The endodontist is now in

His father and older brother are dermatologists, one sister is a dentist and the other is a psychologist, so yes, you could say that Dr. Craig Berry, an endodontist, and youngest Berry sibling was not going to stray far from the family career tree.
“I went into dentistry because I enjoy the science and hands-on aspects of it,” said Berry, a Lawrence native now living in Cedarhurst.
Berry, 31, is the new owner of Long Island Endodontics having purchased the practice that belonged to Hewlett resident Dr. John Santopolo, who died on Jan. 3 after being hit by two vehicles on Peninsula Boulevard in Hempstead. The practice has offices in Woodmere and Merrick.
Santopolo was involved in community organizations, and served as president of the newly formed Hewlett Woodmere Business Association, which was a merger of the Hewlett Business Association and the Woodmere Merchants Association in 2011.
Some patients may remember Berry from his brief stint with Long Island Endodontics a couple of years ago, when he worked on Sundays and Mondays at the Woodmere office.

“I met John a few years ago and we hit it off,” Berry said. “We talked for two, two and a half hours, about life, family, dentistry. He was a very unique individual, who thought out of the box.”
Having grown up in Lawrence, attended the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach and David Renov Stahler High School for Boys, Berry is well acquainted with the Five Towns. “It is nice being from here, seeing familiar faces and it’s a fun experience to serve the community you grew up in,” Berry said.
A 2006 graduate of Yeshiva University, Berry moved to New Jersey and earned his dental degree and post-graduate endodontic training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now the Rutgers Dental School) four years later. He completed his general practice residency at Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn in 2011. Berry is certified by the American Board of Endodontics. Less than 20 percent of practicing endodontists achieve board certification, based on industry statistics.
“I know that together, Dr. Berry, Dr. (Philip) Zimring and their amazing staff will continue to provide the most comprehensive care for all your patients,” Beth Santopolo, John’s wife, wrote in a letter to dentists who recommend their patients to Long Island Endodontics. “They have all made this a fairly easy changeover and I anticipate a smooth transition in the coming months,” she added.
Berry and his wife have three daughters, 4, 2 and seven months. With a new dental practice and a growing family it doesn’t leave much time for other pursuits, but the Giants, Yankees and Islanders fan plays golf and is looking for a club to join.
For now he said his energy is focused on the practice. “It means a lot to get Beth’s blessing and I want to continue what John started and continue his legacy.”