At this point in my life, I do not think I can separate my profession from who I am as an individual. The interaction that pediatric dentistry provides is as much a part of my growth personally and professionally as it is part of the kids growth.
I have been practicing for over 40 years and every day am thankful for my career. It is a privilege to spend my days in the company of such wonderful young people. The kids make me laugh and remind me to recognize the importance of youth and being a role model for them. And each day becomes a new adventure or adventures that is filled with learning and new perspectives!
Growing up in Norfolk, Virginia, and considering career options, I knew I wanted a path that could develop my passions and talents. I found that I loved the creativity, science, and purpose associated with the field of dentistry.
I attended Goucher College, where I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences. Next came my Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) and then my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry, both obtained at the Medical College of Virginia (Virginia Commonwealth University).
Dental school and my residency gave me a solid foundational understanding of oral health and the specific concerns of childrens dentistry. However, dentistry and the pediatric dental specialty, are constantly changing. Research leads to new technologies, techniques, materials, as well as new ways to enhance the patient experience and results.
I believe every professional must be a perpetual student: in order to provide patients and parents the best available options, I must first understand and evaluate each development. I pride myself in thoroughly evaluating the latest changes and emerging research, in order to provide the highest level of care for patients.
Throughout the year I complete many hours of continuing education, participate in study groups, and study the latest journals in order to stay current in the specialty. I am a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentists, a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (local and national), and the American Dental Association. I also volunteer with and teach through Lehigh Valley Hospital Network GPR and volunteer at Head Start for childrens dental screenings.
Volunteering and giving back are core to who I am, personally and professionally. I volunteer with many local groups and participate in numerous walks and drives (Downs Syndrome, Autism, Lehigh Valley Council for Independent Living, Pediatric Cancer Foundation of Lehigh Valley, etc.). Making our community stronger and healthier benefits everyone, and I find volunteering to be deeply rewarding.
I absolutely love building relationships with the kiddos and watching them grow. It brings me much joy to guide a fearful child through the different challenges that dentistry can bring, and see them evolve into a confident individual who can get through any treatment necessary.
I was raised in Scranton and attended the University of Scranton where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Science. Dental school was at Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dentistry, where I obtained my Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD). I then obtained my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center in Brooklyn.
Dentistry, and the pediatric dentistry specialty, is always evolving. As new technologies, materials, and methodologies are developed, it is my responsibility to study the new options, evaluating each in terms of what they might bring to patient care. Those changes which improve comfort, efficacy, efficiency, and safety are adopted and incorporated in the patient experience!
I truly believe that my excitement and passion walks into every room with me and is felt by both the patients and their parents. My goal is simple: to provide quality dental work that is individualized to every patient's needs, while creating a safe and fun environment. It brings me so much joy to watch my anxious and fearful patients walk out with confidence and a smile on their faces after their dental visits. I look forwardto creating a positive dental experience for your family!
I grew up in South Brunswick, NJ - a town that was an hour away from both Philadelphia and NYC where coincidentally, I spent most of my years after graduating high school. I attended Temple University (Go Owls!) for my Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and then went on to earn a Master's degree in Biology from NYU. I stayed in NYC and earned my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from NYU College of Dentistry, and it was during this time that I realized my passion to work with the pediatric population. I moved to Allentown, PA and completed a 1-year General Practice Residency from St. Luke's Sacred Heart Campus and then completed my training at the NYU Langone Pediatric Dentistry program in Holyoke, MA.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family, catching up with friends, traveling, and cooking. I have been married to my husband, David, for a little over a year. We met during my GPR in Allentown and are very grateful that life has brought us back to the Lehigh Valley.
The Gordon Pediatric Dental team is a very talented and special group of human beings. They give of themselves to always create a positive experience for each child and family, and do so thoughtfully, kindly, and with great empathy. I respect each team member as a person and am constantly in awe at their ability to get things done, individually and as a group.
Our team, and our doctors, are united in our dedication to provide compassionate, comprehensive, and individual care to each child. We really listen, pride ourselves on communication, and strive to build a strong partnership with the parent, child, dentist, and team.
Roberta holds an Associate Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene and has been in the dental field since 1987. She joined our practice in 1991, offering gentle teeth cleanings, as well as taking X-rays, and teaching patients and parents about oral hygiene and behavior management. She oversees clinical staff management, as well.
Roberta and her wonderful husband have been married for almost 30 years. They have two daughters who are both out of high school; through the years, Roberta enjoyed watching her girls play soccer. Her family also includes two dogs and two cats.
Carla holds an Associates in Applied Science and has been with our practice since 1994. She cleans teeth, applies fluoride, takes X-rays, and educates and motivates children and parents to take care of each childs oral health.
Carla has been married for 15 years and has three boys, plus two dogs (Miley and Brinley) and two cats (Sox and Finn). She enjoys watching and supporting her sons seasonal sporting activities and loves playing Candy Crush.
Nicole graduated from the dental hygiene program at Broome Community College in Binghamton, NY. She has been in the dental field since 2000 and joined our team in 2013. She provides teeth cleaning, takes X-rays, and offers behavior management and oral hygiene instruction to patients and parents.
Nicole and her husband Michael have two children, as well as a puppy named Cali who keeps them very busy. The family loves to spend time in their pool in the summers, try new restaurants, and travel together.
Diane attended the Dental Assisting program at Northampton Area Community College and started in the field in 1984. She certified in X-ray and CPR, and has obtained her Expanded Functions Dental Assisting Certification, too. Diane joined our team in 1997 and works in the clinic, assisting the doctors chairside during clinical procedures.
Diane and her husband have been married for 30 years. They have two beautiful daughters and love to go camping when they can. Diane enjoys making all kinds of crafts and playing with her Yorkie, Zippie.
Erica has worked in the dental field since 1999 and joined our team in 2020. She assists the doctors with a range of clinical procedures and also educates patients and parents about oral health and developing good dental hygiene practices.
Erica and her wonderful husband of 22 years enjoy their time together and with family. Erica also enjoys cooking, gardening, Pilates, walking, and her cats. Every year she looks forward to participating in the 5K for Breast Cancer, too.
Rachael started in the dental field in 2010, is X-ray certified, and assists the doctors with different clinical procedures. She also teaches patients and families about oral health and the importance of establishing good dental hygiene habits.
I enjoy wearing multiple hats in the office, as it gives me a change of pace moving to different positions during the day. Most of all, though, I enjoy watching the children in our office grow and mature!
Feona attended Dental Assisting School, started in the field in 2001, and joined our office in 2005. She assists the doctors during clinical procedures, runs our sterilization lab, and performs administrative duties as needed.
Feona is a bird-lover: whether shes feeding them here at the office (there are a bunch who wait for her to put out food) or filling her feeders at home, she loves watching their antics. She also loves watching hockey (Go Rangers!) and having a glass of wine on her deck while enjoying the outdoors
Family keeps Carrie busy outside of work. She has a 12-year-old son and eight-year-old twins (a boy and a girl), so the family is always on the go. She and her husband also foster dogs, and the family dog, Buster, loves to meet and play with his foster brothers and sisters. Carrie loves to run, hike, and take their camper all around.
I love the one-on-one interaction with parents and giving them support and comfort during a scary time. Taking your child into the operating room for treatment can be very anxiety-inducing: I work hard to explain everything in detail to let parents know we will be with them every step of the way.