Dr. Ryan Buehner is a native of Minersville, Pennsylvania, a small town just outside of Pottsville in Schuylkill County. His interest in dentistry started at an early age as he watched his father who also is a dentist care for patients in his home-based dental practice.
Dr. Buehner received his Bachelor's Degree in Life Science from Penn State University and was awarded his Doctorate in Dentistry in 2005 from Temple University. After graduation, Dr. Buehner worked as an associate dentist before opening Hershey Dental Associates in 2010.
In order to provide his patients with the latest in dental techniques and treatment, Dr. Buehner spends more than one hundred twenty hours a year studying and completing coursework in various dental study clubs and continuing education programs.
He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, Dental Cooperative, Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry, Spears Study Club, PEAK IV Study Club, Susquehanna Implant Study Club and Harrisburg Young Professionals.
Dr. Carol Layton is a biological general dentist who practices mercury free, metal free, fluoride free and mercury safe dentistry. As a 1977 graduate of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Layton has delivered dental care for the last 38 years. She practiced in and around Pittsburgh for over 28 years. Several career moves took her all over Pennsylvania and then to Nebraska where she did wellness counseling. In 2010, she moved to the Harrisburg area to continue her practice because she missed the trees and mountains that Omaha didn't provide.
Dr, Layton is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry and a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and the Academy of Dentistry International. She is member of the American Dental Association, the Pennsylvania Dental Association, the Harrisburg Dental Society, the American Association of Women Dentists, and The Academy of General Dentistry, and in 2013, she received an award with this group for her commitment to Life Long Learning and Service. She has served all these organizations in a leadership capacity over the years.
Even though Dr. Layton has not placed a mercury filling for over 30 years, the completion of a Traditional Naturopathic Program in 2008 launched her transformation to the area of biological dentistry. She is certified with the American Naturopathic Certification Board and was accredited in 2010 by the International Association of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (a member for many years) as a provider for 'mercury safe removal.' She is a member of the American Herbalists Guild, The Holistic Dental Association, International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine, the Weston Price Foundation and The Price-Pottinger Foundation.
Dr. Layton continued her biological training in 2012 with ozone therapy and became certified to use this method for prevention, protection and therapy in the dental environment. In 2014, she completed training as a Medical Naturopath and became certified with the American Naturopathic Medical Certification Board. She is currently studying with Innovative Medicine in New York in the use of a method of Energy Medicine called Bioresonance Analysis for Health (BAH).
Dr. Layton feels that continuing education in the areas of traditional dentistry and biological dentistry is essential in order to provide the best possible treatment for patients that seek her care. Dr. Layton spends many hours out of the office supporting this mission goal.
The path to wellness takes many turns. The removal of potentially toxic materials from the body is just a piece of the puzzle. Wellness requires a lifelong commitment to balancing body, mind and spirit.
Dr. Jeffrey Fortna was born and raised here in central Pennsylvania. After graduation from high school, he attended the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia where he earned a degree in biology. Dr. Fortna remained at the University of Pennsylvania to attend the school of dental medicine. After graduation from dental school Dr Fortna worked as an associate at a dental office in Lebanon, PA. After 3 years, he purchased his own practice in Hummelstown, PA where he worked for 25 years, after which he joined Hershey Dental Associates.
Dr. Fortna has done further training and has certifications in the area of dental implantology, dental and facial aesthetic application of Botox and dermal fillers, and mercury safe removal of metal dental fillings. Dr. Fortna has been married to his wife Shawn for more than 30 years and has 2 grown children, son Weston and daughter Madison. Besides dentistry, he enjoys spending time with family, sports, the outdoors and traveling.
Dr. Matthew Griffith (Dr. Matt) was born and raised in Minersville, PA. From a young age he was drawn to the sciences and medical professions. It was not until he attended college at the Pennsylvania State University at University Park campus when he more and more drawn to the field of dentistry. He graduated with a bachelors degree in life science in 2012. From there he moved to west to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine. Ion 2017, he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. The next two years he spent working as a general dentist in Las Vegas before moving back to Pennsylvania to pursue a career at Hershey Dental Associates in Hummelstown and Buehner Family Dental in Minersville, PA. in his free time he enjoys attending live music events, traveling, watching reality television, taking online and in-person continuing education courses to keep up with the latest breakthroughs in dentistry , and spending time with friends, family, and his two cats.
Reviews
Rating 4.7 out of 5 based on 190 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestGeekWad927
a year ago
MIXED FEELINGS: Great dental work! I love Dr. Layton. BUT I have mixed feelings. I was told they are a fragrance free office. I'm allergic to fragrances, and always ask to have a fragrance free room and staff, but the disinfectant used is marked as Fresh Scent, the hand soaps are scented, there's Gain Febreeze in the bathrooms, and the staff wreak of scented laundry, perfume, and hair products. I suffer greatly, just to be able to get good work done. It takes me days to recuperate. I also had an allergen test done, and had to wait months to get my results explained to me. I asked several times for an update until my appt. They don't return emails, and they don't do Video or Phone Call Appointments. It's frustrating, esp when you have been in pain for months/years, and scared that you may be having an allergic reaction in your mouth. Not even a "don't worry, you aren't reacting to anything, we'll talk when I see you." Nothing. Just waiting in pain, for months.
Emily DiFebo
2 years ago
The receptionist, Diane, is fantastic. She is always friendly and personable. Amanda is an outstanding hygienist. She is thorough and gentle. She even came up with some creative solutions to remove stains from a prescription mouthwash I had to use after surgery. She said, "We'll work together on this" and changed her methods several times based on my ability to tolerate the pain and her ability to remove the medication staining. I'm delighted with the results.
Josh Bowman
2 years ago
They are outstanding so far on all fronts. Simple scheduling, excellent reminders (text, email) ability to text to communicate some things. Great cleaning, do not upsell like other dentist i have been to. I was told by another dentist i needed scaling in all quadrsnts and they wanted nearly 2000 for the service. Hershey dental did a deep cleaning and everything is healing back excellent. Thank you!
Ron Whisker
2 years ago
My wife and I have been patients of Hershey Dental for many years. We have always been very happy with their professionalism and their skills.
Rick Brubaker
2 years ago
Always appreciate the professionalism and friendliness of Hershey Dental.
Mary Claire Brossman
2 years ago
The hygienists are so kind, quick and thorough with the cleanings, the dentists are easily able to see what's wrong or what's right, so there's very little wasted time in the office. I've been really impressed and happy to come back!
Cynthia Wood
2 years ago
It was simple to get scheduled after I had a tooth break. All of the staff are professional, competent and friendly. It was actually a pleasant visit!
Katie Stebbins
2 years ago
Thorough, friendly, and overall great practice!
Dale Holte
2 years ago
I have been a patient for several years and see Dr. Jeffrey Fortna who is just great. The entire staff, from front to professional is wonderful to work with and accommodating.
Jenifer Macallister
2 years ago
I was very pleased with my first visit to Hershey Dental Associates. Alexxa was my dental hygienist and explained everything she was doing, and why, as we went along. I specifically wanted a biological dentist because I wanted them to be attuned to my over all health and wellness being connected to my dental health. I also didn't want excessive invasive procedures or x-rays being taken too often. I was happy to learn that they only take them every 5 years, or when a problem presents the need. Dr. Layton was very pleasant and thorough with her work. I'm looking forward to my next visit.
Lauren Becker
2 years ago
Great, knowledgeable staff, gentle techs. The only place I'll go for actual holistic care. They're the only ones in a hundred mile radius that know their stuff and really embrace biological dentistry.
Madelyn Lawson
2 years ago
One of the most professional medical care experiences I have ever had. Outstanding in every way - intelligent, thorough, interested in listening, kind.
Donna G
2 years ago
I am consistently impressed with the friendliness of the staff who make you feel like a personal friend, the excellent quality of care, ease of payment, and thorough communication. Highly recommend!
Steve Johnson
2 years ago
Friendly Courteous and most of all left me with a big bright white smile.
Darlene Hillegas
2 years ago
Dr Layton did a fantastic job of rebuilding my tooth when I broke half of it of by slamming my face onto a concrete walk. Everyone in the office was do helpful with my facial injuries. THANK YOU
Eva Murry
2 years ago
The staff at Hershey Dental Associates was over the top congenial - from the office workers to the Dental Professionals. I had a most "at ease" experience and thorough explanation of my issues. Thank you!
Gary D.
2 years ago
Hershey Dental is professional, with the modern equipment and expertise you need for your entire dental needs. Family-friendly for sure with a patient centered atmosphere. In my opinion, Hershey Dental correctly diagnosed and treated an infection in my wife's jaw that two previous doctors and our former dentist missed! The entire staff stayed after hours until my wife was initially treated on an emergency basis and referred/scheduled for oral surgery the very next day. We love Hershey Dental. :-) Gary D. the Guitarist for Times Past
Robert Devich
2 years ago
Awesome experience. Great staff and extremely thorough. They took time to answer all of my questions and even gave me some of the latest research to support their suggestions. I absolutely recommend.
Gretchen Rupp
2 years ago
Great staff. Clean facility and overall 5 stars across the board!
kathy myers
2 years ago
Facility is clean, staff is very professional while personable. My family and I have been patients since the practice opened. We'd had the run from cleanings to crowns, routine to urgent care. I would highly recommend Hershey Dental Associates to anyone, especially if you think you don't like "going to the dentist".
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