Surgical Placement of Dental Implant Near Me in Braintree, MA

Dr. Melvin Hanzel believes that dentistry should be about the patient, not the teeth. He has carried this philosophy with him throughout his 30-year career and has set an example to other dentists on the benefits of positive, trusting patient/doctor relationships. Dr. Hanzel is dedicated to finding solutions to his patients’ problems, even when other dentists might have given up. He often heals teeth that were previously believed to be unsavable, and he is confident in treating patients deemed medically compromised. He always offers unique treatments attuned to the patient’s individual needs, including precision attachments, overdentures, and natural-looking cosmetic partial dentures. For patients with severe dental anxiety, Dr. Hanzel can use advanced sedation techniques to put them at ease as he completes their treatments.

Dr. Hanzel earned his BA in biology at the University of Rhode Island. He attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine where he earned his DMD. He then went to the Brookdale Hospital Medical Center as Chief Resident in Dentistry to complete a 2-year general practice residency program from 1978 to 1979. During this time, he also worked as a clinical instructor at NYU.

He moved back to Rhode Island immediately after his residency to work alongside his father, Dr. Harold Hanzel, at his practice. Since then, he has become a staff member of the Rhode Island Hospital and in 1982, he became the dental consultant for the hemophilia center. Much of his time at the hospital was spent receiving advanced training in various areas of dentistry including root canal treatment, sedation dentistry, oral surgery, internal medicine, and implant dentistry. He has also become specialized in placing tooth-colored fillings, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Today, Dr. Hanzel is an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the Rhode Island Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the American Dental Association.

Dr. Tony Tong is a skilled and accomplished dentist with extensive training and over two decades of experience in various areas of dentistry. After obtaining his initial dental licensure in China, Dr. Tong advanced his education with a rigorous four-year residency in Oral surgery, followed by a three year specialization in Orthodontics. HIs commitment to expanding his expertise led him to the United States, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine in 2013.

With a broad range of skills, Dr. Tong offers comprehensive dental care, covering everything from routine exams and cleanings to complex restorative and surgical procedures. His expertise spans general dentistry, implantology, oral surgery and orthodontics, making him uniquely qualified to manage both simple and complex dental cases. Some of the advanced services Dr. Tong provides include:

 • Restorative procedures like crowns, dentures, bridges and veneers
 • Bone reshaping (Alveoplasty) for better implant placement
 • Complex extractions, including full bony impacted wisdom teeth removal
 • Dental implant placement, utilizing 3D CT scan technology for precision
 • Root canal treatments for molars

Dr. Tong’s passion for dentistry extends beyond his clinical practice. He is dedicated to staying at the forefront of dental advancements through ongoing education and professional development. He also ensures that his team receives continuous training to enhance patient care and stay current with the latest technologies.

Dr. Tong is committed to delivering high-quality care that is both comfortable and effective, and he strives to provide every patient with personalized treatment plans tailored to their individual needs.

Dr. Chung earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology cum laude from Williams College in Williamstown, MA, before pursuing her dental education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. There, she distinguished herself as a Dean's Scholar for four consecutive years and graduated with her Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree, receiving the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Achievement Award for her excellence in the field.

After completing her dental education, Dr. Chung returned to her home state of Massachusetts and began practicing in the North Shore and MetroWest Boston areas. Currently residing in Shrewsbury, she enjoys spending time traveling with her family and friends.

Committed to staying at the forefront of modern dental techniques, Dr. Chung participates in continuing education courses each year. She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association (ADA), the Massachusetts Dental Society, and the Spear Study Club.

Dr. Chung believes that exceptional care is fundamental to her practice. She is dedicated to providing gentle, high-quality care while focusing on prevention and patient education. She takes the time to thoroughly consult with patients, helping them understand how to maintain a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Dr. Stephen Markowitz is a third-generation dentist who is deeply committed to providing exceptional dental care in a welcoming and fun environment. Inspired by his father, Dr. Howard Markowitz, DDS, Dr. Markowitz continues the family tradition of delivering high-quality patient care while fostering strong, personal connections with his patients.

Professional Background
A lifelong member of the local community, Dr. Markowitz earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where he was honored with the Clinical Award in Prosthodontics. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science degree. Before joining Leominster Family Dentists, Dr. Markowitz also gained valuable experience through an externship at the North Shore Community Center in Salem, MA.

Personal Life
Dr. Markowitz is happily married to his wonderful wife, Lynn, a scientist researching cancer drugs. Together, they have two energetic boys who keep them on their toes. The couple is excited to be expecting their third child soon.

Fun Facts:
 • Favorite Candy: Plain Hershey's Bar – No substitutions!
 • Favorite Sport: Golf (to play), Football (to watch)
 • Favorite TV Show: The Office – He often quotes it throughout the day!

Dr. Kevin Hagerty was inspired to enter the medical field by his obstetrician father. He graduated from Providence College and, after discovering that dentistry was his calling, earned his dental degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Snehal Lakhkar puts her patients’ health and comfort above all. Her goal with each patient is to help them feel at ease in her office as she provides them with convenient, high-quality care at an affordable price. She has a flexible schedule that gives patients the freedom to choose when they want procedures completed, whether it be at 8 in the morning or 6 at night. To ensure that her patients receive only the best dental care possible, she frequently completes continuing education courses that keep her well-informed about the latest dental techniques and technologies. She incorporates modern technology into her practice, using it to provide pain-free procedures, simple extractions, root canals, and Invisalign.

Dr. Lakhkar began her dental training at Maharashtra University of Health Sciences in India. Once she earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree, she moved to New York where she began practicing dentistry with her mother-in-law in 2005. Since then, she has earned an Advanced Standing degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine from Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, from which she graduated with high honors. Today, she is a practicing family and cosmetic dentist in Rhode Island.