Dr. William Panico, center, with Dr. Andrew Hong, left, and retired dentist, Dr. Albert Porreca, at Panico Dental in Ocean City.
By MADDY VITALE
When selecting a dentist, quality work is likely at the top of the list. And there are many dentists out there who are good at what they do, some even great.
But there is more to it than just being a quality dentist. Dr. William Panico and Dr. Andrew Hong, along with their dental team in both Ocean City and Rio Grande, offer the complete package, top-notch dentistry in a caring family-friendly environment.
So, when searching for a dentist, Panico Dental will check all of the boxes for patients who trust the experts with their smile and want to feel relaxed and as comfortable as possible, while receiving dental care.
Dr. Panico said it is all about focusing on the patient and providing that personal touch.
At a time when most things move to corporate, where bigger is supposed to be better, we offer genuine concern, a personal touch and the same staff with a focus on high-quality dentistry, Dr. Panico explained in an interview with OCNJDaily.com. We recommend the right treatment plans and work with specialists when and where they are needed, for a high-quality result for dental health.
Dr. Panico, 54, received his Doctorate in Medical Dentistry (DMD) from Rutgers UMDNJ and has been in practice since 2001. Dr. Hong, 29, is new to the world of dentistry only two years out of school. He graduated from New York University College of Dentistry and brings a fresh perspective and a gentle touch.
And both dentists grew up in South Jersey. Dr. Panico is one of nine children from Ventnor. He and his wife, Catherine, live in Ocean City with their four children.
Dr. Hong grew up in Ocean City and returned to practice dentistry after missing his hometown so much while he was away getting an education.
I think our niche is that we are a family-friendly environment with a really consistent, caring and quality-oriented dental team conveniently located in two locations that serve Cape May County, he said. When a patient comes in, we know the patient and the patient's family.
One of two Panico Dental locations is at 740 Central Ave. in Ocean City.
Dr. Hong said he enjoys helping his patients achieve better health and improved self-confidence, major reasons he became a dentist. While he could have chosen to work in a large dental office, Dr. Hong said he wanted the feel that comes from a smaller environment.
You lose some connection to your patients in a larger office, Dr. Hong noted. This is really a great team environment here.
Dr. Panico moved into the dental office in Ocean City in 2019 when his longtime friend and mentor, Dr. Albert Porreca, retired. Many of his clients stayed to go to Dr. Panico and Dr. Hong.
Dr. Porreca often stops by to see how his friends are doing.
The patients are happy. I'm happy, he said. When he took over, I worked here for a little bit to hand over the torch and make everything go smoothly.
And it has.
Dr. Porreca's longtime office manager, Colleen Bradshaw, stayed on with Panico Dental and is the office manager, along with Catherine Panico.
Bradshaw has over 30 years of experience and is well known to the Ocean City patients who went to Dr. Porreca and now to Dr. Panico and Dr. Hong.
Catherine Panico said that is one of the many ways the office is such a family-friendly environment that offers quality care.
What we deliver is more than a personal touch, it is being recognized as an individual on a case-by-case basis, Catherine Panico said. You aren't churned through any system or overlooked.
Dr. Panico said he is proud to call his dental office unique in the world of so many corporate-style dental offices.
We are a unique group, because we all do a really good job and we all get along, Dr. Panico added. It is how dentistry is supposed to work, as a true team. You will receive solid, high-quality dentistry.
Panico Dental is located in two convenient locations in South Jersey, at 740 Central Ave. in Ocean City and 4 Oslo Ave. in Rio Grande.
The second location for Panico Dental is in Rio Grande.
Here are some testimonials from patients that highlight some of the reasons people are choosing Panico Dental:
"Absolutely love Dr. Panico. After years of trying to find a good dentist I'm so happy to have come across his office, best decision I could have made."
Niki H.
"Great staff, great care and friendly office. After years of searching for a good dentist since we moved to Cape May County, we have finally found one!"
Greg N.
"The doc is awesome and very thorough and competent. I'd recommend this office to anyone I know for dental work if you are in this area."
Stacy B.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Ocean City office at 609-399-3114, the Rio Grande office at 609-886-2277or visit https://www.panicodental.com/
