Dr. Brian Marino, DDS

Owner

Meet Dr. Brian Marino! Dr. Marino was raised in Oakland, NJ and attended Indian Hills High School. He currently resides in Wyckoff with his wife Kristen, their three children, James, Elizabeth, Madelyn and their dog Ryder, a Golden Retriever. When not treating patients Dr. Marino enjoys spending quality time with his family and rooting them on in soccer and lacrosse. He is a dedicated and committed baseball fan and loyal to the New York Yankees. A true outdoors man, he enjoys some stream time fly fishing in the West, the Catskills and locally on the Flat Brook with his son James and brother Frank. Dr. Marino loves exploring and traveling to new places with his family and is always brought back to his beloved Cape Cod where he enjoys fishing, biking and paddle boarding.

After working with two different doctors for a number of years Dr. Marino decided to open his own practice, it was in 2007 that Pequannock Valley Dental Associates was created. Dr. Marino was able to create a practice that reflects his practice philosophy where quality patient care is a top priority in a warm and welcoming environment. He focuses on connecting with the patients on a personal level so together they can develop a treatment plan that is tailored to the patient’s dental needs.

In April of 2021, Dr. Marino and Kristen acquired Dr. James Walter’s office in Montville, which became Montville Center for Dentistry. We had the opportunity to expand the space and the team! We are excited to be serving the patients in Montville and surrounding communities. In December of 2023, Dr. Marino and Kristen also had the opportunity to acquire two additional locations. One in Vernon, known as The Center for Dentistry of Vernon and in Whitehouse Station, Whitehouse Station Center For Dentistry.

We are making great changes to these additional locations which include facility updates, implementing the latest dental technology and growing a phenomenal team to serve all your dental needs. We are excited to be able to partner with you and your oral health!

Dr. Marino graduated from Rutgers College with honors and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Biology. A Dean’s Scholar graduate of University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) now known as Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. After completion of dental school, he chose to complete his general practice residency at Hackensack University Medical Center, which has been consistently rated New Jersey's #1 hospital by U.S. News & World Report. As a lifelong learner, Dr. Marino continues to routinely exceeds the annual requirements for continuing education in all areas of dentistry. He has been an Invisalign provider since 2004 and is one of very few dentists who traveled to Costa Rica to tour the facility where Invisalign is manufactured. While in Costa Rica, he had the opportunity to meet with case workers on an individual basis and learn the latest techniques in clear aligner treatment. He is also a member of clear aligners, (AACA). Dr. Marino has attended numerous courses in advanced courses in occlusion, advanced restorative dentistry and temporomandibular joint disorders at the Dawson Center. He is a CEREC user since 2008 and has personally restored thousands of same day porcelain crowns. He regularly attends advanced coursework on CAD CAM, also known as digital dentistry at the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry in Arizona. Dr. Marino is a graduate of the Schuster Center for Dentistry for high quality technically advanced dentist to structure their practice to engage patients in a ethical manner. Currently, he is studying Implant Dentistry and will be traveling to the Dominican Republic to continue his surgical and prosthetic training. He is an active member in the ADA, American Dental Association and the NJDA, New Jersey Dental Association.

Dr. Marino is truly committed to helping you achieve your optimal dental health. He and his team are highly trained to provide the best possible patient experience for you and your family.

Dr. Kelly Fennelly

Dentist

Dr. Kelly Fennelly grew up in Pompton Plains, NJ and is thrilled to be back in her hometown, treating patients and seeing many familiar faces. When Dr Fennelly is not at the office, she loves spending time with her husband, one year old daughter and two Labrador retrievers. Being outside as much as she can, Dr Fennelly enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and skiing. She also loves to cook, and wishes she could bake, but can truthfully say it never turns out well. She loves being a dentist, loves her patients, and is looking forward to meeting you at your next visit.

Credentials
Dr Fennelly received her bachelors of science degree at Marist College. She received her doctorate at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. After graduating dental school, Dr Fennelly completed further training at a 1 year General Practice Residency at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY.

Dr. Michael Chen

Endodontist

Dr. Michael Chen embarked on his academic journey at Duke University, where he successfully earned dual degrees in Economics and Mathematics. This multidisciplinary foundation set the stage for his future accomplishments in the field of dentistry. His profound interest in comprehending intricate systems became the cornerstone of his subsequent achievements.

Continuing his pursuit of knowledge, Dr. Chen enrolled in the esteemed Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where he delved deep into the intricate relationship between oral health and overall well-being. Armed with a comprehensive education, he further specialized in endodontics through a rigorous residency program at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Throughout this period, Dr. Chen not only refined his clinical expertise but also conducted research on cutting-edge topics such as minimally invasive endodontics and regenerative endodontics.

Emerging from his residency as a highly skilled and compassionate endodontist, Dr. Chen is poised to make a meaningful impact on the lives of his patients. His approach is rooted in patient-centered care, and he remains committed to staying at the forefront of dental advancements. Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Chen actively engages in continuing education programs, demonstrating his dedication to ongoing professional development.

Dr. Chen is distinguished as a board-certified endodontist and holds the prestigious title of Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics—the highest accolade in the field. His unwavering commitment to excellence positions him as a leading figure in endodontic care, ensuring that he delivers the highest standard of service to his patients while contributing to the continued progress of dental science.

Drew W. Fairweather, DMD

Drew W. Fairweather, DMD, FIDIA earned his dental degree from the Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dentistry, after earning his bachelor's degree from Notre Dame. His professional memberships include the Seattle Study Club, Dawson Academy Alumni Association, and the American Academy of Clear Aligners. He has also earned fellowship in the International Dental Implant Association.

Dr. Fairweather has taken numerous postgraduate education courses, including reconstructive and cosmetic dentistry at the prestigious Dawson Institute. He has specific training in both implant placement and restoration, so most patients can get the entire implant procedure done right here. His ongoing education also includes endodontics, reconstruction, and more, allowing him to incorporate these treatments into the practice and give you the smile you've always wanted. A Gold Plus Invisalign™ Provider, he has been published multiple times in the exclusive Journal of the American Academy of Clear Aligners. He also runs a study club for other Invisalign doctors. In 2018, Dr. Fairweather was named to the board of the American Academy of Clear Aligners, the fastest-growing dental association in North America.

Because active community participation doesn't stop with providing excellent dentistry, the practice participates in the Agape House for Women and Children and the Feeding Hands Pantry of Somerset County.

Dr. Fairweather and his wife Judy have five beautiful children and three grandchildren, and in his spare time, he enjoys skiing and traveling with his family.

Alexander Lavarez, DDS

Dr. Alexander Lavarez firmly believes that maintaining a healthy smile is integral to overall health. By taking the time to educate patients about the importance of their oral health, he aspires to empower patients to make informed decisions about their care. Combining a thorough understanding of dental practices with a genuine concern for patient comfort, Dr. Lavarez is committed to working with his patients to develop personalized treatment plans and delivering high quality dental care.

Dr. Alexander Lavarez first explored his passion for biological sciences at Rutgers University where he graduated with honors. He would then go on to earn his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Touro College of Dental Medicine. After completing dental school, he pursued further training and completed a General Practice Residency at Jersey City Medical Center where he fine-tuned his skills in all aspects of dentistry. As he strives to provide the best care for his patients, Dr. Lavarez stays up-to-date with the latest advancements and research in dentistry through continuing education courses.

In his spare time, Dr. Lavarez tries to satisfy his big appetite by discovering new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. He stays active by going to his local gym and exploring the hiking trails.

Through his expertise and dedication to his patients, Dr. Lavarez will strive to provide the best care to help you on your oral health journey.

Tristan Emborgo, DDS

Dr. Tristan Emborgo received his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology at the University of Texas at Austin before starting his dental training at Touro College of Dental Medicine to earn his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree. Upon graduation, he was awarded the Academy of General Dentistry Senior Student Dental Award for exhibiting the greatest knowledge and proficiency in general dentistry in his class.

For a few years, Dr. Emborgo went on to private practice in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Falling in love with the picturesque mountains and people of Sussex County that reminds Dr. Emborgo of his small hometown in East Texas, he decided to relocate near his significant other’s hometown of Highland Lakes and move to New Jersey.

As a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, he continues to stay informed of new research and innovation in the field. Dr. Emborgo believes in delivering clear communication, transparency, and approachability in patient care while providing quality dental work. He enjoys working with a diverse range of patients and can use his basic Spanish skills to interact when needed.

When out of the office, Dr. Emborgo roots for his Texas Longhorns in college football. He likes lifting weights, jogging trails, and wrenching on his motorcycle. If the weather permits, you may occasionally see him ride to the office on two wheels.