The brief descriptions below are designed to familiarize you with our staff's training, professional credentials and work experience. Dr. Les Elfenbein, and Dr. Shalini Tewary work as a team and consult with one another to provide the utmost in endodontic excellence.
Dr. Elfenbein completed his endodontic specialty training at the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to that he completed a general practice residency at Yale New Haven Hospital. His dental degree is from Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dental Medicine.
He was selected by his peers as 'Top Dentists' in each annual issue of the New Jersey Monthly Magazine from 2002-2021. He was also selected as a 'Top Dentist' in Montclair Magazine from 2014 through 2021. He has also been included in the Guide to America 's Top Dentists and was named a 'USA Top Dentist' and 'NJ Top Dentist' in 2018-2021. He is a past president of the Passaic County Dental Society and its editor. In addition, he is a fellow of the International College of Dentists.
Dr. Elfenbein is currently the Director of Endodonticsat St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey. He lectures extensively on the subject of endodontics at local and national meetings providing continuing education courses to dentists and endodontists. He is a published author in the Journal of Endodontics and the journal of Dental Traumatology.
Dr. Shalini Tewary is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics; the highest honor bestowed upon an endodontist by the AAE for academic and clinical excellence. After completing dental school at Boston University she served as a resident in general dentistry at Boston University. Dr. Tewary received the excellence award, an honor bestowed upon the top resident in that post doctoral program. In addition, in 2000 she received an excellence award from the North East Society of Periodontists.
Prior to pursuing her passion for endodontics, she was a general dentist in Bergen County for seven years. She completed her graduate training in endodontics at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Dr. Tewary did research in endodontics which was published in the Journal of Endodontics.
Dr. Joseph Stern completed his post doctoral endodontic residency at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Prior to that he graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He is a member of AAE and presented at the AAE Annual Session in San Francisco. Dr. Stern was awarded the AAE/DENTSPLY award for that presentation.
We are proud to announce that hewas recently named the diretcor of endodontics at Touro College of Dental Medicine. He has had many speaking engagements; most recentlyat the Greater New York Dental Meeting in December of 2020 as well as the New Jersey Dental Association annual session in March of 2021. He wasselected asa 'Top Dentist' in New Jersey Monthly Magazine in 2021.
Dr. Anthony Arena completed his post doctoral endodontic residency at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. During his residency, Dr. Arena also earned his Masters in Dental Science, defending his thesis centered around public health and endodontics. At Rutgers, Dr. Arena became known amongst his peers as a leader his passion for teaching in the undergraduate clinic and mentorship in dental education are exceptional.
Dr. Arena is also a graduate of the Bergen County Academies and Ramapo College of New Jersey, where he graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Biology. Dr. Arena received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. In 2018, he received the American Association of Endodontics Student Achievement Award for his interest and commitment to the specialty.
Dr. Arena is a caring, knowledgeable, and dedicated professional committed to the highest quality. He is a proud first-generation Italian-American and is involved in many cultural organizations in the area. In his spare time, Dr. Arena is an avid soccer enthusiast and enjoys making artisanal pizzas in his backyard with his family and friends.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 152 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestPatrycja Galezowski
2 years ago
5 stars is not enough for this office. It's very clean, friendly, and overall a great experience! I had a little complicated procedure done and have to say I was in minimal pain afterwards, the results were great. Dr. Tewary also knew I was on a strict timeline and she worked with me making sure I was able to take care of my tooth without losing it. She is a very caring and empathetic dentist that I would highly recommend to anyone needing services.
Beatrice Barbera
2 years ago
I highly recommend Dr.Shalini Tewary. Her skill and patience exceeded my expectations. She saved a tooth that I was told needed extraction and jaw bone grafting. I am extremely nervous with any dental work and her patience and support got me through my first time root canal. All her staff were professional and helpful. This is the place to go for a positive root canal experience. I am a grateful patient.
Charity Haygood
2 years ago
No one loves going to the dentist, let alone an Endodontic specialist, but if you have to go, this is the spot . They make a visit, surprisingly, pleasurable--from the warm greeting of the Office Manager, Jesse and the thorough benefits explanation from Melanie, all the way to the attentive and informative care of Dr. Arena, who is even willing to pull out the model tooth to show you step by step what has to happen. I hope not to ever have to get another root canal, but if I do, Clifton Endodontics will be where I land. =D
Murray Spiegel
2 years ago
Excellent care. Dr Tewari is very caring and capable.
Nereida Perez Montalvo
2 years ago
I have always had a phobiawith dentist. But doctor stern was so understanding & gentle. I would recommend him to all. To bad he is onl y into root canals.
Michael Marchetta
2 years ago
I had the best dental experience in my life. Dr. Stern was perfect! I was so comfortable that I almost went to sleep! TYVM, Michael Marchetta
Jacinta Davis
2 years ago
I've had a great experience with Clifton Endodontics. I had an infection in my root canal and they squeezed me in for an emergency visit. I no longer have any pain in that tooth and everyone was very professional.
Tammy Tomak
2 years ago
I'm not the best patient at all, up until the day of my root canal I was nervous. I want to thank Dr. Stern for being so understanding and kind to me, the day of my recent appointment. I left the office feeling well taken care of. I want to also thank the fantastic office staff!
Chris Mo
2 years ago
Dr. Stern did an excellent job with my tooth! The office was very accommodating to the urgency of my needs, and was able to exceed my expectations! Dr Stern and his office staff are extremely friendly and professional. Even though we had just met, I felt very confident and comfortable in their care. Would highly recommend! Thank you so much!!
Jeanne Hanadel
2 years ago
There is one word that comes to mind when Dr. Shalini Tewary completed my root canal today and that word is superb!!!! Even though the novacaine shots do not hurt, she still give compassion as she is injecting you. Now that's patient care! I would recommend her to all! I was very relaxed under her care. And a shout out to the front desk! Professional, warm and friendly! Thank you all!
T C
2 years ago
This place is so chill I forgot I was at the dentist during my root canal. I was just listening to a podcast and vibing. The receptionists/office managers, hygienists, and endodontist we're all polite, friendly, and exceptional at their jobs. I liked how Doctor Stern took the time to look at the x rays and talk to me about them and all of the options I had. Before the procedure he explained everything he was going to do and how long it would take. Then during the procedure he narrated what he was doing and said how long each part would take. This is very important to me because I have extreme dental anxiety. A lot of dentists get frustrated, annoyed, and even angry about how hard it is to numb areas of my mouth. I really appreciate that Doctor Stern was totally cool about it. He just used a variety of numbing agents and got it numb for the procedure, and it didn't seem to bother him. When the numbing wore off he stopped and was okay with rescheduling the rest for next time. I feel like this makes all the difference to me and I left the office in a good mood. This office is really special! If I could get cleanings done here I would
Julie Cassara
2 years ago
Dr Tewary and staff at Clifton Endodontics are all fabulous. So patient and knowledgeable. Dr. Tewary is amazing at what she does. Takes time to explain everything. 20 stars
maxine Mutchler
2 years ago
Root canal went great. No pain, Dr Elfenbein is the BEST!!!
Stephanie Allen
2 years ago
If I could give more than 5 stars I would. The office is busy but everyone working there is very pleasant. From Jesse at the desk to Nadia and the other assistants everyone I came in contact with were professional, knowledgeable and kind. I saw Dr Elfenbein and I can't say enough about him. He really cares about his patients. He listened as I describe my symptoms and was genuinely concerned about how long I'd been living with severe pain. I ended up having a root canal and it was by far the best dental procedure I have ever had! I actually fell asleep during the first part and the second visit was also painless. It really was a pleasure being a patient at Clifton Endodontics. I'll be recommending this practice to everyone I know!
Samar Salim
2 years ago
As a personal experience, I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to get a great result. There is no pain during and after the process. Dr. Joseph is so friendly and professional. Thanks for your great work, and thanks for the help.
Deidra Feuerstein
2 years ago
Thank you so very much for the professionalism and excellence in treatment I received. Dr. Elfenbien runs a fabulous team from Jesse at the the front desk to Dr. Santiago and the highly competent, friendly assistants like Melanie. I had a very positive experience. Dr. Elfenbien is a tremendously skilled professional. He is warm, courteous and patient and goes the extra mile to assure confidence & comfort. I am a nervous patient and he did all possible in explaining & performing a challenging procedure. Many thanks to all!
Aileen Florio
2 years ago
This was one of the most positive experiences I have ever had at a healthcare provider's office. Every staff member treated me with a smile and with respect. Dr. E. was beyond gentle and compassionate. I found it hard to believe when my sister said she had a pain-free root canal here (also by Dr. E), but I can say every minute was not only pain free, but it was also free of stress and anxiety. Santiago was wonderful and Jesse was kind from greeting me at the door to explaining my instructions as I left. I recommend Dr. E. and this office 100%!!! Thank you!!
Laura Quinn
2 years ago
I had some trepidation with my first root canal, but I can't say enough about how great my experience was today at Clifton Endodontics! That's right,... I'm raving about a root canal. Mainly due to the staff synergy and excellent care. Dr. Tewary and Millie were so proficient and friendly- they put me right at ease. Dr. Tewary even walked me through each step she was taking for my somewhat difficult tooth- and with successful results. I highly recommend this practice and this team~ from the front desk personnel through the clinical process~ an amazing team!
Linda Jusino
2 years ago
I was extremely nervous about my procedure this morning. Dr. Stern and his assistant Millie were wonderful! They were comforting, kind and genuinely caring about me being anxious about my surgery. I would recommend this office to my family and friends. They are completely professional and comforting. Their staff is extremely competent and friendly. Thank you Dr. Stern and Millie!!!
Tomasz Augustyniak
2 years ago
This place is amazing, oral surgery doesn't sound like fun but at Clifton Endodontics it was. The whole experience was great, very friendly and competent staff. Highly recommend. Thank you for doing such a great job :)
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