Taughannock Falls in a wooded gorge near Ithaca, New York.

Preventive dentistry in Ithaca, for over 60 years.

A general practice on the Parkview Healthcare Campus off Warren Road, where Drs. McCutcheon, Patel, Livermore and Scott care for patients of all ages, with the emphasis on prevention.

Ithaca & Tompkins County 60+

years of care in this community, grown on patients recommending us.

Professional memberships held by our dentists

American Dental AssociationMemberNew York State Dental AssociationMemberTompkins County Dental SocietyMemberAcademy of General DentistryDr. Patel, memberAmerican Academy of Implant DentistryDr. Patel, member
The glass entrance of the practice, lettered 22 Arrowwood, Suite C.
The practice's waiting room, with upholstered chairs and framed prints on warm orange walls.

Our only advertising has ever been our patients. For several decades the people in these chairs have come on the word of someone who already sits in them, and that is a standard we have to earn again at every visit.

Through several transitions and continual growth, one practice has served patients of all ages in Ithaca.

Meet the dentists

Trained far and wide. Settled in Ithaca.

Batavia, Chicago, Columbus and Waddington. Each of our dentists grew up somewhere else, trained somewhere else again, and chose Ithaca.

Dr. Richard S. McCutcheon, DDS.
In Ithaca since 1989

Dr. Richard S. McCutcheon, DDS

From Batavia, NY. Three years of active duty as a U.S. Navy dental officer at Camp Lejeune, including a Mediterranean tour with a Marine Corps unit aboard the USS Shreveport. Came to Ithaca in 1989 as an associate, later a full partner, and is active in the Head Start dental screening program.

Hobart College · DDS, University at Buffalo, 1986

Dr. Amit Patel, DMD.
Joined in 2013

Dr. Amit Patel, DMD

Grew up in Schaumburg, IL. Received the Gentle Dental Award in dental school and treated patients on an outreach program in Haiti, then completed a General Practice Residency before moving to Ithaca. Member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

DMD, Boston University, 2012 · GPR, Rochester General Hospital

Dr. Jennifer Livermore, DDS.
Joined in 2015

Dr. Jennifer Livermore, DDS

Ran her own practice in Powell, OH for 11 years and was Board Secretary and a volunteer dentist for the KidSMILES pediatric clinic. Moved to the Finger Lakes full time in December 2014 and volunteers with the Cleft and Facial Deformities team at Cayuga Medical Center.

DDS, The Ohio State University

Dr. Anna Scott, DDS.
In Ithaca since 2024

Dr. Anna Scott, DDS

Originally from Waddington, NY. Completed her residency at the Providence VA Medical Center and moved to Ithaca in 2024. Outside the office she hikes, runs and skis.

St. Lawrence University · DDS, University at Buffalo

Several transitions, one practice.

The name on the door has changed as partners arrived. Its emphasis on preventive care has not.

1989
Dr. Richard McCutcheon arrives to join Dr. Richards and his brother, Dr. James McCutcheon
2013
Dr. Amit Patel joins, straight from his residency at Rochester General Hospital
2015
Dr. Jennifer Livermore joins in February, after eleven years with her own practice
2024
Dr. Anna Scott moves to Ithaca after her residency at the Providence VA

How we work

From first phone call to final checkout.

Our aim is a visit that is smooth, enjoyable and stress free. These four habits are how we try to get there.

01Prevention first

A visit is no longer just about checking for cavities. An excellent team of hygienists and an emphasis on preventive care keep small problems small.

02Proven before it is adopted

We stay abreast of new technology, but bring it into the practice only once it has proven successful over time.

03Specialists, when they are better

No dentist should try to be all things to every patient. When a specialist gives you the best long-term result, we refer and make all the arrangements.

04Decided with you

The right treatment comes from an exam and a discussion of your options with your dentist, not from what an insurance company will pay for.

Dentistry in Ithaca, NY

Most phases of dentistry, under one roof.

We focus on the procedures we do best, and keep excellent working relationships with the local specialists for the rest.

Preventive Dentistry

Checkups and cleanings at least twice a year, the visits that catch problems early and save time and money later.

  • Regular exams
  • Professional cleaning
  • Dental x-rays
  • Fluoride treatments
  • Mouth guards and night guards
Ask us about it →

Restorative Dentistry

Putting teeth back into working order, including the crown on top of an implant placed by a local oral surgeon.

  • Fillings
  • Crowns and bridges
  • Dentures
  • Implant restorations
Ask us about it →

Orthodontics

Invisalign clear aligner treatment for straightening teeth. Ask at your next checkup whether it suits your smile.

  • Invisalign treatment
Ask us about it →

Cosmetic Dentistry

For when you want to change how your smile looks, decided after an exam and an honest talk about the options.

  • Veneers
  • Teeth whitening
  • Cosmetic procedures
Ask us about it →

Technology we have kept because it works.

Digital radiography

Digital x-rays in place of film, part of a thorough checkup.

Soft tissue laser

Laser treatment of the gums and soft tissues, used when a case requires it.

Implant restorations

A surgeon places the implant; we restore it with the crown or bridge on top.

Continuing education

Our dentists regularly attend continuing education programs to keep up.

New patients & emergencies

Open at 7 am, Monday to Friday.

For an appointment, please call us. If you are a patient of record, there is always a dentist on call to manage after-hours emergencies.

  1. Monday to Thursday, 7 am to 5 pm
  2. Friday, 7 am to 4 pm
  3. A dentist on call after hours for patients of record
  4. Insurance predeterminations and claims processed for you
The practice's entrance portico at 22 Arrowwood Drive, with white columns and a bench.
22 Arrowwood Drive, Suite C, on the Parkview Healthcare Campus.

Insurance

If you have insurance, we will do all we can to make sure you receive the full benefit your plan allows. We do not directly participate with any insurance plans, but as a courtesy our team promptly processes all predeterminations and claims for you.

Paying for care

Ours is a fee-for-service practice, and payment at the time of service is requested.

  • Cash or check
  • Visa, MasterCard and Discover
  • Flexible Spending Accounts through your employer, paid with before-tax dollars

Payment plans

In some circumstances we will arrange a payment plan if your dental needs exceed your immediate ability to pay. We would rather you had the treatment you need now than faced tooth loss or more costly treatment later.

Questions about cost? Ask your dentist or any of our staff.

In the community

Ithaca is home, not just an address.

Between them, our dentists have given their time to children’s screenings, cleft care and dental outreach, here in Tompkins County and much further afield.

  • Head Start dental screeningsDr. McCutcheon has been a committee member and active participant in the Head Start dental screening program in Ithaca.
  • Cleft and facial careDr. Livermore has volunteered with Dr. Jeff Lewis’ Cleft and Facial Deformities team at Cayuga Medical Center.
  • Care where it is scarceDr. Patel treated underserved patients in Haiti as a dental student. Dr. Livermore has provided care in Romania and Haiti.
  • Coaching and the outdoorsDr. McCutcheon has coached youth sports and organized the Over 30 Hockey Club. Drs. Patel, Livermore and Scott all count hiking among their pastimes.
A waterfall pouring over rock ledges beneath a stone arch bridge in a wooded gorge.
The Finger Lakes: Dr. Livermore vacationed here for over 15 years before moving for good.

4.7 out of 5 · 35+ reviews on Birdeye

Patients who stay for decades.

★★★★★
Dr.Patel has been my dentist for over 10 years. He is kind, and very skilled. Ive had trauma in the past, and he has a presence that makes my anxiety so much better. The ladies in the office are always helpful and seem happy to be there, which is a rare find these days. Jennifer WhitakerGoogle review
★★★★★
Dr. Livermore is wonderful! She took a terrified woman (me) and made her enjoy coming to the dentist. From the front desk, hygienists, assistants...the entire team are warm and welcoming. You couldn't ask for better! Renee CGoogle review
★★★★★
If you hate getting the Novocain shots for dental work, schedule your work with Dr. Patel. I have had a lot of shots in my 50 years, and Dr. Patel is the best at giving them I have ever experienced. The rest of the staff and process were top notch as well, but Dr. Patel stands out as excellent. John BakerGoogle review
★★★★★
Have been my dentist since I was a kid. My children and I love Dr. Patel and they work great with my orthodontist and oral surgeon and the crazy schedule of appointments. Best practice around for the whole family. Rachel ElmoreFacebook review
★★★★★
The team at this dentist office went above and beyond to help me with my dental needs. The staff was extremely friendly. Everyone was very helpful in my time of need. My doctor never once made me feel insecure, he was very honest and to the point regarding my situation. I would strongly recommend this dentist office! Olivia ParadisoFacebook review

Common questions

What people ask before they book.

Do you take my insurance?

We do not directly participate with any insurance plans. If you have insurance, we will do all we can to make sure you receive the full benefit your plan allows, and as a courtesy our team promptly processes all predeterminations and claims for you.

How often should I see the dentist?

At least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. Regular preventive visits catch problems early, reduce the need for extensive treatment and save you time and money in the long run.

What if I have a dental emergency after hours?

If you are a patient of record, there is always a dentist on call to manage after-hours emergencies. Call the office on 607-257-1010.

How do I pay for my treatment?

Ours is a fee-for-service practice, so payment at the time of service is requested. We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover, and many patients use a Flexible Spending Account through their employer. In some circumstances we will arrange a payment plan.

Do you place implants and do braces?

We restore implants placed by a surgeon, fitting the crown or bridge that sits on them, and we offer Invisalign. We keep excellent working relationships with the local specialists, and when their expertise gives you the best chance of long-term success we refer you and make all the arrangements.

Where are you, exactly?

22 Arrowwood Drive, Suite C, Ithaca, on the Parkview Healthcare Campus, next door to the Convenient Care facility of Cayuga Medical Center on Warren Road.

Visit us

Next door to Convenient Care, off Warren Road.

Address
22 Arrowwood Drive, Suite C
Ithaca, NY 14850

Parkview Healthcare Campus
Hours
Monday
7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tuesday
7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Wednesday
7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Thursday
7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday
7:00 am to 4:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Tell us what you need, and we will call you back.

If you are in pain, please phone us instead. Existing patients: please do not send private health information through this form.

✓ Open from 7 am ✓ Claims filed for you ✓ On call after hours