DDS, Columbia University · OKU Honor Society
Dr. John Shi
Columbia University DDS · Gies Scholarship · OKU Honor Society. General, implant and restorative dentist serving NYC since 2004, with 20+ years of clinical experience.
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 a competitive scholarship went to him on academic merit and, in 1999, so did Omicron Kappa Upsilon — the national dental honor society, awarded to him alone out of his graduating class. After a residency at Hackensack University Medical Center and years in private practices large and small, he founded Centre Dental in 2004 and has held to one clinical stance ever since: 固本, strengthening the foundation, with minimally invasive surgery and conservative treatment as the baseline and an eye on how every plan will hold up years from now.
He kept training on implants specifically — an implant diploma from NYU, a fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and implant conferences every year. His implant work is 3D-guided: every case is planned in 3D from a CBCT scan, and a custom 3D-printed surgical guide maps the depth, angle, and position of each implant. He describes the guide the way a driver describes GPS — it holds the route while the judgment stays with the surgeon. Dr. Shi places every implant by hand.
Read full background+
For qualifying patients he does same-day implants, pairing 3D planning, the surgical guide, and CEREC milling so that extraction, placement, and a provisional restoration happen in a single visit. And because he performs the work himself from surgery through the final restoration, the treatment stays consistent and the cost stays lower.
Beyond implants, Dr. Shi handles the complex restorative cases at Centre Dental, including full-mouth rehabilitation and cases other offices have turned away. He is fluent in English and Mandarin, explains each option until a patient understands not just the what but the why, and answers the clinic phone himself.
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) — over 20+ years of clinical experience, 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 9:30–6:30.
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