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Meet the Team at Willow Pond Dental

A Friendly and Experienced Dental Team

Our team believes that exceptional dental care starts with genuine relationships. Each member of our staff brings experience, compassion, and a dedication to helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles.

We work closely together to ensure every patient receives the highest level of care in a supportive and comfortable setting. Whether assisting during treatments, answering questions, or helping you schedule appointments, our team is always here to help.

At Willow Pond Dental, we truly enjoy what we do, and it shows in the care we provide. Seeing our patients leave with brighter, healthier smiles is what motivates us every day.

Start Your Journey to a Healthier Smile

Our Team

Meet Dr. O’Keefe

Hello, I am Dr. Terry O’Keefe and I started this dental practice in November of 1990. I would like to “fill you in” about myself. I have been in dental practice for over 28 years. I guess you could call me a crusty old veteran, although most people know that I’m still a kid at heart.

I was born in South Buffalo in 1960 (wow does that seem like a long time ago). My dad was a Buffalo policeman and my mom worked as a secretary. I have two great brothers: Tim and Kevin, and a wonderful sister named Kate. We fought day and night as children, but are very close now.

My Educational Experience

I learned at a young age that “hard work pays off in the long run”; and that “all work and no play make for a dull boy” – so I combined the two all through my education. At Holland Central High School I was voted class clown every year. While in college at the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) the clowning turned to cloning as I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry.

In the fall of 1982 I started learning what I actually do now in UB’s School of Dental Medicine. This was and still is, one of the top dental schools in the country. It was very challenging, and they taught me well. Eating and sleeping were replaced by studying, lab technique, treating patients and every paying job I could find. I often held more than one job, and I am proud to say that with the help of student loans I was able to pay for my entire education.

I started my dental career with the Vermont Dental Care group in Brattleboro VT, but soon moved to Rochester to work for a dental group in the mall. It did not take long for me to decide that this type of practice was not for me… you just don’t get to know who your patients are.

Growing the Practice & My Family

I opened my own office November 2, 1990. At first the space was just a big shell, but as time went on it grew. A few counters here, some wallpaper and paint there, my diplomas, a few pictures… and I had an office. Our family grew just as fast as my practice. Brien was born in 1989, Colin in 1991 and Sean in 2000. As you can imagine, three hungry boys was more than enough to keep me motivated.

In 1994 my family made the move to Penfield where we have become part of the community. Our children have all attended Penfield schools, while my wife, Arlette, and I have volunteered for various community and school activities. It is nice to work in the community where you live…to keep the personal touch going.

By 2002 my practice needed more space, so we moved into our present office at 21 Willow Pond Way, Suite 203. A great deal of planning went into the move so that we could remain a leader and dental technology in our community. We computerized all of our treatment rooms for digital images and x-ray, and now we have a Diode Laser and CEREC CAD-CAM ceramic crown making technology. Staying on the forefront of dental technology takes a lot of time and work, but for us it is worth it.

Memberships & Affiliations

Professionally, I am a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the Dental Society of the State of New York, the Seventh District Dental Society, and the Monroe County Dental Society. I have served on the Monroe County Dental Society board of directors, was past president of the Rochester Dental Study Club. I subscribe to many dental magazines, journals and online forums. I also attend many continuing education courses to improve my knowledge and familiarize myself with the emerging technologies.

I work hard at being the best dentist that I can be, but I never forget my sense of humor. That is how I can make you smile at my dental office!

Meet Dr. Cohen

I have been practicing dentistry in private and public settings for over 14 years, after completing my DMD degree in 2010 at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. Committed to providing dental care of the highest level, I relocated to Rochester in 2013 to pursue advanced dental training at the Dental Urgent Care Fellowship at the University of Rochester. Then I joined the AEGD (Advanced Education in General Dentistry) program at the Eastman Institute of Oral Health, Rochester, NY. Lastly, I graduated from the GPR program at the St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, NY in 2020.

I have years of experience and vast knowledge in many areas of dentistry. I completed many programs in the field of general, aesthetic, and family dentistry. I have worked with patients of all ages and walks of life. Through volunteering in underserved areas, to practicing in clinics with complex social needs, I feel that my personality and love of people creates a welcoming, comfortable environment for both patients and staff. I have advanced experience with correctly addressing patients’ needs. I know how to incorporate all different implant restorative options, if and when needed. I enjoy the ability to incorporate high tech and AI into dentistry in a professional way, but I am a big advocate of “old school” dentistry also. I am dedicated to providing patients with the highest level of dental care, that leaves them comfortable and well-cared for. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, and spending time with my family.

Let’s Keep Your Smile Healthy

Meet Our Wonderful Staff

Tyna, Dental Assistant

I am Dr. O’Keefe’s Dental Assistant. I have worked with him for over 30 years. I look forward to meeting you!

Heather, Dental Hygienist

I’ve been a Dental Hygienist for 30 years. I look forward to meeting you and cleaning your teeth!

Sophia, Dental Assistant

Hi! I’m Sophia, and I am Dr O’Keefe’s assistant. I’ve been with the practice for over a year now, and I can’t wait to meet you!

Camille, Receptionist

Bio coming soon!

Jackie, Dental Hygienist

Coming Soon