“WE STAND FOR EXPERIENCE AND WE STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE ”
Milestones mean a lot to us. They mark the passing of time and the aspiration to excellence.
That is why Dr. John Ritota and his brother-partner Dr. Ted Ritota are celebrating their journey from dental school graduates to established dentists in Delray Beach.
“John called me one day in 1977 and asked me what I knew about Delray Beach. I’m a sailor so I noticed all the Hobie Cats on the beach, and I thought the beach was beautiful,” said Dr. Ted.
It turns out that Dr. Ted was right on with his initial assessment of this once sleepy town often referred to as Dull-Ray. The story goes something like this – Dr. John graduated from dental school and four days after his younger brother Ted graduated from dental school they moved to Delray and opened a dental practice.
Their father Dr. John Ritota practiced dentistry in New Jersey for 57 years. Though he had hopes for his sons to join him in his practice they had other geographic aspirations.
“We had just landed in New Jersey after a ski trip in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and it was cold, gray and raining. We both said we didn’t want to spend the rest of our lives in New Jersey, so our father came to Florida to help us find a building to start our dental practice. He said, ‘I’ve had my life, now it’s your turn to live your life,’” said Dr. John.
That is exactly what the brothers from South Orange, New Jersey did. They found a small building in a sleepy part of Delray surrounded by sunlight and greenery. They put out their shingle, had their mom Dolores as their receptionist, and started the way most young dentists start out.
“At the beginning we both had to work in other locations. I worked in West Palm Beach and John worked in Hallandale. At first, we both slept in our office on cots and swam in the ocean each morning. We also acted as dental assistants for each other.”
Their bond is a beautiful one. They shared an apartment near their Delray office and built up their practice one patient at a time. Their mom would often run outside and give business cards to those walking by. They also did a mailing that mentioned their NJ roots. “People saw we were from New Jersey and it brought in a lot of patients. We also befriended a local boat captain and he became a patient and referred us to numerous people as well.”
One of the hallmarks of their dental practice is refined and revered customer service. They treat all patients with the utmost of care and see everyone in a holistic manner. “We have been here for 40 years and that says something in and of itself. We provide courteous service and treat people with respect and care.”
They sure do. One time a patient couldn’t get to the office for scheduled dental work because it was raining so hard. Dr. Ted picked the patient up at his home and drove him to the office for long awaited crowns. “I drove him home in a torrential downpour, he was very appreciative.”
Rich Covino also appreciates the care he gets at Delray Dental. Covino has been a patient for almost 30 years. “The Ritota brothers are good at what they do and are very devoted to their patients. I’ve had so many procedures there – root canal, caps, cleanings and more. They are dedicated to dentistry and I am very pleased with their service.”
Other patients agree. “I have seen many dentists over the years and these guys are better than the best! My treatment was professional and done on a timely basis. Their pricing was completely fair. I don’t usually comment, let alone give anybody a 6-star rating, but I couldn’t help it, These professionals are great!”
Both Dr. Ted and Dr. John keep up with the latest technology and treatments. They use lasers and state of the art implant techniques with an in-house lab. They specialize in all facets of dentistry – from implants to crowns, bridges, veneers, teeth whit-ening, root canals, bonding, dentures, oral surgery, extractions, fillings, invisible braces, soft tissue management, denture relines and emergency care.
Dr. John graduated from Georgetown University School of Dentistry and is a member of the South Palm Beach County Dental Association. He is trained in all types of Dental Implant Systems and was in the Outstanding Young Men In America (recipient of the Van Cliburn Award) for TMJ Dental Research.
Dr. Ted graduated from the Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dentistry and is a member of the South Palm Beach County Dental Association. He also has advanced training in most major implant systems and has completed surgical residencies for the placement of implants.
Both Dr. John and Dr. Ted have appeared in “Guide to America’s Top Dentists” and are dedicated to their profession and their pa-tients. They are also dedicated to each other.
“As brothers we thought that we would practice dentistry to-gether for five years. Then we amended our decision to 15 years. We realize the benefits of practicing together far outweigh any disadvantages. We recognize our strength together and enjoy the practice and our office.”
They also found a solution for any disagreement. “We toss a coin when we don’t agree on something. It avoids any arguments and it works well.”
So does their dental practice. After 40 wonderous years the practice is doing well, and the staff and patients are very happy with the friendly, caring environment dotted with willowy trees and a gentle Delray refinement. They also revere the support they get from their wives June Ellen and Lisa.
“We realize how lucky we are to have such a happy office and happy families that get along so well together. It’s been 40 won-derful years and we look forward to helping our patients into the future.”
DELRAY DENTAL
3401 South Federal Highway Delray Beach
561-272-6664
www.delraydental.com
facebook.com/delraydental
