Dentists Tom Barberio and Mary Bennardi are celebrating 20 years in business on May 27 at 42 S. Main Street, Muncy.

MUNCY – “A family practice for your family needs” is the common thread for the Bennardi & General Dentistry practice located at 42 South Main Street in historic Muncy. Started by Dr. Rudolph Bennardi in 1954, he made it a family practice when he first moved his family to Montgomery. When the practice grew and so did his family, more space was needed, so he moved his office to its current location in 1958.

For seven decades the practice has remained alive and well thanks to daughter Mary Colleen Bennardi who took over the practice after her father retired in 1993. “My father was in the process of selling the practice when I was accepted at dental school,” Mary said. “He didn’t know I was applying at the time. I called him and told him “I’m in and don’t sell your practice.” He told her that he would wait four years for her to finish before he would retire.

As a young girl of ten, Mary would go into her father’s office and watch him work. “Sometimes I would assist him and hand him his instruments. I knew then I wanted to be a dentist. I found the profession inspiring,” said the 1984 Muncy High School graduate. After high school, she attended St. Francis College and continued her training at the University of Pittsburgh where she met husband, Tom Barberio.

A native of the Pittsburgh area, Tom agreed to come to Muncy and help Mary build her father’s practice. “I found the area to be very personable,” he quoted.

“I can’t believe that was 20 years ago,” she said beaming. “The years have gone by so quickly.” The couple moved permanently to Muncy in May 1991 and joined the practice. Dr. Rudy Bennardi remained with them for 2 years before his retirement. “We have a great practice now and we want to thank the community for supporting us.” Fifty percent of Dr. Rudy’s patients are still with Bennardi & Barberio. They have expanded to a working family of 8 with 4 operatories in the back, including 2 full time hygienists, and brother Pat who is office manager and can be seen at the front office greeting patients and taking care of their needs.

Both Mary and Tom said they love to help people stay healthy and improve their smiles. They also serve a lot of special needs patients. “Every day is different,” said Mary who readily explained how much she enjoys her profession.The couple are planning an open house for Friday May 27 from 8 to 3 at 42 South Main Street, and would like anyone to feel free to stop by and learn more about their services. According to Bennardi & Barberio, this will be a great opportunity to meet the staff who enjoy putting smiles on the faces of everyone they meet, as well as an opportunity for the staff to give thanks to the community of those they serve.