Meet The Doctors

John J. DellaCroce, D.M.D, M.A.G.D., M.A.E.S.

John J. Della Croce D.M.D., was born, raised and educated in Freeland. He graduated from MMI Preparatory School, King’s College and Temple University School of Dentistry.  He is a third generation dentist, following his father and grandfather (Dr. John B. and Dr. Joseph M.) in the practice of dentistry in Freeland.

Dr. Della Croce believes strongly in continuing education as a means to better serve patients. He is of a select group of Pennsylvania dentists who have been awarded Fellowship (F.A.G.D.) and Mastership (M.A.G.D.) in the Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry. This requires passing the examination and completion of over 1100 continuing education hours.

He has served organized dentistry as:

• President , Hazleton Area Dental Society
• President , Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry
• Fellow,  American College of Dentists
• Fellow, International College of Dentists
• Fellow, Pierre Fauchard Academy
• Mentor, Temple University School of Dentistry

“For over thirty years, it has been my privilege to provide quality dental care for the Greater Freeland, Hazleton, Drums, White Haven, Weatherly, Sugarloaf, and Mt. Top Area.”

Dr. Della Croce lives in Drums, with his wife Marybeth.

Melissa B. DellaCroce, D.M.D, F.A.G.D.

 Dr. Melissa B. DellaCroce joined her father in practice in 2006. She is a fourth generation graduate of MMI Preparatory School, King's College and Temple University School of Dentistry.

While attending King's College, Dr. Melissa earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology and a minor in Mass Communications. She completed her dental education at Temple University School of Dentistry earning her D.M.D. in 2006. While attending Temple University, Dr Melissa traveled with a group of 25 students and Bethel Gospel Church to Punto Fijos Venezuela, where  dental treatment was provided to nearly 1,000 under-served patients. She was also the recipient of the Martin Munin Award for outstanding service to her class.  

She went on to further her education, and in 2019 became one of a small percentage of general dentists to earn their Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. 

Dr. Melissa is proud to follow in the footsteps of the four generation of dentists that have come before her. She has a passion for continuing education and as such maintains memberships in the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Local Dental Society, Mommy Dentists in Business, Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry's PEAK continuing education program and Spear Education.

While she is not treating patients, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two growing children, Harrison and Olivia, and their two dogs, Piper and Luna.

Tanya M Cheeseman-Fanning, D.M.D.

Tanya M. Cheeseman- Fanning D.M.D. is a Freeland native who has come full circle within the Della Croce Dental Care family. Dr. Tanya knew at a young age that she wanted to persue a career as a dentist and began working as a dental assistant with Della Croce Dental Care in high school. She continued to work in the office while attaining her Bachelor of Science degree at King's College. There, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a major in Biology, minor in mathematics, as well as completion of the Honors Program curriculum.

Dr. Tanya continued her education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine where in 2017, she received her D.M.D. degree. Since then, she has worked as a general dentist with some focus on the pediatric community. Dr. Tanya returned to Della Croce Dental Care in 2019 as an associate dentist, to complete her cyclic journey in the office. She is proud to return and continue to serve the community from which she grew up.

Dr Tanya continues her education through membership in American Dental Association, Pennsylvania Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Academy of General Dentistry.

Kenneth D. Cross , D.M.D.

Dr. Kenn Cross joined the Della Croce Dental Care family in January 2023, after 23 years of owning his practice, Cross Family Dentistry in Benton, Pa. Prior to that he was an associate with Berwick Dental Arts.

Dr. Cross graduated from Berwick Area High School, The Pennsylvania State University, with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Vertebrate physiology and Temple University School of Dentistry, receiving his D.M.D. in 1989.

At Temple, he was awarded the Benjamin D. Homer Award for scholastic excellence and qualities and ideals of gentlemanlines. He was also elected membership into Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Society.

Dr. Cross lives in Mountain Top with his wife Lisa.