Dr. Mark Salerno, DDS Is Now Retired
Honoring a Legacy of Compassionate Pediatric Care
With over 40 years of dedicated service to the greater Oakdale area, Dr. Mark Salerno is a beloved and respected figure in the world of pediatric dentistry. His career has touched countless families, always marked by professionalism, warmth, and a commitment to excellence.
A Lifetime of Expertise and Education
Dr. Salerno began his academic journey at Queen’s College in Flushing, NY, where he graduated summa cum laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, one of the nation’s most prestigious honor societies. He went on to earn his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, excelling throughout his studies.
To specialize in caring for children, Dr. Salerno completed a certificate in pediatric dentistry from Brookdale Hospital and Medical Center in East New York. His clinical expertise, paired with a nurturing approach, helped build a trusted dental home for generations of families in the Oakdale community.
A Legacy of Care in Oakdale
For over four decades, Dr. Salerno’s gentle manner and skilled hands made every child’s dental visit a positive and reassuring experience. His longstanding presence in the community reflected his passion for pediatric dentistry and his unwavering dedication to the well-being of his patients.
Mentor and Leader in Pediatric Dentistry
In addition to his private practice, Dr. Salerno played a vital role in training future pediatric dentists at Stony Brook Hospital, where he served as a mentor and educator. He was proud to have trained Dr. Viet Tran and Dr. Gabrielle Fusco during the early stages of their pediatric dental residencies. His influence helped shape their clinical excellence and patient-centered philosophy—traits that continue to guide their work today.
Now Retired, Still Deeply Connected
Now enjoying retirement, Dr. Salerno treasures his time with his wife, daughters, and seven wonderful grandchildren. His love of family has always guided his approach to patient care and remains at the heart of his personal life.
Dr. Salerno is proud to pass the torch to Dr. Viet Tran and Dr. Gabrielle Fusco, confident that they will carry forward his legacy of compassionate, high-quality pediatric care. Knowing he helped guide their early training, he is certain that the future of his patients is in excellent hands.
Dr. Salerno extends his heartfelt gratitude to all the families who entrusted him with their children’s smiles over the years—and looks forward to seeing the next generation thrive under the care of the new team.