ALLEGANY, N.Y. — When Dr. Vik Anand traveled to the Allegany area several years ago to see his son at St. Bonaventure University, he was impressed with the community.
Anand was so impressed with the area that he decided to open an Aspen Dental clinic on Route 417 in Allegany next to Tim Hortons restaurant. The business officially opened with a “floss-cutting” ceremony on Wednesday that included tours of the building and snacks.
Anand, who is the owner of the Allegany facility as well as locations in Horseheads and Ithaca, said he will be on-site until the lead dentist, Dr. Jeanne Lang of Canada, arrives in the near future. Also on staff will be Dr. Jeffrey Wilson, who will work on a part-time basis.
“In about a month or so, (Lang) will be taking over, but until then, I’m here,” Anand explained. “And then I’ll be coming here maybe four or five times a month from Ithaca.”
Anand said he first visited Allegany two to three years ago when his son was in a wedding at St. Bonaventure.
“We came here and stayed overnight, and I’ve loved the area,” he said. “Ever since then, I had it in my mind that this was a nice location.”
Wednesday’s ceremony was attended by area dignitaries who included city officials from nearby Olean. Allegany Town Supervisor John Hare, who was not present at the opening event, said he was pleased with the newest business in the community.
“We’re very glad they finished the project and we’re glad they’re here,” Hare said. “We’re thrilled to have them in our town.
“We’ve been watching that project progress and we’ve taken a great interest in it,” Hare added.
Nick Bonfardice, regional manager for Aspen Dental offices in New York and Pennsylvania, said the clinic was built to provide accessible, affordable dental services to area residents. The new Olean clinic is one of 39 Aspen Dental-branded facilities in New York. The clinic accepts any insurance plan offered by employers and also has payment options for patients. He said the facility has 12 employees, all of whom are from the local area. Dental services range from dentures and preventive care to general dentistry and restoration. There is also an on-site denture laboratory, which helps facilitate quick turnaround for denture repairs, relines or adjustments.
Hare noted that he had met a couple of young people from the area who are working for Aspen Dental. He said one of the employees told him that she was also receiving specialized training through Aspen Dental.
“I am happy to see local people are being hired and they’re receiving the training they need,” Hare commented.
Bonfardice said the facility is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; 11 to 8 p.m Tuesday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; as well as 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. occasionally on Saturday. Individuals who want to make an appointment may call 379-6279 or visit www.aspendental.com.
Walk-ins are welcome.
