DDS, Columbia University · OKU Honor Society
Dr. John Shi
Columbia University DDS · Gies Scholarship · OKU Honor Society. Founder of Centre Dental. Serving NYC since 2004.
Founder & Implantologist
About Shi
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) — Gies Scholarship recipient · Member — the only student in his class awarded OKU membership · International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) · Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
Dr. John Shi earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, where he was awarded the Gies Scholarship for academic excellence and inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) National Dental Honor Society — a distinction conferred on a small fraction of each graduating class. He founded Centre Dental in 2004 with a straightforward goal: plan implant dentistry carefully, explain it clearly, and give patients enough time to make decisions.
Over two decades and extensive full-arch implant reconstruction experience later, that commitment has not changed. Dr. Shi's approach is built on 3D-guided implant surgery: every case is planned in 3D from a CBCT scan, and a custom 3D-printed surgical guide maps the exact depth, angle, and position of each implant. Dr. Shi places every implant by hand, following that guide — pairing the precision of 3D planning with the judgment of an experienced surgeon, reducing guesswork and improving outcomes.
Read full background+
Dr. Shi also performs same-day implant procedures for qualifying patients, combining 3D planning, surgical guides, and CEREC milling technology so that tooth extraction, implant placement, and provisional restoration can happen in a single visit. Fewer appointments, less healing time, faster return to confidence.
Beyond implants, Dr. Shi oversees every complex restorative case at Centre Dental — from full-mouth rehabilitation to cases that other offices have turned away. He is fluent in English and Mandarin, and he believes that clear communication in a patient's own language is not a courtesy — it is a clinical necessity.
Same-Day Capabilities
Fewer visits. Faster recovery.
Same-day dental implants — extraction, placement, and provisional restoration in one visit for qualifying patients
CEREC same-day crowns — custom porcelain crowns milled in-house, no temporary, no second appointment
3D-guided implant surgery — a custom surgical guide and 3D planning eliminate the need for multiple exploratory procedures
Immediate full-arch provisional — walk in with failing teeth, walk out with a fixed smile the same day
Same-day digital dentures — designed and produced in-house with a digital workflow
Same-day AOX provisionals — a fixed full-arch provisional placed the day of surgery for qualifying patients
Background
Education & affiliations
- Education
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) — Gies Scholarship recipientColumbia University College of Dental Medicine
Member — the only student in his class awarded OKU membershipOmicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) — National Dental Honor Society
General Practice Residency (GPR)Hackensack University Medical Center
Implant residency training — mentors include Dennis Tarnow, Maurice Salama, Joseph Choukroun, Gordon Christensen, Carl Misch, Michael Pikos, John Russo, David Galler, the Calderon Brothers, and CDOCSNYU Implant Residency
- Affiliations
- International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) · Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) · American Dental Association (ADA) · New York State Dental Association
- Languages
- English · Mandarin
Specialties
Specialty services with Dr. John Shi
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Shi
How many implant cases has Dr. Shi performed?+
Dr. Shi has performed extensive complex implant work — including full-arch reconstructions (All-on-X, including All-on-4) — since founding Centre Dental in 2004, making him one of the most experienced implantologists in the New York metro area.
What is 3D-guided implant surgery?+
Every implant case begins with a 3D CBCT scan used to plan each implant's exact position and to fabricate a custom 3D-printed surgical guide. Dr. Shi places each implant by hand following that guide, which keeps the placement on the planned trajectory for precise, predictable results — pairing 3D planning with an experienced surgeon's judgment.
Can I get dental implants in one day?+
For qualifying patients, yes. Dr. Shi offers same-day implant procedures where tooth extraction, implant placement, and a provisional restoration happen in a single visit. A CBCT scan during your consultation determines if you are a candidate.
Does Dr. Shi speak Mandarin?+
Yes. Dr. Shi is fluent in both English and Mandarin (普通话). He conducts consultations, explains treatment plans, and provides aftercare instructions in whichever language the patient prefers.
What is the recovery time for All-on-X full-arch implants?+
Most patients return to normal daily activities within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. A soft diet is recommended for the first several weeks while the implants integrate with the bone. Dr. Shi monitors healing at structured follow-up appointments.
What if another dentist said I do not have enough bone for implants?+
Dr. Shi regularly treats complex cases that other practices have turned away. With 3D CBCT imaging, bone grafting, sinus lifts, and zygomatic implant options, there are often solutions for patients previously told they are not candidates.
How do I book a consultation with Dr. Shi?+
Call (212) 925-7066, visit our contact page online, or walk into Centre Dental at 139 Centre St, Suite 306, New York, NY 10013. The initial consultation includes a free 3D scan for implant patients. We are open Monday–Saturday.
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No-obligation exam, 3D scan review, and written treatment plan. Walk-ins welcome Mon–Sat.
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