Kenneth L. Allen, DDS, MBA is a native New Yorker, born in the Bronx. Besides offering expert dental care to his patients at Allen and Schwarz Dental in Central Park South, New York, he is a highly respected lecturer, writer, and educator.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Dr. Allen proceeded to dental school, earning his doctor of dental surgery degree at New York University College of Dentistry in New York City. Later in his career, Dr. Allen continued his comprehensive education, receiving a master of business administration from Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey.

As a Clinical Professor and Vice Chair of the Cariology and Comprehensive Care department at NYU’s College of Dentistry, Dr. Allen teaches dental students, conducts clinical and educational research, presents lectures around the world, and publishes articles and manuscripts related to his work.

He also helped institute the College of Dentistry’s innovative Selective in Teaching Skills program, which allows first-year and third-year dental students to work closely together in their preclinical courses.

Dr. Allen maintains active membership in many professional organizations, including the Academy of Operative Dentistry, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Association for Dental Research, the American Association of University Professors, the American Dental Association, the American Dental Education Association, the New York County Dental Society, and the New York State Dental Society.

Evan B. Schwarz, MS, DMD is a prosthodontist at Allen and Schwarz Dental in Central Park South, New York. He specializes in repairing serious or extensive dental problems, helping his patients feel confident and comfortable enough to talk, eat, laugh, and smile again. He is highly trained in all aspects of restorative and cosmetic dental work, including crowns, bridges, dentures, implants, and veneers.

Dr. Schwarz began his higher education at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, receiving a bachelor of science degree in biomedical engineering and materials science and engineering. While earning his doctor of dental medicine degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, he served as a clinical teaching assistant. He then completed his dental residency at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York City, where he also earned a master’s degree in prosthodontics and was a clinical instructor.

To keep up with the latest developments in prosthodontics and general dentistry, Dr. Schwarz maintains an active membership in several professional and medical organizations, including the American Academy of Facial Cosmetics. He is married with two daughters and enjoys cooking and sports.

Cheng H. Tai, DDS, of Cheng H. Tai, DDS, MS, PC, New York City, came to the United States from his native Taiwan to pursue his education. He earned a Master's degree in Material Science from New York University while concurrently studying at the school’s University of Dentistry, where he earned his dental doctorate degree and specialty certificate in prosthodontics. After serving as a clinical assistant professor at NYU for four years, Dr. Tai began a private practice in 1992, which continues to operate from its Midtown Manhattan location at the corner of Madison Avenue and 57th Street.

Dr. Tai views dentistry as a fine art, requiring knowledge, skill, and patience to perform at the highest levels. He breathes this passion into his work and, with his prosthodontics training, applies an artistic touch to make every cosmetic procedure as natural as possible. Dr. Tai personally cares for every patient who comes through his door.

Dr. Tai lives with his wife Jen-Hui and their two boys; Jen-Hui works as the practice’s office manager. When he's not at the office, Dr. Tai enjoys jogging, traveling, and visiting local museums.

Driola Dega, LMFT is an attachment-based, culturally sensitive therapist who works with individuals (adults), couples, and families. She utilizes an existential, collaborative and highly engaging approach as she supports her clients in identifying and drawing upon their strengths to move toward self-realization. A firm believer in the benefits of self-realization and insight, Driola aims to assist clients in identifying their own answers. Her work relies upon a variety of therapeutic techniques in which she is highly-trained and well-versed, including Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT), CBT-E (for Eating Disorders), Emotionally Focused (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma-Informed.

Driola believes that all clients have the capacity to reach their potential, but must first identify the factors that keep them “stuck.” Such obstacles might include (but are not limited to) self-defeating beliefs, genetic pre-dispositions to anxiety or depression, sociocultural systemic oppression, or problematic family or couple dynamics. In Driola’s challenging yet compassionate approach, she helps clients recognize how such factors create limiting self-views and preclude personal growth and happiness.

Driola specializes in the treatment of family conflict, relationship issues, life transitions, and mood disorders. Other common areas of treatment include chronic illness, codependency, eating disorders, grief, narcissistic personality (NPD), racial identity, sexual abuse, trauma and PTSD. In addition to English, she speaks Albanian, Italian and Spanish.

Igor Ilyabayev, DDS, is a highly skilled dentist at Central Avenue Dental in Valley Stream, New York, and the Tribeca and Midtown East neighborhoods of Manhattan in New York City.

Dr. Ilyabayev graduated from St. John’s University in Queens, New York, with his undergraduate degree and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the New York University College of Dentistry. He then completed a general practice residency at Mount Sinai Queens, which gave him an extensive year of training in general dentistry.

In his efforts to continuously further his knowledge in the evolving and progressive field of dentistry, Dr. Ilyabayev takes numerous courses to provide his patients with the latest treatment modalities available to date. Some of the courses include completion of advanced mini-residency in dental implantology, Invisalign® treatment, and advanced training in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

Raised in a family of dentists, Dr. Ilyabayev was brought up with a love for the dental profession, teaching him to pursue excellence in all of his work and treating patients ethically and with compassion.

Patrick Ng-a-fook, DDS, or “Dr. Pat,” at Smile Design Manhattan in Midtown West, New York City, began his education as an undergraduate at the State University of New York at Stony Brook in Stony Brook, New York. In June 2002, he graduated with a bachelor of arts in economics, a minor in business, and a concentration in biology. This trio of interests encouraged him to further explore science and anatomy, as well as a career in dentistry.

In 2003, Dr. Pat enrolled at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry in Richmond, Virginia. There, he earned his doctor of dental surgery.

Following graduation, Dr. Pat enrolled in an advanced education in general dentistry residency at Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, through Lutheran Medical Center. This experience helped Dr. Pat discover his passion for working with patients and presented him with the opportunity to train dental residents, something he always wanted to do.

Never one to slow down, Dr. Pat has also pursued an education in endodontics and earned a certificate from Lutheran Medical Center with a focus on surgical and nonsurgical endodontic treatment. His extensive knowledge and expertise in these areas established him as Smile Design Manhattan’s resident endodontic expert.

Dr. Pat is board eligible from the American Association of Endodontics. He’s also a proud member of the American Dental Association, the New York Dental Association, and the American Association of Endodontists.

When he isn’t working to save or restore his patients’ teeth, you can find Dr. Pat traveling, trying out new cuisine, or spending time with his family.

Smile Design Manhattan founder Lee Gause, DDS, has established himself as a clinical leader in cosmetic dentistry techniques, a level of expertise he brings to the Midtown West practice in New York City.

Dr. Gause began his professional education as an undergraduate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, graduating in 1998 with a bachelor of science in biology.

Inspired to pursue a career in dentistry after earning his undergraduate degree, Dr. Gause enrolled at the Howard University College of Dentistry in Washington, DC, where he earned his doctor of dental surgery in 2004.

A year later, Dr. Gause relocated to New York and founded Smile Design Manhattan. Over the next decade, Dr. Gause worked incredibly hard, honing his craft in cosmetic dentistry techniques such as porcelain veneers, Invisalign®, and dental implants.

Dr. Gause’s years of experience, attention to detail, and approachable, friendly demeanor have helped him establish a boutique family of patients including celebrities and professional athletes.

When Dr. Gause isn’t spending time with patients, you can find him dedicating his time and energy to Smile Design Gallery, a charity he founded that uses art sales to fund dental care for low-income children and seniors, as well as men and women who are being rehabilitated from homelessness.

On a personal level, Dr. Gause enjoys contemporary visual art, physical fitness, and helping develop public dental health systems in emerging nations. Professionally, Dr. Gause is a fellow of the International College of Oral Implantologists. 

Mahvish Ahmed, DDS, has always had an interest in science and biology, two passions that led her to pursue an undergraduate degree at the Ohio State University, in Columbus, Ohio, and ultimately join the team at Smile Design Manhattan in Midtown West in New York City.  

While attending Ohio State, Dr. Ahmed completed her bachelor of science with honors in microbiology and international studies. She then continued her postgraduate education in Columbus, earning her doctorate of dental surgery a few years later.

While completing her doctoral work, Dr. Ahmed also participated in the Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization in Global Health program. The unique opportunity enabled her to organize and send dental relief teams to underserved areas in the United States and overseas.

After graduation at Ohio State, Dr. Ahmed moved to New York City to participate in her general practice residency at Metropolitan Hospital Center. Dr. Ahmed attributes her success there to her adept surgical skills and ability to put even the most anxious patients at ease.

Dr. Ahmed brings extensive holistic dentistry experience to Smile Design Manhattan. She regularly provides preventive services such as cleanings and oral exams and is committed to helping her patients achieve healthy, bright smiles. Dr. Ahmed stays up-to-date on industry developments and cutting-edge techniques and is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the New York State Dental Association.

When Dr. Ahmed isn’t at work, she’s active in New York Cares, a nonprofit organization responsible for hundreds of volunteer projects all over the city. She’s also a certified yoga instructor and loves to participate in Manhattan’s vibrant music and arts scene.

Nancy Jiyoung Ahn, DMD, at Smile Design Manhattan in Midtown West, New York City, began her undergraduate education at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, in Stony Brook, New York. In 2011, she received her bachelor of science in biology, which ignited her passion for oral health and dentistry.

Dr. Ahn was accepted to the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in Newark, New Jersey. She spent the next four years working under the guidance of renowned professors and specialists, earning her doctor of dental medicine in 2016.

The following year, Dr. Ahn completed her general practice residency at Jacobi Medical Center in Bronx, New York, which exposed her to complex cases that allowed her to enhance her skill set and provide comprehensive oral care.

Professionally, Dr. Ahn is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

She uses her training and expertise to help patients of all ages to reach and maintain good oral health, and create beautiful confident smiles. Outside of providing preventive and surgical care, Dr. Ahn also regularly contributes her dentistry expertise to medical and scientific journals.

In her spare time, Dr. Ahn enjoys practicing yoga, traveling, and spending time with friends and family members.

“Dr. Alvin” graduated from Lafayette College in 1967 with a degree in biology. He then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 1971 with numerous honors. He completed a mixed dental internship in general dentistry, general anesthesia and oral surgery at Philadelphia General Hospital, where he was selected as Intern of the Year. He has been in private practice in midtown Manhattan since then and has taught at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in the Division of Operative Dentistry for over 25 years. Dr. Alvin takes pride in passing along his honed dental skills and expertise to the next generation of Boyd dentists.

Dr. Alvin and his wife, Anne, live in Chappaqua, New York, and have four children named Justin, Allison, Evan and Andrew. Anne is a volunteer EMT in Chappaqua.

“Dr. Justin” graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Dartmouth College in 1996, where he was captain of the varsity Men’s Lacrosse team. Before dental school, he spent a year working in this office as a dental laboratory technician. He graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 2001, attaining many clinical and academic honors. After dental school, he completed a one-year General Practice Residency at the midtown Manhattan Veteran Affairs Hospital. Since then, he has been practicing full-time at Drs. Boyd P.C. and taught operative dentistry at Columbia. Dr. Justin is committed to learning the latest dental techniques, and his passion for dentistry shows in how well he treats his patients.

Dr. Justin lives in Chatham, New Jersey, with his wife, Jess, and he loves coaching his four sons in lacrosse and running after his young daughter in his free time. Jess is an advertising creative producer in New York City.

Andrew Boyd, DDS, is a skilled restorative and implant dentist practicing at Drs. Boyd P.C. in the Midtown East neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City.

Dr. Andrew graduated Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 2007 with a BA in Psychology. He received his DDS degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 2011, where he was awarded many clinical and academic honors and was also Student Government President. After dental school, he completed a one-year general practice residency at the Midtown Manhattan VA Hospital, followed by three years of advanced specialty training in prosthodontics. In his final year, he was elected chief resident by his professors and peers.

Dr. Andrew is an expert in the latest in digital, cosmetic, and reconstructive dentistry. He also enjoys teaching prosthodontic and reconstructive dentistry at Touro College of Dental Medicine in Hawthorne, New York. At Touro, he is one of few dental specialists who help patients with complex dental needs smile again. 

Dr. Andrew lives in Westchester County with his wife, Stephanie, who works as a Marketing Director in New York City.

Meet Dr. Schraner

Dr. Schraner was born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She moved to New York City to attend NYU for both undergraduate and dental school. She has participated in dental outreach programs and was awarded honors in esthetic dentistry. After graduation, she completed her general practice residency at Lutheran Hospital in Brooklyn, where she treated children, adults and special needs patients. Dr. Schraner has been practicing dentistry in Manhattan for the past 7 years.