Our Team
Everyone employed at our office undergoes thorough and on-going training, and has all of the necessary credentials as required by the state of New Jersey.
CDA = Certified Dental Assistant
This credential involves training and examination in infection control, radiation health and safety, and general chair side assisting. At least two years experience in dental assisting is necessary. Training in medical emergencies and current CPR certification for healthcare providers is required.
RDA = Registered Dental Assistant
This credential is the highest level of dental assisting in the state of New Jersey, and involves training and examination in expanded dental functions. CDA credentials are a prerequisite, and training in medical emergencies with a current CPR certification for healthcare providers is required.
Wanda, RDA
Office Manager
Wanda has been working with Dr. Furlong since 1998 and has helped grow the practice since they first opened in 2001. “I feel like this practice is my baby, too,” says Wanda.
Her employment history includes working in orthodontics since 1992 and in the dental field since 1988. She was also a professional nail technician and was employed in retail for several years as well. Her educational background includes vocational school during her senior year of high school followed by technical school to obtain her CDA and RDA licenses.
Wanda and her husband, Wally, have three sons who keep them busy. They enjoy participating in sports and other activities, and Wanda spends her time outside of the office with her children.
According to Wanda, “I love Jackson Orthodontics because of the people I work with, as well as our patients and their families. We have a very dedicated team who go above and beyond the normal call of duty to help each other and our patients. Our patients are also wonderful, and it is such a pleasure to get to know them. I also love the fact that Dr. Furlong is sensitive to the needs of working moms and makes it a family-oriented work environment.”
Ilana
New Patient Coordinator
Ilana joined Jackson Orthodontics in 2006. She was looking for a career change into a health-related field.
Her employment history includes front desk experience at a pediatric dental office, and prior to that, she worked in retail sales and management for about 20 years. She also worked as an airbrush artist for several years. Her educational background includes college courses in Health Science, an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and several years of college for Commercial Art Design and Printing.
Ilana is a mother of two boys, and they love dogs. Her interests include gourmet food, airbrushing, attending music concerts and comedy shows. She spends as much time as possible enjoying outdoor activities and traveling with her boys.
According to Ilana, “I consider myself a very sociable person, and I am happiest when I am helping people. Working among the strong, highly motivated and supportive team at Jackson Orthodontics is a pleasure, and I look forward to each day.”
Jennifer
Administrative Coordinator
Jennifer has been working with Dr. Furlong since 2001. She and Dr. Furlong grew up together and have been friends since grade school.
Her employment history includes professional interior decorator, video game artist and graphic arts designer and helping out with her families’ home and carpet cleaning business. Her college education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Arts with a minor in Computer Science and an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts.
Jennifer and her husband, Anthony, have two sons, as well as the family pet Dachshund. In her spare time, she enjoys interior decorating, arts and crafts, refinishing furniture and scrapbooking.
“I love working with everyone at our office, and I enjoy helping our patients and their families. I could not imagine a more rewarding work environment,” says Jennifer.
Margaret, CDA, RDA
Chairside Assistant and Lab Technician
Margaret joined Jackson Orthodontics in 2003 after several years of knowing Dr. Furlong socially. She was employed as a substitute teacher but was looking for more consistent work with better job security.
Her employment history includes working for a chain of hardware stores, as well as for a major manufacturer of ice cream. She was also a full-time mom for a period of time. Margaret’s educational background includes an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and she completed her technical school requirements for her CDA and RDA licenses.
Margaret and her husband, Javier, have a daughter and a son, who keep them busy with their active sports schedules. She enjoys gardening, sewing and crafting, and she travels as much as possible with her family.
“I really like working with everyone at Jackson Orthodontics, and I consider them all my friends. I have always liked working with people, especially children, and it’s fun coming to work,” says Margaret.
Shannon, CDA, COA, RDA
Chairside Assistant
Employed as an orthodontic assistant since 1996. First joined us in 2002, and helped train several other assistants as the practice grew. She re-joined us after taking 4 years off to raise her daughter. Completed vocational school for dental assisting right out of high school, and has remained in orthodontics. Lives in Bayville with her husband Tony and daughter with their pet cat. Enjoys working out, cooking, shopping, as well as snowboarding and mountain biking.
Suzie
Sterilization Technician
Employed in the dental field since joining our team in 2007. Worked in retail and as a waitress. Enrolled in dental technical courses towards certification to become a dental assistant. Has Associates Degree in Liberal Arts and resides in Jackson with her family. Interests include dancing and shopping and painting.
Christina
Bio coming Soon...
Dona
Bio coming Soon...