CENTURY DENTAL - Key Persons
Dr. Germain is a Scranton native and grew up in Dunmore. A 1983 graduate of the University of Scranton, he graduated from Georgetown University School of Dentistry in 1987. At graduation, he joined the US Army as a Dental Officer. Pierre completed a year-long General Practice Residency at Fort Sill Oklahoma, then a three-year tour of duty in Vicenza Italy. This assignment was very special as Pierre's parents married in nearby Bologna Italy, his mother's birthplace, and where his father was serving in the US Army as well. Dr. Germain was assigned to direct support of a battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division and their family members. He worked tirelessly to treat the dental needs of the paratroopers, especially before their deployment to Operation Desert Storm. He was awarded several Army medals for his military service and feels a sense of pride for serving his country in this way.
In 1993 Pierre returned to Scranton and established a dental practice in Green Ridge inside the old Roosevelt Theater building. He is in the same location today.
Pierre is a member of the ADA and is a fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Germain finds immense joy in his family. His wife of 35 years, Gael, is a registered dietitian. They have three children. Yvonne, a critical care nurse. Grady is a civil engineer, and guitar player in Nashville. Valentina is a recent graduate of Temple University with degrees in Italian and speech disorders.
Dr. Germain's goal has always been to deliver gentle compassionate dental care for his community and to work closely with specialists when his patients need timely referrals to ensure they receive comprehensive care.
In his free time, Pierre likes to travel with his wife and children to the beach and other parts of the United States and abroad. Their adventures often include hikes, long walks, and savoring diverse cuisines, reflecting his love for exploration and cultural experiences.
Dr. Eric Gartner earned his Bachelor of Science from Villanova University in 2015. He then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where he received his Doctorate in Dental Medicine in 2020. In August of the same year, shortly after finishing his formal education, Dr. Eric officially joined the team at Century Dental as an associate dentist.
Dr. Eric grew up in Malvern and attended nationally recognized Great Valley High but spent his summers throughout secondary school and college interning at Century Dental's Eynon office. As a second-generation dentist, Dr. Gartner found professional inspiration not only from his father, but from his uncle, Century Dental's Dr. Peter Krenitsky, as well. Dr. Eric's relentless thirst for knowledge, fused with his ability to master the most up to date equipment, continues to keep the Century team at the forefront of dental applications and technology.
Dr. Eric is an affiliate of the American Dental Association and Pennsylvania Dental Association. He is also a proud member of the nation's oldest, most prestigious dental fraternity, Delta Sigma Delta. While at Villanova, Dr. Eric was selected to the Big East All-Academic Team each year for his standout performance in the classroom and on the lacrosse field. Dr. Eric's passion for his profession is second only to his family and friends. When he is not practicing dentistry, he enjoys golfing, snowboarding and laxing.
Dr. Erica Lesniak-Burns, a Scranton Prep alumna, is the primary dentist at Century Dental's Throop office. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Penn State University's Main Campus in 2002. Shortly after, she attained her Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Temple's Kornberg School of Dentistry in 2006.
Dr. Erica worked as a general dentist throughout NEPA for nearly ten years prior to joining Century's team in 2015. Dr. Erica is a member of the American Dental Association, Pennsylvania Dental Association, Scranton District Dental Society and Temple's Dental Alumni Association. She especially enjoys giving back to the community where she grew up. Two years ago, Dr. Erica was appointed to the position of school dentist at North Pocono School District. She volunteers her time and services to provide dental exams for students that may not otherwise be seen by a dentist. Dr. Erica also speaks with children at Moscow Elementary Center in the month of February for National Children's Dental Health Month.
Dr. Erica believes dreams take sweat, determination and hard work to achieve. She is the first woman in her family to go on to college; she attributes her success to hard work, dedication, and a huge amount of support from her parents- Glenn and Barbara; and her uncle, Robert Lesniak, an endodontist in Kingston. In her spare time, she enjoys doing CrossFit and spending quality time with her husband and three children- Emma, Noah and Madeline
Dr. John Gallagher, a graduate of Scranton High School, received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Penn State University's Main Campus in 2015. In 2019, Dr. Gallagher earned his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Following dental school, Dr. Gallagher officially joined the Century Dental team as an associate dentist in August 2020.
As a second-generation dentist, Dr. Jack developed a passion for dentistry early on. He spent countless hours working at his father's office throughout high school and college, and as a result, has a very mature chair-side manner for his young age. Dr. Jack is an active member of the American Dental Association and Pennsylvania Dental Association. He has also received his Certification for Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment.
Dr. Jack is excited to be working in a practice near his hometown so he can help patients in Northeast Pennsylvania achieve overall dental health. When he is not in the office, he enjoys golfing, skiing and basketball.
Dr. Jordan Simon is the primary dentist at Century Dental's Roaring Brook Township office.
Dr. Jordan Simon is a native of the Wyoming Valley, having graduated from Wyoming Area High School. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from East Stroudsburg University in Biology with a minor in Chemistry, where she was the first graduate to attend dental school. Dr. Simon attended the Midwestern University School of Dentistry in Glendale, AZ, where she received her Doctorate of Dental Medicine in 2018. She has worked at various offices in the Wyoming Valley and in addition to now being the primary dentist in the Moscow office she is also employed at Luzerne County Community College where she is a doctor in the Hygiene Clinic as well as a teacher for the EFDA Program.
Dr. Simon is a graduate from Midwestern University School of Dentistry located in Glendale, AZ.
When asked why she chose dentistry Dr. Simon said, "I've always wanted to make a difference in someone's life and the first thing you notice about someone is usually their teeth. I just want to be able to give someone their smile back." Currently Dr. Simon resides in West Pittston with her dog Lucy.
When she is not putting her patients first, Dr. Simon enjoys walks with her dog, doing puzzles, watching the Georgia Bulldogs, and spending time with her family and friends.
Dr. Peter Krenitsky is a Peckville native who earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from La Salle University in 1980. He then earned his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from Temple's School of Dentistry in 1984. Following dental school, Dr. Pete returned home and began working at Sugarman's Dental as an associate dentist. He worked there for 12 years before he helped facilitate the move and merger of Sugarman's Dental into Century Dental Associates in 1996.
Dr. Pete's confident tone and gentle demeanor make patients feel at ease when they are in his hands. He prides himself on making sure his patients understand exactly what is going on in their mouths each time they visit. Dr. Pete is a member of Temple Dental's Alumni Association, the American Dental Association, the Pennsylvania Dental Association, and the Scranton District Dental Society.
When he is not in the office, he can be found at the lake spending time with his wife, Susan, and their four dogs- Cutter, Koda, Otis and CoCo.
Dr. Ryan Zapoticky is a native of the Back Mountain Area, having graduated from Dallas High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Shippensburg University in Biology and is a graduate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dentistry. While at Shippensburg he received the Board of Governors Academic Scholarship along with a Football Scholarship. Other accolades include the Frank E Jeffries Academic Scholarship while at the University of Pittsburgh. In May of 2022 Dr. Zapoticky received the distinguished Dental Implant Student Award from the American Association Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
When asked why he chose dentistry Dr. Zapoticky said, "I chose to be a Dentist because I loved science growing up and always wanted to be in health care". Currently Dr Zapoticky resides in Dallas and is engaged to his fiancée Colleen. When not performing root canals and other dental procedures Dr. Zapoticky enjoys coaching football playing sports and spending quality time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Pennsylvania Dental Association
Dr. Samantha Linkowski, better known as Dr. Sammi, obtained her Bachelor of Science from The Pennsylvania State University in 2012. She later graduated from the University of Pittsburgh's School of Dental Medicine in 2017, where she proudly served as Class President. Only a year out of dental school, Dr. Sammi was notably employed as a clinical instructor at University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in the Prosthodontic/Restorative Department. She spent the ensuing three years practicing general dentistry in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. Although she is an Allegheny County native, her fiancé, Mike is a West Sider- born and raised- which led Dr. Sammi to join Century Dental Associates team in January of 2020.
Following along the footsteps of her mother, uncle, and grandfather, Dr. Sammi is a third-generation dentist who is extremely passionate about her profession. Dr. Sammi's motto in dentistry is "treat people as you would like to be treated." While she will always love her dental family out in Pittsburgh, Dr. Sammi continually strives to make each patient here at Century feel like family; She is more than happy to expand her dental family here in Scranton!
Dr. Sammi is a member of the Pennsylvania Dental Association, American Dental Association, and Academy of General Dentistry. She is a recipient of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology Horace Wells Senior Student Award, the Academy of General Dentistry Senior Student Award, Nobel Biocare Senior Implant Award, International College of Dentists Student Leadership Award, and is a University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine Alumni Board Member.
Dr. William Dempsey II, a Forest City native, graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 2004. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University in 2007, where he served as vice president of their pre-dental society his senior year. Dempsey then went on to graduate from Temple University's Kornberg School of Dentistry in 2012, where he was elected president of his class.
Right after dental school, Dr. Dempsey began practicing in Mount Pocono where he worked for, and was mentored by, Dr. James Sirotnak for nearly five years. Dr. Dempsey joined Century Dental Associates in 2017 when Mount Pocono Dental was officially assimilated into Century Dental's network. Dr. Dempsey is a firm believer that dental health is an integral part of overall physical well-being, and he is excited to be near his hometown to help the patients of Northeastern Pennsylvania achieve their dental health goals.
Dr. Dempsey is a strong advocate for comprehensive preventive care and comfort in dentistry and has served as a member of the dental anesthesia honors society at Temple.
He is a member of American Dental Association, Pennsylvania Dental Association, and is serving as 2021 vice president of the Scranton District Dental Society. Dr. Dempsey is an active member of Alpha Epsilon Delta and has received his Certification for Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment. Outside of the office, his interests include golfing, fishing, and watching Penn State football.