Providing world-class dentistry and improving my patients dental function, overall health, and aesthetics is extremely fulfilling, both on a personal and a professional level. Even after practicing dentistry for 33 years, each day continues to be unique because each case and every patient is unique. Practicing in the heart of the melting pot of the world, Ive met and have come to know many people from all corners of the globe and have had cultural exchanges from a unique cross section of New Yorkers, all of whom enrich me personally.
I completed my undergraduate education at Brandeis University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology in 1978. I earned my Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 1981 from New York University College of Dentistry. While my formal education is complete, my thirst for knowledge is never ending. I attend numerous forms of continuing education every year and I am always incorporating new and improved advanced dental equipment, materials and techniques to improve patient care and satisfaction.
I work in association with Donated Dental Services, a program for disadvantaged people with dental needs that have neither the financial resources nor public assistance for their dental care. The smiles and grateful responses I receive from these patients are the warmest and most sincere of all, sometimes even accompanied by tears of joy upon completion of their care. These add to some of my fondest memories from my years of practice.
While I may be passionate about my Green Bay Packers and, over the past 33 years of establishing Herald Square Dental & The Denture Center as one of New York Citys premier dental offices, my practice is of great importance to me however, the reality is that I am most passionate about my family. Both my wife, Joan and myself come from very close families and we are the proud parents of three grown young men, James, Joshua, and Lucas, and our wonderful dog, Riggs. Although little league baseball, recreation league basketball, Jazz band, and forensics has faded into spirited debates about politics and our beloved NY Mets, it is always with love, warmth, and passion. My hobbies of hiking and traveling would be empty if I were not sharing those with the one I am most passionate about, my wife Joanie!
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 130 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestBrigitte Reidinger
a year ago
I started going to the Smilist in Hicksville recently. Dr. Ghatala is great, a pro, explains procedures clearly and is very polite. I am also happy with the work of the hygienist and the support staff.
Nick
a year ago
Dentist was amazing! In fact the entire staff were amazing!!
AL GEN40
a year ago
So far I have had 2 great experiences here and look forward to many more. Dr. McGunnigle is the absolute best! He takes his time and explains in detail what he will be doing and why. I felt no pain and was pleased with my end result. Further review updates to follow as I have 2 other appointments in the near future.
Seemeen Biju
a year ago
Dr. Ghatala was extremely professional and nice. She explained everything clearly before she started the procedure and made things really comfortable. The entire staff was amazing and the office was very clean. Once again, Dr. Ghatala was totally awesome and I would highly recommend her.
Jennifer B
a year ago
Today was my first time visiting The Smilist in Hicksville. I was happy with my decision made. The staff is very friendly, not to mention they work very fast and gave me the attention I needed with this wisdom tooth pain. I would definitely recommend for the family ! I will be visiting again! Thank you all
Betty Mastro
a year ago
It's a friendly dental, people are always willing to help with whatever situation arises. So I didn't stress, Jimmy put my favorite singer Johnny Mathis on, that was sweet. Smilist staff, continue to welcome all your patients as though they were the only one and you will succeed. Thanks for being you!
Susan Ng
2 years ago
Dentist and staffs are so friendly and caring, I feel very comfortable even being here for the first time, especially Desiree is so helpful and friendly I had already referred a friend!
SRG
2 years ago
Been coming here for last 2 years and it has always been a pleasant experience here. Dr McGunnigle and the hygienists are wonderful. They always explain clearly the situation and the steps they will be taking next to address it. The front desk staff are very friendly and accommodating as well. Definitely recommend this dental office.
Anil Gurung
2 years ago
Staff was friendly and good service
louis bombardiere
2 years ago
They have the best services from dental Hygienist, dentists, and front desk staff. Excellent dental experience.
Betty Mastro
2 years ago
It's a friendly dental, people are always willing to help with whatever situation arises. So I didn't stress, Jimmy put my favorite singer Johnny Mathis on, that was sweet. Smilist staff, continue to welcome all your patients as though they were the only one and you will succeed. Thanks for being you!
Penny Schlick
2 years ago
Dr. Mcgunnigle is the best.
Aneela Shafiq
2 years ago
I will highly recommend them. Whole team is very helpful very professional. Overall the best experience I've ever had regarding any dentistry. I am glad I found an excellent dentist
Kamal Varkey
2 years ago
Extremely disappointed. I came here with my husband for a simple cleaning. The next day I started to experience severe pain on the right side of my mouth, which then progressed to the right side of my head and down the right side of my throat. I went to the same dentist as a emergency visit because I was in so much pain. Without even assessing, he stated I didn't have a dental issue because I was having throat pain. Which made no sense to me because the pain started on the right side of my mouth after the initial procedure. He proceeded to examine my site of pain and said it's inflamed because I bit it. Pretty much turning the whole thing around on me and saying it's my fault. He refused to do another X-ray and showed me my original X-ray, pointing at part of the image that wasn't even visible. I'm no dentist, but I am a medical professional myself and if a mistake is made one must be honest. I didn't go back to him to file a report or anything, I simply wanted honesty because I was in a lot of pain. At check out the receptionist told me I have to pay for a procedure (called scaling) that was done on the first day. I never consented to this procedure and wasn't made aware of it on the initial day. I now have an infected gum and severe tooth pain and I can barely open my mouth. I got a second opinion by another Dentist and told him the whole story. He contacted the first dentist, who told him that I never said I was in pain, I described it as "discomfort" and I wasn't able to point out where I was having the issue. Looking further into the situation I found out my insurance was also billed for scaling instead of for a simple cleaning. The second dentist made it very clear that I didn't need this procedure as my gums and teeth are healthy. As someone who works in a medical field it's highly unprofessional to perform procedures without consent, and then put the fault on the patient.
AJ Buquicchio
2 years ago
The Hicksville staff are kind, thorough & professional.. they went above & beyond for me.. they're all great esp Jimmy "sunshine" who went to pick up something for me so that it would be available for me before I Vacationed in Florida.. I highly recommend these amazing people to everyone.. thank you very much to the staff.!!!!
alvin varkey
2 years ago
Really bad experience here, I see all these positive comments and that is why me and my wife decided to come here. She went for a simple cleaning, day after the cleaning began to feel terrible pain in the right side of her face. We went back as an emergency visit. The dentist was not compassionate At all about the pain. He asked why we are there for a throat issue even though we stated all this began after the cleaning and initial source of pain was the tooth. He seemed very shady, as he refused to do more x rays. Began to attempt to speak medical jibberish not knowing we are medical professionals and understand what he is saying, which was just nonsense. Attempted to point the blame at my wife saying she bites her gums too much when this has never been an issue until the day after the cleaning. As a medical professional, If a mistake could have been done, don't blame the patient. Don't go here. Plenty of other options around. Staff is nice, but you want to go somewhere where the Dentist can be trusted to be accountable.
min kim
2 years ago
Everyone is nice and professional, and I genuinely enjoy coming here.
Kamala Sapkota
2 years ago
Very friendly and respectful group of people. I highly recommend!!
Jeffrey P
2 years ago
I am writing this review nothing against the dentists and hygienists in the office, in fact DR. McGunnigle is one of the best and skilled dentists I know. I will give him 5 stars for sure. You will be pleased to have him working on all your dental issues. Also, everyone is very nice and friendly in the office. However, I just want to share something to express something I think it is unfair and annoying. You can decide it is right or not, hopefully no one will get the same experience or situation in the future. During my filling appointment today, it was fully covered by the insurance. I was asked if there was any other problems. I honestly responded I did have some sensitive teeth. Dentist responded to me he would apply some medication to the sensitive areas, that's was it. After everything was done. The front office told me the treatment for "Desensitizer" was not covered by my insurance. It was a $ 100 out of pocket. I complained that someone should have told me it wasn't covered by the insurance before doing the work for me. This is clearly an internal communication issue between the office and the front desk. Then they told me they would reach out to my insurance and I left. 30 minutes later I received a call from the office, someone called Timmy, and he tried to explain to me if the insurance got rejected, it would be a balance for me to pay. He tried to educate me that the treatment I have received was "Desensitizer" a treatment for sensitive teeth. First I don't see the point, I am not a dental professional, and I don't need to know the dental terminology. If something is required a fee to perform the work, I just need to know about that, very simple. It is just not right without telling me anything and charging me after. I hope everyone is reading this, and please do not pay them if you have similar situation. Let them talk to the insurance. If they fail to inform you about the charges before doing the work, that is 100% BS. Hopefully this is only an isolated incident... if not, please reconsider other dental providers.
Danielle King
2 years ago
I purposely made the first appointment of the day here, as I need to get to work. There was no one at the front desk to speak with. Once someone showed up to the desk, I was told it would be at least another ten minutes. He offered to reschedule, however this is the SECOND time I've shown up for this tooth cleaning at this location and was told to reschedule! I cannot reschedule again, because I'm getting fillings tomorrow and was told by the dentist I need a tooth cleaning. Now I'm stuck being late to work because of their multiple screwups. Are they going to tell my boss not to be angry with me? Are they going to pay me for the time I'll be missing (I have an hourly job). I am angry and disappointed. I've been to the Amityville location, and had a wonderful experience.
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