Step into West Long Branch Dental’s Instagram feed and you might think you’ve stumbled upon a lifestyle influencer’s page—full of laughter, music, and the occasional dental assistant strutting around in latex glove stilettos. But behind the fun is something far more rare in today’s world of curated content and constant selling: honesty.
Dr. Isabel Bastos, the heart of this neighborhood practice, isn’t interested in being an “Instagram dentist.” She’s not here to pitch the latest whitening trend or upsell cosmetic work you don’t need. In fact, she puts it plainly: “If you’re happy with your current dentist, stay.” That kind of candor is unusual—and refreshing.
Nestled in a white building on Broadway between two family homes, West Long Branch Dental isn’t flashy on the outside. But inside, it’s a haven for personalized, no-pressure dental care. There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment plan here. Every patient is treated like an individual—with a mouthful of unique needs and preferences.
What You Need, Not What’s Trending
Take veneers, for instance—a cosmetic favorite among celebrities and influencers. These thin, porcelain covers can dramatically transform a smile. But they’re also permanent, costly, and require ongoing maintenance. Dr. Bastos meets patients all the time who don’t realize veneers need to be replaced every 10 years—or that once your natural tooth is altered to fit a veneer, there’s no going back.
She recalls steering one patient toward a whitening treatment instead. “Her husband said, ‘You don’t see dentists with veneers,’” Dr. Bastos remembers, laughing. “And I thought—he’s right! I know a lot of dentists. Not one has veneers.”
But when veneers are the right choice—say, for discolored or misshapen teeth—Dr. Bastos will be just as upfront about that too. It’s never about selling. It’s about solutions.
More Than Just Teeth
Of course, West Long Branch Dental offers far more than cosmetic consultations. Their services include routine cleanings and checkups, crowns and bridges, implants, periodontal therapy, root canals, Invisalign, whitening, and even Botox. Whether you’re coming in for a cleaning or a complete smile makeover, the team’s warmth and attention to detail are the same.
And it really is a team effort. Dr. Bastos is joined by Dr. Mary Halim, two hygienists, three dental assistants, and a patient care coordinator—all of whom treat patients like old friends. Whether it’s your child’s first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll be greeted by name, and chances are someone will ask how that job interview or vacation went since they last saw you.
Serving Everyone, Including Her Own Community
After earning a dental degree from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Bastos has dedicated her career to advancing clinical excellence and education in dentistry. She currently teaches general dentistry residents at Monmouth Medical Center, where she shares her expertise and passion for comprehensive patient care with the next generation of dental professionals.
“There’s an artistic side to dentistry that people don’t always see,” she says. “You’re sculpting with your hands, paying attention to tiny details. But at the end of the day, I love that I get to connect with people. Honestly, my assistants sometimes have to tell me to stop chatting and get moving—I just enjoy it so much.”
The Bottom Line
West Long Branch Dental might make you smile on Instagram—but it’s their honesty, warmth, and deep respect for their patients that keep people coming back. Whether you're there for a cleaning or a consult, you're not just another appointment on the schedule. You’re part of a community—one that laughs, listens, and truly cares about your smile.
West Long Branch Dental
Location: 879 Broadway, West Long Branch
Phone: (732) 795-6868
Website: westlongbranchdental.com
Highlights: Emergency services, cosmetic dentistry