New Patient Special
Why Choose Penn Dental Arts for Preventive Dentistry?
- Dentist Who Welcomes Patients of All Ages
- Dental Practice Serving the Community for 30+ Years
- All Dental Services Provided Under One Roof
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Care You Can Trust, Compassion You Can Feel
Judgment-Free Care
If you’re nervous, overdue for a visit, or worried about the state of your teeth, we get it. We welcome patients at every stage of their dental journey, without guilt or lectures. Our team is here to make you feel safe, supported, and respected from the moment you walk in.
Honest, Personalized Advice
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment. Instead, we take the time to explain what we see, show you real images when possible, and offer clear, honest guidance. You’ll always know your options—and you’ll never feel pressured to choose anything you don’t want or need.
Flexible Payment Options
Dental care should fit your life, not disrupt it. We’re in-network with many major PPO insurance providers and offer financing options for patients without insurance. Whether you’re scheduling preventive care or a larger treatment plan, we’ll help you find a solution that works with your budget.
How Often Should I Get a Checkup?
Most patients benefit from a dental checkup and cleaning every six months. These routine visits help us catch small issues early and keep your smile on track. But every mouth is different. If you have a history of gum disease, frequent cavities, or medical conditions like diabetes, we may recommend coming in more often to protect your health.
How to Keep Your Smile Healthy Between Visits
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove food and plaque between your teeth
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals
- Use any products we recommend, such as a prescription rinse or sensitivity toothpaste
- Contact us anytime if you notice bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, or anything that feels off
We’re not just here for checkups—we’re here to support you year-round.
Heres What to Expect During Your Checkup
Gentle Cleaning
Even with great brushing at home, plaque and tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas. Our hygienists gently remove these deposits, helping prevent cavities and gum disease before they start. We also polish your teeth to remove surface stains and leave your smile feeling refreshed. If you’ve had sensitive experiences in the past, let us know—we’ll take extra steps to keep you comfortable.
Digital X-Rays
Dental problems often start below the surface, where you can’t see or feel them. That’s why we use low-radiation digital X-rays to spot early signs of decay, bone loss, or impacted teeth. The images are available instantly, so we can review them together and walk you through what’s going on in real time.
Full Dental Exam
Your checkup isn’t just about your teeth—it’s about your total oral health. During your exam, we’ll evaluate your teeth, gums, jaw alignment, bite, and any dental restorations. We also check for signs of gum disease, enamel wear, and other concerns that can affect your comfort and long-term health. You'll leave with clear answers and a personalized care plan if anything needs attention.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer can often be caught early with a quick, painless screening. During your exam, we check for unusual sores, discoloration, or tissue changes that might require follow-up. It only takes a minute, but it can make a lasting difference in your overall health.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Ronak Patel
I’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and what matters most to me is making sure you feel heard and cared for. Whether it’s a routine visit or something more complex, I’ll walk you through it with clear answers and a plan that fits your needs.
Dr. Joseph A. Gaspari
I’ve been helping patients improve their gum health for over 40 years, and I still love what I do. My goal is always to make treatment as easy and comfortable as possible, using the latest techniques to get the best results.
Dr. Ronak Patel
For Dr. Patel, nothing is more satisfying than changing the way someone thinks about dentistry, especially if they’ve experienced a lot of anxiety and fear in the past. His approach is to truly get to know each patient and understand their goals so he can ensure they feel confident while he improves and maintains their oral health. He looks forward to welcoming you into our Bethlehem dental office, and below, you can start getting to know him.
Associations
Fun Facts
Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?
Growing up in India, students have to decide their path at an early age. Because Dr. Patel consistently did well in all subjects, he had a bit of a dilemma because he was given a lot of choices, but he could only commit to one. Ultimately, he decided to pursue dentistry because it involves studying multiple disciplines (which he finds very engaging), and it would also give him a way to help his community.
Where Did You Study Dentistry?
Dr. Patel has three dental degrees, earning two in India before obtaining his DDS from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of the University of Southern California. Overall, his training includes a three-year prosthodontic residency, countless continuing education hours, and 20+ years of experience. In that time, he acquired knowledge not just about dentistry, but also how it affects people’s lives. He prides himself on being able to offer personalized and creative solutions to help people achieve their dental health goals. He is also a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the Pinhole Academy (which focuses on non-invasive gum surgery).
Dr. Joseph Gaspari
As a periodontist in Bethlehem, Dr. Gaspari has loved getting to know his patients and helping them achieve the optimum oral health we all seek for over 40 years. His storied career has seen him become one of the nation’s foremost laser periodontal experts, allowing him to provide treatment that is effective, precise, and surprisingly comfortable at the same time. Having a specialist of his caliber gives our patients more flexibility when it comes to meeting all of their dental needs under one roof, ensuring they consistently work with the team they know and trust.
Associations
Fun Facts
Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?
Dr. Gaspari was drawn to dentistry thanks to his friends, whom he observed practicing while he was in college. Seeing how they were able to help patients in relatively little time and form strong connections with them all while working with their hands and combining art and science seemed like the perfect fit for him.
Where Did You Study Dentistry?
Dr. Gaspari graduated from the University of Notre Dame before earning his dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He went on to obtain his graduate certificate in periodontology from Temple University and IV certification from St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey.
In addition to having certifications in Pinhole Surgery, LANAP, and phlebotomy, he is also an active member of the:
- International Congress of Oral Implantologists
- Academy of Laser Dentistry
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry
- American Academy of Periodontology
Creating Smiles for 40+ Years
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Genuine Advice
Generations of Trust
Truly Comprehensive Care
Flexible Affordability
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prepare for my dental checkup?
Stick to your normal brushing and flossing routine, and bring a list of any medications or medical updates. If you’ve noticed pain, sensitivity, or any other concerns, let us know—we want to address them during your visit.
What if I need more than a cleaning or exam?
If we discover an issue that requires additional treatment, we’ll give you a clear, customized care plan. You’ll know what to expect, how much it will cost, and what payment or financing options are available before we move forward.
Do you see children?
Yes, we provide gentle, age-appropriate care for children of all ages—from toddlers to teens. Our team knows how to make kids feel comfortable, and we work closely with parents to support healthy habits at home.
What if I have dental anxiety?
If you feel nervous about dental visits, you’re not alone—and we understand. We offer calming options like laughing gas and oral sedation to help you relax. Just let us know how you’re feeling, and we’ll take extra steps to make your visit easier.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes. We use advanced digital X-rays that significantly reduce radiation exposure compared to traditional methods. They provide high-quality images that help us detect problems early, often before they become painful or costly.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We’re in-network with many major PPO insurance providers, including Aetna, Cigna, Guardian, MetLife PDP Plus, United Concordia Elite Plus, and United Healthcare. If you’re unsure about your coverage, our team is happy to review your plan and help you maximize your benefits.
How long does a dental checkup take?
Most checkups at our Bethlehem office take about 60 minutes. This includes time for your cleaning, exam, and any necessary digital X-rays. We aim to keep your visit smooth, on time, and fully focused on your comfort.
What happens if I have a cavity?
If we find a cavity during your visit, we’ll show you exactly what we see and walk you through your treatment options. In many cases, we can schedule your filling right away, so you don’t have to wait or worry.
Learn More About Dental Checkups
Check your insurance
Located in Bethlehem, PA
At Penn Dental Arts, we’ve spent over 30 years earning the trust of families across Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley. Even people who are nervous about visiting the dentist in Bethlehem feel comfortable here. At Penn Dental Arts, we wear our compassion on our sleeves, and you’ll quickly come to see why multiple generations of patients have trusted us, whether they need a dental cleaning, start-to-finish dental implants, or expert gum disease treatment.
We’re easily accessible from 33, William Penn Hwy and Freemansburg Ave. This makes it easy not just for patients in Bethlehem to visit us, but we also welcome those from William Penn Manor, Middletown, Wilson, West Easton, Easton, and Lincoln Terrace.
