Our History

As Told By Our Founder, Dr. Valentine Bloch (Retired)

The year was 1948 when I proudly treated my very first patient in my dental practice over Hirschman’s Pharmacy (now Parkview) on Queen Anne Road.  As my career winds down over 50 years later, I would like to share some thoughts with my patients.

After 50 years of dentistry, I have certainly seen many changes. That first summer, the summer of ‘48 over Hirschman’s drug store, the office was not air-conditioned. High-speed drills were still a few years away and disposable needles had just been introduced

X-rays required a comparatively hefty dose of radiation and had to be developed by hand. Fillings were silver and I mixed the silver and mercury by hand in a mortar and pestle. Today, air conditioning is taken for granted. The high speed drill is our basic instrument with micro air abrasion replacing some of its functions. Our x-rays are extremely low dose and appear instantly on the computer monitor. Cosmetic dentistry is the order of the day, with silver and mercury amalgam being replaced by ever-improving tooth colored materials.

Teaneck has also changed dramatically. In 1948, much of State Street, including our present location, was occupied by Quonset huts, which were used as temporary housing for returning war veterans. The railroad served hundreds of commuters every day with train stations on Palisade Avenue at the bottom of Ayers Court and further south near Cedar Lane.

In 1952 I was recalled for the Korean conflict just as my brother Norton was discharged from his own military service. He took over the office for the year and a half that I was away. From 1954 to 1972, we practiced over the drug store. In 1972 feeling the need for larger quarters we moved to our present location, allowing an on-site laboratory and other amenities. In 1983, we took in a young Dr. Richard Gertler, and the ever sweet Dr. Michele Bloch, Norton’s daughter, joined the practice in 1989. Dr. Shah joined us around three years ago, and Dr. Szumita is on the team as well.

A business partnership can be difficult to sustain. Norton, Richard, Michele and myself all bring differing approaches to dentistry. I am very thankful for way that we all complement each other. We are all better dentists because of it. Since moving, we have undergone two more expansions and introduced a team of excellent hygienists. Through all of the changes over fifty-five years, harmony always prevailed in the office as we always strove toward the goal of being the best that we could be.

Currently, though I am spending less time practicing clinical dentistry, I am still excited to see all the changes in the office and the profession. I am amazed to see the beautiful porcelain veneers and Cerec one visit computer-manufactured crowns.

Until recently, I sat on the NJ State Board of Dentistry, which is a branch of the Department of Consumer Affairs. I enjoyed that aspect of dentistry as well.

I still love going to work and seeing my patients and their children and grandchildren. I am thankful for every day of my career.