Dr. Juracka is a Saratoga native and U.S. Navy veteran who enjoys creating beautiful, healthy smiles for his patients. He earned his undergraduate degree at Empire State College and his Doctorate in Dental Medicine (DMD) from Rutgers University School of Dental Medicine in New Brunswick, N.J. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Pennsylvania Dental Association, Harrisburg Area Dental Society, and has completed his Sedation Qualifications. In his spare time, Dr. Juracka enjoys spending time with his family as well as hunting, fishing, hiking, and playing Disc Golf.
Diana keeps our busy office humming along and makes everyone who walks through our door feel special. She loves building relationships with patients and seeing peoples lives changed through excellence in dentistry. A lifelong Girl Scout, she enjoys spending time with her family, as well as sewing, crafting, and hiking in the parks around Saratoga Springs.
Farrah has worked in the dental field since 1999. She is extremely friendly and wants each patients visit to be the best that it can be. She is educated and knowledgable in all aspects of clinical assisting. In addition she has had years of experience in dental office management and can literally do it all. Farrah joined Dr. Joseph Jurackas team as his lead dental assistant.
Vera, a Registered Dental Hygienist, earned her degree at Hudson Valley in 2003 and has been a practicing hygienist since. She also completed and additional Certification in Nitrous Oxide and Local Anesthesia. In her later years with her passion to help patients with oral health, she joined a periodontal office where she elevated her clinical expertise in periodontal care. Vera is proud to deliver high-quality work, create individualized homeware regimens, and adjusts her hygiene techniques to best suit the patient. She loves helping patients reach and maintain optimal oral health.
After working with Dr. Joseph Juracka and knowing and seeing his beautiful high-quality work, Vera was very happy to join the team, Together we will create beautiful smiles and healthy gums, she said.
Because Vera was born in Belorussia and married a Polish man, she is able to speak Russian, Polish and some Ukrainian. She and her husband have six children together. She loves spending her free time with her family and friends and also loves going to church where she sings in the choir. She also likes the outdoors, sightseeing and volunteering.
I have been blessed to be your dentist over these years. Some of you have been patients since my first year in practice over 32 years ago! I cannot thank you enough for entrusting me to care for you and your smiles. I am grateful for every moment spent with you. In lifes journey, you sometimes must give up something you love to realize your dreams. Later this year, Angie and I will cast off to sail and live about the world on our sailboat Side Two. This fall, follow us athttps://sailsidetwo.wordpress.com.As part of our legacy of caring, we plan to provide free dental services on remote islands of the world using our sailboat as a mobile dental clinic. For us, the voiceof the sea speaks to our souls and we are thrilled to return once again while we are young enough to sail the high seas.
For some time, I have been looking for a kind dentist that shares our same passion for excellence and exceptional patient care. I could not seriously consider making any change until I found someone to whom I could confidently entrust the dental care of my patients to.
I am pleased and fortunate to announce that Dr. Joseph Juracka will be taking over as your dentist at Smiles for Life Dental Care. After comprehensive training, his wife Dianawill be inheriting the office manager position from Angie. They are a terrific couple, and we know you will love them!
Dr. Juracka is a Saratoga Springs native and is returning home to rejoin his family, friends and to serve the community he dearly loves.After graduating from Saratoga Springs High School in 2001, he joined the U.S. Navy and served his country from 2001 to 2005. Thereafter, he was a stockbroker at Vanguard from 2005 to 2012. Deciding to fulfill his dream of being a dentist, Dr. Juracka attended the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine from 2012-2016. Upon graduation, he joined a large group practice in Pennsylvania. He is skilled and verycapable in all phases of dentistry, and truly loves what he does. Diana is a Pennsylvania native but has fallen in love with Saratoga over the years. They are excited to move to Saratoga Springs with their two daughters, Amelia (9), Carolyn (5), and Vader, their black Lab.
Long-term team members Farrah andVera will continue at Smiles for Life Dental Care, familiar faces that know you and your preferences. They are excited about the prospect of working with Dr. Juracka. All your records will remain in the office and I will continue to be available to Dr. Juracka to answer any questions he might have about you. We are grateful for the privilege of caring for you and we know we leave you in good hands with Dr. Joseph Jurackaand his wife Diana.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to purchase Smiles for Life Dental Care from Dr. Mark A. Johnson. I have been practicing dentistry in Pennsylvania since my graduation from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in 2016.
I grew up in Saratoga Springs, graduating Saratoga Springs Senior High School in 2001. Upon graduation I joined the United States Navy serving two deployments as an Air Traffic Controller from 2001 to 2005.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 63 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestDanielle Schultz
2 years ago
My teeth had been stained from using a whitening mouth piece that I left in for too long. I was so embarrassed, some of my teeth were straight brown. After only ONE visit to this beautiful office, I have white teeth again. I cried I was so happy. Every time I look in the mirror I feel grateful towards them. Thank you so much!
Lisa Janson
2 years ago
I was a patient of Dr. Juracka's when he worked in Pennsylvania. It's now time for my annual dental check-up and it hit me hard that he moved out of the area. Dr. Joe was always pleasant, very easy to talk to (felt like an old friend), and did great dental work for me and my family. I was extremely impressed with the way he treated my sweet friend, Mary who has severe dental anxiety. She needed to have a lot of work done and I convinced to her to see Dr. Juracka. I was so impressed that he invited me to sit with Mary and hold her hand during his assessment and treatment. Dr. Joe was so kind. He explained everything in a calm and respectful way. We never felt rushed. Mary was completely comfortable despite the significant work that needed to be accomplished. She was calm and relaxed, and even felt comfortable enough to go to her third appointment without me! This was life changing for Mary. She no longer dreads the dentist, and she has a beautiful smile now as a testament to Dr. Juracka's expertise.
D D
2 years ago
Have to say Dr Juracka, Diana and the staff at "Smiles For life Dental" are simply the best ! I had found myself in dental distress for years searching for a lifeline bouncing from one bad dentist to the next, thank goodness I found my way here ! There is a level of comfort and care at Doctor Juracka's practice that cannot be found in other dental practices. Finally I can live pain free and sleep soundly knowing I have a dentist who genuinely cares for my well being ! Thank you Doctor Juracka, Diana and the rest of the family @" Smiles For Life" !
Hailee Hilbish
2 years ago
Welcome Dr Juracka! If you are looking for a new Dentist in your area, look no more. If you are feeling uneasy about the transition from Dr Johnson to Dr Juracka, don't be. Dr Juracka is wonderful and I can say that first hand. I had the pleasure of working for Dr Juracka and I was also a patient of his for 5 years. Dr Juracka is very passionate about his dental work and he has always done everything in his power to ensure that his patients are comfortable and satisfied while under his care. We all know that going to visit the dentist can be stressful at times but he has a way of making it enjoyable! You will not be disappointed with him and his work.
Jason Rodriguez
2 years ago
Very professional and thorough start to finish. With the best atmosphere imaginable. I will definitely be a patient for years to come.
Sasquatch Wizard Adirondacks
2 years ago
I was afraid to go to the dentist , in fear of excessive pain pending the work that was needed to be done to my teeth from years of neglect ! These folks are nothing short of a miracle ! They did not judge , they made me feel comfortable , they explained my situation with details I could understand and developed a safe and pain free plan to a GREAT SMILE ONCE AGAIN ! Thankyou for your compassion , your patience , your professionalism ! MY TEETH LOOK BRAND NEW ! The passion these folks have for what they do , shines brighter than the sun! PS, Thankyou for giving me back my confidence with a smile ;)
Michael Guido
2 years ago
As someone that has always had anxiety going to the dentist I felt compelled to give a review of Dr Juracka's practice. The entire staff is warm and welcoming and really makes you feel at ease throughout the entire process. I can honestly say that one of my biggest insecurities is my teeth and Dr Juracka took the time to understand how I felt and get me on a plan to make me feel confident every time I flash a smile. I hardly ever give reviews on anything but if I could give Smiles for Life 10 stars I would. Thank you so much for everything!!! If you are like me and have been struggling to find a dentist, I cannot endorse Dr Juracka and his staff enough. Give them a chance and take back your smile. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
russell janson
2 years ago
My dentist has moved to Saratoga! I have been a patient of Dr Juracka for 5 years. I have always been pleased with his work and how he handled the doctor/patient relationship in a consistently kind and professional manner. I am sorry to see him go. I wish him well back in his home town and give him my unconditional recommendation.
Cheryl Dunkelbarger
2 years ago
My husband and I are so happy to be patients at Smiles for Life. Everyone in the office is so kind and helpful. Dr. Joe is awesome with my 85 year old father. Joe definitely puts you at ease in the chair.
Cindy Hurst
2 years ago
I highly recommend this dental practice. To begin they are very nice people. They are very thorough in asking you questions to meet your every healthcare need and make your experience there as comfortable as possible. The hygienist was excellent at explaining everything prior to cleaning my teeth and answered questions along the way. Dr Juracka was great at diagnosing any dental issues that need to be followed up on with him later.
Pamela Johnson
2 years ago
I recently moved to the area from out of state, so I had to pick all new medical and dental providers-which is a huge task. I had gotten a deluge of flyers about dentists near me and just had no idea who to choose. Smiles for Life had a dentist who went to school at a Midwest University I was familiar with, so I chose them, and am I ever SO glad I did!! From the initial phone call to schedule an appointment, to the immaculately clean, Beautiful, Comfortable office layout, to the Dental Assistant to Dr. Juracka, DMD, I can truthfully say that this was one of the BEST dental experience I've ever had in my 60-something years. (And no, dear reader, you don't get to know the # behind the 60). I highly recommend Dr. Juracka and Smiles For Life Dental Care. (And I'm usually afraid of Dentists!)
Michael Guido
3 years ago
As someone that has always had anxiety going to the dentist I felt compelled to give a review of Dr Juracka's practice. The entire staff is warm and welcoming and really makes you feel at ease throughout the entire process. I can honestly say that one of my biggest insecurities is my teeth and Dr Juracka took the time to understand how I felt and get me on a plan to make me feel confident every time I flash a smile. I hardly ever give reviews on anything but if I could give Smiles for Life 10 stars I would. Thank you so much for everything!!! If you are like me and have been struggling to find a dentist, I cannot endorse Dr Juracka and his staff enough. Give them a chance and take back your smile. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Jason Rodriguez
3 years ago
Very professional and thorough start to finish. With the best atmosphere imaginable. I will definitely be a patient for years to come.
russell janson
3 years ago
My dentist has moved to Saratoga! I have been a patient of Dr Juracka for 5 years. I have always been pleased with his work and how he handled the doctor/patient relationship in a consistently kind and professional manner. I am sorry to see him go. I wish him well back in his home town and give him my unconditional recommendation.
Hailee Hilbish
3 years ago
Welcome Dr Juracka! If you are looking for a new Dentist in your area, look no more. If you are feeling uneasy about the transition from Dr Johnson to Dr Juracka, don't be. Dr Juracka is wonderful and I can say that first hand. I had the pleasure of working for Dr Juracka and I was also a patient of his for 5 years. Dr Juracka is very passionate about his dental work and he has always done everything in his power to ensure that his patients are comfortable and satisfied while under his care. We all know that going to visit the dentist can be stressful at times but he has a way of making it enjoyable! You will not be disappointed with him and his work.
Cheryl Dunkelbarger
3 years ago
My husband and I are so happy to be patients at Smiles for Life. Everyone in the office is so kind and helpful. Dr. Joe is awesome with my 85 year old father. Joe definitely puts you at ease in the chair.
Sasquatch Wizard Adirondacks
3 years ago
I was afraid to go to the dentist , in fear of excessive pain pending the work that was needed to be done to my teeth from years of neglect ! These folks are nothing short of a miracle ! They did not judge , they made me feel comfortable , they explained my situation with details I could understand and developed a safe and pain free plan to a GREAT SMILE ONCE AGAIN ! Thankyou for your compassion , your patience , your professionalism ! MY TEETH LOOK BRAND NEW ! The passion these folks have for what they do , shines brighter than the sun! PS, Thankyou for giving me back my confidence with a smile ;)
Kathy Fantauzzi
3 years ago
Dr MarkJohnson gives the best dental care I have ever experienced: Strong, careful, competent, and attuned to the well being of his patient . Also accommodative to patient needs and preferences In scheduling appointments. Highest recommendation is well deserved. .
David D
3 years ago
A clearly talented professional. Yet also a personable and enjoyable person to get to know. The entire staff top to bottom are great. Although, fair warning. He could not get into Ohio State University so he is a Michigan fan, and his wife Angiemay be even more rabid.
John Taginski
3 years ago
What a magician! A craftsman! I wanted a complete redo of my uppers and lowers. Being one with a severe gag reflux (the reason not being a candidate for plates), Dr. Johnson was able to do a masterful job! He and his team put me under for each stage of the process, yet the finished product changed my life! No longer any constant pain, able to eat foods I haven't eaten in years and WHAT A SMILE! He and his team have a bedside manner that makes one easy but gets the job done. Kudos!
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