Kenneth M. Markel, D.M.D, M.S.D.

Dr. Ken is our Pediatric specialist. After graduating as a dentist from the University of Pennsylvania in 1978, he spent two years in the Children's Medical Center of Dallas Texas completing his pediatric specialty training. Dr. Ken spent more time training with special needs patients before going into private practice in 1981. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Manhattan District Dental society. Dr. Ken has almost thirty years experience in helping children and their families achieve their dental goals.

Dr. Ken has three children; Julienne, Nicholas, and Colin. Julienne is twenty-two years old, graduated from Johns Hopkins last year and is currently working for the advertising firm Oglivy & Mather. Nicholas is finished with his second year at Franklin Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. He is a starting pitcher and finished the season with a 5-1 record. Colin is seventeen years old, in his senior year at Scarsdale High School and is also a starting pitcher. Colin has been accepted at Brandeis University, and will be pitching there as well.

Larry P. Markel, D.M.D.

Dr. Larry Markel graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1984 and completed his General Practice Residency at the Lutheran Medical Center of Brooklyn in 1985. He is an active member of the American Dental Association.

Dr Larry and Dr Ken Markel co-founded West Side Family Dental Group in 1985 with a mission dedicated to comprehensive patient care with an emphasis on prevention. Dr Larry and Dr Ken continue to perfect the team approach, with on site specialists and a highly professional auxiliary staff.

Extensive continuing education and a commitment to individualized treatment are the hallmarks of Dr Larry’s approach to successful dental practice. Dr Larry has studied extensively and continues to train at the Nash Institute for Dental Learning.

Dr. Larry’s hobbies include everything outdoors, but especially golf and skiing. He also loves to cook for his family – wife Amy and three children Bryce, Alana and Hudson.

Michael S. Shreck, D.M.D

Dr. Shreck is our periodontal specialist. He received his Periodontal Certificate from Columbia University Dental School after completing his residency at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center. Like Dr. Larry, he graduated from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1984.

Dr. Shreck has over 19 years of private practice experience. He is committed to continuing education, having completed over 500 hours of C.E. in Periodontics, implants, and other procedures.

He is a member of the ADA, the American Academy of Periodontics, the Academy of Osseointegration, and the Long Island Academy of Periodontics. He was elected the President of the Board of Directors of the Nassau County Dental Society and chairs their membership and communications Committee.

In his spare time, Dr. Shreck enjoys reading and playing tennis.

Ted S. Wohl, D.M.D., M.S.

Dr. Wohl is our Orthodontics specialist. A 1993 graduate of University of Pennsylvania, he also holds an Ortho Certificate from University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and a Masters in Oral Biology.

He received a certificate in the Diagnosis and Management of Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders in 1995.

Originally hailing from sunny Miami, Florida, Dr. Wohl enjoys exotic travel and has trekked his way through the mountains of Nepal, Peru, Europe, and the Galapagos Islands.

Dr. Wohl currently lives in Brooklyn with his wife and his daughter Maya.

Christopher Bayer, D.D.S.

Dr. Christopher Bayer grew up in Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. After attending school, Dr. Bayer was selected into a residency in dentistry at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago.

There he received advanced training in Oral Surgery, Endodontics, Periodontics, restorative dentistry, implants, sedation, and medically compromised patients.

Dr. Bayer practiced in San Francisco area for three and a half years where he focused on cosmetic and family dentistry before moving to NYC in 2009. His main priority is providing exceptional patient care through a commitment to continuing education. In his free time, Chris likes to spend time with his wife playing soccer, golf, and tennis along with swimming, hiking, and skiing.

Currently, he is a member of the American Dental Association, New York State Dental Association, New York County Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry.

Soo Kim, D.D.S.

Dr. Kim is our endodontic specialist as well as clinical instructor in the Department of Endodontics at Columbia University. Dr. Kim received her dental degree as well as her Certificate in Endodontics from Columbia University. Between her two degrees, Dr. Kim also completed an Advanced Education in General practice at Columbia University. Dr. Kim was extensively involved in research effort having multiple publications and research presentations as a post doctoral fellow. In 2007, Dr. Kim received American Association Endodontic resident award in the areas of pulpal stem cell research. As an undergraduate student she received undergraduate research fellowship from Rockefeller University in New York.

Dr. Kim is a classically trained pianist as a young star. She also enjoys all outdoor sports with her daughter. She participates in small running races in New York City throughout the year.

Currently, Dr. Kim is a member of the American Association of Endodontics, American Dental Association, New York State Dental Association and New York County Dental Society.

Cristina M. Abreu Sosa, D.M.D

Dr. Cris is our new pediatric specialist. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she
graduated from the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine in
2006. Right after finishing dental school, she completed a year of General
Practice Residency at the New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia
Medical Center (2006-2007). Then she successfully completed 2 years
in pediatric specialty training at New York University College of Dentistry
(NYUCD 2007-2009). Dr. Cris is currently a clinical assistant professor
at NYUCD working mostly with the pre-doctoral students and outreach programs.

She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
(AAPD) and is a board candidate of the AAPD.

Besides being a pediatric dentist, Dr. Cris is a Master teacher in Usui/
Tibetan Reiki- a Japanese spiritual healing technique mostly used for the
management of anxiety, pain and stress. Also, she completed a certificate
in Ericksonian hypnosis level 1. Her goal is to integrate her knowledge in
conventional and alternative dentistry to make a positive contribution to
children’s oral health and overall health.

Isabel Cziko - Front Desk Administrator

Isabel has been part of our organization for the last 12 years. Her extensive dental background is an asset to our company and instrumental to our growth.

In her spare time she practices yoga, is an avid reader and enjoys life with her husband David, children and grandchildren. Matthew her grandson is growing rapidly and brings her much joy. Her granddaughter Chelsea is in middle school and is a great soccer player.

Dr. Yogesh Bhatt - Operations & Financial Officer

Yogesh received his B.D.S degree (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) from Bombay University - India in 1977. He received his D.D.S degree from New York University College of Dentistry in 1981. He also received training in M.B.A.

Yogesh joined our practice twelve years ago. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and listening to Classical music.

Alla Aronova - Front Desk Administrator

My name is Alla and I come from Uzbekistan (Tashkent). After completing high school, I migrated to the United States where I attended Queens Borough College and studied Financial Administration. I also attended Mandl School for Medical and Dental Assistance program.

Most of you already know me, as I have been here for about 8 years. I would like to welcome you if you are considering become a new patient here at Westside Family Dental.

Besides greeting you, scheduling appointments and taking your calls I handle all aspects of insurance processing and I know I can help you better understand and maximize any insurance coverage that you have.

In my spare time I enjoy music, reading and surfing the web.

Andrea Marsh - Dental Hygienist

Andrea comes from the sunny tropical Caribbean Island of Jamaica. She graduated from New York University College of Dentistry. In her spare time, Andrea enjoys listening to reggae music, outdoor concerts and spending time with family and friends. Andrea is also an avid sports fan.

Victor D. Garcia - Head Dental Assistant

Hi! My name is Victor Garcia and I am the Head Assistant here at West Side Family Dental Group. I've been working here for 5 years and I hope I have been able to make your visits here more comfortable and relaxed. I hope I've helped you to understand the procedures better and I look forward to continue to improve our relationship over the years.

I am originally from Peru and I came to this country in 2001 and I was studying English in Seattle at that time, a year later I came to New York where I hope to continue my studies. Currently I live in New Jersey with my wife and my 2 year old son.

In my free time I like to play tennis, swimming and hiking

Ilona Sowa - Dental Assistant

My name is Ilona Sowa. I am from Poland, and I came to New York in 2003, I live in Glendale, Queens. I am currently finishing up my Associate degree in Business Administration, and I am planning to continue my education and get my Bachelor Degree at Baruch College. I believe nothing in life is impossible to achieve as long as you have a true desire for your goals.

I usually never have time to do anything because I work fulltime and go to school full time as well, but when I do get a chance to relax my favorite things to do are interior design, playing tennis and going to the beach in the summer, I also like listening to smooth jazz.

Iwona Sienkiewicz - Dental Assistant

My name is Iwona Sienkiewicz. I was born and raised in Poland and have been in New York for the past 10 years. I attended New York Institute of English and Business for Medical Office Assistant Program. For the past 5 years I have been a dental assistant and enjoy assisting the doctors in patient care.

I have a 9 year old daughter whose name is Karolina. In my free time I like to listen to music, read books, travel and spend time with my family.

Christina Taveras - Front Desk Receptionist

Hello everybody! My name is Christina Tavares. I am the new receptionist in Westside Family Dental Group. This is a great, new experience for me in dental office. I am learning so much and looking forward to learning so much more.

I am also looking forward to getting to know you and to hear from you. You'll be hearing a lot more of me. I'll be calling to confirm your appointments and to schedule your check up and cleanings. I am a college student majoring in psychology. I am really close to my family and it means everything to me.

Anna Piotrowska - Dental Assistant

Hello everybody! My name is Anna Piotrowska, I am from Poland and I've been in this country for 4 years. I live with my family and my husband. I like this country very much, especially New York City.

I am looking forward to work on the different treatments for the patients and be able to help them.

In my free time I like hiking, especially in New York upstate with so many beautiful landscapes.

Yani Goodman - Dental Hygienist

Hyon Goodman, better known to all as "Yani", graduated from New York University College of Dentistry in 1998. Yani did her internship at Beth Israel Psychiatric Ward, Bellevue Pediatric Dental Care Center and Goldwater Memorial Hospital where she provided dental hygiene to special needs patients.

In her college years, Yani was involved with special projects in minority oral healthcare research in the New York City area. During her studies at New York University, she was on the Dean's list and earned N.Y.U scholarships in 1996, 1997, 1998.

Recently Yani has received a Dental Hygiene local infiltration anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia certificate from New York University College of Dentistry. She is now able to give patients locally administered anesthesia to patients who are extremely sensitive to cleanings and patients with treatment need of scaling and root planning. Yani is very knowledgeable about oral care and the latest products on bleaching. Feel free to call her or drop by West Side Family Dental Group to further discuss the details. Yani is always happy to help you anytime.

In her spare time, Yani enjoys meeting new people, shopping and spending time with her family and friends.