Meet the Doctor
Dr. Brian Marino
Dr. Brian Marino was raised in Oakland, NJ, where he attended Indian Hills High School. He currently resides in Wyckoff with his wife, Kristen, their three children — James, Elizabeth, and Madelyn — and their Golden Retriever, Ryder. Outside the office, Dr. Marino is a devoted family man who loves cheering on his kids in soccer and lacrosse. A passionate New York Yankees fan, he is also an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fly fishing the streams of the West, the Catskills, and locally on the Flat Brook alongside his son James and brother Frank. He loves traveling and exploring new destinations with his family, and always finds his way back to beloved Cape Cod, where fishing, biking, and paddle boarding await.
A Practice Built on Patient-Centered Care
After years of working alongside other practitioners, Dr. Marino followed his vision and founded Pequannock Valley Dental Associates in 2007. Built on the belief that quality patient care should be delivered in a warm, welcoming environment, the practice reflects his commitment to connecting with each patient on a personal level — working together to develop treatment plans tailored to their individual needs.
In April 2021, Dr. Marino and Kristen expanded their family of practices by acquiring Dr. James Walter's office in Montville, now known as Montville Center for Dentistry. December 2023 brought two additional locations: The Center for Dentistry of Vernon and Whitehouse Station Center for Dentistry. Each location has undergone meaningful updates — modern facility improvements, the latest dental technology, and a growing team of dedicated professionals — all in service of the communities they call neighbors.
Education & Advanced Training
Dr. Marino earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology with honors from Rutgers College and went on to graduate as a Dean's Scholar from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), now Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. He completed his General Practice Residency at Hackensack University Medical Center, consistently ranked New Jersey's #1 hospital by U.S. News & World Report.
A true lifelong learner, Dr. Marino routinely exceeds the annual continuing education requirements in all areas of dentistry. He has been an Invisalign provider since 2004 and is one of a select few dentists to have traveled to Costa Rica to tour the Invisalign manufacturing facility, where he worked directly with case specialists to master the latest techniques in clear aligner treatment. He is also a member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners (AACA).
His pursuit of excellence has led him to complete advanced coursework in occlusion, restorative dentistry, and temporomandibular joint disorders at the renowned Dawson Center, as well as advanced digital dentistry training at the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry in Arizona. A CEREC user since 2008, Dr. Marino has personally placed thousands of same-day porcelain crowns and remains at the forefront of CAD CAM technology. He is also a graduate of the Schuster Center for Dentistry, a program designed to help highly skilled clinicians structure their practices around ethical, patient-centered care.
Most recently, Dr. Marino has pursued advanced training in dental implants through Minec America in Irving, TX, and has traveled to the Dominican Republic to further develop his surgical and prosthetic implant skills — a testament to his dedication to offering patients the most comprehensive care possible. He is an active member of both the American Dental Association (ADA) and the New Jersey Dental Association (NJDA).
A Commitment to Your Best Smile
Dr. Marino and his highly trained team are truly dedicated to providing the best possible experience for you and your family — because your optimal dental health is always the priority.
Dr. Anthony Nguyen
Dr. Nguyen is a general dentist dedicated to serving and guiding patients towards optimum dental health. Besides his silliness, he takes his time to support both the team and patients at Whitehouse Station Center for Dentistry , facilitating a fun yet personal experience. With treatment, he utilizes a patient-centric approach: partnering with patients in achieving exceptional dental care.
Dr. Nguyen makes every effort to communicate and work through patients' anxiety, concerns and dental needs. He continues to stay up to date with current developments in dentistry, along with continuing education. He pursued his Bachelors in Biochemistry from San Jose State University. He then earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Touro College of Dental Medicine. His dental expertise encompasses all aspects of General Dentistry.
When not in the office, Dr. Nguyen enjoys reading manga and building custom keyboards. He loves to cook and makes a variety of dishes, specializing in Vietnamese Cuisine. He loves music and listens to all genres ranging from kpop to electronic and even metal.
“As a doctor and as a person, I am here to help and support you through your journey in reaching optimal dental health.”
Dr. Alexander Lavarez
Dr. Alexander Lavarez firmly believes that maintaining a healthy smile is integral to overall health. By taking the time to educate patients about the importance of their oral health, he aspires to empower patients to make informed decisions about their care. Combining a thorough understanding of dental practices with a genuine concern for patient comfort, Dr. Lavarez is committed to working with his patients to develop personalized treatment plans and delivering high quality dental care.
Dr. Alexander Lavarez first explored his passion for biological sciences at Rutgers University where he graduated with honors. He would then go on to earn his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Touro College of Dental Medicine. After completing dental school, he pursued further training and completed a General Practice Residency at Jersey City Medical Center where he fine-tuned his skills in all aspects of dentistry. As he strives to provide the best care for his patients, Dr. Lavarez stays up-to-date with the latest advancements and research in dentistry through continuing education courses.
In his spare time, Dr. Lavarez tries to satisfy his big appetite by discovering new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. He stays active by going to his local gym and exploring the hiking trails. Through his expertise and dedication to his patients, Dr. Lavarez will strive to provide the best care to help you on your oral health journey.
Dr. Emma Claire Fontenot
Dr. Emma Claire Fontenot is excited to be joining us after serving in the United States Air Force as a captain and general dentist for three years. She is honored to have served our country and found her active-duty career to be rewarding and filled with significant personal growth and numerous unique experiences. She now looks forward to providing comprehensive dental care in the private practice setting here in New Jersey.
Dr. Fontenot completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame, earning her bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Pre-Health Studies while also competing on the women’s varsity lacrosse team. She prides herself on being a forever Fighting Irish fan and loves returning to campus for football games whenever she can.
After college, Dr. Fontenot moved to Philadelphia, where she earned her DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and enjoyed the city’s outstanding food and restaurant scene. Upon graduating from dental school, she was commissioned into the Air Force and assigned to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado for her first duty station, where she completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry. As an avid snow skier, she often spent her spare time exploring the incredible ski resorts in the area.
She then spent two years in central Georgia at Robins Air Force Base and is now excited to call Summit, New Jersey home. Outside of dentistry, her passions include traveling, running, and golf.
Dr. Fontenot is enthusiastic about collaborating with you to address your dental needs thoroughly and thoughtfully. She cannot wait to meet you and provide an informative, understanding, and compassionate patient-doctor relationship.