After breaking ground in September 2012, it took six months to complete the new section of the building. In March 2013 the practice moved into the new addition so the old building, what would become the new reception area, could be renovated. Howland says it was logistically difficult, but overall the project went well. He only closed the office for three days due to construction.

Howland is happy with his new building and state-of-the-art equipment, but the improvement he's most pleased with is the ability to better serve his tight-knit community. He retained all of his office staff and added full-time and part-time employees, in addition to welcoming Dr. Traube to the practice.

The new building and expanded services have attracted more patients. For example, Dr. Scott Frey of Frey Smiles in Allentown now provides orthodontic services at Howland & Traube three times a month. Howland thinks his new building helped convince Dr. Frey to set up a satellite practice there. Now he is looking for an endodontist, a pediatric dentist and other specialists to share his office and serve the people of Lehighton.

While an expansion of this type is bound to have its challenges, a well-laid plan and an outstanding team of professionals helped to smooth the transition. “When you do a project like this, you have to surround yourself with people who know what they are doing,” Howland said. With its open and airy feel grounded in top-notch dental equipment and technology, Howland & Traube Family Dental is set to meet its long-term goals and become an even more valued member of the community.