Meet the Doctor
Dr. Brian Marino
Dr. Brian Marino was raised in Oakland, NJ, where he attended Indian Hills High School. He currently resides in Wyckoff with his wife, Kristen, their three children — James, Elizabeth, and Madelyn — and their Golden Retriever, Ryder. Outside the office, Dr. Marino is a devoted family man who loves cheering on his kids in soccer and lacrosse. A passionate New York Yankees fan, he is also an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fly fishing the streams of the West, the Catskills, and locally on the Flat Brook alongside his son James and brother Frank. He loves traveling and exploring new destinations with his family, and always finds his way back to beloved Cape Cod, where fishing, biking, and paddle boarding await.
A Practice Built on Patient-Centered Care
After years of working alongside other practitioners, Dr. Marino followed his vision and founded Pequannock Valley Dental Associates in 2007. Built on the belief that quality patient care should be delivered in a warm, welcoming environment, the practice reflects his commitment to connecting with each patient on a personal level — working together to develop treatment plans tailored to their individual needs.
In April 2021, Dr. Marino and Kristen expanded their family of practices by acquiring Dr. James Walter's office in Montville, now known as Montville Center for Dentistry. December 2023 brought two additional locations: The Center for Dentistry of Vernon and Whitehouse Station Center for Dentistry. Each location has undergone meaningful updates — modern facility improvements, the latest dental technology, and a growing team of dedicated professionals — all in service of the communities they call neighbors.
Education & Advanced Training
Dr. Marino earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology with honors from Rutgers College and went on to graduate as a Dean's Scholar from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), now Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. He completed his General Practice Residency at Hackensack University Medical Center, consistently ranked New Jersey's #1 hospital by U.S. News & World Report.
A true lifelong learner, Dr. Marino routinely exceeds the annual continuing education requirements in all areas of dentistry. He has been an Invisalign provider since 2004 and is one of a select few dentists to have traveled to Costa Rica to tour the Invisalign manufacturing facility, where he worked directly with case specialists to master the latest techniques in clear aligner treatment. He is also a member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners (AACA).
His pursuit of excellence has led him to complete advanced coursework in occlusion, restorative dentistry, and temporomandibular joint disorders at the renowned Dawson Center, as well as advanced digital dentistry training at the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry in Arizona. A CEREC user since 2008, Dr. Marino has personally placed thousands of same-day porcelain crowns and remains at the forefront of CAD CAM technology. He is also a graduate of the Schuster Center for Dentistry, a program designed to help highly skilled clinicians structure their practices around ethical, patient-centered care.
Most recently, Dr. Marino has pursued advanced training in dental implants through Minec America in Irving, TX, and has traveled to the Dominican Republic to further develop his surgical and prosthetic implant skills — a testament to his dedication to offering patients the most comprehensive care possible. He is an active member of both the American Dental Association (ADA) and the New Jersey Dental Association (NJDA).
A Commitment to Your Best Smile
Dr. Marino and his highly trained team are truly dedicated to providing the best possible experience for you and your family — because your optimal dental health is always the priority.
Dr. Nguyen
Dr. Nguyen is a general dentist dedicated to serve and guide patients towards optimum dental health. Besides his silliness, he takes his time to support both the team and patients at The Center for Dentistry , facilitating a fun yet personal experience. With treatment, he utilizes a patient-centric approach: partnering with patients in achieving exceptional dental care.
Dr. Nguyen makes every effort to communicate and work through patients' anxiety, concerns and dental needs. He continues to stay up to date with current developments in dentistry, along with continuing education. He pursued his Bachelors in Biochemistry from San Jose State University. He then earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Touro College of Dental Medicine. His dental expertise encompasses all aspects of General Dentistry.
When not in the office, Dr. Nguyen enjoys reading manga and building custom keyboards. He loves to cook and makes a variety of dishes, specializing in Vietnamese Cuisine. He loves music and listens to all genres ranging from kpop to electronic and even metal. "As a doctor and as a person, I am here to help and support you through your journey in reaching optimal dental health."
Dr. Alexander Lavarez
Dr. Alexander Lavarez firmly believes that maintaining a healthy smile is integral to overall health. By taking the time to educate patients about the importance of their oral health, he aspires to empower patients to make informed decisions about their care. Combining a thorough understanding of dental practices with a genuine concern for patient comfort, Dr. Lavarez is committed to working with his patients to develop personalized treatment plans and delivering high quality dental care. Dr. Alexander Lavarez first explored his passion for biological sciences at Rutgers University where he graduated with honors. He would then go on to earn his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Touro College of Dental Medicine. After completing dental school, he pursued further training and completed a General Practice Residency at Jersey City Medical Center where he fine-tuned his skills in all aspects of dentistry.
As he strives to provide the best care for his patients, Dr. Lavarez stays up-to-date with the latest advancements and research in dentistry through continuing education courses. In his spare time, Dr. Lavarez tries to satisfy his big appetite by discovering new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. He stays active by going to his local gym and exploring the hiking trails. Through his expertise and dedication to his patients, Dr. Lavarez will strive to provide the best care to help you on your oral health journey.
Dr. Victor Kim
Dr. Kim is known for his calm, friendly approach and his ability to make patients feel comfortable from the moment they walk through the door. With a strong academic foundation and extensive clinical training, Dr. Kim completed his undergraduate studies before earning his dental degree through the highly respected New York University College of Dentistry.
As a general dentist, Dr. Kim enjoys building long-term relationships with his patients and providing comprehensive care for individuals and families. He takes pride in being the kind of doctor who listens carefully, answers questions thoroughly, and makes sure every patient feels confident about their treatment plan.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Kim enjoys spending his free time playing golf and poker—two hobbies that reflect the same patience, focus, and strategic thinking he brings to his work in the dental chair.
One of the things patients appreciate most about Dr. Kim is his commitment to patient education. He believes that great dentistry starts with trust, and trust comes from understanding. Dr. Kim takes the time to explain what’s causing discomfort, what options are available, and why certain treatments are recommended—so patients always feel informed and supported, never rushed.
Dr. Kim also believes that the best dental care comes from mastering the fundamentals. By focusing on strong general dentistry principles, he ensures that every procedure—whether routine or complex—is done with precision, care, and long-term success in mind.
Dr. Kim looks forward to welcoming you to the practice and providing exceptional care with a personal, patient-first approach.
Kristen Marino
Happily married since 2000, Kristen and Dr. Marino have 3 children.; James, Elizabeth and Madelyn. Kristen enjoys spending her time with her family cheering them on from the sidelinesand finds great joy in watching their children grow. She enjoys cooking for her family and creating memories as they travel to new places each year. An avid skier and nature lover,Kristen finds much happiness in the great outdoors, whether that is a hike in the National Parks, skiing or simply combing the beach for shells at her beloved Cape Cod. Professionally Kristen, Dr. Marino’s business partner and wife have partnered together on various projects since 2007 Dr. Marino introduced Kristen to the potential of her involvement in the practices in 2007, whenwe acquired Pequannock Valley Dental Associates, Montville, Center For Dentistry (2021), Whitehouse Station Center For Dentistry (2023) and The Center For Dentistry of Vernon (2023) Kristen was new to the field of dentistry in 2007 after making a complete career change, originally a teacher with a degree specialized in education and obtaining a M.ED in Developmental Disabilities. Kristen offers a unique perspective with her background in education that others who are in the industry.
A natural eye for design and detail, Kristen helps to transform the dental spaces so they are aesthetically pleasing and comforting to patients. Kristen is committed to the growth and development of the team and she diligently works with each team member to create a path for growth in working within their unique strengths. Kristen’s is heavily involved in the development of systems, operating procedures and curriculum for the dental practices. As a teacher at heart, she always loves to bring on, develop and grow team members who are aligned with the vision of the practices and guides with a servant's heart. She views each day as a new opportunity for learning and developing professionally and personally and continues to surrounds herself in this industry with the top leaders in the dental space.