Dr. Safaris philosophy on treating children and those with special need is to treat the whole person, not just the teeth. He believes the only way in which we can be successful in developing a healthy generation of children who are free of dental disease is by establishing good preventative and comprehensive oral care, while building self confidence in each child. Using a gentle approach, treatments are broken into small steps to acclimate very young children. Parents are encouraged to stay with children during the exams and treatment to facilitate open communication, and they are frequently amazed by what Dr. Safari can accomplish while treating even the most reluctant patients. His impressive clinical, academic and research accomplishments are complemented by his warm, enthusiastic personality.
Dr. Safari attended the University of Houston, majoring in Chemistry. He was awarded a 4-year chancellor scholarship to attend the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Dentistry where he received a degree in Doctor of Dental Surgery and also received pediatric clinical Honors recognition. He then went on to complete his Pediatric Dentistry Residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center-Omaha, Nebraska where he was also Chief Resident. He has presented several papers and presentations involving different syndromes with orofacial abnormalities.
Dr. Safari was selected by his peers as New Jersey Top Pediatric Dentists in 2010 through 2021. Dr. Safari was chosen by New Jersey Family Magazine readers as an exceptional pediatric healthcare professionals /Favorite Kids Docs in 2012. He has served as an Assistant Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at Rutgers Dental School and is currently an attending at Monmouth Medical Center. He is a board member of the New Jersey Dental Lifeline adult with special needs, and past president of the Monmouth/Ocean County Dental Society.
Dr. Sally M. Guerrasio was born and raised in northern New Jersey. She graduated from Barnard College with a B.A. in biology. She received her dental degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and continued her education at UMDNJ to complete both her residency in pediatric dentistry and her master's degree in Dental Sciences.
Dr. Sally is a board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She was selected by her peers as a New Jersey Top Pediatric Dentist in, 2015, Through 2021. She continues to provide our patients with exceptional care, while educating our patients and their families on the importance of oral health. Dr. Sally is the current president of the Monmouth/Ocean County Dental Society. Dr. Guerrasio is an accomplished pianist and enjoys spending her free time with her husband Dr. Safari, who is her partner in the practice and their 4 daughters.
We believe we have something extraordinary here at Atlantic Pediatric Dentistry; a team that is passionate about providing quality dental treatment to all children and adolescents in a caring and compassionate environment.
Micheleis the newest member of our team. She has completed courses in dental assisting. She is a key member of our administrative team. Whether she is assisting with patient care in the back or helping a parent check in, check out, and insurance needs. Michele always has a pleasant and friendly demeanor. Michele hss quickly become an important part of our office family since 2018she loves working out and taking care of her parents.
Sharon heads our dental assisting team with 21 years of experience. She is often found taking x-rays, giving educational instructions to our patients, and assisting chairside. Sharon is also responsible for ordering our office supplies and coordinates many of the holiday contests we run during the year. Sharon loves working with children and enjoys seeing the most apprehensive patients leave with a smile. Outside of the office she enjoys spending time with her three children and her dogs.
Deborah is a Certified & Registered Dental Assistant with over 9years of experience. She is caring, passionate, and enjoys working with children. provides exceptional care to each patient, making the visit a great experience not only for the child but also for the parent. Deborah is very involved with her children'sactivities, and loves cooking, dancing, and spending quality time with her family.
Carisa states 'Im in the working progress of becoming a dental hygienist.' In her free time, sheenjoys playing with my niece, going on hikes, and watching TV. Carisa 'sgoal is to work in a pediatric office because shefinds working with children exciting and enjoyable.
Kate heads our hygiene department, with over 30 years of experience as a dental hygienist. She loves working with children and special needs patients, bringing experience, knowledge, warmth,andcaring nature to each visit. Kate loves spending time with her husband, two children, and two adorable dogs. Camping and touring in their RV. Their list of favorite vacations includes Lake George, NY.
Sarah is the newest member of our hygiene team. She graduated from Middlesex County Colleges dental hygiene program with honors in 2019. Sarah is also a 1999 graduate from Rutgers University with a BA in Communication and Art History. Since starting her second career as a dental hygienist, she has discovered a passion for working with children. Sarah tries to make each childs visit fun and educational. She addresses each of her patients with compassion and personalized care. Before entering the world of pediatric dentistry, Sarah had a career in the fashion industry in NYC. During her time off, Sarah enjoys teaching yoga, hiking, trips to the beach, and spending time with her husband, 2 stepsons, and sweet Goldendoodle, Koda.
Amy is our well-liked part-time registered dental hygienist. Amy feels fortunate to spend her days making kids have fun in our practice. While providing gentle cleanings and preventative care education, she creates a pleasant experience for both the parents and the children. She is passionate about helping children and be part of Atlantic Pediatric Dentistry for the past 4year.
Kim joined our hygiene department in 2018. She received her dental hygiene degree from Middlesex college in 2016 and was has an associate degree in Arts for business management in 2007. Kim loves teaching patients of all ages that a healthy smile is the most beautiful smile you can have. In her spare time, she enjoys music, reading, and spending time with her toddler daughter. She works as needed for our practice.
To be the best pediatric dental practice in the region, offering quality dental treatment to all children and adolescents in a caring and compassionate environment. Our team is a highly specialized and selected staff of professionals who are trained to assist all of your needs.
Our office has an open door policy for our patient families. We feel that a childs first dental home should foster a strong relationship between the dental professional and the childs primary caregivers. This relationship gives us the best opportunity to educate and instruct each family member on how to best maintain optimal oral health.
Technology is an important component of any pediatric dental office. We continually update our equipment to provide the best care possible. Digital X-rays, paperless check-in, and latex free supplies are just some of the ways that we have continued to improve our care.
Drs. Safari and Guerrasio are highly respected and active members of both their professional and personal communities. Dr. Guerrasio is the current president of the Monmouth-Ocean County Dental Society, while Dr. Safariisthe past president.
Experience and knowledge are the foundation for a strong pediatric dental practice. Dr. Safari has been in practice for 20 years, and clinical instructor of the dental residents at Monmouth Medical Center. Dr. Guerrasio is board certified and holds a Masters Degree in Dental Science.
Our dental staff is extremely caring and sensitive to our patients needs. We are fortunate to have a group that has been with us for years, and this provides stability for our young patients to see a familiar face each time they come to the office.