OUR MISSION
Providing Compassionate, Patient-Centered Care for Complex Dental Needs
We believe that high-quality dental care should be accessible to everyone. Our philosophy is rooted in the idea that every patient deserves a treatment plan that is as unique as they are. By combining advanced digital technology with a human touch, we ensure that your journey toward a healthy smile is guided by empathy and precision.
Our Dentists
Dr. Steve Sheffield
Dentist, Owner
I received my bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University in 2004, where I graduated Magna Cum Laude. I then returned to my home state of Minnesota to attend dental school at the University of Minnesota, graduating in 2008.
After dental school, my family and I moved to Syracuse to complete a one-year residency in General Dentistry at SUNY Upstate Medical University. During my residency, I received more extensive training in oral surgery, endodontics (root canals), and periodontics (treating gum disease). After working in a group dental practice in the Binghamton area, my family and I moved back to the Syracuse area, taking over LaFayette Dental Associates in December 2011.
My wife and I live in Pompey with our six children. We all enjoy downhill skiing, waterskiing, hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
Dr. Tong Wang
Dentist
Dr. Tong Wang, DDS, is a general dentist who focuses on comfort-centered dentistry, cosmetic procedures, endodontics and implants treatments. With five years of clinical experience, periodontics training completed in China, and additional experience in dental research, including work related to biomaterials and implant surfaces, Dr. Wang brings a thoughtful, evidence-informed approach to patient care. His philosophy is simple: dentistry should never feel intimidating. It should be comfortable, compassionate, and fully centered on helping each patient feel confident and cared for.
Outside of work, Dr. Wang enjoys working out, reading, cooking, and karaoke. He is fluent in English and Chinese and values building warm, trusting relationships with patients.
Administrative
Tesla
OFFICE MANAGER
Tesla joined our practice in June of 2022. She has a degree in accounting and found passion in the dental field in 2019. The highlight of her job is interacting with every patient and creating a fun atmosphere for the patients and her coworkers. In her spare time, she LOVES being a mama to her son and daughter, spending time with her husband and family, traveling to new places and finding her way to the beach. Her at home hobbies include making soy wax melts and candles, baking desserts with a goal of creating a farmstand filled with treats and finding new projects to make her house a home.
emily
RECEPTIONIST
Emily joined our practice in August of 2020. She is originally from Massena, NY, and has a degree in Public Relations from SUNY Oswego. She is happily utilizing that degree as part of the Marketing Team here at LaFayette Dental! Emily loves getting to know our patients and easing their nerves with a smiling face! In her spare time, Emily enjoys reading, camping, gardening, cooking, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her family and friends.
jessica
RECEPTIONIST
Jessica joined our practice in March of 2023. She has 13 years of experience in the dental field. After taking some time away from her career to focus on raising her son - she is so happy and grateful to be back in the dental field and doing what she loves. Jessica enjoys building relationships with patients and helping them feel comfortable, cared for and welcomed at their visits. When she's not at work - she loves spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors, camping and making special memories with her son that will last a lifetime. Home life is always fun and busy with her four cats that never fail at keeping her entertained.
Anna
RECEPTIONIST
Anna joined our team in June 2025 and lives in Jamesville. . . .
Stacey
DENTAL HYGIENIST
Stacey has been a team member since 2021 and graduated from Monroe Community College of Rochester, NY. She is also the proud owner of the Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award! One of the many enjoyable aspects of her job is working with her patients and meeting their individual needs. Her goal is to provide positive oral healthcare for many smiles to come.
Dental Hygienists
Erin
DENTAL HYGIENIST
Erin has been a part of Lafayette Dental Associates since 2021. She has enjoyed working as a hygienist for over 10 years creating healthy smiles and building lasting relationships. Outside of work, Erin enjoys spending time with family and friends, getting creative with photography and cooking and spending as much time outside as possible.
Brittney
DENTAL HYGIENIST
COMING SOON
Jennie
DENTAL HYGIENIST
Jennie has been a team member since 2020. She studied dental hygiene at SUNY Broome in Binghamton, NY. She is the proud recipient of the New York State Dental Association Stevenson Award.
dawn
DENTAL HYGIENIST
Dawn joined our practice in September of 2024. She earned her dental hygiene degree from SUNY Broome where she also received the Dr. Lawrence Loveland award for Excellence in Dental Hygiene.
Dental Assistants
Erika
DENTAL ASSISTANT
Mariella
DENTAL ASSISTANT
Tylanie
DENTAL ASSISTANT
Marci
DENTAL ASSISTANT
Erika joined the practice in October of 2016 and is professionally winging it since day one. She is fluent in sarcasm and professionalism. She brings experience, dedication and snacks. At home she has a zoo of 7 cats, 2 dogs, 1 ferret, 1 betta fish, 2 kids, 1 husband and a Patridge in a pear tree. She loves being outside but she's pretty sure her peronality is just bowling now. However, she recently joined a band (Unspoken Hand) - Now they're keeping local venues alive one gig at a time. Anyways, She's still figuring life out. XO
Mariella has been a dental assistant since December 2020 and truly enjoys helping patients feel safe, comfortable and cared for in an environment that isn't always everyone's favorite place to visit. One of the things she loves most about Dentistry is that it is constantly evolving - there is always something new, fascinating and rewarding to learn everyday. Outside of being a DA, she enjoys spending time outdoors snowboarding, hiking and biking; as well as doing arts and crafts. She also loves spending quality time with her mom, friends and her two sister cats.
Tylanie joined our team at LaFayette dental in July 2025. She has two years experience in the dental field. After attending school for Medical Assisting, she worked as a floater at the Reservation Clinic and supported both the Medical and Dental Departments. Through that experience she discovered a passion for dentistry and decided to pursue it full time. Tylanie loves helping patients feel comfortable and supported during their visits. Outside of the office, Tylanie enjoys beading and staying connected to her roots growing up on the Seneca Nation reservation.
Marciana is a dental assistant who joined our office in October 2025 after leaving the medical field. She quickly found that dental assisting brings together all the parts of healthcare she enjoys the most- helping patients feel at ease while supporting them through their visit with comfort and compassion. She loves being part of an office known for its positivity, teamwork and daily giggles that make coming to work a joy. Outside the office, Marcianna lives in Groton with her boyfriend and 2 kitties; Ellie and Emmy. She loves spending time with her parents and visiting her sister in North Carolina.