Meet the Team of Pittsburgh Dental Spa
Pittsburgh Dental Spa is a state-of-the-art facility focused on delivering quality dentistry in a comfortable relaxed atmosphere. The dental chairs are also massage chairs with three different massage patterns and two heating levels. In each operatory, the reclined patient will notice a ceiling-mounted flat screen T.V. directly above them for their use during their procedure. Watching television during treatment can be a welcome distraction for many patients.
Dr. Tim Runco
Dr. Runco was raised in the South Hills of Pittsburgh and is a graduate of Upper St. Clair High School. He went on to Penn State and received a B.S. degree in Biology and graduated in 1981 with high honors. He earned a D.M.D. degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1985.
For the past 20 years, Dr. Runco's experience includes complete general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and sedation dentistry. He has formal training in Lumineer placement (cosmetic veneers) as well as sedation dentistry. He has become very proficient with dental implants and full mouth reconstruction (root canals, bridges, fillings) with the use of sedation so that all these procedures are done in one visit. Dr. Runco has been told, that his biggest asset is his chair side manner and compassion towards the anxious, frightened patient.
Since 2011, Pittsburgh Dental Spa has been an exceptional dental practice with a focus on customer service. He creates treatment plans for each patient that are customized for that person's individual needs. Whether it be some type of sedation, special financial options or a gentle touch, Dr. Runco knows from experience that most dental patients have particular “special needs”. He indulges each and every patient to that end. This type of care is very difficult to deliver in a large dental chain clinic atmosphere. In a nutshell, this is why he started Pittsburgh Dental Spa. Dr. Runco follows his patients’ progress year after year and develops strong relationships.
On a personal note, Dr. Runco is married to Annie and has a step daughter Elle. He enjoys golf, biking, exercising at the local gym, swimming, movies and spending time with his German Shepherd Jack Lambert.
Dr. Justina Kelly
Dr. Kelly was born and raised in southwestern PA in the town of Elizabeth. Growing up with a pharmacist and nurse as parents, Dr. Kelly was exposed to the medical field at an early age. In fact, at Dr. Kelly’s preschool graduation, she announced that she wanted to become a dentist! Twenty two years later that dream became a reality when she graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Kelly commissioned as a Captain in the US Army. She served her 4 year commitment as a general dentist and officer at Fort Drum, NY. Though Dr. Kelly enjoyed the opportunities and experiences that the Army had to offer, she longed to be back in Pittsburgh with family and friends. She moved back to Pittsburgh in April of 2019 and currently lives in the South Hills with her husband (Chuck), sons (Chuck & Peter), and cat (Carl).
Dr. Kelly loves meeting and talking with patients. She always hopes that she has eased any anxieties and helped the patient to have a good experience. She enjoys expanding her dental knowledge with frequent continuing education courses. She is a member of the American Dental Association, Pennsylvania Dental Association, and the Dental Society of Western Pennsylvania. Dr. Kelly is also certified in Botox & Dermal Fillers with the American Academy of Facial Esthetics and continues to keep up with advanced courses and procedures.
When Dr. Kelly is not in the office, she loves to spend time with both Chucks, Peter, Carl, family, and friends. She loves to read, catch up on reality tv shows and Hallmark movies, run, and bake.
Dr. Shannon B Cerra
Dr. Shannon B. Cerra is an experienced general dentist treating all facets of dentistry including cosmetic, endodontics, crown and bridge, and implants.
Dr. Cerra graduated from University of Florida in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance. In 2009, she received her Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Upon graduation, Dr. Cerra completed a General Practice Residency at the Pittsburgh Veteran's Administration Hospital, and has been treating patients in the Pittsburgh region since.
In her free time Dr. Cerra enjoys traveling with her husband (just about anywhere), hiking (exploring new trails and re-visiting favorite paths), music (preferably live), and dogs (especially her beloved rescues, Shuggie & Ozzie).
Dr. Tara Schram
Dr. Tara Schram grew up in North Strabane Township and is a graduate of Canon McMillan High School. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with her Bachelor’s of Science in Biology. She earned her D.M.D from the University of Louisville and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the Appalachian Highland Community Dental Center in Bristol, VA.
Dr. Schram is excited to be back treating patients in her hometown. Her focus is providing comprehensive dental care (crown and bridgework, root canals, fillings, implants, cosmetic work) and more for her patients. Dr. Schram truly enjoys getting to know her patients and prides herself on her ability to connect with them and make them feel at home. She stays up to date with the latest dental research and cutting edge technology to provide the best possible care for her patients. She’s a member of the American Dental Association, Pennsylvania Dental Association, and the American Association of Women Dentists.
Away from work, Dr. Schram enjoys staying active, spending time with family and friends, golf, and cooking. She’s always in to try a new restaurant or travel to a new place. She’s also an avid sports fan and roots for all Pittsburgh teams, especially the Pitt Panthers.
Reviews from real patients:
Dr. Runco and staff are extremely nice and very understanding / patient. They do exceptional work. This place makes going to the dentist easier especially if you have had a previous experience with a dentist that has caused a fear of going to the dentist. I was so nervous before I had my work done but they made me feel extremely comfortable and safe.
Rachel Marie
