Dr. Joe Smith opened this practice on Brandt School Road in 1987, and his sister Dr. Karen Smith Saundry joined him a year later. Implants, clear aligners, crowns and cleanings, all in one office.
Open until 7 pm on Mondays and Tuesdays, and from 7 am on Thursdays.
Training and memberships held by our dentists
Our story, since 1987
Their father, Dr. Joe Smith Sr., practiced in Aliquippa, where Dr. Karen worked alongside him too. Two generations of Smiths in dentistry.
Meet the dentists
Dr. Joe and Dr. Karen have shared this office for more than thirty-five years. Between them they cover implants, crowns, aligners and all the everyday care in between.
Dr. Joe
Chemistry at Pitt, then Pitt’s dental school, then straight to Wexford to open this practice in 1987. He places dental implants and bone grafts in the office, and spends ten days a year at a surgical training center in Miami working on those skills. His wife Darlene, a 1986 graduate of Pitt’s dental hygiene program, works in the office as a hygienist and part-time office manager.
BS Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 1983 · DMD, University of Pittsburgh, 1987
Dr. Karen
Raised in nearby Aliquippa, a Hopewell High graduate, psychology at Pitt and dental school at Temple. She came home to work with her father in Aliquippa and her brother here, and her continuing education centers on restoring dental implants and cosmetic restorative work.
BA Psychology, University of Pittsburgh · DMD, Temple University, 1988
Why patients stay
Many of the families here have been coming for twenty and thirty years. These are the things the practice promises every one of them.
The problem: dental anxiety, and not knowing what comes next.
We explain what to expect before we start, which on its own takes much of the fear away. Bring headphones and your own music if it helps, and ask about sedation options.
The problem: the part of a dental office nobody shows you.
The team follows OSHA, EPA and CDC procedures: gloves and masks, disinfected surfaces, disposable materials, and every reusable instrument, handpieces included, steam-sterilized in an autoclave.
The problem: finding out what treatment costs after it is done.
You get cost information ahead of time, a choice of in-office payment options, and help working out your insurance. Appointment reminders and quick call-backs come as standard.
Dentistry in Wexford, PA
Dr. Joe and Dr. Karen handle almost every part of your care here. When a specialist is the right call, they refer you to colleagues they have vetted.
Exams about every six months, cleanings the hygienists make comfortable, and gum care that adds Arestin after scaling and root planing where pockets need it.
Crowns and bridges made from a digital scan instead of a tray of impression paste, root canals done here, and implants placed here.
Clear aligners planned from a scan of your teeth, porcelain veneers, bonding, and the whitening options explained plainly.
Snoring appliances such as the SomnoDent Flex, made from impressions of your teeth, and the latest appliance therapy for TMJ pain.
Sure Smile trays, made from a scan of your teeth. Each set is worn one to two weeks, at least 22 hours a day, with a check-in about every four weeks. Six to twelve months on average.
At least two visits: the tooth is shaped and fitted with a temporary, then the final crown is adjusted and cemented. High-grade porcelain, or porcelain bonded to gold.
The three most common methods are Zoom whitening, take-home trays and strips. The doctors do not recommend whitening under 16 without a special reason.
The two-piece SomnoDent Flex moves the lower jaw slightly forward to open the airway. Mention it at a regular check-up and either doctor can get you started.
Implants & dentures
Dr. Joe has placed dental implants and bone grafts in this office since 2017. The procedure usually takes around forty minutes or less, with far less drilling than a typical medium-sized filling.
Advanced technology
A digital scanner replaces the old impression tray. The scan produces dimensionally accurate models, 3D printed at the lab, so crowns and bridges fit far more accurately than the older technique allowed.
Smile gallery
Five cases from our own galleries, photographed before and after treatment here. Drag the handle to compare.
Crowns, from our own crown gallery.
New patients
We take the time to diagnose what is bothering you, go through your medical and dental history, and plan treatment around your long-term dental health.
Phone rather than email. If you have pain or an emergency, every attempt will be made to see you that day.
Evening appointments until 7 pm on Mondays and Tuesdays, and early ones from 7 am on Thursdays.
Insurance & payment
Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements are made in advance. Here is everything that makes that easier.
As a courtesy we bill your insurance company and track the claim. Most insurers respond within four to six weeks. Plans we work with:
Check and credit cards are always accepted, and a monthly plan can be arranged before treatment.
Finance anything from a large treatment plan to a cleaning and a couple of fillings, with low-interest and no-interest options that are fast and simple. Apply for CareCredit online or in the office.
Dr. Joe and Dr. Karen
4.8 out of 5 · 100+ Google reviews
My husband and I have been going to Dr Joe for over 30 years. And he has been all 3 of my kids dentist since birth. We consider the practice as family and highly recommend. He’s a great dentist and extremely attentive to critical needs. I’ve even had Dr Joe see me on holidays and after hours in an emergency. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. The are the best!!!Diane SGoogle review
I've received care from Dr. Karen and her team for over 30 years. My children had their first check-ups in her chair. Dr. Karen and her team keep us on schedule, make sure we get specialty care (orthodontics and periodontics) when needed, and just make visits a pleasant experience.H Scott CunninghamGoogle review
I just got my front tooth fixed by Dr Smith and it looks great. I am also in the process of getting two crowns replaced. Dr. Smith was extremely gentle with the anesthesia at my first appointment. I could barely feel the injections at all, no pain whatsoever, and I had been very anxious about the appointment for this reason! The office is very professional, clean, friendly, and has all the latest technology but it still has the feel of a small office where you feel at home. I’m excited to have found Dr. Smith!Laura BuzzellGoogle review
I have been a patient of Smith Dental Associates for over 2 years and I remain. extremely pleased with my care. Everyone is professional, polite and kind. The hygienists are thorough and pleasant. Dr. Karen takes the time to listen to concerns/questions and to provide answers. I highly recommend them.DebR BurghGoogle review
I was dealing with a fractured tooth that needed immediate extraction. I was in pain for weeks. I could not get into any other practice for more than two weeks. Dr. Smith and his awesome staff were able to get me in immediately. The extraction was quick and pain free. Dr. Smith and team, I thank you!!!Rick MalikGoogle review
Common questions
We work with Delta Dental, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, Ameritas, Cigna Dental, Renaissance Dental, Aetna and Careington. If your plan is not on that list, call 724-935-1033 and we will tell you what other options there are. As a courtesy we bill your insurance company and track the claim for you.
Tell us. We explain what to expect before we start, which on its own takes much of the fear away. You are welcome to bring headphones and your own music, and to ask about sedation options.
Call the office. If you have pain or an emergency, every attempt will be made to see you that day.
Any x-rays taken by a previous dentist, a list of the medications you take, and your insurance forms if you have dental insurance. Let us know about conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves or joints. Patients under 18 must come with a parent or guardian.
Generally every six months. We may suggest more often if you smoke, get cavities frequently or are prone to gum disease. Cleanings every three to four months are recommended for anyone with periodontitis.
The doctors scan your upper and lower teeth with the digital scanner, and the orthodontic lab prints your Sure Smile trays. You wear each set for one to two weeks, at least 22 hours a day, and come in about every four weeks. Treatment averages six to twelve months.
Yes. Dr. Joe or Dr. Karen can take impressions of your teeth and have a snoring appliance made that you wear at night, such as the two-piece SomnoDent Flex. Mention it at your next exam and cleaning.
2560 Brandt School Road, Wexford, PA 15090. Monday and Tuesday noon to 7 pm, Wednesday 8 am to 3:30 pm, Thursday 7 am to 2 pm and Friday 8 am to 2:30 pm. Closed at weekends.
Visit us
Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment. If you are in pain, please phone instead.