Rita Kengskool, DDS

BY MICHELLE MASTRO | PHOTO BY LEE ANN BAKER/LABPHOTOGRAPHY

Regular dental checkups are an important part of maintaining a healthy, pearly white smile. Dr. Rita Kengskool of Serenity Dental Studio understands, however, that not everyone feels comfortable visiting the dentist. When setting out to create her own private practice, she selected the name Serenity Dental Studio to convey to patients the welcoming atmosphere they can expect at her office.

A leading woman in her field, Dr. Kengskool strives to put her patients first. “I’m more hands-on than most other dentists,” explains Dr. Kengskool. “I want patients to feel comfortable while I help them understand what’s going on with their oral health.” She has also fostered an office environment modeled after cozy living rooms, with the idea that a homey atmosphere would prove inviting. “There’s a little coffee station and TVs on the ceiling, so patients can watch television while they are getting their dental work done,” she says.

When patients come in every six months, Dr. Kengskool can check for cavities and catch any dental issues early. “Small cavities become larger cavities and can cause more issues if left untreated. There are areas of the mouth that are difficult to reach, like the posterior teeth, that don’t get cleaned properly at home.”

Patients returning to the dental office post-pandemic and social distancing are unfortunately requiring deeper cleanings. “In these cases, gum inflammation has been setting in for 2-3 years,” she explains.

A first-generation Asian American, Dr. Kengskool was raised by parents committed to succeeding at everything they did. They owned a business and while growing up, Dr. Kengskool saw her parents’ hard work and tenacity. She credits them with inspiring her to think about owning her own business. As she eventually transitioned into dentistry, her father was quick to assure her that she would open her own practice one day. “And I suppose he was right,” she laughs.

Dr. Kengskool has a rich and varied educational background from some of the nation’s top programs. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition. Later she earned a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Rutgers. Finally, Dr. Kengskool earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Howard University College of Dentistry in Washington, D.C. She completed her General Practice Residency at Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center in Glen Ridge, New Jersey.

The road to running her own practice was not a straight line after graduation. Initially, Dr. Kengskool worked in several different corporate dental offices, but soon realized it was not the patient-centric approach she had hoped for. “A lot of those kinds of places only think about the numbers, about seeing as many patients as possible. There is a lot of rushing and not thinking about what really works for the patient’s well-being.” At her private practice, Dr. Kengskool helps her patients comfortably achieve a healthy smile.