Tooth Works Pediatric Dentistry opened its doors in New York in 2012 by Dr. Vanessa Lugo-Hart and Dr. Sejal Patel who met years before as students at NYU College of Dentistry and quickly became friends. Their friendship grew stronger during the two years as colleagues at Montefiore Medical Center’s pediatric dentistry specialty training program. During this time, both Dr. Sejal and Dr. Vanessa realized that their career goals and dreams—to practice and provide great dental care—could be wonderfully accomplished by opening their own clinic as pediatric dentists on the upper west side in NYC. For more than a decade, Dr. Sejal and Dr. Vanessa devoted their time and energy serving and educating children and their families. Dr. Sejal now looks forward to continuing this Tooth Works experience to Orange County! Click HERE to learn more about the NY office.
Dr. Sejal Patel – Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Sejal grew up in California and is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley. After college, Dr. Sejal moved east, completing dental school at NYU College of Dentistry, followed by a two-year specialty training program in Pediatric Dentistry at the Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York. She earned the prestigious Richard C. Pugh Achievement Award—awarded annually to approximately twenty individuals for scoring in the top 3% on the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry’s comprehensive board exam—and is also certified as a Diplomate by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.Community service and educating children is very important to Dr. Sejal. After college, Dr. Sejal dedicated a year teaching math to high school students in underprivileged neighborhoods in northern California. During dental school, Dr. Sejal joined a small group of professors and students to provide free dental consultations and procedures to children in rural India. She has also organized demonstrations for students at elementary schools on proper brushing/flossing techniques and diet.
The Tooth Works office in New York City celebrated its ten-year anniversary in 2012, and Dr. Vanessa continues to practice at that office with three other amazing pediatric dentists. After spending nearly 15 years in New York, Dr. Sejal recently moved back to Southern California to be closer to her family and to expand the Tooth Works practice to Orange County!
During her free time, Dr. Sejal enjoys playing tennis, biking, reading, and savoring a good cup of coffee. She lives in Irvine with her husband and two kids. Dr. Vanessa Lugo-Hart – Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Vanessa Lugo Hart, a native of the Dominican Republic and a fluent Spanish speaker, is a graduate of the New York University College of Dentistry and completed her specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at the Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York. Dr. Vanessa is certified as a Diplomate by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Vanessa has been the recipient of numerous distinctions and honors throughout her career. As a dental student, Dr. Vanessa was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon’s Omega Chapter (the National Honor Dental Society) and into the Honors Program for special patient care. She also received the New York Academy of Dentistry Award for Ethics and Professionalism, awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated high standards of ethics and professionalism. At Montefiore, Dr. Vanessa was elected by her peers and faculty as the Chief Resident of the pediatric dentistry program.
During her free time, she enjoys watching movies, traveling, watching and playing sports, and spending time with her husband, son, and daughter. Sabrina Jackman – Office manager
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Gabby King – Office Administrator
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Damariz Gonzalez – Dental Assistant
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Elvia Perez – Registered Dental Assistant
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Dr. Mallory Marquie – Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Mallory Marquie, better known to her patients as “Dr. Mal,” grew up in Kankakee, Illinois. While completing her undergraduate degree at Butler University, she began working as a dental assistant and knew she had found her professional calling. Dr. Mal continued her education at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, where immersion in the pediatric clinic ignited her passion for treating children. Living in downtown Chicago for four years transformed Dr. Mal into a city-dweller and she headed to New York City to complete her pediatric specialty training at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY. Dr. Mal is certified as a Diplomate by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Mal has been recognized for her achievements throughout dental school and beyond. She was elected by the faculty at UIC into the Sigma chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Dental Honor Society, which recognizes students for their academic excellence, strength of character, and professional integrity. She was also the recipient of the American College of Dentists Outstanding Student Leader Award, acknowledging her scholastic achievements and potential impact on the profession of dentistry. Upon completing her specialty training at Montefiore, Dr. Mal received the Grace H. Lim Memorial Award for her exemplary academic performance and clinical excellence as a resident.
During her free time, Dr. Mal enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring different neighborhoods, eating her way through the NYC food scene, taking in all of the rich cultural events the city has to offer, and seeing as many live concerts and Broadway shows as possible!
Dr. Laura Wysocki – Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Laura Wysocki was born in New York City and raised on Long Island. She is a graduate of The University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC and The Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. After dental school, Dr. Laura came back to NY to complete a specialty training program in Pediatric Dentistry at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York.
Dr. Laura is dedicated to serving others through dentistry and has traveled to Nicaragua, Panama, and Jamaica to provide the locals with dental care. She also splits her time during the week to work at the Rose F. Kennedy Center in the Bronx – a premier center dedicated to providing dental treatment to patients of all ages with Special Healthcare Needs.
During her free time, Dr. Laura enjoys walking around exploring the sights (and smells) of the city with her dog Charlie, playing intramural sports with friends, going to Mets games, and visiting the beach with her family.
Dr. Amy Yang – Board Eligible Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Amy Yang grew up in Cary, North Carolina and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for undergraduate (go Heels!). During her time at UNC, Dr. Amy spent much of her free time volunteering at UNC School of Dentistry’s Division of Pediatric Dentistry. Having built meaningful connections with so many patients and parents alike, Dr. Amy felt drawn to a career dedicated to children.
Dr. Amy completed her dental education at New York University College of Dentistry where she was inducted into the prestigious Omega Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a decision based on scholarship and character. She then went on to complete a 2-year speciality training program at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY. During her final year of residency, she was elected by her peers and attendings to serve as Chief Resident and was ultimately awarded the Grace H. Lim Memorial Award in recognition of her contributions to the program and exemplary academic and clinical performance.
During her free time, Dr. Amy enjoys long walks around the city with her partner, Ethan, going to Target “just to browse,” and trying all the amazing restaurants, bars, and coffee shops NYC has to offer!
Dr. Gordon Barnes – Anesthesiologist
Dr. Gordon Barnes is a board-certified dental anesthesiologist and practices in New York and New Jersey and is a Diplomate of the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology.
Dr. Barnes is a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry and the University of Health Sciences, Antigua School of Medicine. He completed his dental residency at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York and his anesthesia residency at Brookdale Medical Center, also in Brooklyn, New York.
In 1993 Dr. Barnes started Paramount Ambulatory Anesthesia, a provider of office-based ambulatory anesthesia for the pediatric dental patient. He also held a part-time attending position at Interfaith Medical center from 1993-2000 and at Bronx Lebanon Hospital from 2000-2001, where he was responsible for delivering anesthesia care to pediatric and special needs patients in the dental department. He was also responsible for delivering weekly lectures on anesthesia/sedation to the dental residents.
Dr. Barnes holds memberships in the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists and the Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia.
In his spare time, Dr. Barnes enjoys traveling and, as an avid General Aviation pilot, volunteers with the Patient Air Lift Services organization.
Office Hours
- Non-holiday hours:
- Mon: 9-5:30
- Tues: 9-5:30
- Wed: 9-5:30
- Thur: 9-5:30
- Fri: 9-5:30
- Sat: by appointment only
- Sun: closed
- These office hours are subject to change.
Assistants
Administrative Team
Desiree Luna, Melissa Puello, & Ana Fernandez
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Assistants
Office Hours
- Non-holiday hours:
- Mon: 9-5:30
- Tues: 9-5:30
- Wed: 9-5:30
- Thur: 9-5:30
- Fri: 9-5:30
- Sat: by appointment only
- Sun: closed
- These office hours are subject to change.