Excellence in dentistry begins with a careful co-diagnosis and treatment plan to establish the goals we will achieve together. Communication and long-term relationships are important to us. Let us know what is on your mind and ask questions. We will help you realize an investment in yourself pays dividends for a lifetime. We are caring, skilled professionals, dedicated to simplifying what is often a very complicated and confusing area of health care. We want all our patients to be informed and knowledgeable about their dental health care, from treatment plans and services, to insurance coverage. Click on the links below to learn about our doctors.
Dr. Hunt, who grew up in upstate NY, enrolled at the University of Massachusetts in 1973. There he majored in Biology and graduated with honors in 1977. Beyond enjoying other activites, he ran cross-country and was elected as captain of the Track and Field team at UMass. After graduating from UMass he attended Columbia School of Dental and Oral Surgery. He received his doctorate degree in 1981. He specialized in family dentistry and oral surgery. During his time at Columbia, he had the honor of holding the position of President of the PSI-Omega Dental Fraternity. His post graduate awards are from the American Academy of Oral Medicine for Proficiency in Oral Medicine and from the American College of Dentists for Leadership and Proficiency. Prior to graduating he was awarded a National Health Service Corp. Scholarship and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Public Health Service. He became the dental director of a community center in South Bronx and returned to the Columbia School of Dental Medicine as an instructor in Prosthetic Dentistry (crown and bridge). The community center under Dr. Hunt's leadership became an extern site for Columbia dental and dental hygiene students.
In 1984, Dr. Hunt and his wife Ellen returned to the Amherst area where he opened his private practice and started raising a family. Due to his passion for dental implants, he went to Gothenberg Sweden in 1986 where he completed his advanced education in dental implants from the Nobel Institute.
By attending countless continuing education courses and seminars, Dr. Hunt is able to stay on the cutting-edge of technology in the dental field. His work is often presented and recognized at the continuing education seminars. Outside of work, Dr. Hunt is very active in different professional organizations. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Massachusetts Dental Society, MDS Political Action Committee, Executive member of the Valley District Dental Society and Hampshire Dental Society. In addition, he represents the Valley District Dental Society at the state level.
Dr. Hunt still maintains a strong affiliation with the University of Massachusetts through education and athletic programs. He is a strong supporter of youth athletic programs. He helps the young athletes by fabricating an extensive number of athletic guards for various sports teams each year that includes UMass and Amherst College football and hockey players.
Dr. Hunt's primary goal is to provide our patients with the best dental treatment. He believes in educating the patient as well as providing the patient with a positive dental experience that they will enjoy.
Born in Michigan, Dr. Castenson spent most of his adult life in Texas before moving to Amherst and joining the Hunt and Piech Dental Group in 2012. He attended undergraduate school at the University of Texas San Antonio and earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston, where he graduated with honors in the top of his class. He was a member of the Psi Omega dental fraternity and was recognized by the Greater Houston Dental Society for his excellence as a scholar.
Dr. Castenson enjoys getting to know his patients and he believes strongly in patient education and the importance of making informed decisions. He has a special interest in endodontics and restorative dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Society, the Valley District Dental Society, and the Hampshire Dental Society and is further involved with the Massachusetts Dental Society as a committee member and is the current president and treasurer of the Hampshire Dental Society. He regularly attends continuing education events and seminars.
Although Dr. Ivancev grew up in Moldova, he feelsthat he has always belonged here.There, he receivedhis undergraduate degree. After serving in the military, he joined the Dental School at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timisoara, Romania. While inthe Dental School he met his wife, Mikhaela, a medical student and they got married right after graduation. He practiced general dentistry in Romania for a number of years prior to moving to the United States.
In 2006, he graduated from Springfield Technical Community College with a degree in Dental Hygiene. In the same year he joined the office of Dr. James Hunt and Dr. David Piech as a Registered Dental Hygienist. While continuing to work at Hunt & Piech Dental, he passed the National Dental Boards and was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
After graduation, he joined the office of Dr. Hunt and Dr. Castenson as a general practice dentist. He holds a professional membership in the American Dental Association. Aside from spending time with his wife and 2 children, he enjoys gardening and wood working.