About
Gregory N. Bunza, DDS, stands as a pillar of excellence in dental medicine, deeply embedded within the prestigious Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. Located at 622 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, Dr. Bunza's practice exemplifies the fusion of academic rigor, clinical expertise, and compassionate care for some of the most vulnerable patient populations. With over 37 years of distinguished service in dentistry as of 2026, Dr. Bunza graduated from the Columbia University College of Dentistry in 1988 and completed his residency at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, forging a career that bridges education, research, and hands-on patient treatment.[1][3] As an Assistant Professor of Dental Medicine in the Section of Cariology and Restorative Sciences, Division of Operative Dentistry, and previously noted in Hospital Dentistry and Oral divisions, he imparts his vast knowledge to the next generation of dentists while serving as Director of the General Practice Residency Program.[1][9] This leadership role underscores his commitment to elevating dental standards, particularly for special needs patients including those who are developmentally disabled, frail older adults, and medically compromised individuals—a mission that defines his professional ethos.[1]
The history of Dr. Bunza's contributions traces back to his formative years at Columbia, where he not only honed his skills but also stayed on to shape the institution's dental landscape. His dual appointment as an Assistant Attending at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital amplifies his impact, allowing him to oversee advanced training programs that prepare residents to handle complex cases in real-world hospital settings. This academic-hospital synergy sets the foundation for his mission: to deliver comprehensive, high-quality dental care that transcends routine procedures, focusing on restorative sciences, operative dentistry, and specialized treatments tailored to patients facing unique health challenges. In an era where dental care often prioritizes cosmetics over complexity, Dr. Bunza's practice distinguishes itself by emphasizing cariology— the science of tooth decay prevention and management—and restorative interventions that restore function and dignity to patients who might otherwise be underserved.[1][2]
Dr. Bunza's expertise spans general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and advanced hospital-based care, with a particular prowess in managing conditions that require interdisciplinary collaboration. His program directs care for populations that demand nuanced approaches, such as integrating dental treatments with broader medical protocols for elderly or disabled patients. This specialization is not merely a service but a unique value proposition: unlike standalone private practices, Dr. Bunza operates within a world-class medical ecosystem, leveraging Columbia's cutting-edge resources, research facilities, and multidisciplinary teams. Patients benefit from state-of-the-art diagnostics, evidence-based protocols derived from ongoing academic research, and seamless coordination with specialists in medicine, ensuring holistic outcomes.[1][2][4]
What truly sets Gregory N. Bunza, DDS, apart from competitors is this unparalleled integration of Ivy League academia and premier hospital affiliation. While many dentists offer standard cleanings or veneers, Dr. Bunza's practice addresses the full spectrum of dental needs in high-stakes environments, earning affiliations with top-rated institutions like NewYork-Presbyterian, recognized among America's 250 Best Hospitals.[4] His patient-centered approach, evidenced by perfect recommendation scores on platforms like Healthgrades (5/5 likelihood to recommend), reflects a dedication to empathy and precision.[4] Services are accessible via multiple locations, including 622 West 168th Street and 100 Haven Ave, with convenient phone appointments at (212) 342-0107 or (212) 305-4552 for new patients.[1] Insurance accessibility further democratizes his care, accepting major plans like Aetna Dental PPO, Cigna Dental PPO, DentaQuest, Healthplex, and Medicare variants, making elite-level dentistry attainable.[1]
In a competitive New York dental market, Dr. Bunza's unique position as an educator, program director, and clinician creates a ripple effect of excellence. He doesn't just treat teeth; he trains future leaders, advances restorative techniques through his section's research, and champions equity in dental access for special needs groups. This trifecta of teaching, treating, and trailblazing positions his practice as a beacon for those seeking not only skilled hands but a trusted partner in long-term oral health. Whether managing decay in operative dentistry, restoring smiles cosmetically, or navigating complex hospital cases, Dr. Bunza embodies reliability, innovation, and profound patient advocacy. For over three decades, his unwavering focus on special populations has transformed lives, proving that true expertise lies in serving where it's needed most. Choosing Dr. Bunza means entrusting your care to a Columbia-trained maestro whose legacy continues to redefine dental medicine in the heart of Manhattan.[1][2][3][4] (Word count: 728)
