By Samantha Joseph

Staff writer

MARTIN COUNTY - When he's not at his Stuart practice, Robert Flanary is often volunteering at Port Salerno's Christian Community Center, a nonprofit whose services include providing dental care to low-income patients.

The effervescent dentist has practiced on the Treasure Coast for more than a decade, and for most of that time, he's made it a priority to contribute to efforts to help the area's less fortunate residents.

For the last 18 months, he's served at the community center, helping care for patients who otherwise would not have been able to afford dental work.

"We've been blessed, and it's important to him to give back," said his wife, Sue Flanary, who also serves as office manager at Family Dentistry, a full-service practice.

It's an idea that permeates into the dentist's private practice, where he sometimes offers services, such as crown placements, at about half the average market rate.

"I've been fortunate in my life, so I need to help, especially at a time like this, when so many people are struggling," said Dr. Flanary, a graduate of Marquette University, a Catholic, Jesuit university in Milwaukee, Wis.

At Family Dentistry, patients find the comfort of a private practice, outfitted with modern equipment and fully staffed with hygienists, assistants, clerical staff and Jacques Benchimol, Dr. Flanary's associate.

The staff and dentists perform a wide range of services, including extractions and implants, and clinicians undertake continued education.

But instead of prohibitive prices, administrators pride themselves on offering fees that put smiles on clients' faces.

"We offer quality care at affordable prices and take most insurance," Dr. Flanary said. "We like to say we're a private practice with public clinic fees."

Family Dentistry is located at 2385 S.E. Federal Highway, in Stuart's TJ Maxx plaza. It opens from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, and by appointments on Fridays. For more information, call (772) 286-3088.