The Dentist's Perspective: It's a Family Affair For the Zentist
Posted Jun 12, 2013 in Labs & Profiles
At noon, Dr. Sonny Oliva (center, standing) and the staff at his in-house laboratory have a lunch together “like a family.†Seated from l. to r.: Roy Rivera, Case Coordinator; Sergio Oliva, MDT, removables; and Ceramists Eloy Patapat, MDT, and Maik Polatian, MDT.
In 2008, Dr. Sonny Torres Oliva was profiled in the New York Times for his services and the spa-like environment in his mid-town Manhattan, NY dental office. Dubbed the "Zentist," his operatories feature soft lighting, gently vibrating dental chairs and New Age music. Patients—some of whom are celebrities—are routinely treated to hand and foot massages, hot towels, hand lotion and lip balm during their hygiene appointments.
Two floors down from this stress-free office is his in-house laboratory that employs five technicians, including Dr. Oliva's father, Sergio, a former lab owner, and his father's cousin. Oliva grew up in his father's laboratory and worked as a technician for years before earning his dental degree in Manila in 2000 and his prosthodontics degree from New York University in 2003.
Because of his background, he's passionate about creating the most lifelike restorations possible. He spends much of his day between the office and the laboratory,...
