Hudson Valley Health

Just down the road from the rustic Maverick Concert Hall, Woodstock’s famed 1916 music venue, Dr. Vivian Letizia opened her general dental practice 13 years ago. The peaceful, wooded setting naturally promotes a tranquil experience for her patients. “We cater to fearful patients, so the views of the woods do help,” she says. When needed, however, she is able to offer nitrous oxide sedation!
Dr. Letizia’s practice offers all disciplines of dentistry, including orthodontics, aesthetic dentistry, and endodontics. Patients of all ages find their way to the inviting waiting room, where Carol, the receptionist, welcomes everyone with a smile. For her patients’ convenience, appointments are available some Saturdays.
State-of-the-art equipment is fully integrated into each operatory. The modern on-site laboratory allows Dr. Letizia to make models of patients’ mouths and fabricate TMJ splints and nightguards, saving the time from sending this work to an outside lab. A Diode Laser and a C02 Laser facilitate soft gum procedures, such as frenectomies, and can also clean and sterilize any surgical site. Digital x-ray equipment was recently added to offer a safer imaging procedure, since the unit only emits one quarter of the radiation of conventional x-rays.
To further ensure the safety of her patients, Dr. Letizia and her staff have taken extra steps to ensure that the office exceeds OSHA guidelines for infection control. Every operatory is disinfected with special cleaners, all instruments and handpieces are steam sterilized, and the staff wear medical scrubs and lab coats. They also participate in special OSHA training sessions conducted by MEDSAFE.
Dr. Letizia closely involves her team in patient care in order to provide comprehensive, quality dental services. The team includes four dental assistants, three dental hygienists, and three professional office staff, all of whom are CPR-certified.
“The feedback I get from the team is integral to ensure each patient receives the benefits of a combined effort, in a coordinated program of treatment,” says Dr. Letizia.
In practice for 24 years, Dr. Letizia received her D.D.S. from the State University of New York, Buffalo School of Dentistry. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from St. John’s University, with a major in biology. Dr. Letizia has also completed advanced training in a number of specialties, including implantology and bone grafting. She stresses the same commitment to continuing education from her staff, ensuring that everyone stay current with the newest technology and practice management principles. To this end, she seeks out the best training courses, regardless of location, and brings the entire staff with her.