Atlantic Ave Magazine - January 2020

delray dental
Celebrating Its 40th Birthday
“WE STAND FOR EXPERIENCE AND WE STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE”
By Diane Feen | photos by melissa korman
Milestones mean a lot to us.
They mark the passing of time
and the aspiration to excellence.
Drs. John (R) and Ted Ritota (L) with Their Mom Dolores
80 | January 2020 | www.AtlanticAveMagazine.com
That is why Dr. John Ritota and his brother-partner Dr. Ted Ritota
are celebrating their journey from dental school graduates to
established dentists in Delray Beach.
“John called me one day in 1977 and asked me what I knew about
Delray Beach. I’m a sailor so I noticed all the Hobie Cats on the beach,
and I thought the beach was beautiful,” said Dr. Ted.
It turns out that Dr. Ted was right on with his initial assessment of
this once sleepy town often referred to as Dull-Ray. The story goes
something like this – Dr. John graduated from dental school and four
days after his younger brother Ted graduated from dental school they
moved to Delray and opened a dental practice.
Their father Dr. John Ritota practiced dentistry in New Jersey for 57
years. Though he had hopes for his sons to join him in his practice they
had other geographic aspirations.
“We had just landed in New Jersey after a ski trip in Jackson Hole,
Wyoming and it was cold, gray and raining. We both said we didn’t
want to spend the rest of our lives in New Jersey, so our father came to
Florida to help us find a building to start our dental practice. He said,
‘I’ve had my life, now it’s your turn to live your life,’” said Dr. John.
That is exactly what the brothers from South Orange, New Jersey did.
They found a small building in a sleepy part of Delray surrounded by sunlight
and greenery. They put out their shingle, had their mom Dolores
as their receptionist, and started the way most young dentists start out.
“At the beginning we both had to work in other locations. I worked
in West Palm Beach and John worked in Hallandale. At first, we both
slept in our office on cots and swam in the ocean each morning. We
also acted as dental assistants for each other.”
Their bond is a beautiful one. They shared an apartment near their
Delray office and built up their practice one patient at a time. Their
mom would often run outside and give business cards to those walking
by. They also did a mailing that mentioned their NJ roots. “People
saw we were from New Jersey and it brought in a lot of patients. We
also befriended a local boat captain and he became a patient and referred
us to numerous people as well.”
One of the hallmarks of their dental practice is refined and revered
customer service. They treat all patients with the utmost of care and
see everyone in a holistic manner. “We have been here for 40 years and
that says something in and of itself. We provide courteous service and
treat people with respect and care.”
They sure do. One time a patient couldn’t get to the office for scheduled
dental work because it was raining so hard. Dr. Ted picked the patient
up at his home and drove him to the office for long awaited crowns.
“I drove him home in a torrential downpour, he was very appreciative.”
Rich Covino also appreciates the care he gets at Delray Dental. Covino
has been a patient for almost 30 years. “The Ritota brothers are
good at what they do and are very devoted to their patients. I’ve had
so many procedures there – root canal, caps, cleanings and more. They
are dedicated to dentistry and I am very pleased with their service.”
Other patients agree. “I have seen many dentists over the years and
these guys are better than the best! My treatment was professional
and done on a timely basis. Their pricing was completely fair. I don’t
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delray dental’s hygienist, Sofia