous monitoring for anxious or complex-case patients.
Diode laser for gum reshaping, whitening activation, and soft tissue procedures. Faster healing, minimal discomfort, no scalpel required.
We accept most major insurance providers and offer flexible in-house payment plans.
Don't see your insurance? Contact us — we may still be able to help or offer our Dentist Savings Plan.
Our board-certified dentists bring decades of combined experience and a genuine passion for patient care.
DMD, Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Specialist in dental implants with over 2,000 successful procedures.
DDS, New York University College of Dentistry. 12 years of experience in comprehensive family dentistry.
DDS, UCLA School of Dentistry. Specializing in pediatric dentistry and anxiety-free treatments.
Join 8,000+ New Yorkers who trust Dentist with their smiles. New patient exams are complimentary — no strings attached.