Dr. Gradwell began his career in periodontal practice in 1988, working as a restorative dentist during his residency program. He has maintained his professional relationship with Dr. I. Jay Freedman and Associates for 22 years, transitioning from a restorative dentist to the office's periodontal and implant surgeon. In Dr. Freedman's office, state-of-the-art esthetic dentistry is provided in conjunction with dental implant, crown and bridge, esthetic veneers and the treatment of periodontal disease. In 1990, Dr. Gradwell opened his private practice in Allentown.
Dr. Gradwell has been active on staff at Lehigh Valley hospital since 1991. He has served as Vice Chairman of the department of dentistry and Clinical Chief of Periodontics. He currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Lehigh County Senior Center. As an Eagle Scout, Dr. Gradwell is committed to community service. He also serves on the Occupational Advisory Council for the Lehigh Career and Technical Institute.
Along with his many accomplishments, Dr. Gradwell has lectured nationally on the periodontal treatment of Arestin. From 2003 to 2005 Dr. Gradwell lectured for OraPharma, Johnson & Johnson on the use of local delivery antibiotics called Arestin. He provided detailed information on Arestin to dentists in the Midwest, as well as local educational programs.
Teaching is a fundamental love of Dr. Gradwell's. He is on staff at the Lehigh Valley Hospital where he volunteers one day a month working with the dental residents in the dental clinic. He also is a part of the teaching team for the dental residents, which involves lecturing several times a year.
When Dr. Gradwell is not in the office, he enjoys spending time with his three children, Ashley, Sean, and Lauren. He actively pursues his spirituality for balance in his life. His church family is First Presbyterian Church of Allentown. He was a 4thgrade Sunday School teacher for 15 years. He is a contributor to the local 4H programs with a personal interest in sheep farming. He recently completed the renovation and restoration of a 10 acre farming property in Fogelsville, PA. He is committed to learning and implementing organic gardening on his farm.
The story starts in 1947, when my dad returned home from WWII after serving 5 years in the US Army. He had served as the dental surgeon in a 5th Army field hospital, finding himself in the thick of action in North Africa, Sicily and Italy.
Originally slated to be transferred to the Pacific for the invasion of the Japanese mainland, the war ended in late summer 1945 with the US Army using the A-Bomb. My dads unit was redeployed to Greece to aid in the effort to bring stability to Europe as the cold war started to take shape.
A native born Philadelphian, my dad Hy Freedman, decided after his return to move out to the country. In those days the country was Roslyn. He picked 1260 Easton Road because the original civic plans called for a major train station to be where the Rite Aid is today. He opened a private practice in this county town and settled into a simple life for several years. Meanwhile, in Brighten Beach, NY (Cooney Island) where Hys parents (my grandparents) lived my Grandmother while at her doctors, was taken by an attractive brunette. When asked if she was single, Ruth Solomoff said yes, and my Grandmother said you have to meet my son the doctor. Their first date (chaperoned!) was in March, engaged in May, married in June and I came along the following April (10 months for those of you counting)
I attended Roslyn Elementary School and graduated from Abington High School. I always wanted to be some sort of doctor. My academic studies were always in science and I loved working with my hands. Until age 17, I figured a surgeon then it occurred to me that I wouldnt be able to emotionally handle the passing of apatient, so I gathered my thoughts. What could I do that was medical, used my hand skills and didnt involve death.. Answer was a Dentist.
While my dad knew that I was going to be a dentist, he died suddenly in the middle of my first year of dental school (Temple). My friends and family called me to keep me on track. I know my dad would have wanted me to keep focused on school. I successfully completed dental school and decided I needed more experience. I found work in several places over the next 2 years including Lehigh County Prison where I meet a tall, beautiful redhead who turned out to be my future wife (not an inmate, she ran work release!)
I gutted my dads old office and reopened it in spring 1980 with one treatment room. In 1983 I added a second treatment room. In 1985 a 3rd treatment roomand finally in 1990 I gutted the entire building to its present configuration.
In the summer of 1988, a new dental school graduate, looking for part time work while he completed school to specialize in Periodontal Implants, walked into my office. I was busy, my second son was just born and my mom said he seemed like a nice young man. We talked awhile and I find him to be pleasant, but when he told me he had attended the same high school as my wife, it was a done deal. Dr. Gradwell and I have been working together since 1988 and specifically with advanced periodontal care and Implant s since 1990.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 212 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestlee edelman
a year ago
awesome experience during horribly painful times. thank you, dr. freedman for answering my emergency call late last night and getting me in today to care for my oral surgery referral.. totally understand why you have all 5 stars. awesome staff too
bob howard
a year ago
Jay continues to take great care of me and my entire family. The experience is positive and he has removed the fear and anxiety of going to a dentist. I highly recommend Freedman Dental.
Stef Arck-Baynes
a year ago
I was skeptical to try a(nother) dentist I only read about online, but I am SO glad I gave Dr Freedman a shot -- what a knowledgeable, helpful, and all around nice guy. His staff is equally kind, and he runs an efficient, clean, and pleasant. He even sent me a thank you note! I will refer everyone I know to him.
R. Marcus Fancher
2 years ago
I've been seeing Dr. Freedman for 20+ years. He and his staff have taken great care of my teeth. Extractions and crowns have gone smoothly. Dr. Freedman has been very responsive in emergency situations too. He returned my emergency call during his mother's birthday party one time. Highly recommended!
Joan Schwarz
2 years ago
I highly recommend Dr. Freedman and his staff for excellent dental care. Everyone in the office is friendly and caring. I have been a patient for many years and have had a variety of dental procedures performed in his office. I have been highly satisfied. If you are looking for an outstanding dentist visit Dr Freedman's office. You will be glad you did.
Michael Bellomo
2 years ago
Great staff, very careful, also I just learned their chairs are also massage chairs.
Chris Long
2 years ago
Extremely kind and always clean! I drive out of my way to come back to Dr. Freedman and his staff
Brian Jamison
2 years ago
Dr. Freedman and team are the best around!
Gary Ohama
2 years ago
Very calm and reassuring professional atmosphere in all dimensions. The dental care has that personal touch, with individual needs and concerns a natural response of their practice.
Jaclyn Taylor
2 years ago
I have been brining my now 4yo to Dr. Feedman's office since she turned 1. The first few visits she was very scared and cried the majority of the visit (It can be overwhelming for a toddler, especially with the now required face masks and extra PPE required). Dr. Freedman and his staff have been so patient with her for all her visits, giving her space to ease into the dentist visit, explore the tools and play with the chair (taking a ride going up and down). On her 3rd visit she was laughing and having fun and let them look in her mouth and count her teeth. They gave her parting gifts (toothbrush, stickers and a toy) for being an excellent patient and she can't wait to go back for her next visit :) Highly recommend Dr Freedman's office for yourself or little ones!
J Hurd
2 years ago
I switched to Dr. Freedman after years at a more commercialized dentist and have been so happy I did. Everyone is extremely friendly and helpful. I never feel like I'm being pushed towards a product or service and they always take time to answer any questions or concerns I have. I have a history of unfortunate experiences with dental healthcare but I feel like I finally ended up with a safe and supportive team.
Rita Jacobs
2 years ago
It is the best dental practice. The staff is fabulous. They are professional and at the same time warm. It is so clean and they have handled this covid pandemic incredible well. Thank you for your great care.
Cruz Valencia
2 years ago
(Translated by Google) I had an excellent experience with Dr. Jay and his entire team! They are very kind and patient. They have a very good hygiene and quality of work. One hundred percent recommended! I had an excellent experience with Dr. Jay and his team work! They are very nice and patient. They have a very good hygiene and quality of work. I recommend them 100%! (Original) Tuve una excelente experiencia con Dr. Jay y todo su equipo de trabajo! Son muy amables y pacientes. Tienen una muy buena higiene y calidad de trabajo. Cien por ciento recomendable! I had an excellent experience with Dr. Jay and his team work! They are very nice and patient. They have a very good hygiene and quality of work. I recommend them 100%!
Susan Lindner
2 years ago
Dr. Freedman is a an excellent dentist. He is very caring, kind and gentle. The office staff is friendly and very accommodating to my busy schedule. Would highly recommend Freedman Dental Associates.
Kristin Castelow
2 years ago
I like the vibe here and think Dr. Freedman is a pretty cool guy. Office is very clean. Staff are very welcoming and happy about what they do. Good environment to be in. I am always called in when my appointment time starts and leave within a reasonable time.
penelope parrella
2 years ago
The staff is very kind and I felt very comfortable and Dr Freedman was great he made me feel at Ease and not as nervous about my Procedures I would highly recommend this Establishment
Elizabeth Klebe
2 years ago
Appointment was for cleaning with Beth she was very gentle, thorough, pleasant and professional. Office is spotless everyone I have dealt with has been very nice.
JD Baker
2 years ago
AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME. This was my 1st visit to this office. I went in for a consultation for an implant. The office was bright and clean. Easy location to find. Parking just feet from the door. Everyone was so pleasent and friendly from the front office to the doctor and everyone in between. My appt was at 11AM and I was seen at 11AM. My doctor and dental hygienist were awesome with explaining the proceedure and the aftercare. 5 stars x 10!!!!!!!
David Snyder
2 years ago
I have been seeing Dr. Freedman for years and he has always taken care of my dental needs with great care and success.
william mcgoldrick
2 years ago
Excellent work by all, truly professional by Dr Jay, thanks Doctor
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