Changing One Smile at a Time: Dr. Jesse Sorrentino 1999 Spotlight

Class of 1999 alumnus Jesse Sorrentino, D.D.S., has made it his mission to connect with patients and provide them with the best treatment options and care as the owner of BPS Periodontics, a private periodontal practice with two offices in Simsbury and Farmington.

“The best parts of my job are helping and connecting with my patients,” said Jesse. “It gives me purpose and great satisfaction to help someone in a diseased or injured state. I’ve suffered dental injuries playing hockey, and I’ve been in their position. I relate to my patients' experiences.”

Jesse was inspired to pursue a career as a periodontist due to the encouragement of his mother Patricia and the classes he took during his time at Hamden Hall. He said always enjoyed biology classes instructed by former faculty member and science teacher Dr. Barbara Beitch as it was his first experience with anatomy and dissection. The experience served as the strong educational foundation that led him to pursue similar classes while attending Villanova University and New York University. Following graduation, Jesse completed a three-year specialty residency in periodontics at the Department of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry at New York University. In 2010, Jesse joined BPS Periodontics, the practice he now owns.

“Being a surgeon and the leader of two practices is a huge responsibility.,” said Jesse. “I manage the demands of my profession by striving to get better at all aspects of it.  I take as many continuing education classes on leadership and business as I do on new surgical techniques.”

Aside from owning his own practice, Jesse has worked privately with the National Hockey League (NHL) and the American Hockey League (AHL), specifically the New York Rangers and the Hartford Wolfpack. He noted that it is always a pleasure to see his work on display when the camera zooms in on a player as they score a goal or make a great save. He said his most treasured memory in this capacity was watching a game together with former professional player Mark Messier and their dads prior to the passing of Jesse’s dad.

Jesse’s advice to any student interested in pursuing a career in dentistry is to take electives centering around business and find balance in the course load. Most importantly, he said, find a mentor who can keep you grounded and learn how to take constructive criticism.

Reflecting on his time under the pines, Jesse noted that the memories flooded in as he was watching the Varsity Boys’ Ice Hockey Team play Fairchester Athletic Association League rival Kingswood Oxford during a game in February. Jesse was a member of the Varsity Boys’ Ice Hockey Team his freshman year, the Varsity Golf and Soccer Team, and clubs including Student Government and Academic Decathlon. He noted that the most important life lessons he learned were not on the rink, but on the golf course with the late former Headmaster James Maggart and current Head of School Bob Izzo.

“My Hamden Hall golf mentors shaped my character. Through the game of golf, I learned the importance of honesty, honor and integrity,” commented Jesse.

 

Jesse graduated from Villanova University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in English before obtaining his dental degree from New York University School of Dentistry. He also completed a three-year residency program in periodontics at the Department of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry at New York University. He and his wife, Jordanna, live in Canton, Conn.