Dr. Brent Gartner, DDS

About

I enjoy my profession as a general dentist. After more than 30 years, I still find my work interesting and rewarding. How many people can say that about their work? Having the opportunity to give someone a smile they can use every day of their life, while enabling them to eat a healthy, nourishing, life-prolonging diet, is something for which I am truly thankful. I began my practice in 1982 and have worked in Wayne ever since. I love dentistry as a profession because I enjoy working with people. I learn so much from their unique experiences: some are restaurant ``foodies`` so I get first hand reviews of all the new restaurants on the Main Line, some are into bicycling, so I learn from them what new trails or bike gear is out there. I have a patient who owns two comic book stores, another owns a coin collecting store, and yet another- a garage door business. If they play golf, well we could stay on that topic forever! What it comes down to is building trusting relationships with the people in my community. It's why ours is a referral-based practice. Our patients know they'll receive the best possible treatment from people who genuinely care about their health and well-being. EDUCATION AND CONTINUING EDUCATION I grew up in Bucks County and graduated from Council Rock High School. I completed my undergraduate education at Penn State, graduating with Highest Distinction and a 4.0 GPA. Then, I went on to Temple University Dental School, where I graduated in the top five percent of my class and was elected into Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. It is considered by many to be the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a dental school graduate. One of the most interesting aspects of dentistry is keeping up on the latest tools and technology. As a child, I was always good at model building. I liked intricate, precision things like a watch or a well-made model train set. I have always appreciated ``cool gadgets,`` and dentistry certainly has lots of cool gadgets and fancy equipment! Over the years, I have attended all avenues of advanced dental education from local study club meetings to international multi-day conferences. Through interaction and collaboration with other dental practitioners around the country, our combined years of experience often lead to new innovations and products in dentistry. I am a firm believer that you learn something new every day. Learning something new in dentistry not only excites me and makes my life better but it allows me to make my patients lives better as well. PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS American Dental Association Pennsylvania Dental Association Main Line Dental Society Temple University Conwell Society Penn State Alumni Association Life Member ABOUT THE TEAM My team at Strafford Dental is exceptional. They are all very intelligent and all have great personalities. Our front desk staff are great; they are warm and welcoming to our patients, but also firm and savvy when working with insurance companies to maximize coverage for our patients. Our hygienists and assistants are highly trained, skilled professionals who, at the same time, are very warm and compassionate individuals who put patients at ease with their calm, friendly demeanor. OUTSIDE THE OFFICE I met my wife during my first year at dental school and her first year of dental hygiene school. We have been married 33 years now, and have been blessed with two children. Our daughter is a University of Delaware graduate and is a registered dietitian, currently working full time and enrolled in a master's program in dietetics. Our son is a senior at Villanova University and will be going to dental school next year. Our family dog is an 11-year-old cockapoo named Nellie. I am passionate about family time. Any opportunity when we can all be together, whether it is a simple meal at home or a week long family vacation is a treasure to me. As our children get older and their lives become more complicated, family time together see