Dr. Terrance J Okeefe, DDS

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Meet Dr. O'Keefe
Dr. O'Keefe
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Hello, I am Dr. Terry O’Keefe and I started this dental practice in November of
1990. I would like to “fill you in” about myself. I have been in dental practice
for over 20 years. I guess you could call me a crusty old veteran, although most
people know that I’m still a kid at heart.
I was born in South Buffalo in 1960 (wow does that seem like a long time ago). My
dad was a Buffalo policeman and my mom worked as a secretary. I have two great brothers:
Tim and Kevin, and a wonderful sister named Kate. We fought day and night as children,
but are very close now.
I learned at a young age that “hard work pays off in the long run”; and that “all
work and no play make for a dull boy” – so I combined the two all through my education.
At Holland Central High School I was voted class clown every year. While in college
at the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) the clowning turned to cloning
…as I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. In the fall of 1982 I
started learning what I actually do now in UB’s School of Dental Medicine. This
was and still is, one of the top dental schools in the country. It was very challenging,
and they taught me well. Eating and sleeping were replaced by studying, lab technique,
treating patients and every paying job I could find. I often held more than one
job, and I am proud to say that with the help of student loans I was able to pay
for my entire education.
I started my dental career with the Vermont Dental Care group in Brattleboro VT,
but soon moved to Rochester to work for a dental group in the mall. It did not take
long for me to decide that this type of practice was not for me… you just don’t
get to know who your patients are.
I opened my own office November 2, 1990. At first the space was just a big shell,
but as time went on it grew. A few counters here, some wallpaper and paint there,
my diplomas, a few pictures… and I had an office. Our family grew just as fast as
my practice. Brien was born in 1989, Colin in 1991 and Sean in 2000. As you can
imagine, three hungry boys was more than enough to keep me motivated.
In 1994 O’Keefe’s move to Penfield where we have become part of the Penfield community.
Our children have all attended Penfield schools, while my wife, Arlette, and I have
volunteered for various community and school activities. It is nice to work in the
community where you live… to keep the personal touch going.
By 2002 my practice needed more space, so we moved into our present office at 21
Willow Pond Way, Suite 203. A great deal of planning went into the move so that
we could remain a leader and dental technology in our community. We computerized
all of our treatment rooms for digital images and x-ray, and now we have a Diode
Laser and CEREC CAD-CAM ceramic crown making technology. Staying on the forefront
of dental technology takes a lot of time and work, but for us it is worth it.
Professionally, I am a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the Dental
Society of the State of New York, the Seventh District Dental Society, and the Monroe
County Dental Society. I have served on the Monroe County Dental Society board of
directors, was past president of the Rochester Dental Study Club. I subscribe to
many dental magazines, journals and online forums. I also attend many continuing
education courses to improve my knowledge and familiarize myself with the emerging
technologies.
I work hard at being the best dentist that I can be, but I never forget my sense
of humor. That is how I can make you smile at my dental office!
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