Dr. Jane Martone
Westfield Dental Associates Owner Has Been an Implant Pioneer
Editor’s note: In this new monthly feature in HCN, we’re helping readers get to know to some of the many area healthcare providers working in myriad fields throughout the industry. To nominate a provider for this feature, e-mail bednar@businesswest.com.
Dr. Jane Martone grew up in Westfield and graduated from St. Mary’s High School. She then graduated from Marquette University, College of Liberal Arts with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She earned her doctor of dental surgery (DDS) degree from Marquette University, School of Dentistry, and then completed a residency in oral medicine and oral surgery at Western Massachusetts Hospital.
She completed implant training at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Ga. and later trained at the same institution and became certified in intravenous sedation. This specialized training allows her to treat and meet the needs of medically compromised patients with advanced restorative and surgical problems.
Board-certified in implant dentistry, Martone has pioneered the placement of dental implants in the Springfield area, having provided this treatment to her patients for more than 35 years. She is an assistant clinical professor at Augusta University, Dental College of Georgia, in the general-practice residency program, where she continues to teach residents. Her special interests revolve around implant surgery, bone grafting, IV sedation, and hospital dentistry.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Growing up, I always wanted to be involved in the biologic sciences. My first degree is in biology. However, after a summer job in academic research, I realized that this was not going to work for me — that I needed to be among people and not lab rats.
What elements of the dental field do you find most interesting? I have always been attracted to oral surgery, specifically implant surgery and restoration. It is the area in which I have the most formal training and experience, and, presently, it is the focus of my private practice. I am a diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology, which grants me specialty status in this area.
What is most gratifying about your work? Presently, I spend three weeks a month in private practice and one week a month teaching general-practice residents. In the former, my goal is to guide patients to achieve health through reconstructing their smile, and in the latter, my goal is to share and pass on what I have learned to another generation — and then, during the year or two I am with them, to watch them grow to their full potential.
How do you define success? I equate success to being content with your life — being happy and satisfied with what you do, while making a difference in the lives of others.
What three words best describe you? Dedicated, passionate, honest.
Who has been your best mentor, and why? That is a tough one. I come from a generation where I was the first one in my family to go to college. So I can say that this was a total family effort — starting with my parents, who saw value in education and encouraged me every step of the way. Professionally, my greatest mentor was Dr. Hilt Tatum, who taught me implant surgery and pushed me to go forward in that field.
Who inspires you, and why? At the Augusta University Medical Center, I supervise residents in the operating room, performing full-mouth rehabilitation for physically and mentally challenged patients. Each time I see someone else’s disability and hardship, it inspires me to keep going — to keep contributing where and when I can.
What person, past or present, would you like to have lunch with, and why? My brother Fran. I lost him many years ago to an unfortunate accident — let’s say that our conversation was left open-ended.
What goal do you set for yourself at the start of each day? I am thankful that I have been given another day. The daily goal is simple — to keep on doing my job to the best of my ability.
