In the 1970s, in a small private practice in Wappingers Falls, the late Dr. Kenneth Ritz had a visiondentistry should be more available and affordable with the focus on compassionate care. In 1980, he established the first dental center in our area in the former South Hills Mall. As the practice grew, the office continuously invested in the latest technological advancements, while still focusing on delivering compassionate and empathetic dental care to the highest level.
In 2004, Dr. Michael W. Ritz joined the family. Now at its new location, 10 IBM Road in Poughkeepsie, Dr. Michael Ritz is at the helm of that same dental center and carries on his fathers original vision. He is proud to work alongside his esteemed colleague, Dr. William D. Welker, who has been with the practice since 1992.
Today, the Family Dental Center continues to grow and remain acutely aware of the personal needs of every patient. Our focus is always on providing our patients with a positive dental experience, while achieving long-term oral health.
Dr. Michael W. Ritz has been practicing dentistry at the Family Dental Center since 2004, and took over the practice from his late father in 2013. Dr. Ritzs number one priority is that all patients receive the best dental care, utilizing the latest techniques and technologies, while maintaining the highest level of comfort.
Throughout the years, Dr. Ritz strives to develop trusting and caring relationships with his patients and staff. His patients appreciate how he communicates and thoroughly explains treatment options, while sharing his warmth, humor, and expertise.
Dr. Ritz grew up in Dutchess County and is an alumnus of Roy C. Ketcham High School. He feels honored to serve his hometown and surrounding community and is humbled to care for, in many cases, three generations of patients.
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 71 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestVictoria Lange
a year ago
After a bit of a hiatus from the dentist due to the pandemic, I went in for a cleaning and they noticed a cavity. No shame or judgement given. They scheduled me to come back in. Dr. Ritz was fantastic with informing me about his thought process, setting expectation, and potential risks. His energy was positive and comforting the entirety of the procedure, which was painless. Now my tooth is fixed :) -- Thank you, Dr. Ritz & team!
Theresa Steegmuller
a year ago
Superlatives just don't do justice to Doctor Ritz and the staff at Family Dental Center. Doctor Ritz has excellent skills in communication and in dentistry. He explains everything thoroughly, giving you all of the options and all of the information that you need to make an informed decision about your care and is genuinely interested in making sure that you not only understand everything but take part actively in the appointment and leave with no questions unanswered. I had the wonderful opportunity to treat with his father years ago but had to leave the practice because my insurance no longer covered going there. When my insurance changed again and I had the opportunity to go back to treat with his son who took over for him I really wasn't sure what to expect, but I soon learned that he is continuing his father's legacy of compassionate, thorough and conscientious care of his patients. This is truly a remarkable office and I wouldn't consider going anywhere else for my dental care.
Denise Massey
a year ago
I really love Family Dental in Poughkeepsie, NY. Staff is great! Professional & Courteous. Dr. Ritz is Amazing! Very reassuring, calming & patient! I travel a great distance to have my dental needs serviced by this wonderful team! I highly recommend them!
linda kelly
a year ago
The staff at Family Dental are very friendly and courteous. Dr Ritz is the best he got me in with no problem for an emergency visit. I've been seeing him for years and highly recommend him. He takes his time and explains everything before he does any Dental work. Family Dental the best !!
Barbara Delong
2 years ago
Dr Ritz is the most wonderful DDS I have ever been to. Cares about his patients and he explains everything step by step. He has became our family DDS and we are so very happy we found him.
Lori Daddona
2 years ago
So HAPPY I found Family Dental Center! Real professional dentistry, while making you feel completely at ease. Not to mention a terrific staff. The BEST dentist I have ever been to.
Hayley Delong
2 years ago
I am not the one for dentists and never was until I met Dr.Ritz for the first time, he is truly the best. He makes you feel safe and cared for. I 100% would recommend him the best there is !
Jo-Anne Hockler
2 years ago
I am always impressed with the service I receive here. The dentists are top notch and the staff is an amazing group of great people. I feel like they care and take the time to keep me and my family healthy, informed and comfortable. Thank you to all of them.
Tina Smith
2 years ago
The office staff and Dr. Ritz are great at the Family Dental Center. They are always on time and always to manage to get me in when I have an emergency. I wouldn't go anywhere else and I highly recommend them - Kyle Smith
Christina Hargraves
2 years ago
Just wanted to share my wonderful experience at family dental this morning! Dr Ritz makes you feel so at ease and explains every step so you feel super comfortable! When my crown came off earlier this week I was nervous how long it would be to get a new one made but this office got me an appointment right away and Dr Ritz made a temporary crown for me today that feels super comfortable! I highly recommend this dentist to anyone! He treats you like family
Justin Palmer
2 years ago
I am a 40 year old male (but i look and feel like I'm 21)... In my 40 years i have visited a number of dentists. NO dentist has EVER been as amazing as the ones you will deal with at Family Dental Center! I was seen by 2 different dentists here. One dentist was very helpful for an emergency visit on the weekend and the next 3 visits were with Dr. Ritz. I also had a cleaning with an excellent hygienist! The staff and doctors here are extremely personable, friendly and knowledgeable! So much so that now my wife and my entire clan of children are all seeing them as well! Every visit is pain free and proficient! Although I visit with Dr. Ritz since we are cut from the same cloth, him also being a middle age male that looks and feels 21, the entire staff of office workers and dental professionals are beyond remarkable to deal with! HIGHLY recommend this dental practice!!! Thank you Family Dental Center! See you next year when I'm 41(but will still look and feel like im 21)
Evan Lasher
2 years ago
Highly recommended. Dr Ritz is very informative. After avoiding the dentists for 2 years I had to go in for a serious toothache and decided to call Dr. Ritz, he called me back on a Sunday and got me in right away. I was TERRIFIED and I explained to Dr. Ritz that in the past The dentist I had was not successful with the Novocain. He assured me that I will not feel a thing. And he was correct. Reception at the desk were so nice and welcoming. The hygienist and assistant were welcoming. Dr Ritz is easily the best dentist I have ever been to. He is patient, understanding and does fantastic work. I brought my daughter there this week and she was also terrified and refused to go the the dentist until she seen Dr Ritz. She is no longer terrified, and was very impressed that Dr Ritz gave us options and we didn't feel taking advantage of. This office is just spectacular and I am no longer afraid of going to the dentist (for ANY reason) thanks to everyone who works here. Thank you Dr Ritz Sincerely, Jess and Isabella
Dawn Cicilioni
2 years ago
My husband and i have been going to Family Dental Center for years. Dr. Ritz and Dr. Welker are knowledgeable and friendly. They answer any questions we have. The rest of staff is thourough, friendly, and curteous. I would recommend Family Dental Center to anyone.
Paulette Lettie
2 years ago
Dr. Ritz always puts my mind and worries at ease. He has such an amazing, calming human approach. Especially to those of us who are petrified of dental visits. I have never once been made to feel embarrassed because of my lifelong problematic teeth. His kindness and expertise along with his amazing staff, especially in these difficult times makes dental visit so less stressful. The office is so clean and covid protocols are maintained and followed to the highest level.
trixiehamster61
2 years ago
Every time I go it's a great experience. They are friendly and polite. They do not make me wait, which is wonderful. They take Covid protocols seriously and are well knowledged. Bonus is I leave with a dental gift bag! I highly recommend them
Ker G
2 years ago
Dr. Ritz is amazing!!! Staff is great and efficient. Highly recommend this office
Leah P
2 years ago
Dr. Ritz and his staff are the best! My husband and I have always had great experiences here and would highly recommend him to anyone.
Chris Corman
2 years ago
I have had the good fortune for coming to this practice for over 10 years and this practice is the best one I have ever been a patient at. Dr Mike is a higher level of kind and is extremely gifted abilities. The entire staff is caring and welcoming from top to bottom. I consider myself lucky to call them my dentist practice of choice.
Josiah Cruz
2 years ago
Dr. Ritz is great! I had my first root canal done there recently, and it was one of the most painless dental procedures I've ever had done. He is certainly an expert in his field and I strongly recommend his services to everyone looking for a good dentist!
Caitlyn Bogart
2 years ago
I could not be happier with my experience at Family Dental Center. The staff were professional and very welcoming. Dr.Ritz took his time with me, and I never felt rushed. He was very personable and easy to speak with. The office was very clean, it was obvious that each patient's health and safety is a concern of Family Dental. I have and would highly recomend Family Dental Center.
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