Welcome!
• Top-rated Doctors
• Latest Technology
• Caring Staff
Our Unique Approach to Dentistry
“Holistic Dentistry” can mean a number of different ideas in various healthcare professions. For Dr. Christian and Village Dental Group, it means treatment involves considering the person as a whole — not just their mouth. From years of experience, we understand that by considering the whole YOU, a better level of care is possible.
Core Values: Our Focus is on You
To treat the patient as a whole person, not just their mouth.
To provide expert dental care using the latest techniques and the most advanced technology.
To value our patients as people — treating them with genuine friendliness, courtesy, and respect.
To maintain excellent communication at all times, including listening to patients, explaining all procedures, and answering questions and concerns.
To run a thoroughly professional practice:
- Clean, neat office spaces
- Equipment is modern and furniture and facilities are new
- Staff have a friendly and professional manner
- Doctors are at the top of their profession.
OPEN HOURS
MON 8am – 5pm
TUE 9am – 6pm
WED 8am – 5pm
THUR 10am – 7pm
1st & 3rd FRI 9am – 2pm
2nd & 4th SAT 8am – 2pm
• • •
Same-day Emergency Appointments Available
Kids Welcome!
We treat all ages of patients, starting at 2 years old. In many cases, an entire generational family are all our patients! We love kids, and offer special Pediatric Dentisty services for them. But that’s not all. It’s fine with us if busy parents bring their kids along while they are being treated — we’ll find an activity for them while they wait.
You can achieve your dental goals. Try us and see!
I don’t mind going to the dentist. Dr. Christian and her staff are super great! It’s always a good ambiance; her waiting room is great, it’s got something to entertain my son.
Erica S.
Expert, Knowledgeable Doctors
Our Doctors are committed to providing exceptional care and treatment to every patient.
Our Staff Dentists have over 10,000 credit hours of advanced training in numerous specialties including Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Dental Veneers, Teeth Whitening, Porcelain Crowns, Emergency Dentistry, Orthodontics and Periodontal Disease.
Dr. L. Dawn Christian, D.D.S., Practice Owner
Dr. Christian graduated from Howard University College of Dentistry in 1984. She worked with Dr. James Lassiter in Summit and Dr. Neville Thame in Montclair NJ, before leaving to serve as Director of Dentistry at United Hospital. She began a part-time dental practice when the hospital closed, going full-time in 1997. She opened her own General Dentistry practice in 1998, which has expanded and grown to its present location, treating all ages of patients. She pursued post-graduate work at NYU Dental School in Full Mouth Rehabilitation. She is a member of the prestigious denatal study club, Journey to Excellence. She is experienced in many phases of Dentistry and works with a respected group of specialists. Dr. Christian is married and has 2 daughters.
Memberships: NJ Dental Association • ADA • Academy of General Dentistry • Fellow Institute of Natural Dentistry • Commonwealth Dental Society • Journey to Excellence Study Club
Dr. Trevor F. Simmonds, D.D.S.
Dr. Simmonds is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, and has been practicing periodontics and implant dentistry since 1993. He received his B.S. from Montclair State College, his D.D.S from Howard University, and completed a general practice residency at King’s County Hospital in Brooklyn. He received his certificate in periodontics from University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, currently known as Rutgers Dental. Dr. Simmonds is the Program Director of the Advanced Program in Periodontics in the Manhattan V.A. Medical Center. He also holds an academic appointment at NYU College of Dentistry. Dr. Simmonds brings a wealth of knowledge to our practice and expert service to our patients. He is skillful in providing implant placement and traditional periodontal treatment (gum disease treatment). Dr. Simmonds also implements new technology such as minimally invasive laser therapy. Dr. Simmonds enjoys spending time with his wife and family. He is an avid sports fan and loves playing tennis.
Dr. Garrison Copeland, D.D.S., Orthodontist
Dr. Copeland believes that self-confidence and a beautiful smile go hand in hand. His career goal is to continue to bring light to people’s lives through their smiles. Growing up in Cleveland, OH with severely misaligned teeth, he understood at an early age the significance of having a healthy and aesthetic smile. Determined to help others facing similar circumstances, he pursued a career in Orthodontics. Dr. Copeland earned his Bachelor’s degree at Morehouse College, his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at Howard University, and his post-graduate orthodontic training at Case Western Reserve University, back in Cleveland. For the next seven years, he practiced orthodontics in his hometown, helping more than 3,000 patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. In 2018, Dr. Copeland chose to continue his training at BronxCare Health Systems, where he focused on Cosmetic Dentistry and Implants, and was named Chief Resident. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Dr. Copeland felt a strong call to duty and service. He volunteered in the hospital’s Family Medicine Department to assist Covid-19 patients with treatment and recovery.
Friendly, Professional Staff
Our staff want to make your dental experience as pleasant as possible!
Judy, RDH & Office Manager
For over 30 years, Judy’s love of dental hygiene and bringing smiles to patients has made her passionate about her career. She earned her degree in dental hygiene from NYU College of Dentistry. Judy has been a proud member of the Village Dental team for over 15 years, and enjoys the “happy environment of a practice with state-of-the art equipment that focuses on oral health.”
Ghislaine Tuekam, RDH
Growing up in Camerooon, Ghislaine witnessed poor oral health stemming from poverty and lack of education. Determined to educate herself and those around her about oral health, she graduated from BCC Dental Hygiene school in 2012. She joined Village Dental Group shortly afterwards, where she loves the passion for helping patients achieve their dental goals.
Diane Narayani Dhanraj, RDH
Diane graduated from New York City College of Technology in May 2019 and joined the team at Village Dental Group in Feb. 2020. She is committed to providing patients the best oral health care services specifically tailored to their needs. She looks forward to meeting new patients, and continuing to deliver the best possible oral hygiene care.
Wendy Thomas Administrative Assistant
Wendy joined Village Dental Group in February 2011, and feels such a joy — and considers it a privilege — to be part of this team. For Wendy, “it’s sometimes troubling to see a patient arrive for an emergency in pain, but it is great experience to watch our doctors and staff work together to return them to great oral health.”
Put Your Dental Health in Hands You Can trust. Call Us Today!
You’ll Love Our Clean, Modern Office
Our state-of-the-art practice has a friendly atmosphere that puts our patients at ease. You won’t find a crowded waiting room or have trouble scheduling timely appointments. And you’ll be treated using the most advanced equipment available.
7 comfortable, state-of-the-art treatment rooms
From our spacious waiting areas, to our pristine, fully-equipped treatment areas, we have our patients’ comfort and care in mind. We understand that the office space itself contributes to our patients’ experience with us, and we want that overall experience to be a positive one. Our recently expanded office suite features 7 state-of-the-art treatment rooms, with updated equipment providing all of the latest technologies, including laser treatments. Our new x-ray technology includes 3-D viewing for more accurate diagnosis and implant placement.
Advanced Technology Allows Top-Level Care
3-D X-rays Allow Precise Diagnosis and Treatment
Used in the dental industry, a 3D dental scan, also known as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) provides a three-dimensional image of teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone in a single scan. Used in implant dentistry, for example, these images allow dentists to see the patient’s entire bone structure, allowing correct placing of the implant.
iTERO™ Scanner — The Most Advanced Way to View Your Mouth
An iTero™ scanner is a high-tech Dental device that takes 3D images of a patient’s teeth and gums to create a digital model. This model can be used for a variety of dental procedures, including orthodontal work, restorative procedures, crowns and bridges, diagnosis of a patient’s bite, and more.
STA Anesthesia System Improves Patient Comfort
The STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System is a state-of-the-art, computer-controlled injection machine that provides local anesthesia for dental procedures. The STA system is designed to make injections precise, improving patient comfort and avoiding collateral numbness.
Minimally-Invasive Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is a procedure used in periodontal treatment to remove or reshape tissues in the mouth. Lasers not only kill harmful bacteria in the mouth, but they also support the regrowth of new healthy gum tissue. Due to it’s minimally invasive precision, healing times are faster.
Experience the Difference Advanced Technology Can Make!
Feel Confident — Read our Reviews!
Relaxing, Pleasant, and Supportive Atmosphere
“The office experience is extremely pleasant — very unusual in terms of the atmosphere. It is relaxing, pleasant and also engaging and supportive, which is very favorable. The location, the environment, the ability to execute a procedure and the general service — it’s just a ‘triple threat.’ “
Yvonne G.
Visit our Testimonials page for videos and more from our patients.
Services Designed for the Healthiest Smiles!
Our entire staff is dedicated to restoring and maintaining the health of our patients’ teeth and gums, while making the experience a positive, pleasant one. To ensure this, we offer the full range of the latest professional treatments, with a focus on preventative dental care and patient education.
Oral Health
Prevent problems and improve your overall health!
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Cosmetic Services
Gain confidence and love your smile!
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Restorative Services
Look great and enjoy trouble-free chewing
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Orthodontics
Gorgeous, even smiles are our specialty!
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Implants
Regain a full mouth of beautiful teeth!
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