Vinings dentists find synergy together to build thriving practice.
Mutual friends introduced Drs. Dina Giesler and Marianna Kovitch in 2011. A shared passion for comprehensive dentistry sparked their professional partnership, now five years strong. “It was like fate,” says Kovitch. “We instantly hit it off.”
Located within the Post Riverside residential complex in Vinings, Atlanta Smiles & Wellness has treated 3,500 patients over the last two years, according to Giesler. She estimates the practice has 30-40 new patients a month. In addition to serving a roster of general dentistry patients, Atlanta Smiles also performs cosmetic dentistry procedures as well as extractions, crowns, implants and whitening. Kovitch estimates 40 percent of treatments are cosmetic procedures.
Both dentists espouse a patient care philosophy centered on overall health. This means screening for underlying medical problems that can leave signs in the mouth such as oral cancer, sleep apnea, Crohn’s Disease, irritable bowel syndrome and diabetes. “We are really part of the whole medical team,” explains Giesler.
The pair believe in a personalized and conservative approach to dental treatments. Kovitch describes it as striving for the most effective but minimally invasive option available, and giving the patient choices when possible. “There is no universally perfect treatment, but there is a perfect treatment for each person,” she says.
Geisler started Atlanta Smiles and Wellness from scratch when she relocated from Houston, Texas in 1999. Kovitch came on board after graduating from Dental School in 2011, and became an official business partner in 2015.
Between the two of them, Kovitch and Giesler have received over 15 professional honors and accolades. Geisler is among less than one percent of American dentists to achieve the distinction of Master Dentist by the Academy of General Dentistry. She has been recognized as a “top dentist” by various publications. In 2007, she received the Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry for her work helping survivors of domestic violence with dental reconstruction.
Several years newer to the profession, Kovitch has gained impressive honors as well. Among these is a fellowship with the International Congress of Oral Implantology for her work in placing and restoring dental implants.
The most rewarding part of the job? Both dentists agree it is the ability to help transform lives by giving people a beautiful smile. Says Kovitch, “There are some people who have never been comfortable smiling, and they start crying when they can (smile). It’s pretty special.”