The Doctors
Dr. Joseph S. DiStefano
Dr. Joseph Di Stefano is a Prosthodontist. He has practiced in New York and New Jersey for twenty years. Dr. Di Stefano graduated from The Montclair Kimberly Academy and completed his undergraduate studies at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY. He graduated with highest honors and went on to receive his DMD Degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), again ranking in the top of his class. After four years of graduate study at UMDNJ, Dr. Di Stefano was accepted into The Prosthodontic Specialty Program at New York University College of Dentistry. This was a full time, three year Post Graduate Program in which only nine people were accepted from amongst hundreds of applicants from around the world.
A prosthodontist is a specialist in replacing damaged tooth structure, missing teeth, hard and soft tissues of the mouth and face. Prosthodontists deal with crowns, bridges, partial dentures, complete dentures, overdentures, dental implants, rebuilding worn out dentitions, restoring the proper bite relationship, headaches caused by facial pain and jaw joint problems (TMJ), and restoring function and aesthetics to traumatic injury (accident) victims, cancer and clef palate patients. Difficult cosmetic, technical and functional problems are referred to the prosthodontist for treatment along with geriatric patients, extremely fearful and anxious patients. Patients with hypertension and heart conditions, diabetes and a host of other systemic problems that constitute a high risk are routinely seen by the prosthodontist for management of their dental problems. Some prosthodontists receive additional training as maxillofacial prosthodontists and literally rebuild lost facial features such as eyes, ears, noses and large segments of the face with appliances. Very challenging and difficult problems confront the prosthodontist each day. It is a most challenging and rewarding specialty. As prosthodontists, we are called upon to orchestrate other specialists in dentistry and arrive at an overall solution to the patient’s problem.
Dr. Zakary I. Yermolenko
Dr. Zakary I. Yermolenko completed his undergraduate education from Rutgers University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology, while playing Division III Men’s Soccer for the University. In 2014, Dr. Yermolenko completed his graduate education from Seton Hall University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Master of Science degree in Biology. In 2018, Dr. Yermolenko graduated from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, formerly known as The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, with the degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine. During his junior year at RSDM, Dr. Yermolenko traveled to the Dominican Republic as part of a mission trip with three other selected students, treating underprivileged children. Upon completion, Dr. Yermolenko was elected to Gamma Pi Delta, the Prosthodontic Honor Society of RSDM and was awarded for exhibiting the greatest interest, knowledge, and proficiency in the field of general dentistry from the Academy of General Dentistry, in which he was the Vice President in his school chapter. Dr. Yermolenko began working in private practices in multiple locations across North Jersey. He continues to broaden his education with his commitment to organized dentistry in which he is a member of the following organizations: The American Dental Association, The Academy of General Dentistry, The New Jersey Dental Association, The Tri-County Dental Association, and Union County Dental Society. Dr. Yermolenko is an active Captain of the US Army Reserve.