What Happens When a Dentist Starts Asking Why

Dentistry has always been part of my life. My father was a dentist, my brother followed the same path, and I assumed I would too. For years, I practiced comprehensive dentistry the way I was taught. Fix what is broken. Restore what is missing. Keep as much care in-house as possible.

But something shifted after a continuing education lecture that changed how I saw everything. The speaker described his son’s struggles with sleep, focus, and growth. As I listened, I felt an uncomfortable recognition. He was describing my own daughter. She had been born premature and tongue-tied, and as a child, she wrestled with restless sleep and fatigue.

In that moment, I realized that what I had thought of as “good dentistry” was missing a crucial piece: function. I began studying airway health, growth patterns, and myofunctional therapy. Suddenly, everything I had seen in my patients began to make sense. Today, our approach begins with how the body breathes and functions, not just how the teeth look.

We help patients connect the dots between airway, sleep, and dental stability. When breathing improves, health improves, and the dentistry lasts.

Our Promise to Our Patients

Clear Direction. Steady Support. Better Outcomes.

Every patient arrives with a unique history, a set of symptoms that may not yet feel connected. Our job is to help you make sense of your oral health in a straightforward and thoughtful way.

These are the principles that guide how we approach your care.

Your Health Story 

Root Cause Your Dental Concerns

Only the Care You Need 

Straightforward Explanations

Care Extends Beyond Dentistry 

Support Long-Term Stability 

A Complete View of Your Health Story 

We’ll give you a clear understanding of how your breathing, posture, habits, and dental health connect, so your symptoms begin to make sense in a larger context. 

Insight Into the Root Cause of Your Dental Concerns

We will show you what is driving the issue before any treatment is planned. This creates confidence and helps you move forward with clarity, not uncertainty. 

A Plan That Uses Only the Care You Need 

We’ll suggest the minimum effective approach that can create the most meaningful improvement. This may begin with habit training or myofunctional therapy before any appliance or procedure. 

Straightforward Explanations at Every Step 

You will always know what we recommend and why. Your plan is presented in simple language that supports understanding and ease.  

Aligned Support When Your Care Extends Beyond Dentistry  

If additional guidance is helpful, we will connect you with trusted specialists who share our conservative, function-first mindset. 

Care Designed to Support Long-Term Stability 

Each suggestion we make will be with your lasting health in mind. The goal is dentistry that stays quiet, steady, and reliable over time.

This is our commitment: care that is thoughtful, minimal, understandable, and centered on your long-term well-being.

Our Team

Maddie King, RDH

Maddie is a Registered Dental Hygienist who is passionate about helping patients feel safe, heard, and comfortable in the dental chair. She finds it especially meaningful to watch nervous patients gain confidence and trust throughout their visits. Maddie earned her Associate Degree in Applied Dental Hygiene from Luzerne County Community College. She values the close friendships within the team and the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated dentist. Outside of work, she enjoys running, playing pickleball, and spending time with her family.

Dr. Marc Purdy, DDS

Dr. Marc Purdy leads the practice with a commitment to clinical excellence, lifelong learning, and genuine patient connection. Inspired by the example of helping others set by his family, he finds deep fulfillment in seeing patients happy and confident in their results. A graduate of SUNY Cortland and Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Purdy is an active member of the ADA, DDSNY, and the 6th District Dental Society. He believes dentistry is about more than teeth, often guiding patients in conversations about breathing, posture, and overall wellness. Outside the office, he enjoys time on Cayuga Lake and the Rhode Island shore, along with skiing, hockey, and staying physically fit.

Marjorie Anes, RDH

Marjorie is a Registered Dental Hygienist who is dedicated to helping patients feel at ease while focusing on prevention and long-term health. She is passionate about easing anxiety and helping patients avoid problems before they begin. Marjorie holds an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene and brings a calm, reassuring presence to each appointment. She appreciates the team-oriented, home-like environment of the practice and its strong focus on preventive care. In her free time, she enjoys bike riding, yoga, and time with her family.

Darrian Wilson, RDH

Darrian serves as the Lead Dental Hygienist and is committed to making a meaningful, long-term impact on her patients’ overall health. She holds an Associate of Applied Science, an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene, and will complete her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene in 2025. Darrian values working in a positive environment alongside a dentist who shares her ethical beliefs and patient-centered approach. She brings both clinical knowledge and genuine care to every patient interaction. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband, working out, and spending time with her dogs.

Our Team

Amanda Cave, Office Manager

Amanda is the Office Manager and plays a key role in creating a welcoming, organized, and supportive experience for every patient who walks through the door. She understands that exceptional care extends beyond clinical treatment and takes pride in helping patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident throughout scheduling, treatment coordination, and financial discussions. Amanda values the teamwork within the office and the trust she has in Dr. Purdy’s commitment to patient care. She enjoys building relationships with patients and helping reduce any anxiety they may feel. Outside the office, she loves cheering on her son at his sports games, spending time with family, and enjoying the outdoors.

Ready to Learn What Function- First Dentistry Can Do For You

Meet the doctor, explore our philosophy, and take the first step toward better breathing and lasting health.

What Happens When a Dentist Starts Asking Why

Our Promise to Our Patients