Interview by Kelly Postiglione. Photos provided by Westchester Gentle Dentistry.
Meet Dr. Feryal Alidadi, D.D.S., a dedicated dentist with over 30 years of experience serving the Westchester and Fairfield Counties. She founded Westchester Gentle Dentistry in 1997, driven by a passion for combining science with genuine human connection in oral healthcare. Her practice is known for its gentle, compassionate approach, utilizing advanced technology to provide comprehensive dental care for the entire family. Dr. Alidadi is committed to building lasting relationships with her patients, often caring for multiple generations within the same family.
Mention “LOCALMOM” to receive $100 off your next treatment now through August 31, 2025.
Could you tell us a little about yourself? Where are you originally from, and where do you call home now?
White Plains has always felt like home. I’ve lived here for the past 30 years. Before that, I spent five years in Manhattan while attending dental school at NYU. Earlier in my twenties, I lived in the Bay Area, but I’ve really loved raising my family here in Westchester – being close to New York City while enjoying the sense of community this area offers.
The energy of the East Coast suits me, and over the years, I’ve been lucky to build a strong network of friends and patients. It’s been a wonderful place to grow both personally and professionally.
Do you have children, and if so, how old are they?
I have two grown children – a daughter who lives here in New York and a son and daughter-in-law in LA. I remember the early weekend mornings driving all over the Tri-State to get them to soccer fields and ice rinks, meeting other parents along the way, and celebrating wins with a meal at Rye Grill & Bar or the Fat Poodle – all while managing a dental practice!
They attended Rye Country Day and Brunswick, and both had a wonderful experience growing up in this community. It’s a place that’s always felt like home.
What inspired you to pursue a career in dentistry? What was it about oral healthcare that drew you in?
I was a chemistry major in college and always knew I wanted to go into healthcare. At first, I considered research, but I realized I wanted the human connection that comes with dentistry. It combines science, problem-solving, and the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients. What I love most is getting to help people feel healthier and more confident in their smiles. I enjoy using my background to diagnose issues, provide hands-on solutions, and educate patients on how oral health ties into their overall well-being. Every day brings a new challenge and a new conversation – and that’s what makes this work so rewarding.
Please tell us about the services you provide!
We’re proud to offer a wide range of dental care for the whole family – all under one roof. From routine cleanings and checkups to Invisalign, crowns, dental implants, and gum treatments, we’re here to help with just about everything. We also offer same-day emergency visits for those unexpected dental needs. For a full list of services (and to check out our newly redesigned website!), visit: westchestergentledentistry.com
You’ve been practicing for over 30 years, serving our local communities. What has kept you dedicated to this area for so long?
What’s kept me dedicated to this area for so long are the relationships. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of caring for thousands of patients, and one of the greatest joys is seeing those relationships grow. I’ve worked with patients through different stages of life, and now, I’m treating their children too. That kind of trust and continuity means so much to me.
I first opened my own practice back in 1997 in White Plains – it was a tiny office with just two operatories. In 2014, I moved to Port Chester to establish Westchester Gentle Dentistry, which gave us the space to grow, offer on-site parking, and invest in the latest technology to better serve our patients.
Dentistry is constantly evolving, and through continuing education, I’m able to bring new techniques and tools into the office that make care gentler, more efficient, and more personalized. It’s that mix of community connection and professional growth that keeps me inspired year after year.
As moms, we’re always looking for healthcare providers who understand our family’s needs. What’s your approach to making patients, especially kids, feel comfortable and at ease in your office?
We named our practice Westchester Gentle Dentistry for a reason. Years ago, we asked our patients to describe their experience with us – and the word that kept coming up was “gentle.” That really stuck with us and continues to shape everything we do.
We know that going to the dentist isn’t anyone’s favorite activity, so we go out of our way to make every visit feel comfortable, calm, and supportive. From the moment you call to book an appointment to sitting in one of our plush chairs with soft music playing in the background, we’ve tried to create an experience that feels less clinical and more personal.
We also use technology like digital scanners to help patients see what’s going on with their teeth in real time, which can be both educational and empowering. And we never want you to feel rushed. We take the time to explain everything clearly and work with each patient (and parent) to create a plan that fits your unique needs and comfort level.
At the end of the day, we treat every patient the way we’d want our own families to be treated — with compassion, patience, and respect.
What aspects of your work bring you the most joy and fulfillment?
One of the most fulfilling parts of this work is helping patients who’ve avoided the dentist for years finally feel comfortable, heard, and supported. Whether it’s due to a past negative experience or worries about cost, I’m honored when someone chooses to trust us with their care again. Being able to help them feel comfortable, rebuild that trust, and watch their confidence grow – that’s incredibly meaningful to me.
As busy moms, we sometimes put our own needs last. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to moms about prioritizing their own oral health?
As busy moms, it’s easy to push our own care to the bottom of the list – but your oral health matters, too. One of the simplest and most impactful things you can do is keep up with your 6-month dental visits. If you have dental insurance, those cleanings and checkups are often fully covered – and even without insurance, staying on schedule can actually save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Catching small issues early (like a cavity) is far easier than waiting until it turns into a root canal or tooth loss. That’s why we created the WGD Smile Club, a new in-office membership that covers two cleanings, checkups, and unlimited X-rays. It’s been a great option for many of our uninsured patients – and just one way we’re helping local families make preventive care a priority.
For local moms looking for a new dentist for their family, what would you want them to know about your practice and what sets you apart?
If you’re a local mom looking for a new dental home for your family, our amazing all-women team would love to welcome you to WGD. We’re a proudly independent, non-corporate practice that’s been serving families across Westchester and Fairfield Counties since 1997. Many of our patients have been with us for decades – and we truly treat them like family. Our approach is centered on gentle, compassionate care, using advanced technology to deliver high-quality results while keeping things clear and affordable. We value transparency, comfort, and accessibility, and offer flexible financing. This year, we welcomed a fantastic periodontist trained at Columbia University, Dr. Gretel Pellegrini, D.D.S, Ph.D., M.S., to serve patients with implants and more complex gum and bone treatments. We’re also planning to bring on additional specialists and expand our hours to include evenings and Saturdays because we know life gets busy. Special for local moms: Mention “LOCALMOM” to receive $100 off your next treatment now through August 31, 2025. We’d love the chance to welcome you to our office so you can see the difference for yourself. Looking forward to seeing you at Westchester Gentle Dentistry – or around town!
-Dr. Feryal Alidadi, D.D.S.
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