Meet Our Doctors
For more than 50 years, Gentle Dental Care has proudly served families in Vestal, NY and across the Southern Tier with compassionate, high-quality dental care. Our experienced team combines advanced dental technology with a gentle, patient-first approach to help patients of all ages feel comfortable while achieving healthy, confident smiles.
From routine preventive care to advanced restorative and implant dentistry, our doctors are committed to building lasting relationships and providing personalized care in a welcoming environment.
Mario A. Silvestri DDS, FAGD
Dr. Mario Silvestri is an experienced and caring implant dentist dedicated to helping patients restore their smiles with comfort and confidence. As a partner at Gentle Dental Care in Vestal, New York, he combines advanced training with a compassionate approach to patient care.
Dr. Silvestri is nationally recognized for his leadership in implant dentistry. He currently serves as Vice President of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry (ABOI/ID)—a distinction that represents the highest level of expertise in implant dentistry. He is also a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American College of Dentists.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Silvestri teaches and mentors dentists across the country through AAID educational programs and directs the Nashville MaxiCourse in Implant Dentistry. He also volunteers his time providing dental care on humanitarian trips to Mexico.
Dr. Silvestri earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Hamilton College and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. He went on to complete advanced training at Englewood Hospital’s General Practice Residency and the SUNY/Buffalo Glen H. Leak Fellowship, where he focused on ethical standards in research.
His goal is to deliver the highest quality implant and restorative care in a relaxed, patient-centered environment where every patient feels comfortable and confident in their smile.
Ryan T. Comfort DDS
Dr. Comfort enjoys all aspects of general dentistry and has a special interest in esthetic treatments and Invisalign® clear aligners. He values building strong, lasting relationships with his patients and takes pride in helping even the most anxious patients feel at ease through his calm and gentle style.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Comfort has held leadership roles in organized dentistry. He is the former president of the Broome County Dental Society and currently serves as secretary of the Sixth District Dental Society.
Committed to giving back, Dr. Comfort supports many local organizations, including Danielle House, The Discovery Center, and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Comfort enjoys fitness, hiking, and skiing, but his favorite adventures are those spent with his son, Rowen. Inspired by a passion for service, he strives every day to make a positive difference in the lives of his patients and his community.
Justin S. Birdsall DDS
Dr. Birdsall especially enjoys restorative dentistry and oral surgery, combining precision and compassion to help patients achieve both function and confidence in their smiles. His philosophy of care is centered on attention to detail, patient comfort, and delivering the highest level of care possible.
Outside the office, Dr. Birdsall enjoys spending time with his wife, Brianna. He is an avid mountain biker, skier, and golfer, always looking for new adventures outdoors.
