It’s not your typical dental office, and that’s exactly what we set out to create at Crescenzo and Vitello Functional Dentistry. From the beginning, my goal has been to focus on comprehensive care, not just treating teeth, but improving overall health and wellness. I’ve always believed everything in the body is connected, and dentistry plays a much bigger role in that than people realize.
Dentistry runs in my family. I’m proud to be a second-generation dentist, following in the footsteps of my father, Donald, who started the practice back in 1960 out of our home. Growing up around it shaped how I see patient care today.
At our office, comprehensive care isn’t just a phrase, it’s the standard. I often refer to it as the “golden child” of what we do. That means spending real time with each person, especially new patients. From the very beginning, we take the time to fully understand each patient and create a plan that supports their overall oral health. During their first visit, we go far beyond a basic cleaning. We take digital photos, 3D panoramic X-rays (CBCT), and evaluate everything: teeth, airway, sinuses, and more. It’s about understanding the full picture, not just fixing a cavity.
I always tell patients: I’m not here to just “fix” problems, I want to understand why they’re happening in the first place. Whether it is diet, home care, or something more complex, we focus on the root cause. That philosophy has shaped everything we do.
The next appointment, which is also about an hour, includes a cleaning and a detailed consultation. I feel that when the patient truly understands their oral health, they’re much more likely to take care of it. I want them to see what I see, not just take my word for it.
I’ve also always been passionate about continuing education and technology. Dentistry has changed so much, and we’re constantly learning and evolving as a team. Dentistry today is very different than it was 25 years ago. Back then, it was simpler because we didn’t know as much. Now, with everything we understand, it’s more complex, but also far more effective when done correctly. That commitment allows us to provide better, more efficient care.
Over time, I’ve also focused heavily on full mouth rehabilitation, cosmetic dentistry, TMJ (jaw joint) disorders, airway issues, and sleep apnea treatment. These areas are all interconnected, and treating them requires a comprehensive, thoughtful approach.
Years ago, I also came to an important realization: the people who often need dental care the most are usually the ones who are the most afraid of it. With that, I decided to become certified in oral conscious sedation. It’s been incredibly rewarding to help patients who may have avoided the dentist for years finally feel comfortable getting the care they need.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to build an incredible team around me. Dr. Joe Montalbano joined the practice and has been a huge part of our growth, along with Dr. John Vitello. These guys aren’t just colleagues, they’re family. We share the same mindset: treat every patient like you would treat your own family. If you do that, you’ll always make the right decisions.
Joe has deep roots in the Hammonton community. He grew up on a blueberry farm, which helped shape his work ethic and passion for helping others. He went on to attend The College of New Jersey, earning a degree in biology, and later completed his master’s in biomedical science at Rutgers University before earning his Doctor of Medical Dentistry. During dental school, he also completed a clinical externship at the University Dental Center in Somerdale, where he focused on treating medically compromised patients. Today, he continues to expand his expertise in cosmetic dentistry and Invisalign.
John’s story is just as meaningful to me. He grew up right here in Hammonton. Before earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at LECOM School of Dental Medicine in Bradenton Florida, he earned his bachelor’s degree in biology at High Point University in North Carolina. After being away for school he could not wait to give back to the community he calls home. He has carried that same commitment to service into his work with our patients every day.
The three of us share the same philosophy: treat every patient like family. If you approach care that way, you naturally take the time to do things right, no matter what it costs in time or effort. That mindset guides everything we do. On the other hand, they also bring a fresh perspective, and when we review cases together, we feed off of each other. That collaboration makes us better.
In 1980, my father, Donald, purchased the property where our practice still operates today on Weymouth Road. Not long after, I went on to complete my dental education at Georgetown Dental School in 1990 and joined him in the practice. Working alongside my father for five years before he retired was an experience I’ll always value. Even today, our first hygienist, Cheryl Macrie, who started with us at the Weymouth Road office 45 years ago, is still part of the practice. We also have an office manager, Joellene Angello, who has been with the practice for 27 years and a dental hygienist, Suzanne Marella, who started with us 20 years ago as a dental assistant before returning as a hygienist. You don’t see it often anymore, but having a team and patient base that stays with you over time says a lot. I take a lot of pride in that. That kind of consistency and loyalty is something I truly value.
I’ve never wanted to turn this into a corporate-style dental office. That approach never felt right to me. Instead, I’ve built this practice around people I trust, many of whom feel like family.
Throughout my career, I’ve also shifted away from insurance-driven dentistry. The system often prioritizes volume over quality, and that didn’t align with how I wanted to practice. Instead, we focus on doing what’s best for the patient, practicing smarter, not harder.
Looking back, I’ll admit the journey to this philosophy wasn’t always easy. I remember handling every insurance plan that came our way, and it was overwhelming. There was a time, about six or seven years into my career, when I wasn’t sure I could continue practicing this way. Eventually, I made the decision to step away from that model. We began eliminating insurance plans that weren’t fair to patients or the practice. That shift changed everything. It allowed us to focus on what truly matters, providing the highest level of care without compromise.
At our office, patients range from young children to seniors, and we’re proud to serve our community with extended hours throughout the week. But more than anything, we’re proud of the relationships we’ve built and the trust our patients place in us.
I genuinely love what I do, I really do. Even 35 years later, I don’t find myself thinking about retiring anytime soon. As long as I’m physically able, I’ll be here helping in any way I can. And now, with the team we’ve built, I know the future of the practice is in great hands.
At the end of the day, everything we do comes back to one simple idea: providing the best possible care for our patients in a way that’s thoughtful, comprehensive, and truly patient-focused.
