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 was raised in San Francisco, CA. After obtaining a Biochemistry degree from San Jose State University, he went on to graduate from New York University College of Dentistry with Honors. Dr. John received his Pediatric Dental Certificate from Montefiore Medical Center/ Albert Einstein Medical Center in Bronx, NY. Dr. John has a sedation permit from the NJ State Board of Dentistry and 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. Dr. John 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.). Dr. John is also included in the New Jersey Family Magazine as a family favorite pediatric dentist. 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. He currently resides with his wife and two children in Union County. In his free time, Dr. John enjoys spending time with family, friends, and embraces the precious moments that come along with 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.
Kimmy
Registered Dental Hygienist
Kimmy became a dental hygienist in 2010, graduating with an associate’s degree in dental hygiene from Bergen Community College. After realizing how much she loves working with children and educating new parents, she spent the next 7 years working in the field of pediatric dentistry. She joined our team in 2021, reuniting with her old hygiene classmate Tracy! Outside of work, Kimmy loves to go to the beach and scuba dive with her husband, and when she is forced to be in the cold you will find her snowboarding down a mountain! She has also participated in several mission trips to Thailand and has even learned to speak Thai!
Elaine
Registered Dental Hygienist
Elaine has been practicing dental hygiene for nineteen years and has been part of our team since 1999 as well. She received her degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Medicine and Dentistry-Newark, NJ. Over the years, Elaine has enjoyed developing strong bonds and trust with our patients and loves helping and educating each one on the importance of good oral hygiene. In her spare time, Elaine loves to travel, shop, exercising and spend time with her husband and son.
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.
Martha
Registered Dental Hygienist
A fabulous new addition, Martha has been practicing dental hygiene since completing the dental hygiene program at Bergen Community College in 2014. Martha’s warmth and compassion shines though as she reinforces excellent oral health skills to her patients. Martha is very excited to be part of our team. In her spare time she enjoys teaching spin classes after receiving her certification in 2016. She loves going for walks with her black lab, Stella and working on her endless house projects. Martha loves to travel but her favorite place is visiting family Colorado and hiking 14,000 foot mountains with her brothers, nieces and nephew.
Esther
Registered Dental Hygienist
Esther has been in the dental field since high school. In 2000, she became a Registered Dental Hygienist and graduated from NYC Technical College in Brooklyn, NY. With a passion for learning, she returned to school and graduated in 2016 with Summa Cum Laude, highest honors, with a Bachelors of Professional Studies in Dental Hygiene. Esther is also an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, which focuses on correcting improper function of the tongue and facial muscles. Esther has a calm and gentle demeanor that is appreciated by her patients. Her attention to detail allows her to stay focused on providing high-quality care while keeping her patients comfortable in the chair. She takes preventative care very seriously, which allows her to formulate an individual care plan. Esther is a Morris County resident and enjoys spending time with her husband and kids.
Sofia
Dental Assistant and Toothbrush and Toy Consultant
Sofia is a recent addition to our team and is a junior at Livingston High School. Sofia has expressed an interest in pursuing a career in the dental field. and believes that her position here is the ideal job. She is in the office every day and loves engaging with children of all ages. Sofia helps us stay on schedule by setting up our rooms and selecting the toothbrushes for our kids. She is also a great toy consultant. In her spare time, Sofia spends time with her family and friends, going to the beach and playing with her dog, Luigi.
Alexa
Dental Assistant and Toothbrush and Toy Consultant
Alexa is one of the newest members of our team. She has thought about being a dentist since she was a little girl. She is a senior at Hanover Park High School and her dream is to attend dental school and become an orthodontist. Alexa enjoys being part of our team and learning about the different aspects of dentistry. Alexa helps us with instrument and treatment room setups and interacting with the children. She loves being around the children and they bring a smile to her face. Alexa’s hobbies include working out, dance, babysitting, shopping, and spending time with her family and friends.