Livingston Pediatric Dental Associates
Meet Our Team
Shari Summers, DMD
Pediatric Dentist - NJ Specialty Permit No. 3324
Upon graduation from Livingston High School, Dr. Shari attended the University of Colorado where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business with an emphasis on Accounting. She then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Shari received her Pediatric Dentistry specialty certificate from St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, PA.
For many years, Dr. Shari was an Attending in the Dental Department at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and is currently on staff at Barnabas Health. Dr. Shari is a member of numerous local and national dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, New Jersey Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity NY Chapter. Dr. Shari has been honored as a top pediatric dentist in New Jersey Monthly Magazine and nominated as a favorite pediatric dentist in New Jersey Family Magazine since 2011.
Dr. Shari has been included in the list of Essex County Top Dentists in the Morris Essex Health & Life Magazine since 2017 and has been listed in Millburn Short Hill Magazine as a favorite pediatric dentist for several years.
Dr. Shari’s oldest daughter is currently working in London and her younger daughter is enrolled in a Doctorate program for Clinical Psychology. In her spare time, Dr. Shari is an enthusiastic cyclist and you might find her driving around town with her bubblegum pink bike rack!
John Chang, DDS
Pediatric Dentist - NJ Specialty Permit No. 6240
Dr. John’s professional goal is to promote a lifetime of good oral care in a fun and friendly environment. His sense of humor and gentle approach allows him to effectively deliver compassionate dental treatment in a positive manner. Dr. John is a strong advocate in empowering parents and patients through oral health education.
Originally from San Francisco, California, Dr. John’s journey led him to graduate with Honors from New York University College of Dentistry. He received his Pediatric Dental Certificate from Montefiore Medical Center/ Albert Einstein Medical Center. Dr. John has treated pediatric patients and patients with special needs in the office, hospital, and operating room.
Dr. John is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, NJ Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and American Dental Association. He is Board Certified in Pediatric Dentistry and is certified in Basic Cardiac Life Support (B.C.L.S.) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (P.A.L.S.).
Recognized as a favorite family pediatric dentist in New Jersey Family Magazine, Dr. John currently resides in Union County with his loving wife and two children. When he’s not creating healthy smiles, he treasures the moments spent with family and friends, cherishing the joys of parenthood.
Gordon Barnes, DDS, MD
Anesthesiologist
Dr. Barnes is a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry and the University of Health Sciences, Antigua School of Medicine. He completed his dental residency at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, and his anesthesia residency at Brookdale Medical Center, also in Brooklyn, New York. In 1993 Dr. Barnes started Paramount Ambulatory Anesthesia, a provider of office-based ambulatory anesthesia for pediatric dental patients. He also held a part-time attending position at Interfaith Medical center from 1993-2000 and at Bronx Lebanon Hospital from 2000-2001, where he was responsible for delivering anesthesia care to pediatric and special needs patients in the dental department. Dr. Barnes has been practicing office-based anesthesia since 1993 in New York and New Jersey and is a Diplomate of the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology. He holds memberships in the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists, the Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia, and the American Dental Association. In his spare time, Dr. Barnes enjoys traveling and, as an avid General Aviation pilot, volunteers with the Patient AirLift Services organization.
DMD vs. DDS:
Have you noticed that our doctors have different letters behind their names? Although these abbreviations represent different degrees from different dental schools, there is no real difference. The requirements for these degrees are exactly the same. Our doctors have successfully completed the same national and state board examinations
Lisa
Front Desk Coordinator
Lisa joined our practice in December 2013. She has an abundance of dental experience. Lisa has 15 years of experience as a Registered Dental Assistant and over nineteen years as a front desk coordinator in a dental office. Lisa specializes in all aspects of dental insurance in order to help patients maximize their benefits. In her spare time, Lisa loves to shop and loves spending time with her husband, her adult children, and her beloved boxer. There is a new addition to the family, be sure to ask Lisa about her new grandchild!
Donna
Appointment Coordinator
Donna has had a vast amount of dental experiences. Donna had previously worked in the same dental practice as a Registered Dental Assistant and Office Manager. When her former employer retired, Donna joined our team in September 2017. She brings with her an extensive knowledge of dental procedures and dental insurance information. Outside of the office, Donna enjoys spending time with her three daughters and enjoys cooking and baking. Donna can be found walking around town in her free time.
Tracy
Registered Dental Hygienist
Tracy joined our practice as a dental assistant in 1997. Her love of children and dentistry inspired her to become a dental hygienist. Tracy graduated from Bergen Community College in May 2010 with an Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene; she was inducted into the National Dental Hygiene Honor Society during that time. Upon graduation, she also earned the prestigious Golden Scaler Award for excellence in clinical ability. Tracy travels a far distance daily to the office, but she loves her job so it is worth it! When Tracy is not working, she can be found enjoying all water sports, snowmobiling, kickboxing, participating in Spartan races, and spending time with her identical twin sister.
Patty
Registered Dental Hygienist
Patty has been a Registered Dental Hygienist since 1990. She graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Union County with an Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene and joined our team in 1999. Patty lives in Morris County with her husband and two children who keep her busy when she is not at work. Patty loves to shop and spend her free time at the beach.