Dr. Harvey Lindenbaum’s Story

When the time came for Dr. Lindenbaum to start thinking about retirement, he gave the Smilist a call.

A true “New Yorker,” Dr. Lindenbaum was born in the Bronx, NY and is proud of it. From a young age, Dr. Lindenbaum knew he would dedicate his life to serving others and taking care of people. Following graduation from the prestigious Bronx High School of Science, he attended two stellar New York colleges – SUNY Binghamton and NYU School of Dentistry. From there he went on to serve as a Captain in the United States Air Force.

Dr. Lindenbaum has been a respected member of the Long Island community for nearly forty years, and he has been a leading dentist in Middle Island for nearly 30 years. He was also featured in Pulse Magazine’s, “Best Dentists on Long Island”.

Together with the team at his Middle Island practice, he has helped thousands of patients to improve their self-esteem and overall oral health. He recalls one memorable patient that “came in with tears. She had many crowns that were failing, and she was at her wits end.” Dr. Lindenbaum offered treatment involving implants and overdentures. After treatment, the patient’s entire outlook changed. Dr. Lindenbaum recalls the patient telling him that “her whole life and self-esteem had changed for the better and she couldn’t thank me enough.” With a huge smile on his face, Dr. Lindenbaum finishes retelling this story with a proud and exuberant, “Now that’s what I’m talking about!”

When he started to consider retirement, he explored many options. He spoke to Dental Service Organizations and also other Dentists who were considering purchasing his practice. Then he decided to respond to a postcard that the Smilist sent him. “I met with Rob and Phil, the principals, and we really hit it off,” Dr. Lindenbaum relates.

For the next few months, Dr. Lindenbaum met with our team several times, and decided his best option was to partner with the Smilist. Not only was the price right, but most importantly, Dr. Lindenbaum could stay on until he was ready to retire. “I’m at an age where I’m not ready to retire quite yet. But that’ll be in a few years,” said Dr. Lindenbaum. “The Smilist was professional, personable and friendly throughout the entire process. And nothing has changed.”

Dr. Lindenbaum has settled into his partnership with the Smilist very well, as have his patients and staff. “Everything came together so perfectly,” he said contently. “The only changes have been positive ones. I don’t have to do paperwork day and night. The staff have access to more benefits than I was able to offer. I can just practice dentistry until I decide to retire.”

And when he does, Dr. Lindenbaum has big plans… to relax. “I’ll be on my boat fishing or spending my time with my daughters and three grandchildren.”

Sasha Cekada’s D.D.S. Story

Dr. Sasha Cekada’s passion for dentistry comes from his dedication to science, art and working with his hands and mind. Dr. Cekada took that passion and applied it to a role where for the last 20 years he has led a team and ran a practice focused on helping people.

Born and raised in Queens, NY, Dr. Cekada is a first generation Croatian-American. His parents’ incredible work ethic was an influential part of his upbringing and molded who he is today. Dr. Cekada attended Townsend Harris High School and was the captain of the Varsity Soccer team. Soccer is his favorite sport and he enjoys watching his two children play and develop their skills. During his high school years, Dr. Cekada wanted to date a girl from a neighboring high school, St. Francis Prep. Turns out, he didn’t just date one – he married one.

After high school, Dr. Cekada attended SUNY Buffalo for both his undergraduate studies and his dental degree. Following his residency program, Dr. Cekada went into private practice and owned Amityville Smiles, a leading practice in Amityville, NY. Dr. Cekada and his team created an environment where patients felt comfortable coming to the team for all of their dental needs. A busy practice, they received over 50 new patients each month and Dr. Cekada had a team of Associate dentists as well as hygienists working with him.

Dr. Cekada found that the administrative aspects of running his successful practice started to take away from time spent doing clinical care or even time spent with his family. “Before partnering with the Smilist, I frequently felt that I was on my own. I spent many hours every week doing the administrative end of the practice, paying bills, running payroll, ordering supplies, and ensuring compliance. I found that it occupied a lot of time and energy outside of clinical care, and left me with no free time.”

In 2015, Dr. Cekada partnered with the Smilist Dental. “There is no feeling of pressure or that you’re a part of some corporate environment. There is a feeling of support like you’re a part of a family. It feels more like a family than a business,” Dr. Cekada relates.

“Transition was an exciting time where we were waiting to see what it would be like on the other side. The first day after the transition felt like the first day before the transition.”

A Front Desk Receptionist at Dr. Cekada’s office, Lisa, also had a positive experience when joining the Smilist. “Being a part of the Smilist means you’re really a part of a team. Now, if there is an issue, we can call another office to compare notes, share ideas and find a solution – together.”

A New Chapter In A Distinguished Dental Career

With the support of the Smilist, Dr. Cekada found it easier to grow both as a dentist and as a leader. The support services that the Smilist offers allowed Dr. Cekada to focus on what he enjoys most: engaging patients, identifying their problems and creating a comprehensive treatment plan based on their needs.

“Affiliation with the Smilist started a new chapter in my career,” explains Dr. Cekada. “It has opened up new opportunities for me, not just as a clinician, but as a leader within a growing organization.” Dr. Cekada now manages two locations within the Smilist and is an active member of the Smilist’s Clinical Advisory Board. Under his leadership and with support from the Smilist, the Amityville office has grown 80% and the Riverhead office 90%.

By giving up administrative responsibilities, Dr. Cekada has found time to coach and develop additional team members and dentists at the Smilist. “Managing two offices has allowed me to expand my reach considerably. I enjoy accelerating the development of new dentists and team members.”

“The Smilist offers a network of colleagues. In a solo practice, when you speak to other dentists, they are your competition. Here they are my team. We are able to learn from each other, ” said Dr. Cekada.

Since partnership, Dr. Cekada’s original office manager, Lisa has grown from an Office Manager to be a Regional Manager, now overseeing 5 offices.

Dr. Douglas Fisher Partners With the Smilist in Smithtown

Dr. Douglas Fisher has partnered with the Smilist Dental in Smithtown.

Dr. Fisher and his staff are moving to the brand new, state-of-the-art facility located in the Smithtown Commons. The Smilist is a multi-specialty practice that employs a Periodontist (Gum and Implants Specialist), an Orthodontist, and a Pediatric Dentist on-site, along with a support team of professionals. Office hours will remain the same and we will be accepting additional insurance plans.

Dr. Jay Bernstein Partners With the Smilist

After practicing dentistry for many decades, Dr. Jay Bernstein is retiring as a family dentist.

After a long and careful search, Dr. Bernstein decided to partner with the Smilist to ensure optimal continued care. Dr. Bernstein and the team at the Smilist have worked to ensure that the transition of patients is a seamless one.

The Smilist is here to treat your dental health needs with personal and professional care. The office employs state-of-the-art equipment and includes a team of dental professionals. There is a Periodontist and an Orthodontist on site, along with a support team of professionals.

Dr. Frank Korowitz Partners With the Smilist

After practicing dentistry for many decades, Dr. Frank Korowitz is retiring as a family dentist.

After a long and careful search, Dr. Korowitz decided to partner with the Smilist to ensure optimal continued care. Dr. Korowitz and the team at the Smilist have worked to ensure that the transition of patients is a seamless one. Debby Korowitz and Rosemarie Kielawa have joined the team to welcome patients.

The Smilist is here to treat your dental health needs with personal and professional care. The office employs state-of-the-art equipment and includes a team of dental professionals. There is a Periodontist and an Orthodontist on site, along with a support team of professionals.

Dr. Michael Ivry Partners With the Smilist

After practicing dentistry for many decades, Dr. Michael Ivry is retiring as a Periodontist.

After a long and careful search, Dr. Ivry decided to partner with the Smilist to ensure optimal continued care. Dr. Ivry and the team at the Smilist have worked to ensure that the transition of patients is a seamless one.

The Smilist is here to treat your dental health needs with personal and professional care. The office employs state-of-the-art equipment and includes a team of dental professionals, including General Dentists and Orthodontists.

Dr. Jennifer Agliato Partners With the Smilist

Dr. Jennifer Agliato has partnered with the Smilist Dental in Smithtown.

Dr. Agliato and her staff are moving to the brand new, state-of-the-art facility located in the Smithtown Commons. The Smilist is a multi-specialty practice that employs a Periodontist (Gum and Implants Specialist), an Orthodontist, and a support team of professionals. Office hours will increase to 5 days a week, and we will be accepting more insurance.

Dr. Albert Fox Partners With the Smilist

After a long and gratifying career in dentistry, Dr. Albert Fox has decided to move towards retirement. He has partnered with the Smilist Dental in Smithtown to ensure that his patients will continue to receive the personal and professional care they are used to.

Together with his staff, Dr. Fox has moved to a brand new, state-of-the-art facility located in the Smithtown Commons. The Smilist is a multi-specialty practice that provides a Periodontist (Gum and Implants Specialist), an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist on-site, along with a support team of professionals. Office hours will increase to 6 days a week.

During this transition, Dr. Fox is introducing patients to Dr. Jennifer Agliato, a compassionate dentist that truly values the relationship she builds with her patients. A graduate of New York University College of Dentistry, Dr. Agliato has been caring for patients in the community for over 10 years.

Dr. Craig Rosenthal Partners With the Smilist

Dr. Craig Rosenthal has partnered with the Smilist Dental in Garwood, New Jersey, to ensure that his patients will continue to receive the personal and professional care they are used to.

Joining the Smilist is a fitting reflection of our philosophy of helping our patients smile more. It is an environment where our patients love to come visit and don’t want to leave. No need to worry, this does not mean there has been any change in our outstanding 5-star practice. Dr. Rosenthal and team will continue to provide the same attentive, quality care. We have a new name, but it’s still the same amazing place!

If you haven’t visited us lately, please click below to make an appointment.

Dr. Paul Glasser & Dr. Steven Green Partner With the Smilist

Dr. Paul Glasser & Dr. Steven Green have partnered with the Smilist Dental in Commack to ensure that his patients will continue to receive the personal and professional care they are used to.

Joining the Smilist is a fitting reflection of our philosophy of helping our patients smile more. It is an environment where our patients love to come visit and don’t want to leave. No need to worry, this does not mean there has been any change in our outstanding 5-star practice. Dr. Green and team will continue to provide the same attentive, quality care. We have a new name, but it’s still the same amazing place!

If you haven’t visited us lately, please click below to make an appointment.