Meet Dr. Miriam Furlong

I consider myself very fortunate; my profession has provided me a source of income for my family, joy in my daily work, and a sense of accomplishment. I am constantly learning and gaining inspiration from my team and the families that we meet daily. Witnessing the excitement when a patient finishes treatment is very fulfilling, but it’s even more special when a patient who you haven’t seen in years tells you how you changed their life.

Each day at the office, I get the opportunity to meet with some of the brightest, most talented and kind people in the community. Because I live in town, I often run into patients outside the office and I get to know their families. I get a kick out of it when a child doesn't recognize me without my lab coat on.

I invite students to intern if they are looking to work in the dental field, and every now and then I’m contacted by a former patient who is considering becoming a dentist or orthodontist. I consider it a huge compliment that they value my opinion, and it is heart-warming to know that I made such a good impression on them. 

Education and Continuing Education

• Orthodontic Specialty Certificate – Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx, NY 1995-1998
• Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) – Rutgers Newark (formerly U.M.D.N.J) 1991-1995
• Bachelor of Science (BS) Summa Cum Laude, Biochemistry major, Chemistry minor – Georgian Court University 1987-1991

There are so many exciting advances in orthodontics, and I enjoy being able to offer the best to my patients. I look for the most up to date information about how to deliver great results in the safest and most comfortable way. That’s what matters to me when selecting doctors for my family!

I attend lectures given by the American Association of Orthodontists to keep up to date on advances in my specialty. I also take continuing education courses through the Monmouth-Ocean County Dental Society (the local chapter of the American Dental Association) and local study clubs to stay current on other topics in dentistry and medicine.

Professional Affiliations

I’m an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, am on the Governmental Affairs Committee for the Mid Atlantic Society of Orthodontists, and I serve on the board of trustees in the New Jersey Association of Orthodontists. I am a member of the American Dental Association, actively involved with the New Jersey Dental Association, and I’m a past-president and on the board of trustees in the Monmouth-Ocean County Dental Society.

Outside the Office

I grew up in Jackson where I live with my husband Mike and our two sons, Alex and Jonathan. The newest addition to our family is Dozer, our English bulldog.

When I’m not working, I'm at the gym or going out to eat with family or friends. At home, I like cooking, and I have an herb and vegetable garden. I enjoy my time exercising, and it has been my stress therapy for more than 25 years. In fact, I’m a certified fitness instructor, and that was my job during all of my years in school. I also love music, dancing, and eating exotic foods.

In the Community

Taking on leadership roles in my professional associations and in my community has helped me help others beyond my patients, which is personally and professionally rewarding. My office is active in the community, and we find fun and creative ways to get children and parents engaged. Our office participates in school and community fairs, hosts office tours for scouts, and is happy to support teams and organizations in their fundraising efforts. In the fall, we have office contests to raise money for patients battling cancer, host a Halloween candy buy-back, donate to the local food pantry, and host holiday gift drives for community families in need. 

In addition, we offer college scholarships to two graduating high school seniors, and every year we treat a deserving person in our community for no charge to them. The best reasons I can give for being active in the community and for giving back is because it feels good, and because we can! My husband and I grew up here, and we’re raising our family here, so this community is near and dear to our hearts.

I’m happy to share what I know with anyone who is interested: parents who have questions about treatment, students who want to know about careers, or newer dentists and orthodontists looking for advice. You can reach me at my office, or contact me on social or professional media networks. Please click here to schedule an appointment!