About Our Doctors Meet the doctors and specialists of New Jersey Dental Centers

Dr. Karla Isaacs completed the majority of her coursework at The University of Florida, she ultimately graduated in 1993 from the University of Central Florida after relocating, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. Her doctoral degree in dentistry (D.D.S.) was obtained from the Howard University College of Dentistry in 1997, where she received a designation of Honors in Prosthodontics. After acceptance into the Ivy League Columbia University College of Dentistry, she started her postgraduate specialty training in Orthodontics in 1999. She graduated from the program in 2002.  Dr. Isaacs has been both a member and active participant in the professional organization the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) since 1999.

Dr. Isaacs, from a family of physicians, has always dreamed of pursuing a career in orthodontics, thus the opportunity to open an orthodontic practice in her home state of New Jersey represents the culmination of her unparalleled work ethic, ambition, and tenacity. She is a happily married mother of two children. When she is not working, the majority of her time is spent supporting their active participation in dance, gymnastics, musical instruction, and singing. She avidly encourages their participation in many competitions both locally and nationally, as well as the entrepreneurial spirit which they have demonstrated.

Dr. Tracy Zhu is a graduate of the University of Maryland where she received a degree in psychology. She then went on to graduate from the​ University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Dr. Zhu also completed a GPR at New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. She is affiliated with ADA and NJDA and is certified in AAFE botox & derma fillers and Invisalign. Dr. Zhu decided to pursue dentistry as it provides her with the opportunity to both work with her hands and put a smile on her patients’ faces.

In her free time, Dr. Zhu enjoys reading and spending time tending to her garden. She also stays active by doing yoga and pilates.

Dr. Siddiqi attended Rutgers where he received his Bachelor Degree of Biology and Psychology. Working with patients throughout his undergraduate years persuaded him to apply for dental school. Graduated with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ in 2005. He was accepted to the GPR program in Monmouth Medical center in Long Branch NJ, where he held a Chief Residency position. Dr. Siddiqi has been part of the Saddle Brook dental team since 2014.

Dr. Zakary Yermolenko is a graduate of Rutgers School of Dental Medicine where he received his degree in Doctor of Dental Medicine. He received an award for exhibiting the greatest interest, knowledge, and proficiency in the field of general dentistry during his senior year from the Academy of General Dentistry. His determination is not only to restore patients’ oral healthcare but to prevent oral diseases as well. He is dedicated, motivated, and determined to provide the best care for his patients with his knowledge and experience.

EDUCATION
DMD, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
MS in Biology, Seton Hall University
BA in Biology, Rutgers University

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Dental Association
New Jersey Dental Association
Academy of General Dentistry
LANGUAGES
ENGLISH, RUSSIAN, SPANISH

Dr Aboelsaad joins our offices 7 years ago and continuing to be an amazing member or our team.

Dr. Aboelsaad graduated from Alexandria Dental school in 2011.He continued his education at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). He is a member of American Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Aboelsaad treats his patients with great passion and the utmost respect. He provides patient care through maintaining the highest ethical, personal, and professional standards.

Dr. Hayeon Koo, originally from Seoul, Korea, graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Nutritional Science from Cornell University. She then earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Howard University College of Dentistry in Washington, D.C.  Dr. Koo was selected to complete a multi-disciplinary General Practice Residency at the BronxCare Health System in Bronx, New York, where she received advanced training in all the specialties of dentistry including oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, pediatrics and treatment of medically compromised patients.  Dr. Koo is an active member of the American Dental Association and a certified provider of Invisalign. Dr. Koo listens intently to patients' needs and concerns in order to provide professional, gentle and quality care.

Dr. Veronica Michael attended Rutgers University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science & Sports Studies with a minor in Psychology. She then graduated from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Massachusetts, with her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.

During her free time, Dr. Michael enjoys spending time with friends & family, reading, hiking, and giving back to the community through church services. She is also an extremely dedicated and loyal customer to Starbucks.

Dr. Naldo Barbagelata, DMD is from Peru. He graduated with his dentistry degree in 1991.Then in 2013 he graduated as a DMD from the University of Puerto Rico’s advanced placement dental program. Dr. Barbagelata is a skilled general dentist who specializes in fillings, root canal treatments, dentures, crowns and bridges. Dr. Barbagelata is bilingual and speaks both English and Spanish. In his free time, Dr. Barbagelata enjoys music and soccer.

Specializes in general and restorative care, the latest wave technique in root canals, and cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. Dr. Medhat Awad graduated New York University College of Dentistry, the third oldest and the largest dental school in the country, in 2000. He has been licensed in both New York and New Jersey for over 15 years, and has practiced outside the U.S. for four years. Dr. Awad stays current with industry practices through continuing education programs at Columbia and Rutgers Universities.

Education:

DDS, New York University College of Dentistry

BDS, Cairo University, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine

High Dental Diploma (HDD) postgraduate degree in Oral Surgery, Cairo University

Certificate from American Dental Association

Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, one-year General Dentistry Residency Program

Certificate of Research, Patient Care and Teaching

Professional Affiliations

American Dental Association

New York State Dental Association

Mayra Suero-Wade, DDS, MPH is a practicing dentist with over 25 years of experience.   Dr. Suero completed her undergraduate studies at New York University and completed her Doctorate of Dental Surgery and Master of Public Health degrees both at Columbia University. She served as part/time Associate Professor of Dentistry at Columbia University School of Dental Medicine (CUSDM) and also served as part of the admission committee. 

For 15 years she owned her private practice in NYC before selling it and moving to New Jersey to continue dental services.  Dr. Suero is part of a medical mission team that provides free dentistry to underserved communities around the globe.  She has received numerous awards and commendations and has been named “Top Dentist of New Jersey”.  Dr. Suero enjoys traveling, ballroom dancing, mentoring, and writing.  She lives in Saddle River with her husband Dr. Mark Wade, they have 3 adult children

Dr. Aldo Lomanto graduated from Rutgers School of Dentistry in 1993 and completed a prosthodontal residency soon after. With 26 years of service, he enjoys completing patient’s smiles. When he’s not in the office, he enjoys fishing, hiking, and kayaking with his wife.

Dr Essam Adly DDS is a caring, dedicated, compassionate dentist for over 40 years. Since he graduated from Cairo University in Egypt in May 1981 with a Bachelor Degree in Dental Medicine and Surgery, he continued his education. He obtained a higher dental diploma in Oral Surgery in 1991 and a higher dental diploma in prosthetic dentistry in 1992 in Cairo University as well. Dr Adly received his DDS degree from NYU dental school in May 1998 where he graduated with honors. Shortly after he got a promotion and had the privilege of working as an instructor in NYU. He was House Staff Officer in Oral Surgery at Bellview Hospital from July 1998 to June 1999 where he learned how to do implants. He is also a member of the Middlesex county dental society, AAGD and is a certified Invisalign provider. He is the original founder of Cosmetic Dentistry and Implants.

Dr. Anna is a general dentist at NUVA smile, with a passionate approach to comprehensive dentistry. As a recent addition to the wonderful team, each day Dr. Anna is excited to see people who have become family and treat patients who have become friends. Dr. Anna graduated from SUNY Cortland with a Bachelor’s of Science in biology, Bachelor’s of Arts in English, and a minor in chemistry. Dr. Anna was involved in multiple projects with cosmetic science and her passion for cosmetics can be appreciated in her aesthetic dental work for her patients.

Dr. Anna’s background with dentistry stems back to high school. She came to the United States from Poland at 13 years old. Involvement with dentistry was accidental, as she was placed in a dental assisting elective as an extracurricular activity, which then immediately became a life-time passion. Dr. Anna then attended NYU University and while being a full-time student, researched the importance of inflammation affecting the synovial fluid of the temporomandibular joint, allowing her to aid her patients with TMJ pain and physical therapy. Dr. Anna states that her favorite part about NUVA Smile is the inclusiveness. She is serving as the primary polish-speaking provider, but is proud of her office for being able to translate many different languages, making the office a home for everybody. Outside of work, Dr. Anna loves to swim, hike, and explore nature. She is a biologist at heart, and walking around and appreciating and noticing birds, plants, and landscapes is her favorite hobby.

Dr. Josh Singh is the Clinical Director of Riverwalk Family Dental. He graduated from New York University and undergrad at the University of the Pacific achieving his DDS degree.

He has had a passion for helping people and most especially for alleviating them of their pain for as long he can remember. Growing up he recalls excruciating toothache pain both his mother and sister would endure. He realized then that is one of the worst types of pain to be afflicted with and potentially fatal if left untreated. Helping his family from this type of suffering illuminated not only the path to proceed but demonstrated his need to care for those in need was always the driving force in all of his accomplishments that led him to dentistry. He eventually proved his skills on surgery, root canals and a particular interest in cosmetic dentistry as well.

It is no surprise that he would venture into starting a pro bono association with dentists in Philadelphia that share and upheld the same ideals in a way to give back to the community.

Day to day at the office he never lost sight of what was most important to him and that is taking patients out of their pain.
In his off time he enjoys cooking and enjoys sharing recipes with anyone who enjoys it too.

Overall he sees being free of pain and self care  part of the whole person and his accomplishments in dentistry is a reflection of this.

Dr. Pedro Sperandio Lopes Morales was born in Londrina, Brazil. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, state of New Jersey . With an extensive background in dental implants, bone grafts, third molar extractions, and all kinds of impacted teeth, he provides expert care to all his patients. He stays up to date with the newest dental practices through personal research, dental conferences, and continued education courses. He is also apart of the American Dental Association and the New Jersey Dental Association. His passion for helping people with their dental needs led him to giving back to his community through Adotei um sorriso or “Adopted a smile” project for over 17 years.

Outside the office, he enjoys traveling, and outdoor activities with his wife and two children.

David Matouk Betesh DMD is a general dentist licensed in both New York and New Jersey. After attending Tufts Dental School and Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, Dr Betesh started practicing dentistry in 2014. Prior to his dental education, Dr Betesh attended CUNY Brooklyn College Scholars Program as well as the Yeshivah of Flatbush. Dr Betesh’s family is originally from Aleppo, Syria.

Dr Betesh, focuses on excellent patient care and fostering positive dental experiences. He will always take the time to answer patient’s questions and explain the procedure being performed. He is proficient in all areas of dentistry. He welcomes all patients from early childhood to geriatrics, as well as those with special needs.

Among the many different services offered at Jersey Shore Dental Center, Dr Betesh's favorite procedure are wisdom tooth extractions. During this experience, a patient typically enters the office with a great deal of pain and fear. However, from the moment the tooth is extracted, all of the patient's fears disappear and the patient shows extreme amounts of gratitude to the doctor for making the procedure painless and smooth. This type of doctor-patient relationship is what keeps Dr Betesh invigorated.

When not in the dental office, Dr Betesh focuses his attention on the Sephardic Pizmonim Project, whose website, www.pizmonim.com, aims to preserve liturgical poetry of the Syrian Sephardic Jewish tradition. In addition to this, Dr Betesh has been a collector of US Coins (silver and gold) since the third grade. When Dr Betesh is at home, he especially enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two young children.

Dr. Patel believes in practicing gentle and compassionate, quality comprehensive-care dentistry. He believes that the best approach to any treatment is to first take the time to understand his patient’s needs and wants, and to then provide the best functional and esthetic result possible. 

Dr. Patel has extensive experience in all aspects of modern dentistry with beautiful results. He received his dental degree from Columbia University in 1994. He regularly attends continuing education courses in the various fields of dentistry in order to stay abreast of the most modern and current approaches for his patients’ treatment. 

Outside of the office, Dr. Patel enjoys riding motorcycles, skateboarding, fitness, and spending time with his wife and newly rescued shelter-pup, Munky

Dr. Javier Urquiola is a prosthodontist and has been a practicing prosthodontics since 1996. Dr. Urquiola received his undergraduate education at Columbia College at Columbia University. After college he entered New York University College of Dentistry and graduated in 1991. He continued his dental education in a one year general practice residency at Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, NY.

Dr. Urquiola received his prosthodontics training at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. After completing his postgraduate studies, Dr. Urquiola joined the faculty of Columbia University as a full time assistant professor.

Dr. Urquiola is the developer and patent holder for an implant framework design. He has written several articles in peer reviewed journals. Dr. Urquiola serves on the board of reviewers for the Journal of Prosthodontics, the official journal of the American College of Prosthodontists, which promotes the advanced study and practice of prosthodontics, implants, aesthetic and reconstructive dentistry.

Dr. Richa Vajpeyee currently works at the Orange Dental location in East Orange,New Jersey as an Associate Dentist. Always assured he has chosen the right profession when he looks back as always seeing it as a noble profession and one that impacts peoples lives and truly makes a difference. Being both a member of the American Dental Association and the New Jersey Dental Association is something he takes great pride in but most of all the smiles on patients faces. He’s always seen this practice as an interconnection of overall health and has seen firsthand regularly the confidence it builds. 

Other than his passion for dentistry he spends a great deal of time with family and their support and encouragement has only helped to follow his path.

Dr. Rawan Attili holds a Bachelor’s in Biology from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.  She received  her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and then went on to complete a one year residency program for advanced training at the Hackensack University Medical Center. 

Dr. Attili is a member of both the American Dental Association and New Jersey Dental Association. She is both ACLS and BLS certified to ensure proper and comprehensive care to all patients. 

Outside of work, Dr. Attili loves to spend her time outdoors, staying active, volunteering and reading.

Dr. Zakaria Fouad is a dedicated general dentist based in North Jersey. Dr. Fouad earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from New York University School of Dentistry in 2021 and has been in practice at Nuva Smile ever since.

Dr. Fouad is passionate about dentistry and has been since an early age in his life. He knew he wanted to become a dentist from very early on. Dr. Fouad practices a broad range of general dentistry and takes full passion in each service provided to patients.
Outside of work Dr. Fouad loves being outdoors. His favorite hobbies are hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.

Dr. Niraj Gadvhi has been inspired  to become a dentist watching her uncle work on patients. She chose to get her degree from The University of Buffalo and from there graduated from The Buffalo Dental School. She is a part of The American Dental Association and prides herself in the dental office as a team player. Aside from the dental office and having her patients needs met you can often find her at the tennis courts where she enjoys playing. It is no surprise she comes in to the office and inspires others.

Dr Dan graduated from NYU College Of Dentistry . He has always wanted to be a dentist since a young age, having many people in his family who are also active in the dental field. He is currently an active member in many dental groups and communities including the ADA and other local organizations. His favorite thing about working is my ability to provide quality care to people while making his patients as comfortable as He possibly can. Outside of work, you can find him enjoying his weekends taking various hikes, enjoying local eats and exploring the cities around the area.

Dr. Deepa Alahari is very passionate about providing high-quality dental treatment to all her patients. She is an honors graduate from the University of Detriot Mercy MI. She has been practicing dentistry for 14 years. Dr. Alahari is an energetic, enthusiastic, dedicated, and caring person who enjoys working with the community. She enjoys being a family dentist where she can take care of dental needs for all ages. Her mission is to provide excellent dental care to all her patients by expanding her knowledge through continuing education courses and research.

Dr. Alahari is active in the dental community as a member of the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Associates. She enjoys doing yoga and is a follower of Jaggi Vasudev, a.k.a. Sadguru. She also enjoys spending time with family/friends, traveling, and cooking.