Jamie Gehring, Patient Coordinator

James W. Fey, D.M.D., P.C. Dr. James Fey Dr. James Fey received a doctorate of dental medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in 1969 and is board certified with an emphasis in restorative treatment, cosmetic and occlusal rehabilitation dentistry. Completing continuums at the Pankey Institute and Center for Advanced Dental Study provides particular strength in the treatment of occlusal disease and management of tempero-mandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). After serving as Captain in the US Air Force as a dentist, Dr. Fey began practicing in the Ithaca area in 1971. He has a broad range of expertise and uses cutting-edge procedures in the restoring or replacement of teeth. He continues to bring many new ideas to restorative, cosmetic and occlusal rehabilitation dentistry. Dr. Fey is an annual volunteer for the Smiles for Life Foundation, a children’s charity organization of the Crown Council. Each year over a four-month period, participating dentists offer teeth whitening at less than normal fees and donate 100 percent of the cost to children’s charities across the U.S. and Canada. This year a check for $2,500(half the proceeds raised) was donated locally to the Dream Factory of CNY to help “dreams come true” for critically and chronically ill children in our area. He is a member of the American Dental Society, Crown Council, 6th District of the N.Y.S. Dental Society, Tompkins County Dental Society and is a volunteer with the Dream Factory of Central NY. In his spare time, Dr. Fey enjoys fishing, golfing and bow hunting. Oldest son Matt has his masters degree and is working as a geologist in Texas, youngest son Joel, who placed first in NYS EMT competition, is in the Army National Guard, and daughter Lauren is working on Dr. Fey’s third grandchild as well as pursuing her father’s footsteps in the field of dentistry. Dr. Fey and his wife Kate live in the town of Caroline.

Sally Farrell, Hygienist Sally grew up and resides in Groton, N.Y. She graduated from Hudson Valley Community College where she received an AAS in Dental Hygiene in 1973. Recently, Sally celebrated ten years of service with Dr. Fey’s team and continues her education by attending many workshops and trainings offered through Dr. Fey’s dental practice. Sally sincerely enjoys her time in the dental profession and has made a difference in peoples lives in regards to their dental health and appearance. Many patients have become personal friends as well. Sally has two adult children – Matt, who lives in Fort Lauderdale and Kate, who lives nearby in Groton. Her free time is spent gardening, upholstering and restoring her 130 year old home, which has been in the family for more than 75 years.

Patricia Splaine-Hillman, Hygienist & Dental Assistant Patricia, affectionately known as Trish, has been a dedicated employee of Dr. Fey’s practice since 1988. She works primarily as a hygienist and as Dr. Fey’s assistant. She manages our inventory and ordering and enjoys some lab work for which she has received special training. Trish most enjoys working with Dr. Fey as a team to provide great care for our great patients. Trish originates from New Hampshire, where she graduated from hygiene school in 1976. She has been a Trumansburg resident since 1988 where she resides with her husband John and two children, Emilee, and Colin, who are now both college students. Trish is very active in the Trumansburg community, especially as co-leader of her church’s Youth Group and with the school through the sports boosters club. She is also an enthusiastic fan of her husband’s soccer team (girl's varsity in Trumansburg).

Debbie Preston, Assistant Debbie is Dr. Fey's primary assistant who guides you to the dental chair and makes you comfortable. She enjoys interacting with each patient and takes pride in making things go smoothly while you're in the dental chair. When not assisting Dr. Fey, Deb offers electrolysis in her part-time business in Ithaca. She has two grown children in the area who she enjoys spending time with. Deb is an avid golfer and can likely be found on the greens in Trumansburg on her rare days off.

Mary Vella, Patient Coordinator It is likely Mary's voice you'll hear when calling the office. She joined the team in July 2002 as Receptionist after working for Head Start as a Home Visitor. She has lived in Trumansburg for more than 20 years and has two young adult children, Noah and Sarah. Mary enjoys gardening and has a passion for hidden treasures found in antique and junque shops, especially rare and outdated books.