About Us
Dr. Arsuaga and Dr. Salva first met while attending dental school in Puerto Rico; they became friends almost immediately. Ten years later, they remain close and have become more like family than simply friends.
While both have different personalities, their commitment to comprehensive dentistry and a fantastic patient experience is the same. As a result, they joined forces to create The Dental Equation, a place where they can offer patients the best treatment possible using the most accurate and advanced technology. They truly believe that when the dentist and patient join forces, they can develop an effective plan; redefining the patient experience.
When it comes to patient care, both Dr. Arsuaga and Dr. Salva work hard to strike the perfect balance between professionalism and friendliness. Their casual demeanor will help you remain comfortable throughout your visit.
We can’t wait to meet you!
Dr. Sylvia Arsuaga, DMD, Periodontist
Growing up, Dr. Arsuaga always admired her childhood dentist. With this strong female role model, she decided to follow in her footsteps. While in dental school, Dr. Arsuaga discovered how much she enjoyed being able to combine esthetics and medicine through dentistry.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Dr. Arsuaga graduated Cum-Laude with a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Puerto Rico. Four years later, she received her Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the same university. In the following years, she completed a General Practice Residency Program in Puerto Rico; where she treated medically compromised patients and performed many advanced dental procedures.
She then went on to Stony Brook University in New York, where she completed a three-year Periodontics and Implant Surgery Residency Program. As part of her curriculum, she attended advanced interdisciplinary courses, spent countless hours of literature review sessions, as well as evaluating, diagnosing and treating a vast amount of patients. During that time, she had the opportunity to attend multiple National and International conferences from the American Academy of Periodontology.
Dr. Arsuaga is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology, which means that she went above and beyond the minimal requirements to practice the specialty of Periodontics and Implant Surgery.
A fantastic listener and an even better educator, it’s important to Dr. Arsuaga that her patients feel heard. Her mission is to guide and educate each patient through their treatment options until they achieve their goals.
When she’s not being an amazing dentist, Dr. Arsuaga travels to Puerto Rico to visit her friends and family as much as possible. She is a huge sports fan, having attended the US Open nearly every year since moving to New York. She also has an extensive collection of music and will never say no to a good cup of espresso.
Her Full list of Awards, Memberships, and Recognitions
- American Board of Periodontology (ABP)
- American Academy of Periodontology (AAP)
- Northeastern Society of Periodontists (NESP)
- International Team of Implantology (ITI)
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Restorative Sciences Award from the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (AAED)
- American Laser Study Club (ALSC)
- Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD)
- Spear Education Study Club
- Invisalign Certified
- BLS and ACLS Certified
- Oral Sedation Trained
Dr. Maria Salva, DMD, General Dentist
Beginning her path to becoming a dental professional, Dr. Salva graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Puerto Rico with a Major in General Sciences. Going on to receive her Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Puerto Rico.
During those formative years, she was actively involved in student leadership programs and community service. She served as the Class Treasurer, as well as the Treasurer for the American Student Dental Association (ASDA-PR Chapter) while completing her degree. Dr. Salva has always been dedicated to excellence and believed that organized dentistry creates a network of dentists with common goals. Her love of working with other people shone through; she received several leadership and community service recognitions and awards.
After completing this chapter of her life, Dr. Salva decided to leave Puerto Rico and continue her training in the United States. She completed a General Practice Residency Program at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine: Montefiore Medical Center. There, she experienced the entire spectrum of dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, fixed and removable prosthetics, periodontics, cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, endodontics, and orthodontics. Throughout her residency, Dr. Salva treated hundreds of patients with complex medical conditions; both in-patient and out-patient. She had the opportunity for total immersion into the life of the hospital and was able to interrelate with colleagues in dentistry, medicine, and other health practitioners.
After finishing her first year of residency, she decided to stay and contribute to the community for one more year, this time, as a Chief Resident. Dr. Salva was able to reciprocate the incredible teaching she received during her first year, while at the same time gaining additional knowledge and refining her clinical skills. During the second year of residency, she continued to develop her training in the full scope of general dentistry with an emphasis on complex cases entailing restorative implant dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and occlusion.
Today, Dr. Salva continues to keep her professional knowledge and skills up-to-date through continuing education courses. She truly believes in science-driven and patient-centered care. One of Dr. Salva’s main goals is to establish genuine relationships with her patients. She wants her patients to feel comfortable while discussing their concerns and goals in a judgment-free zone.
Leaving Puerto Rico, turned into a great adventure and after spending two years in the New York area, she knew she had found the place where she wanted to be and grow roots.
When not in the office, Dr. Salva enjoys good music and spending time at the beach. She enjoys cooking and baking, is an avid reader and loves dogs.
Full List of Awards, Memberships, and Recognitions
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
- Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD)
- American Laser Study Club ( ALSC)
- The Breathe Institute Ambassador
- Spear Education Study Club
- Invisalign Certified
- BLS Certified (Basic Life Support)
Dr. Eric Novison, Endodontist
Dr. Eric Novison is an Ivy League-trained dentist who was educated at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and became a specialist in the field of endodontics (root canal therapy) after completing his residency program at Tufts University in Boston.Dr. Novison received the Louis I. Grossman Award in Endodontics for outstanding achievement and proficiency in the field, and became a member of the Matthew Cryer Honor Society for ranking within the top ten students in his graduating dental class. In 2014, 2015, and 2016, Dr. Novison was named one of America’s Top Dentists by the Consumers’ Research Council of America.
Dr. Novison is fully trained and proficient in microscopic root canal therapy, re-treatment, and apicoectomy procedures. He integrates the latest in endodontic technology into his treatments, including the use of apex locators, operating microscopes, ultrasonic technology, and rotary instrumentation.
He takes great pride in his ability to save teeth that would otherwise be lost to decay, fracture, or infection with his highly specialized approach to root canal therapy. Patients value Dr. Novison’s unique ability to perform root canals without fear or discomfort for the patient. Even the most apprehensive of patients are put at ease by Dr. Novison’s calming bedside manner and gentle approach.
Dr. Phong Ta, Dental Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiology
As a specialist in his field, Dr. Phong Ta is a board-certified dentist anesthesiologist with extensive anesthesia training at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. During his time at the hospital, he provided a wide spectrum of anesthetics from mild sedation to complete general anesthesia for procedures ranging from plastic surgery to organ transplants. Because of Mount Sinai’s reputation as a top-ranked hospital in both treatment and training, Dr. Ta has gained invaluable experience in the care of medically complex patients undergoing complex surgical procedures. His training includes rotations in sub-specialties including but not limited to pediatrics, neurosurgery, ENT, and trauma anesthesia.
As part of his training, Dr. Ta maintains active certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life support (PALS).
During his career, he has worked with dentists throughout the New York Metropolitan area and has treated thousands of patients, both pediatric and adult, in the dental office setting. Mobile dental anesthesia is a unique combination of medicine and dentistry that Dr. Ta has honed his skills in over the years.
Dentistry
Prior to his anesthesia training, Dr. Ta completed a general practice residency at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System in Northern California and earned his dental degree from the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, the University of Maryland where he graduated in the top ten percent of his class with distinctions from both the department of restorative dentistry and periodontics.
Outside the world of medicine and dentistry, Dr. Ta is an avid musician and plays the violin with several orchestras throughout the city.
Professional Memberships
- Diplomate, American Dental Board of Anesthesiology
- American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists American Dental Association
- New York State Dental Association
- American Society of Anesthesiologists
- New York Country Dental Society
- Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society
