KINGSTON TWP. — Dr. James DeFinnis of Back Mountain Dental not only calms patients’ fears; he gives them a reason to smile.
DeFinnis’ patients, in turn, have shown their gratitude by voting him as “Best Dentist” in the 2016 Times Leader Readers’ Choice Awards for the third consecutive year.
It’s not just DeFinnis’s white smile that earned him this recognition, but his chair-side manner, thorough exams and upbeat office atmosphere, said patient Suzanne Haas, of Franklin Township.
“He has a great personality. He picked his team really well,” Haas said. “He is a perfectionist which is what you want from a dentist.”
“It is quite flattering to be chosen for the past three years as ‘Best Dentist,’” DeFinnis said. “This award is a testament to my support team.”
The eight-member staff of dental hygienists and office staff members shares a common motto of being “serious about dentistry, but we do not take ourselves seriously,” DeFinnis said.
Humorous rapport among DeFinnis, his staff and patients can ease jittery nerves of those in the exam chair.
“We have grown a business by calming nerves,” he said.
DeFinnis said his commitment to providing patients with comprehensive dental care sets him apart from others in his field.
An example of his dedication is a computerized device called CEREC placed in a corner of an exam room. CEREC allows DeFinnis to measure, design and carve a porcelain block into a dental crown for installation in one day.
Typically, dental crowns require a two-visit procedure requiring patients to take more time off from work, he said.
“It (CEREC) reduces a patient’s need to take off time from work for a return visit,” he said.
Dentistry has played a role in DeFinnis’ life since childhood. His father, John, is a dentist in Berwick. DeFinnis began practicing dentistry in his father’s office for almost a year before the opportunity to purchase the Back Mountain practice came available, he said.
DeFinnis established his practice at 210 Carverton Road in Trucksville in 2000.
“It was a great opportunity,” the Berwick native said. “The Back Mountain is a great area to raise a family.”
“Dentistry is a family affair,” the 42-year-old said. “My brother, Tom, has a dental practice in Philadelphia.”
Even DeFinnis’ wife, Jodee, keeps Back Mountain Dental organized.
DeFinnis and his wife live in Shavertown and have three daughters, Isabella, 10; Nadia, 8; and Mila, 4.
