We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental and orthodontic care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding experience every time you visit our practice.
I believe in serving my profession beyond simply treating patients. Being a professional means I have set high standards that I must live up to. I believe in being ethical, compassionate, and understanding, and caring for each person as if he or she were my family member.
I know its a privilege when an individual comes to our practice and puts their trust in us to help them, no matter what their oral health needs. I treat each patient gently and honestly, and do my best to give them my very best. In a similar manner, I expect the same from our team. It is all about trusting each other. Each person I care for has unique needs and desires, and it is my job to listen to the person and learn about their goals in seeking treatment, before I work with them to find the solutions to their unique situation.
As a professional, I feel it is an obligation that I continue my education and never stop learning. Theres a plaque in my office that reads Ancora Imparum, which is Latin for I am still learning. Remaining on the leading edge of developments in dentistry enables me to offer patients more treatment options, and because of my enhanced skills, I am able to provide my patients with advanced procedures so they dont have to see a specialist.
As a dentist, I am passionate about serving my patients and this great profession. I have served on multiple committees for the Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry, including as president and as a regional director for six years and as Pennsylvanias Trustee for three years.
I grew up just outside of Wheeling, WV, and have lived in Marshall Township, PA, since 1987. My wife, Dr. Linda Feduska-Kokai, is also my partner in this dental practice, and I have two adult daughters, Valerie and Colleen, and a son-in-law, Ben. We also have two cats, Borscht and Iggy, and a Teacup Yorkie, CoCo, whos a tiny ball of energy. Away from work, I love to fish, but must admit Im not very good at it. Im also an avid gardener, and I love photography, biking, hiking, and a good book, too.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve others with my hands. Ive participated in many dental community events, but am most active in providing dental care to underprivileged individuals and those who are handicapped. Im also an active church member.
I love dentistry. It allows me to blend all my talents and passions: art, science, and truly making a positive difference for people. Helping my patients achieve and maintain their aesthetic best and a healthy smile makes me happy, and I love it when someone we have cared for, for more than 35 years, thanks us because they still have their own teeth.
Thats what its all about. It starts with a conversation to learn about the persons dental goals and overall health, and then developing a treatment approach that is right for them. I might recommend a nutritional assessment or dental hygiene instruction, suggest new or different dental products, and offer restorative treatment or orthodontics. Whatever the persons goal, solutions are available, but I cant start helping until I truly understand the persons needs and desires.
While I love the hands-on aspects of dentistry, its the people we treat that make me the happiest. Patients here range from 2 to 102, and once we start seeing a patient, he or she becomes like a member of our own family. After years of practicing, it warms my heart to know we are often caring for the third generation of a family. I am honored by their devotion to our practice and the care we deliver.
There have been many advances in technology, methodologies, and materials since I attended dental school. In order to stay current and able to offer my patients the best care options, I participate in many hours of continuing education (CE) each year.
I appreciate the Academy of General Dentistrys (AGD) effort to encompass all 16 disciplines of dentistry, and pursue a lot of my CE through the AGD. Ive earned my fellowship in the AGD and am working toward my mastership. I am also an associate in the International Association of Orthodontists, am working toward my Diplomate status, and am active in the Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry.
Im a native Pennsylvanian, having called Marshall Township my home since 1985. My husband and partner in the practice, Dr. John A. Kokai, and I have two adult daughters, Valerie and Colleen, and a very small Teacup Yorkie, CoCo.
I keep busy when Im not at work, whether Im enjoying being outside, biking, going on day hikes, walking at the beach, or spending time in the garden. I also enjoy cooking, decorating, reading, and music of many genres.
I believe in giving back to the community, to the best of my abilities. In addition to offering free screenings as part of the Oral, Head & Neck Cancer Awareness program, Im also involved with Women at Risk, the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, and am a volunteer with AGD Cares.
I am passionate about providing quality, ethical dental care for my community. I enjoy providing comprehensive treatment for patients of all ages, utilizing all facets of dentistry. The aspects of dentistry that I love the most are the opportunities to cultivate long term relationships with patients and to leave them a bit better than they were before.
I am passionate about lifelong learning and am committed to continued education. I am actively involved in the ADA and local dental societies, while also regularly attending dental continuing education courses.
I was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. I earned a bachelors of Science degree in Life Science, with a minor in Business Administration from Penn State University. I earned my doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. I then went on to complete a one-year General Practice Residency at the Veterans Affairs Hospital of Milwaukee. After completion of my post-graduate residency, I lived and practiced in Milwaukee for a few years before returning to Pittsburgh in 2018. I am delighted to be back in Pittsburgh and serving the community I love so much.
Outside of dentistry, I enjoy staying active and exploring the city of Pittsburgh. I am an avid sports enthusiast, and my favorite activities include swimming, golfing, running, skiing, paddle boarding and hiking. When I am not out adventuring, I love staying in with a good book and cooking a new recipe. A self-acclaimed foodie, trying out new local restaurants and breweries has become one of my favorite hobbies.
Last, but not least, I am passionate about travelling. I feel that it is important to experience other places and cultures whenever I can, whether it is across the state or across the world. While I do experience wanderlust, my heart is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I love to participate in local Pittsburgh events. I believe in the importance of volunteering, giving back and being involved in my community.
Reviews
Rating 4.7 out of 5 based on 54 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJayme Foresman
a year ago
Whitney was very knowledgeable and professional and did a great job! The staff are very nice and the dentist was awesome.
Candice May
a year ago
So far I've been to this dentist twice and they have been fantastic all around. They are friendly and helpful, they explain things very well, my hygienist Whitney did an awesome job on my teeth today they feel smooth and super clean. Overall I'm really happy I found this dentist office.
Carole schilling
2 years ago
Great appointment with friendliest people.
Amy S
2 years ago
Best dentist...best staff!! A lot of people dread going to the dentist but I actually look forward to my appointments here. Nice atmosphere, staff gets along well with each other. Bonus - Dr. John is well-read & super smart so you end up paying more attention to what he's saying instead of what they're doing. Perfect distraction technique for those of us with white-coat syndrome
jimmie dog
2 years ago
The best Dentist office in Beaver County from the Dr's to the staff
Lennie Jarrup
2 years ago
Great office. I always feel welcome. Personnel is great and everyone is kind.
Jeffrey Martin
2 years ago
Excellent staff, knowledgeable and friendly
Barbara Chewning
2 years ago
Whitney saved me from a deep rooted fear of Dentists. She has a very kind and caring way with me and helped me find ways to cope with my fear. I listen to Michael Buble on my ear buds. It works and she has a firm grip with a gentle ways about her. The entire office never makes a person feel bad about themselves and their teeth. I actually like to go and visit with Whitney as she has become a friend as well and we all need more of that. BTW the office is clean neat and if your like looking at interesting nature photography you are in luck also!
Terry Bonager
2 years ago
They saw me in an emergency and I wasn't even one of their patients, but will be now. Great service and really nice staff.
Jacquelyn Scranton
2 years ago
Everyone was kind and great. It was the first time for my son and they were patient and took the time to explain what they were doing. Would definitely recommend.
Madd Money
2 years ago
They always make me feel super comfortable when I go in! Dr Linda's my favorite but Dr John is fantastic too, he just has bigger hands than her, LOL. I've had work by both and they are super!! Chemo has destroyed my teeth so they are on speed call with me and can always see me super quick and fix my issues asap! This is a really great office with everyone from front desk. To hygiene, to assistat to Dr....they are all incredibly wonderful!!!
Kimberly Davidson
2 years ago
My visit was life changing My fear of dentist has changed, Dr John was kind and gentle. He fixed my smile and I am definitely sticking with My Best Smiles
Jim Stewart
2 years ago
They are great and have treated me well. I highly recommend My Best Smile. I'm always going to the dentist but it's like a family atmosphere in the office.
Gary Hall
2 years ago
Everyone makes you feel like you are at home! But even more important is the quality of work done. Colleen, one of the dental assistants, is a conscientious team member who works superbly with Dr. Kokai and does excellent work while always reassuring you. Erica does the finance and appointments. She has worked with my difficult insurance to get the benefits I deserve. Most important of all, the dentist I see most is Dr. Kokai. He is outstanding in all dental care, I would recommend to anyone needing dental work. Thank you all for your excellent care.
Pl B
2 years ago
Visited today for a root canal, had not been there for years, but was treated like an old friend. Everyone there is as courteous and professional as possible. More like family
Deb Widek
2 years ago
The place was clean and the people very pleasant. Had a cleaning along with x-rays. I'll keep going back as this was the best experience I've ever had at the dentist.
V J
2 years ago
The new hygienist Sherry is very good! Dr. John is such a good dentist. I've been going to this dental practice for 20 years! I highly recommend Dr John AND Dr Linda!
Jack Floridia
2 years ago
The staff was very pleasant. Dr John is not only a great dentist is is also quit friendly.
Heather S
2 years ago
The entire office lacks any knowledge related to mental health, trauma responses, and person-centered care. The questions the dentist and the hygienist asked of me while experiencing an anxiety attack, not allowing me space to ground myself during an anxiety attack were highly insensitive, judgmental, dismissive, and critical. I was told by the dentist that I needed to calm myself down because I was just making it worse. When I mentioned I had PTSD, it was automatically assumed I served in the military and I was then questioned about military service. While numbing and prepping me for a root canal, I informed the dentist that the tooth where I had pain was not numb at all. At one point I had to stop the dentist and ask him if we can make sure we are talking about the same tooth. His response was "well, the x-ray says tooth #13". I don't know what tooth it is, but asked him if I could SHOW him. Not one time did this dentist visually exam my mouth or my pain. I found a professional research journal article related to trauma-informed care and dentistry and "highly encouraged" him to take a look at it and to include the entire office in this learning opportunity. I left the office with no further work being done. I was hoping to receive a formal apology in response to the email, or at minimum, an acknowledgment they did receive the email. It's been about 2weeks and I've heard nothing. This dental practice can adopt what is known as a "trauma-informed approach to care". This adjusts the practice environment to be as comfortable and welcoming as possible in recognition that trauma can be affecting many patients. Becoming trauma-informed can help ease patient anxiety and may result in lower no-show rates, as well as increased patient comfort, satisfaction, and adherence to treatment plans. While there are different levels of becoming a trauma-informed practice, there are some basic steps that every dental practice can take that are easy and free of cost. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) lists four key elements to facilitate the transformation from traditional practice into a trauma-informed organization or practice: Realize the impact of trauma. Recognize signs and symptoms of trauma in patients, families, and staff within the organization. Respond by integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices. Resist re-traumatizing patients and staff. Trauma-Informed care does not mean that you have to ask your patients sensitive or uncomfortable questions. Nor does it mean that a dentist has to take on the duties of a social worker or psychologist. Rather, trauma-informed care is a framework to help you make the work you are already doing most impactful. Because almost two-thirds of adults across the nation and 40% of children have been exposed to some adversity or trauma, working with all patients to help them feel comfortable, safe, and connected helps create optimal opportunities for recovery and healing.
Daniel Edmunds
2 years ago
I took my 97 year old mother to this office concerning a lost tooth. The entire staff was kind, patient and professional. I am glad I found this office.
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