About Our Practice
Our comprehensive periodontal practices - located in Clark and Watchung, New Jersey - concentrates on periodontal care. Our team members are extremely experienced and knowledgeable about periodontal health and all procedures such as osseous and cosmetic surgery, tooth replacement with implants and crown elongation. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have at any time.
We always work hard to ensure that you feel comfortable and well cared for during your visit with us. Whether you are in for a visit or accompanying someone, we hope you will appreciate all the extra amenities we have placed in our office to ensure your comfort.
We strive to provide you with the best periodontal care possible. If you have a medical problem like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or if you have any other medical problem or you are pregnant, we work hand in hand with your physicians in order to provide you with appropriate therapy both from a dental and medical perspective. The interrelationship among these diseases and periodontal disease is well documented in both the press and professional literature. Through an ongoing relationship with you, your family and your other health care professionals, we will do the very best within our means to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles for you and yours.
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Meet Dr. Richard Kelner
Dr. Richard Kelner is home grown talent and a product of the New Jersey public education system. He grew up in Elizabeth and attended Rutgers University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree. After college, he went directly to University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and was granted a degree as a Doctor of Dental Medicine. During this period he was both Vice President and President of Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity.
After receiving his degree, he spent one year at a rotating internship at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. His residency in periodontics brought him back to UMDNJ where he was trained and certified as a specialist in the field of periodontology. During his final year of this program, he was selected as the chief resident in his department.
During his career Dr. Kelner has not only been in private practice but has taught, published numerous articles and lectured in his field. He was a Clinical Associate Professor at UMDNJ where he lectured to undergraduate, graduate and post graduate dentists. While on staff at UMDNJ, he also lectured for the prestigious International Association of Dental Research. He now teaches and lectures for the residency program at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. He has been in practice for over 25 years. Dr. Kelner has received a Top Dentist Award from the Consumer Research Council of America for his work in Periodontics and Implants.
When he is not working, Dr. Kelner is involved in the community. He has held offices in professional societies and is on the Board of Alumni Overseers for the New Jersey State Dental School. He served as the President of an alumni group at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey from 2003 to 2005. Dr. Kelner has also served on various boards and committees at his house of worship and has been involved with fund raising for numerous charitable organizations.
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Meet Dr. Melissa Pecoraro
Dr. Melissa Pecoraro was born and raised in New Jersey. She joined her father Dr. Frank Pecoraro and his partner Dr. Richard Kelner as a periodontist in 2004. Dr. Pecoraro always aspired to follow in her father’s footsteps and has now taken her father’s place after his retirement. As a child she eagerly visited his offices and watched him work and prior to going to dental school assisted her father in his practice for 6 years. In college, she began an earnest pursuit of a career in dentistry, majoring in biology at Lafayette College, followed by earning a Masters in Biology from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ. She then went on to dental school, graduating from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey with a D.M.D. in 2001. She further advanced her training with UMDNJ’s residency program in Periodontics, graduating in 2004, where she was the Chief Resident. Throughout her studies, Dr. Pecoraro held executive offices. Most recently, she assumed a teaching position as a clinical professor at her alma mater and she is currently serving as the alumni representative for her graduating dental school class.
Dr. Pecoraro gave a lecture on periodontal disease at a New York University symposium. Her lecture was attended by periodontal residents from four schools. She is also the primary author on a published research paper. The topic is the comparison between digital and conventional radiographs in detecting periodontal bone loss. Dr. Pecoraro recently was a guest speaker on a local cable television program to educate the public about periodontal disease.
Undertaking charitable causes is another endeavor that is especially close to Dr. Pecoraro’s heart and she devotes a great deal of time to several projects. Her pro bono work includes, giving free dental care to abused women at the WISE Woman’s Shelter, and, via UMDNJ providing oral screening for participants at the Special Olympics. Dr. Pecoraro aims to spread the word about the importance of oral health through her practice and her charity work. She is an active member of the New Jersey Dental Society, Union County Dental Society, the American Association of Periodontists and the American Dental Society and is up to date on the latest continuing education courses. It is a fact that good, healthy gums can prevent a multitude of problems down the line, so she encourages regular check ups and keeps her office lines open for queries.
Dr. Pecoraro currently resides in Warren, NJ with her husband James and toddler son Gavin. In her spare time, Dr. Pecoraro likes being with her family and traveling.
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Meet Dr. Danielle Kelner
Dr. Danielle Kelner is a Jersey girl. She grew up in Scotch Plains, New Jersey and attended high school at the Rutgers Preparatory School in Somerset, New Jersey.
Danielle matriculated at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia where she majored in chemistry. She graduated UVA in three years with honors and was a member of the Deans list every semester at the University. While at Virginia she participated in many extra curricular activities and charitable endeavors including the Big Sister Program. She then continued her education at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark. She was the recipient of a four year merit based scholarship. While at UMDNJ she helped author and participated in the laboratory research for an inflammatory receptor project, Modulation of the Human Cytokine Response by Interferon Lambda 1.
After graduating in 2006, she chose to attend the Implant Periodontal Program at New York University under the direction of Doctors Dennis Tarnow and Robert Schoor. She graduated in July of 2009 from the program. Danielle participated in research and presented several lectures and Table Clinics throughout the northeast region including several local dental schools. In December 2009 Dr Danielle Kelner received her Diplomate status from the American Academy of Periodontics.
Danielle is married to Jake Finkel and resides in West Orange. She is a new mother and has a young daughter. She enjoys music, travel and fine food.
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