Leading the Way in Advanced Dentistry:
Your Smile, Our Expertise.

Brian Marino

Brian Marino, DMD

Dentist & Owner

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.

Doctor

Kelly Fennelly, DMD

Dentist

Dr. Kelly Fennelly grew up in Pompton Plains, NJ and is thrilled to be back in her hometown, treating patients and seeing many familiar faces. When Dr Fennelly is not at the office, she loves spending time with her husband, one year old daughter and two Labrador retrievers. Being outside as much as she can, Dr Fennelly enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and skiing. She also loves to cook, and wishes she could bake, but can truthfully say it never turns out well. She loves being a dentist, loves her patients, and is looking forward to meeting you at your next visit.

Credentials
Dr Fennelly received her bachelors of science degree at Marist College. She received her doctorate at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. After graduating dental school, Dr Fennelly completed further training at a 1 year General Practice Residency at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY.

Alexander Lavarez, DDS

Alexander Lavarez, DDS

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.

Emma Claire Fontenot

Emma Claire Fontenot, DDS

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.

Neville Hatfield, DDS

Neville Hatfield, DDS

Dr. Neville Hatfield grew up in Boise, Idaho, where he spent his youth immersed in the outdoors—camping, hiking, fishing, white-water rafting, and embracing every adventure imaginable. He now proudly calls Wyckoff, New Jersey home, where he and his wife are raising their three young daughters.

Dr. Hatfield graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, where he also served as Class President. Following dental school, he completed a prestigious General Practice Residency at the Manhattan Veterans Affairs Hospital, providing comprehensive prosthetic and surgical care to military veterans through close interdisciplinary collaboration.

Committed to delivering the highest standard of dental care, Dr. Hatfield remains actively involved in evaluating and lecturing on dental products and materials. He serves as a clinical advisor to multiple dental companies, contributing his expertise to the development of innovative dental instruments, materials, and technologies. This involvement allows him to thoughtfully select advanced, reliable solutions that deliver long-lasting, esthetic results for his patients. Patients consistently appreciate Dr. Hatfield’s friendly demeanor and dedication to creating an exceptional dental experience.

Outside the office, he enjoys cooking and is currently perfecting his pizza-making skills using his at-home pizza oven.

kristen-marino

Kristen, Business Owner

Happily married since 2000, Kristen and Dr. Marino have 3 children.; James, Elizabeth and Madelyn. Kristen enjoys spending her time with her family cheering them on from the sidelines and finds great joy in watching their children grow. She enjoys cooking for her family and creating memories as they travel to new places each year. An avid skier and nature lover, Kristen finds much happiness in the great outdoors, whether that is a hike in the National Parks, skiing or simply combing the beach for shells at her beloved Cape Cod.

Professionally Kristen, Dr. Marino’s business partner and wife have partnered together on various projects since 2007 Dr. Marino introduced Kristen to the potential of her involvement in the practices in 2007, when we acquired Pequannock Valley Dental Associates, Montville, Center For Dentistry (2021), Whitehouse Station Center For Dentistry (2023) and The Center For Dentistry of Vernon (2023) Kristen was new to the field of dentistry in 2007 after making a complete career change, originally a teacher with a degree specialized in education and obtaining a M.ED in Developmental Disabilities. Kristen offers a unique perspective with her background in education than others who are in the industry.

A natural eye for design and detail, Kristen helps to transform the dental spaces so they are aesthetically pleasing and comforting to patients. Kristen is committed to the growth and development of the team and she diligently works with each team member to create a path for growth in working within their unique strengths. Kristen’s is heavily involved in the development of systems, operating procedures and curriculum for the dental practices. As a teacher at heart, she always loves to bring on, develop and grow team members who are aligned with the vision of the practices and guides with a servant's heart. She views each day as a new opportunity for learning and developing professionally and personally and continues to surrounds herself in this industry with the top leaders in the dental space.

Meet our Team

Doctor

Dana

Hygienist

Doctor

Allie

Hygienist

Doctor

Reagan

Hygienist

Jessica

Jessica

Hygienist


Doctor

Linda

Dental Assistant

Doctor

Allyson

Dental Assistant