Upper Saucon Dentist has Strong Local Roots

Tomko Dental Associates opened its doors in early January at 7525 Tilghman St. in Fogelsville. Patch caught up with Owner and Dentist Lorri A. Tomko, of Upper Saucon, earlier this year at her new office. She takes our questions.

Q. Tell us about yourself.

I am proud of opening my office in the west end of the Lehigh Valley. Although we are a new office to the area, I and my staff are not new to the dental profession. This is my 30th year in dentistry as I hold a degree as a dentist and a dental hygienist before that. I am proud to say my staff has also been involved in the dental profession for over 30 years as well.

I have been a resident of the Lehigh Valley for over 20 years and was raised only 40 minutes away in Limerick, Pennsylvania, so I am a Pennsylvania girl who has not strayed far from her roots. I went to Temple University School of Dental Hygiene and West Chester College for my undergrad degrees. I obtained my dental degree from Temple University School of Dentistry and most recently graduated from DeSales University with my MBA in August of 2012.

I attend Bethany Methodist Church in Wescosville and live in Upper Saucon Township. By far my greatest accomplishment is being the proud mom to two teenage young ladies, and I spend my free time with them as well as hiking and skiing in the winter months.

Q. What is your mission statement, or philosophy behind running Tomko Dental Associates?

My philosophy is to deliver a high level of quality dentistry in a caring environment, by using the most up-to-date technology. Most people do not enjoy coming to the dentist and [we] will strive to take care of you as swiftly as possible with procedures and equipment which make your visit more pleasant.

We see emergencies quickly, do almost all of our own root canals and extractions as well as offer treatment for patients with extreme fear of dental procedures.

Q. Number of employees?  2

Q. Why did you decide to open in Upper Macungie?

The west end of the Lehigh Valley offers so many opportunities for a new and growing business. The access to Route 78 and Route 100 allows ease of access to my location.

Q. Do you specialize in a certain area?

Technically I am not a specialist by license. I am a general dentist, but I would say a unique general dentist. I hold special certification in Anti-Anxiety dentistry. I am a DOCS – Doctors for Oral Conscious Sedation, certified dentist. This means that I and my staff are able to gently care for patients who have fear of the dentist. Additionally, we offer some unique services at Tomko Dental Associates, those services being:

-  CEREC one visit  - no impression – no temporary crowns

-  Metal free – Duraflex partial dentures

-  Digital X-rays – less radiation than conventional X-rays

-  Metal-free tooth-colored fillings

-   We keep 90 percent of our root canals and extractions in our office – minimal referrals

-  We treat all ages of family members

Q. Do you have more than one location?

No, Upper Macungie is my only home.

Q. What is your address, phone number, website and fax number?

7525 Tilghman St.

Allentown, Pa 18106

www.tomkodental.com

Phone:  610-395-4195

Fax number:  610-395-1972

Q. What would you like to share about your business?

Whenever I can, I am interested in using local products or made-in-America products and equipment. My dental equipment, which is ADEC, is solely manufactured and assembled in Oregon. The “engine” that drives my practice is made by Air Techniques and Mojave, which are also manufactured in the United States. Additionally, my office was put together by, Curtis Schneck Builders (Schnecksville), the glass window in my front office was made by Tri County Glass in Walnutport, and my signage was created by Lehigh Valley Sign, which is located in Germansville. Also, I have used the Paisley Peacock of Allentown for my floral designs and Elaine Zelker Photography (Elainezelkerphotography.com)  for my marketing pictures and promos.

Going forward, a hallmark of my business will be to give back to the community. We will do that by donating funds and time to local charities, specifically ones that benefit the women and children of the Lehigh Valley.