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Many residents may not look forward to their turn in the dentist’s chair, but when it came to pick South Philly’s best dentist, readers were split between Dr. Steven Moskowitz and Dr. William Mestichelli.
Moskowitz, of Moskowitz Dental Associates, 1517 Packer Ave., had a few relatives in dental professions, and since he wanted to help people as well, he followed in their footsteps.
Moskowitz, who resides in Villanova with wife, Dr. Beverly Moskowitz and his dog, Sherman, grew up in Connecticut, and discovered South Philly while attending Temple University School of Dentistry.
“I saw this opportunity in this wonderful neighborhood, Packer Park, and I jumped on it,” he said.
The father of five and grandfather of two keeps his days extra busy with dentistry prosthetic implants, root canal therapy, cosmetic dentistry fillings, bleaching, among other procedures.
“We’re very patient-centered,” he said. “We love and respect our incredible, diverse patient population. We try to satisfy their needs whether it be pain relief, cosmetic work [or] restoration of missing teeth. It’s all done in a very, very caring and upbeat atmosphere.”
He has treated patients who were born in three different centuries over his 35-year career, but still credits his staff for his success and readers for his recognition.
“I love what I do,” Moskowitz said. “I’m very lucky and I want to thank everyone who voted for me. I really appreciate the community coming out and giving me this honor. It means a lot to me.”
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| Dr. William Mestichelli, along with his staff, is all smiles as co-winner for top dentist. |
About a mile north, Mestichelli General Dentistry, 1727 S. Broad St., has been in operation for 28 years. A move to the current space that is equipped with laser technology, an upgrade from the 1815 S. Broad St. office, occurred four years ago. The native of the 1800 block of South Sartain Street, who now resides in Moorestown, N.J., or above his office with his wife, Karen, also attributed his success to those around him.
“The staff here — the girls here are the friendliest people around,” the father of two, including his office manager Jaclyn, and grandfather of one, said. “That always eases [patients’] fears and apprehensions. They’re probably the reason we were picked more than me.”
Mestichelli, who will welcome his son-in-law, Dr. Michael Barnes, a physician and a dentist, to his practice soon, spent the first two years of his career under the guidance of Dr. John Vivacqua and Dr. Michael Ruggieri. The former was not only his mentor, but also his childhood dentist.
“I always had bad teeth growing up, so I was always in the dental office and I guess knowing him so well [influenced me],” Mestichelli, whose daughter’s Chihuahua, Hank, serves as the office mascot on occasion, said.
His patients, many who have been with him throughout his 30-year tenure, are also friends he helps with the proper care.
“You don’t come in and get a root canal and crown if we can fix it with a regular filling,” the Temple Dentistry grad said.
Dr. Enrico Verrico drilled into third.
Contact Managing Editor Amanda L. Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
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