Dr. Andrea Smith, DDS
Dr. Smith received her Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Medicine from Penn State University where she graduated as Class Valedictorian of the Eberly College of Science. She then attended the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York City, where she again graduated as Class Valedictorian with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. Upon her graduation from Columbia, Dr. Smith was presented with the Van Woert Award for Highest Academic and Clinical Achievement, the Award for Divisional Excellence in Prosthodontics, the Award for Divisional Excellence in Periodontics, the Award for Divisional Excellence in Oral Radiology, and the overall Highest Academic Achievement Award.
After receiving her dental degree, Dr. Smith completed three years of specialty training in the field of Prosthodontics at UCLA’s Advanced Prosthodontics Residency Program, followed by an additional one year fellowship at UCLA training in Maxillofacial Prosthetics, making her one of only 350 Maxillofacial Prosthodontists worldwide.
While at UCLA, Dr. Smith served as a Clinical and Preclinical Instructor in the Removable Prosthodontics Department.
Dr. Smith returned to Pennsylvania to become the first female Clinical Director of the The Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic, where she was also Head of the Department of Maxillofacial Prosthodontics and Prosthetics for nearly a decade. In conjunction with her work at the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic, Dr. Smith was also a Faculty Instructor in Prosthodontics for the General Practice Residency Program at Lancaster General Hospital, overseeing general dentists seeking additional training beyond dental school.
At Berks Prosthodontics, Dr. Smith sees patients with a wide variety of dental concerns such as broken or missing teeth, uncomfortable dentures, extensive tooth wear, or dissatisfaction with the appearance of their smile. More than 100 area dentists, oral surgeons and other dental specialists trust her to handle their patients’ complex or cosmetic dental needs.
Dr. Smith has presented nationally and internationally in the fields of Dentistry, Prosthodontics, and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, and is an active member of numerous dental organizations including the American Dental Association, the American College of Prosthodontics, the Cleft Palate Foundation, the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, the International Society for Maxillofacial Rehabilitation, the Academy of Osseointegration, the Berks County Dental Society, and the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. As part of her role with the Cleft Palate Foundation, Dr. Smith is a member of the Task Force for Adult Cleft Care, a special committee charged with establishing standards of care for adult cleft patients.
Dr. Smith is a native of Berks County and a graduate of Exeter High School, where she was recently inducted into the Exeter Township High School Academic Hall of Fame. She and her husband Steve live in Wyomissing with their two children and enjoy an active role in the community.
Read a recent feature article about Dr. Smith in the Reading Eagle.
Read a recent feature article about Dr. Smith in Columbia Magazine.
Caroline Christof
Laboratory Technician/Dental Assistant
Caroline is an integral part of the team at Berks Prosthodontics. Her dental expertise and cheerful demeanor create a comfortable environment for our patients. She can be found assisting Dr. Smith during procedures or using her artistic talents in our lab, fabricating the casts and restorations for patient treatment. Caroline also has a gift for producing exceptional dental impressions and photographs. She has over 25 years of experience in the dental field and is committed to providing the highest quality of care for our patients.
Caroline earned her Associates Degree in Dental Technology from NYC Technical College in Brooklyn, where she graduated with high honors. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her teenage son, Jonathan, or lending a helping hand to neighbors in her community.
Ashley Griffith
Front Desk Coordinator/ Dental Assistant
Ashley is one of the first friendly faces you’ll see at Berks Prosthodontics. Her enthusiasm and excellent organizational skills enable her to wear many hats in our office. She participates in almost every aspect of patient care: scheduling appointments, greeting patients at the front desk, and assisting chairside with Dr. Smith during treatment. Ashley also coordinates the front desk activities and insurance submissions for the office. She really does it all!
Ashley graduated from Cocalico High School in 2006. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Millersville University in 2010. A few years later, she attended York Technical Institute for dental assisting, where she graduated at the top of her class and earned YTI’s prestigious Student Ambassador Award. Ashley has the distinct honor of being a member of the Alpha Beta Kappa Academic Honor Society.
In her spare time, Ashley enjoys reading, coaching cheerleading, judging cheerleading competitions, and spending time with her husband, Tyler.
MaryCatherine Stein
Dental Hygienist
MaryCatherine provides exceptional care to our patients, as well as valuable input for their treatment plans. As a member of the teaching faculty at Harrisburg Area Community College’s Dental Hygiene Program, she has special expertise in the influence of medical conditions on oral and overall health, home hygiene routines for optimal oral health, and diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease.
Dr. Smith hired MaryCatherine several years ago to work with her at the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic and is happy to have her at Berks Prosthodontics as well. In addition to clinical services, MC also serves as our safety and sterilization officer.
Dental hygiene is a second career for MaryCatherine. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Accounting from York College and working for six years as an accountant, MC enrolled in Harrisburg Area Community College’s Dental Hygiene Program graduating with highest honors and completing her board certification in Dental Hygiene the same year. MaryCatherine has also received additional training to be licensed in the administration of local anesthesia.
MaryCatherine lives in York, has two daughters, and is married to an amazing husband, father and dog-whisperer. She is an accomplished endurance athlete and has completed numerous marathons and triathlons.
Raquel Santiago
Dental Assistant
Raquel is Dr. Smith’s primary chairside assistant. She received her training at Berks Technical Institute where she graduated in 2010 with her Associates Degree in Specialized Business and Dental Assisting. Additionally, Raquel furthered her training at BTI in 2015 with an Expanded Functions Dental Assisting Certification. She has a vast range of assisting expertise having worked in orthodontics, pediatrics and general dentistry. In our office her specialty is working with implant prosthetics.
In her free time she enjoys hiking and spending time with her family.
Elaine Lutz
Front Desk Coordinator/Dental Assistant
Elaine brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role at the Front Desk, where she expertly handles everything from the phones, to scheduling, to ordering office supplies and communicating with referring offices. Over the course of her accomplished career in the dental field, she has been a Certified Dental Assistant, an Orthodontics Assistant, a Receptionist and an Office Manager. Elaine received her training and certification in Dental Assisting from the Medix School in Towson, Maryland, and earned an Associates Degree in Business, with Honors, from Catonsville Community College. She continues to update her education with courses in both dentistry and business.
Elaine was raised on an orchard in Maryland but has lived in Denver, PA, for almost 30 years. No wonder she seems to know everyone who comes into the office! She enjoys spending time with her husband Chris and her son Dan, and her favorite activities include reading, biking, gardening, going to the beach, and her newest hobby – riding her Vespa!
