The sparkling new offices of Dr. John Heffernan, founder of Advanced Dentistry, are a warm tribute to the beautiful smiles he loves to create
By Laura Briedis
When you walk into the new offices of Advanced Dentistry by John Heffernan, you don’t feel like you are in a dental practice. A coffee bar with a large-screen TV above it streaming cooking shows makes you feel at home. Even when you go back into one of the four treatment rooms, which are decorated in calming blues and grays, the comfy amenities are juxtaposed with high-tech equipment. There are even television screens on the ceiling so you can watch your favorite show when reclined in the dental chair.
And when you meet Dr. Heffernan, you realize at once how his personality mirrors the surroundings.
With a friendly, approachable demeanor, Dr. Heffernan puts his patients at ease. As part of a huge Italian family that always gathers to share home-cooked meals, he is quick to make you feel welcome and is eager to become ingrained in his new community.
“I love dentistry because I love people, and I’ve seen the power that a smile can hold,” says Dr. Heffernan. “We will be giving back to our community every single day to share those smiles.”
Originally from Columbus, Dr. Heffernan moved to Northeast Ohio with his wife, Dr. Brittany Heffernan, who also is a dentist and practices at Brunswick KiDDS. They met at Miami University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology, followed by a doctorate of dental surgery from The Ohio State University. He completed his residency at Akron City Hospital Summa Health System and then worked in other private practices for almost a decade before opening his own business this summer.
Located next to Brunswick KiDDS, Advanced Dentistry shares its orthodontics office space as well as a patient-centric culture.
“We are positioned as a multi-specialty group where we can offer a continuum of care from pediatric dentistry to family dentistry,” says Dr. Heffernan, who credits Brunswick KiDDS owner Dr. Milton Ntragatakis with being his mentor and helping him open his own business.
“The only difference is you will see Disney on TVs over there and hear ‘80s music and watch cooking shows over here,” he laughs.
Advanced Dentistry is a full-service practice offering both preventive care, including cleanings and wisdom teeth extraction, and cosmetic dentistry, such as veneers and dentures. Dr. Heffernan also handles periodontal care, including gum disease treatment and gum contouring, and offers orthodontics.
“I love being able to provide both traditional braces and clear aligners like Invisalign and ClearCorrect, and treat both children and adults,” he says.
With specialized training in orthodontics and laser dentistry, he also is well versed in Digital Smile Design.
“I enjoy facially generated treatment planning,” explains Dr. Heffernan. “I start with the patient’s face to visualize his or her desired smile, whether making a single restoration or a full mouth rehabilitation.”
Other advanced technology includes wireless intraoral scanners that take scans to make clear aligners for orthodontics and are used to take impressions for crowns and veneers, eliminating the need for taking impressions with that dreaded, gooey material.
More than just a new business in town, Advanced Dentistry is excited to be active in the community.
A former high school quarterback and lacrosse player, Dr. Heffernan loves sports and is an avid Browns, Indians and Buckeye fan, and he is looking forward to supporting local high school and youth sports.
To pay it forward, Dr. Heffernan is starting a Smiles for Smiles program to donate to different charities, starting with Folds of Honor and the local food bank, by making a donation on behalf of each patient who comes in for a service.
Advanced Dentistry is located at 1832 Pearl Road in Brunswick. For an appointment, call 330-460-3016 or visit AdvancedDentistryBrunswick.com. Most insurances are accepted and membership plans are available for those without dental insurance.