Meet our Doctors!

Tooth Works Pediatric Dentistry opened its doors in 2012, but Dr. Vanessa and Dr. Sejal met years ago as fellow students at the New York University College of Dentistry and quickly became friends. Their friendship grew stronger during the two years they spent together 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. They have since been joined by fellow Montefiore alums, Dr. Mallory Marquie and Dr. Laura Wysocki, and look forward to many more years of providing great care.

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.

Dr. Sejal Patel – Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Sejal Patel was raised in California but has called New York City home for over a decade.  She is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and the New York University College of Dentistry.  After dental school, Dr. Sejal completed a two-year specialty training program in Pediatric Dentistry at the Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York.  She is a recipient of the 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.

Dr. Sejal has devoted much of her professional time and energy serving and educating children.  After college, Dr. Sejal dedicated a year teaching math to high school students in underprivileged neighborhoods through a non-profit organization in northern California.  During dental school, Dr. Sejal participated in an outreach program through which a small group of her professors and fellow students provided free dental consultations and procedures to children in rural India.  She has also organized dental educational programs locally, including demonstrations for students at elementary schools throughout New York City on proper brushing and flossing techniques.

During her free time, Dr. Sejal enjoys experimenting with photography and painting, knitting, playing badminton, biking, reading, and savoring a good cup of coffee.  

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 Certified 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.

Assistants

Abigail Kortright, Gustavo Reyes, & Carla Reyes

Non-holiday hours:
Mon: 10-6
Tues: 10-6
Wed: 9-5
Thur: 9-5
Fri: 9-5
Select Sat: 9-3
These office hours subject to change