Karen Gear, DDS opened her new state-of-the-art solo endodontic practice May 1, 2013. Dr. Gear relocated from New York City where she practiced as an endodontist for 29 years. She has been in practice as a Dentist for 32 years. Dr. Gear recieved herDoctor of Dental Surgery degree from Howard University in 1989 and completed her Endodontic Specialty Certificate training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 1993.
An active member of the dental community, Dr. Gear has been dedicated to the education and training of young dentists entering the profession. Sheserved as an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Dentistry at Harlem Hospital Center, a level-one trauma center, for seven years. Her responsibilities included didactic and clinical instruction on endodontics to the post-graduate dental residents from the departments of general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and oral surgery. Annually, she invites Pre-Dental School interns to work in her office.
Dr. Gear has expertise in surgical and nonsurgical endodontic procedures, specifically the management of traumatic dental injuries, avulsions and luxation injuries, and endodontic infections. She is also experienced with techniques to manage incomplete root formation in the developing tooth.
Dr. Gear takes acomprehensive team-based approach to patient care, working closely with the general dentist and other dental specialists. Dr. Gear and her staff stay in communication with referring offices to ensure ease of treatment and scheduling of the post endodontic restorative visit.
Dr. Gear is an active member of the American Association of Endodontists, Massachusetts Dental Society, and the American Dental Association. She is a past member of the New York Society of Forensic Dentistry, where she was a part of the 9/11 World Trade Center Dental Identification Team. In addition, Dr. Gearwas a previous board member of Ahead, Inc. an organization that provides medical resources to disadvantaged women in Tanzania.
Dr. Gear has worked tirelessly as an advocate for the Vineyard's unisured and undersured island residents. She served as a member of the Dukes County Health Council and chaired the Dukes County Oral Health Work Group working for a collaborative community solution to replace the closed Marthas Vineyard Dental Clinic.
At our endodontic practice, we recognize that all of our patients are unique, and deserve to receive endodontic care that reflects their individual needs. Our team is committed to working with you and your family to create a positive, comfortable, and customized endodontic experience every time you visit our practice.
Ralph is a senior pre-dental student at Oakwood University, an HBCU located in Huntsville, Alabama. His whole college career has been geared towards patient care, as he worked as a certified nursing assistant for three and a half years. He recently started working as a dental lab technician in order to strengthen and broaden his knowledge about the field of dentistry. He believes that oral health is a necessary investment in ones overall wellbeing and confidence. He loves to serve his community by volunteering at his local animal shelter where he cares for the dogs there by doing overnight stays with them.
Melanie graduated from the New Hampshire Technical Institutes dental assisting program, where she graduated, on the Dean's List. She also received her expanded function certification. She was inducted to the Phi Theta Kappa, National Honor Society for her academic achievements. Melanie is certified by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and is an active member of the American Dental Assistants Association MA chapter.
Melanie has more than 13 years of dental assisting experience and has worked in three other offices prior to joining our dental team in 2018. She has a background in pediatric, periodontal/oral surgery, general and endodontic dentistry, as well as public health dentistry. She enjoys assisting Dr. Gear in the specialty of endodontics because of its challenging and varietal nature. Her chairside demeanor helps patients relax in all aspects of care, beginning with their first visit. She enjoys spending time with our patients and helping them through any dental anxieties they may have. Melanie actively continues her education in the dental field to expand her skills.
Melanie is a native New Englander and has lived on Island for more than ten years. She takes satisfaction in her volunteer work, sharing positivity. She relishes spending her days off with her husband and three sons boating and fishing. One of her passions is cooking and entertaining for her family and friends. She loves spending time at the family's beach, up island listening to the waves, and reading a good book.
Thank you for your interest in Marthas Vineyard Endodontics, P.C. Our expert team, led by respected endodontic specialist Dr. Karen Gear and our experienced clinical staff provide the highest standard of professional care in a friendly, comfortable environment.
Please take a moment to discover more about our services, dental team, and how we put your care first. We are grateful that you have entrusted your confidence in our office and staff. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to treat you as a patient.
First and foremost, we believe that people should have their own healthy teeth for an entire lifetime. To support that belief, we subscribe to a program of preventive dental care. It is also our belief that the prevention of disease is far more enjoyable, less costly, and more comfortable for all concerned. So our goal is to help you achieve and maintain a healthy mouth as quickly and as economically as possible.
We believe that education is just as important as treatment when it comes to dental care. This is why we will not only treat your condition but inform you on the causes and how to prevent future cases from arising. When you visit our facility, you can be sure that you are getting the highest quality dental care.
The CS 8100 3D extraoral imaging system gives our practice the ability to capture both high quality 2D and 3D digital images, all while limiting dose exposure, which means a safer and quicker dental visit for our patients. Digital images are available for viewing almost immediately and some images can even be captured in as little as seven seconds, using 50 percent less radiation than standard image capture.
The true-to-life, high resolution images that 3D technology provides means that Dr. Gear has the most accurate view of patients anatomy for improved diagnostic, treatment planning, and surgical predictability. Additionally, the CS 8100 3D provides more services in-office, reducing Dr. Gear need to refer patients to outside imaging centers: That means fewer visits and faster treatment for you.
As patient well-being is always our top concern, the innovative patient-centric design of the CS 8100 3D helps us obtain high-quality images while always taking your comfort into consideration. The open design of the CS 8100 3D makes exams more comfortable and less stressful for patients; the unit can also capture images whether a patient is seated or standing, ensuring that youre at ease no matter what.
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 17 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestmac anderson
a year ago
Dr. Gear, Melanie and Alex are a wonderful professional team. I was able to get an appointment with almost no wait and parking was convenient. The procedures were flawless, the equipment absolutely top notch (the imaging equipment is something you'd expect in a major city) but most importantly they were caring and kind. Dr. Gear is a true expert in her field and she and her staff reflect that dedication and skill without ever giving up that personal touch. Nobody wants to go to the endodontist...but if you need to go I strongly recommend this local business.
Christine Scott Snyder
a year ago
Dr. Gear is remarkably thorough in her diagnosis and has professional expertise, integrity, and compassionate concern for her patients. I am always comfortable in her dental chair. Thank you for my smile!
Queen E
2 years ago
Amazing took me in for an emergency gentle I don't like needles she used extra care sensitivity patient she squeezed me in between other patients a godsend I'm able to eat again Hurray
Julian StebbinsSharpless
2 years ago
Fantastic place. I called them yesterday morning around 10 am, they saw me the same day and performed a flawless root canal. Very professional and friendly, would highly recommend. You do not need to wait for a recommendation, they are willing to consult you without first having to go through a Dentist which was a huge plus and saved over a day of mouth pain.
Jonathan Cohen
2 years ago
Had a wonderful experience with them they are very caring and gentle I would definitely recommend them
Liron Cohen
2 years ago
On an island where getting an appointment for anything is never easy, at a time (Covid) when everything is ten times harder to get done, this wonderful doctor and her staff heard my panic over my dental emergency and saw me IMMEDIATELY (and I mean, within a couple of hours from my call), even though my issue wasn't even what Dr. Gear really deals with in her practice. The doctor and every single one of the staff members were kind, patient and soothing to my high anxiety (over my teeth AND Covid, being that I'm at high risk) and took great care of me. They made sure to refer me to the person I needed to see for further care (surgery) and did it with urgency so that I was able to get an appointment asap. The doctor was also mindful of possible affects a potential medication might have on my chronic illness and made sure to do the best she could to prevent any discomfort or complications. I couldn't be more grateful to Dr. Gear and her staff. I wish she could be my general dentist!
i95 Wolf
2 years ago
Very unprofessional. I had appointments pushed back because of "broken machines" and in the end decided not to get my work done because of the poor work ethics of that office
richard hehre
2 years ago
The team in this office is extremely professional, caring, timely, and responsive. I had an abscessed tooth and was seen on the same day that my Primary dentist referred me. The office is newly remodeled, exceptionally clean, and has state of the art equipment. The office is centrally located with ample and proximal parking. Dr Gear is kind, puts you at ease, and explains every step of the root canal process. She is extremely thorough, knowledgeable and very experienced. She conducts assiduous follow up and ensures you call the office if you experience any decline in your condition. I felt respected, cared for, and safe. I have so much confidence in Dr Gear and her team. They care about you and strive to make you better. This is a real live example of quality care ......right here in our community. We are fortunate to have this team. Let's keep them on MV. Elizabeth Harrington
S Wag
3 years ago
Dr. Gear is the kindest, most understanding specialist I've seen for my teeth. I have terrible teeth and a huge fear of dental work but seeing her was easy. After my first visit, where I realized how compassionate she is, I wasnt nervous at all to come back and get more work done
Al Lewis
3 years ago
Saw me the next day and did a good examination and changed my antibiotic. Very helpful in an abscess-type emergency!
S Wag
4 years ago
Dr. Gear is the kindest, most understanding specialist I've seen for my teeth. I have terrible teeth and a huge fear of dental work but seeing her was easy. After my first visit, where I realized how compassionate she is, I wasnt nervous at all to come back and get more work done
Al Lewis
4 years ago
Saw me the next day and did a good examination and changed my antibiotic. Very helpful in an abscess-type emergency!
Donaromas Floral
4 years ago
I have had alot of dental work done. Had a root canal done with Dr Gear. It was such a great experience. There was no pain or discomfort. at all. It was more comfortable than a cleaning! She is such a caring person. I highly recommend her. Thanks Dr Gear! From Sue Weyl
Donaromas Floral
5 years ago
I have had alot of dental work done. Had a root canal done with Dr Gear. It was such a great experience. There was no pain or discomfort. at all. It was more comfortable than a cleaning! She is such a caring person. I highly recommend her. Thanks Dr Gear! From Sue Weyl
Julie Roberts
5 years ago
Did 2 root canal there, the service was impeccable, everyone friendly and professional.., highly recommend ..
Julie Roberts
5 years ago
Did 2 root canal there, the service was impeccable, everyone friendly and professional.., highly recommend ..
Sandi Hakala
6 years ago
My experience with Dr Gears office was outstanding. From beginning to end. She and her entire staff are so kind, welcoming, professional, and just plain NICE!!!! Nancy who runs the office is efficient and warm. Jasmine, her assistant is sweet, down to earth and gets you prepared with ease. Dr Gear is gentle, calm, thorough, informative and SO good at what she does. Her equipment is state of the art. And they even call the next day to see how you are!!!!!!!!!!! If all doctors offices were run the same way.....what a wonderful world this would be!! Thank you all for such a positive experience!
Krysta Howard
6 years ago
Dr. Gear is a caring, professional individual. Her and her stuff were nothing but pleasant and helpful to me in my time of need. Dr. Gear and her team literally saved my vacation! On Friday July 28th, my first day of vacation, I chipped an already broken, decaying wisdom tooth. This was followed by excruciating pain and a sharp piece of my tooth digging into my cheek. I called every other office on the entire island, none of which were able or willing to help me. Finally I was able to reach Dr. Gear's office, who made time in their busy schedule to see me IMMEDIATELY. As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by her lovely receptionist to fill out necessary paperwork and was soon taken back to get X-rays taken by another lovely lady. Dr. Gear gave me a temporary filling, which consisted of clove oil. It relieved my pain, covered my exposed, sensitive dentin, and she also smoothed out the jagged piece of tooth so it was no longer cutting my cheek. Her office was exceptionally clean and clearly had advanced technology. They even called me the next day to see how I was doing, but I missed the call. That has never ever happened to me!! Such an amazing experience all around. I highly recommend Dr. Gear and appreciate her help so much. Thank you Dr. Gear!
Sandi Hakala
7 years ago
My experience with Dr Gears office was outstanding. From beginning to end. She and her entire staff are so kind, welcoming, professional, and just plain NICE!!!! Nancy who runs the office is efficient and warm. Jasmine, her assistant is sweet, down to earth and gets you prepared with ease. Dr Gear is gentle, calm, thorough, informative and SO good at what she does. Her equipment is state of the art. And they even call the next day to see how you are!!!!!!!!!!! If all doctors offices were run the same way.....what a wonderful world this would be!! Thank you all for such a positive experience!
Krysta Howard
7 years ago
Dr. Gear is a caring, professional individual. Her and her stuff were nothing but pleasant and helpful to me in my time of need. Dr. Gear and her team literally saved my vacation! On Friday July 28th, my first day of vacation, I chipped an already broken, decaying wisdom tooth. This was followed by excruciating pain and a sharp piece of my tooth digging into my cheek. I called every other office on the entire island, none of which were able or willing to help me. Finally I was able to reach Dr. Gear's office, who made time in their busy schedule to see me IMMEDIATELY. As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by her lovely receptionist to fill out necessary paperwork and was soon taken back to get X-rays taken by another lovely lady. Dr. Gear gave me a temporary filling, which consisted of clove oil. It relieved my pain, covered my exposed, sensitive dentin, and she also smoothed out the jagged piece of tooth so it was no longer cutting my cheek. Her office was exceptionally clean and clearly had advanced technology. They even called me the next day to see how I was doing, but I missed the call. That has never ever happened to me!! Such an amazing experience all around. I highly recommend Dr. Gear and appreciate her help so much. Thank you Dr. Gear!
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