Your child is precious to you, and they are precious to us too. That is why we provide all of the foundational dental care that kids of all ages need to maintain their healthiest smiles. The more we can do now to help them develop a positive attitude and good feelings about visiting the dentist, the more likely they will experience a healthier smile as an adult.

It takes a special group of people to work exclusively with children, and that is exactly what youll find at Staten Island Pediatric Dentistry. We are so excited to take this journey with your child and guide them along the way.

Starting with the first interaction with our dental team, you will see how devoted we are to your childs comfort, safety, and well-being. Many of us are parents too, and we know the level of trust required to put your childs care in anyones hands but your own.

Dr. Michelle and Dr. Yelena are honored by the trust you place in us and will continue to earn it as your child moves through the different stages of dental growth and development. You can rest assured that we will treat your little one with the same empathy, compassion, and patience that we would want for our own children.

We are excited that you are considering Staten Island Pediatric Dentistry for your child's new dental home, and we look forward to welcoming you. Until then, please take a moment to learn about our exceptional team of professionals.

Dr. Michelle started her education at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Dental School, now known as Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. She then completed a General Practice Residency Program at Denver Health in Denver, Colorado. While she loved the beautiful sights of Red Rocks and the fantastic hiking and skiing, her home and family called to her.

After completing her Pediatric Dental Residency at Staten Island University Hospital, Dr. Michelle now practices in her hometown as a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. Staten Island Pediatric Dentistry is like home to Dr. Michelle as she officially started here as an assistant in 1997.

Dr. Michelle considers herself very lucky to go to work and spend her day with such a special group of people. Her staff is absolutely wonderful, and each department works together to take impeccable care of our patients while creating a fun and friendly atmosphere.

For Dr. Michelle, the best part of being a pediatric dentist is making connections with her patients and their families and watching them as they grow. She finds it is always a special experience to celebrate accomplishments, whether it's a new flossing routine or school graduation.

Dr. Michelle is proud to use her extensive training and extensive education to provide high-quality dentistry for children of all ages. Her goal is to help her patients develop good oral hygiene habits and learn that the dental office can be a fun place. A few of the procedures Dr. Michelle commonly performs are laser dentistry, fillings, ICON, sealants, frenectomies, and space maintainers.

When she's not being an exceptional pediatric dentist, spending time with her boys her husband, son, and extra-fluffy Golden Retriever puppyis her favorite thing to do. She also enjoys long bike rides, spending time at the beach, tennis, and swimming.

Dr. Yelena Lange attended the prestigious New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry for her dental degree. Realizing that she had a passion for helping children get a positive start with their oral health, she attended Staten Island University Hospital at Norwell Health, where she received her certificate in pediatric dentistry.

Working with children requires patience and compassion, and Dr. Yelena is well-known for her gentle, caring approach. She enjoys creating healthy smiles and long-lasting relationships with our patients and loves watching kids succeed and grow!

Dr. Yelena started working in the dental field in 2015. She joined Staten Island Pediatric Dentistry in 2018 and enjoys the diversity, challenges, and joys that are part of providing caring preventive and restorative pediatric dentistry.

Dr. Sara J Skurnick attended Fairleigh Dickinson University Madison in New Jersey. She graduated summa cum laude (with highest honors) in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Biolog after only a three-year course of study. She then graduated from FDU Dental School in 1986 and completed her formal dental education by acquiring her specialty degree in orthodontics from the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey in 1988.

During more than a decade of teaching at the university, Dr. Skurnick has distinguished herself in pre-and post-doctoral programs (teaching both dentists and dental students). She presently holds the position of Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthodontics at Rutgers University.

Dr. Skurnick has attended over 1000 hours of continuing orthodontic education. Her expertise allows her to care for patients utilizing traditional orthodontics, surgical orthodontics, and invisible orthodontics (Invisalign). She has treated patients ranging in age from 6 to 76 years old!

Her reputation on Staten Island is unparalleled. Parents of our patients always know when Dr. Skurnick has treated other children by the beauty and fullness of their smile and how it is in harmony with the person's face. Orthodontics is much more than just straightening the front six teeth. The person's smile must match their face. The teeth have to provide support to the lips. The back teeth must meet properly to allow for a lifetime of healthy chewing and a pain-free jaw joint (TMJ). These results can only be achieved when someone takes the time to properly diagnose, plan, and treat each patient like they were a member of her own family.

Dr. Skurnick maintains active memberships in the Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists and the American Association of Orthodontists. She also has the distinction of being included in the 'Guide to America 's Top Dentists,' as compiled by the Consumer Research Council of America.

When she's not being Staten Island's top orthodontist, Sara can usually be found in her gym or taking a long walk with her husband, Louis, and dogs Marlow and Cooper. Sara is also heavily involved in pet rescue/adoptions. She has helped place many animals with the families of her patients. She can also be found volunteering with Best Friends Animal Rescue and the Mayor's Alliance during their pet Adoptapoolazas.