Christopher A. Briere RDH, BS

EDUCATION/DEGREES:

• Tunxis Community Technical College AS, Dental Hygiene 1993
• UCONN Fellowship 1993-1994
• Charter Oak Community College BS, focus on child development 2004.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Human Service Certification Tunxis Community College, 1983
• Medical Technician USAF, 1983-1987
• North East Regional Boards, 1993
• Connecticut Local Anesthesia (Fones School) 2007
• CPR Current

SPECIAL CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• State of Connecticut Dental Hygiene, 1993 current
• State of Massachusetts Dental Hygiene, March 2010
• CT Pharmacy Technician, 1997-2008

YEARS AS A HYGIENIST/AT THIS OFFICE:

17 Years/12 Years

INTERESTING INFO:

I write poetry, I work with various mediums for art creations, such as acrylic, oils, charcoal and clay work. I enjoy a good conversation of truth and philosophical discourse.

WHAT I ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT DENTAL SOLUTIONS OF GLASTONBURY: 

The atmosphere and the great people who make me smile.

WHAT DOES BEING A PARTNER IN HEALTH MEAN TO ME:

Being a "Partner in Health" means finding out where you are on your journey and assisting in seeking the best advice to obtain your health goals.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

"Buildings may last a thousand years, but friends only last a lifetime."

CORE VALUE THAT MEANS THE MOST TO ME:

Community.  Community in the correct context means the full value of human potential of which we as individuals may be a part.

 

 

 

Stacey Ehlers RDH, BS

EDUCATION/DEGREES:

I graduated from Middlesex Community Technical College with an A.S. in Biology in 2001. I was then accepted into the Fones School of Dental Hygiene and graduated with an A.S. degree in Dental Hygiene in 2003 and with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene in 2008.

SPECIAL CONTINUING EDUCATION:

I am currently studying at Northcentral University and will be obtaining my Masters/ Doctoral Degrees in Educational Leadership. I have chosen this path to help further my advancement within the educational realm of my career. More importantly, this venture has helped me enhance my ability to personalize each patients dental experience by focusing on educating each patient on the dental care needed, understanding their individual wants and needs, and creating a personal and caring plan to help them reach goals they may not have even known they wanted!

YEARS AS A HYGIENIST/YEARS AT THIS OFFICE:

I have been a dental hygienist for 7 years and prior to that I was a dental assistant for 5 years. I spent many years of my dental hygiene career with a focus on cosmetics and love to help patients design the smile that nature indented for them to have. My entire adult life has been dedicated to the constant growth of my career in dental hygiene, the education of future dental hygienists and the health and well being of each and every one of my patients. I truly love what I do and am confident you will agree with that statement after our first conversation. 2 years and counting here at Dental Solutions.

INTERESTING INFO:

I am an Adjunct Clinical Dental Hygiene Instructor at Briarwood College part time as well as a practicing hygienist here at Dental Solutions. As I am a full time student with Education as my focus, it is safe to say I am constantly looking for ways to improve myself professionally in order to confidently offer my patients as well as my students innovative and unique ways to understand dental hygiene and overall systemic health. I truly love what I do and feel blessed to have the support of Dental Solutions to encourage constant self improvement to each member of the team in order for us to give, what I consider to be, unparalleled dental care to each patient we meet. In my spare time you can find me on a boat with a rod in hand on any warm summer day, and plan to retire as a captain on a fishing boat one day.

WHAT I ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT DENTAL SOLUTIONS OF GLASTONBURY: 

The thing I like most about working at Dental Solutions of Glastonburyis the individual motivation and encouragement I receive from my team and Doctors.  Not only are we encouraged to grow as professionals, but Dental Solutions of Glastonbury firmly believes that having a happy and healthy mind, body and spirit creates an individual that is excited and creative in the workplace.

WHAT DOES BEING A PARTNER IN HEALTH MEAN TO ME:

Being a "Partner in Health" to me, means that by treating each patient individually and comprehensively, and by making recommendations for dental treatment with their overall health in mind, we are doing our part to ensure systemic health for our patients.. one tooth at a time. 

WHAT IS MY MOTIVATION FOR PARTNERING IN HEALTH WITH OUR PATIENTS:

My favorite thing to hear from my patients is "I have never heard it explained that way before".  I love discussing patient's dental needs and explaining it in a way that they can understand and therefore value it.  I know how important dental health is, so I make it my goal to have my patients leave their appointments knowing why we have recommended certain treatments and how they can prevent treatment from needing to be done as well.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

"We are what we repeatedly do.  Excellence, therfore, is not an act but a habit." -Aristotle

CORE VALUE THAT MEANS THE MOST TO ME:

The most important core value to me is Compassion.  I try to take the time to detect when my patients demonstrate discontent regarding treatment or their level of comfort in the office.  I try to work with them to resolve it in a kind and caring manner.

 

 

 

Stephanie A. Barrett, RDH

EDUCATION/DEGREES:

Graduated from Westbrook College in Portland, ME with an A. S. degree in Dental Hygiene in 1997.

CERTIFICATIONS:

Certified in Local Anesthesia for the Dental Hygienist from the University of New Haven in 2008. Also holds certification in Infant, Child and Adult CPR.

SPECIAL CONTINUING EDUCATION:

Attended Yankee Dental Conference in Boston, MA 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2010. Also, attended The Schuster Center for Professional Development in Scottsdale, AZ 2007-2009.

YEARS AS A HYGIENIST/YEARS AT THIS OFFICE:

13 years/9 years

WHAT I ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT DENTAL SOLUTIONS OF GLASTONBURY: 

We all carry a high standard for ourselves as individuals and as a team.  our patients know this and feel this through their interactions with us.  We care for each other and that sense of unity touches our patients.

WHAT DOES BEING A PARTNER IN HEALTH MEAN TO ME:

Being a "Partner in Health" means seeing our patients as an entire being; emotional, physical, mental.  This surpasses their dental needs.  Our doctors not only permit us to care about our patient's well being, they encourage it and share this common vision with us.

WHAT IS MY MOTIVATION FOR PARTNERING IN HEALTH WITH OUR PATIENTS:

I believe a partnership health with our patients will allow us to move forward beyond the "standard of care".  We have to push boundaries and think outside our everyday boxes to help our patients attain and maintain their total body health.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

"Too much of anything in life is never good."  - My Mom... it applies to ANYTHING in life.

CORE VALUE THAT MEANS THE MOST TO ME:

Integrity.  To me there is no gift greater I can offer to a patient or team member then my word.  If I commit to an individual, they can rest assure, I will follow-through.  I also find this quality important in my team members... we are able to accomplish great things together with integrity.

 

 

 

 

Marnie L. Schulman, RDH

EDUCATION/DEGREES:

Graduated from The University of Bridgeport, Fones School of Dental Hygiene in Bridgeport, CT with a B.S. degree in Dental Hygiene in 1992.

SPECIAL CONTINUING EDUCATION:

Attended Yankee Dental Conference in Boston, MA from 1993 to 2009.  Also, while practicing clinical dental hygiene, attended continuing education courses with topics including current trends in periodontal disease, cosmetic solutions, arrestin, oral pathology, forensics, team communication and building skills.

YEARS AS A HYGIENIST/YEARS AT THIS OFFICE:

18 years in clinical practice with a focus on periodontics, soft tissue managements and cosmetics using the latest techniques in dentistry.  2 years at this office.

WHAT I ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT DENTAL SOLUTIONS OF GLASTONBURY: 

I enjoy using and learning about the latest dental equpiment and being given the opportunity to broaden my knowledge as a dental hygienist through continuing education.

WHAT DOES BEING A PARTNER IN HEALTH MEAN TO ME:

Being a "Partner in Health" means to work as a team with our patients on reaching their dental and health goals. 

WHAT IS MY MOTIVATION FOR PARTNERING IN HEALTH WITH OUR PATIENTS:

My motivation is to watch patients succeed at their dental goals and for them to feel healthy.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

"The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams." - Oprah Winfrey

CORE VALUE THAT MEANS THE MOST TO ME:

Integrity is the core value that means the most to me becasue I incorporate it into my everyday work life as a hygienist.  I let patients know what I see and am honest as I create a treatment plan for them.  Treating their true dental needs.

 

 

 

Arielle Tougas, RDH 

EDUCATION/DEGREES:

Registered Dental Hygienist.  I graduated from Springfield Technical Community College with a Associates of Science in Dental Hygiene in 2007. 

CERTIFICATIONS:

I am certified in Local Anesthesia for the Dental Hygienist from Springfield Technical Community College as of 2007.  Also certified in infant, child, and adult CPR. 

SPECIAL CONTINUING EDUCATION:

I am currently in the process of obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of New Haven.

YEARS AS A HYGIENIST/YEARS AT THIS OFFICE:

4 years/Less than 1.

WHAT I ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT DENTAL SOLUTIONS OF GLASTONBURY:

 I truly appreciate and enjoy the positive environment that encourages ongoing learning and growth potential, which is made available to both the employees and patients of Dental Solutions.  I feel strongly encouraged to embrace new technologies and information that will improve patient care as well as operator performance.

WHAT DOES BEING A PARTNER IN HEALTH MEAN TO ME:

 Being a "Partner in Health" to me, means treating my patients with a broader view.  Together we look beyond just "teeth and gums" and realize that oral health and overall body and health are holistically connected and reliant on each other.

WHAT IS MY MOTIVATION FOR PARTNERING IN HEALTH WITH OUR PATIENTS:

 My motivation for partnering in health with the patients of Dental Solutions comes from my desire to help them understand how to achieve their optimal oral health.  Grasping this concept allows the patient to take responsiblity of their oral and overall health and also permits them to get actively involved in their journey to their optimal state of well-being.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

 "Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm...As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands.  One for helping yourself, the other for helping others."  - Audrey Hepburn

CORE VALUE THAT MEANS THE MOST TO ME:

 The core value that means the most to me is Compassion.  So far in life I have learned that I receive a great joy in doing for others rather than in doing for myself.  I strive to be aware and sensitive to the needs and concerns of others and desire to help in whatever way I can.  I believe that extending this compassionate approach to my patients will create a positive enviornment at the dental and personal level. 

 

 

 

Dental Assistants

 

 

 

 

Norma Nalette

CERTIFICATIONS:

X-ray Certified, Certified Dental Assistant and CPR Certified.

SPECIAL CONTINUING EDUCATION:

Schuster trained, Yankee Dental Congress.

YEARS AS AN ASSISTANT/YEARS AT THIS OFFICE:

20 Years plus/10 Years

WHAT I ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT DENTAL SOLUTIONS OF GLASTONBURY: 

I have been working at Dental Solutions for ten years.  I really love the relationships that I have established with our patients and the high level of care that is given.

WHAT DOES BEING A PARTNER IN HEALTH MEAN TO ME:

The whole team has a great desire to continue to educate themselves and our patients how to obtain and maintain good oral health.  It is important to understand that conditions in our oral health are connected to our overall health. 

WHAT IS MY MOTIVATION FOR PARTNERING IN HEALTH WITH OUR PATIENTS:

It is exciting to see the excitement of patient's as they reach their personal dental goals.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

"Character, not the situation, issue or circumstance, makes the person.  It is who you are when no one is looking."

CORE VALUE THAT MEANS THE MOST TO ME:

Integrity is such an important core value.  Be who you are regardless of who is watching and do what you say you are going to do!

 

 

 

Valerie Romano

CERTIFICATIONS:

X-ray Certified and CPR Certified.

SPECIAL CONTINUING EDUCATION:

Schuster trained, Yankee Dental Congress, Special Olympics, and attended a Guatemala Mission Trip.

YEARS AS AN ASSISTANT/YEARS AT THIS OFFICE:

30 Years plus/7 Years

WHAT I ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT DENTAL SOLUTIONS OF GLASTONBURY: 

We have great teammembers.

WHAT DOES BEING A PARTNER IN HEALTH MEAN TO ME:

Being a "Partner in Health" means taking care of our patients to the best of our ability.

WHAT IS MY MOTIVATION FOR PARTNERING IN HEALTH WITH OUR PATIENTS:

Educating patients so they know how to keep their teeth and body healthy.  It makes them feel better when they have a healthy smile.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

"Treat people the way you want to be treated."

CORE VALUE THAT MEANS THE MOST TO ME:

Excellence.  People should always give 100%.

 

 

 

Sandra Garcia

EDUCATION/DEGREES:

Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia

CERTIFICATIONS:

Doctor in Dentistry, January 2005

SPECIAL CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• Basic Cerec Training (Patterson Dental) 9-12-2008/9-13-2008
• Invisalign Certification I, part I, 2007
• Yankee Dental Congress 2010
• CPR 2009-2010
• Schuster Center

YEARS AS AN ASSISTANT/YEARS AT THIS OFFICE:

4 Years/3 Years

INTERESTING INFO:

Bilingual (Spanish)

WHAT I ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT DENTAL SOLUTIONS OF GLASTONBURY: 

I enjoy the philosophy, professionalism and commitment of the staff.  We have become a great team working toward a united goal.

WHAT DOES BEING A PARTNER IN HEALTH MEAN TO ME:

This is an important role that encompasses a great responsibility as a health practitioner.  Not only to improve my patient's health, but to also support them in the years ahead to maintain their wellbeing.

WHAT IS MY MOTIVATION FOR PARTNERING IN HEALTH WITH OUR PATIENTS:

Educating our patients so they feel informed and ready to accept changes with confidence. To see our patients reach their "Health" goal is a great reward and continues to be a constant motivation.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

"We have to act in a way that we won't blush in front of ourselves."  - Baltasar Gracian

"The happiest man in the world is the one that can recognize other's merit and can be glad of other's well-being like if it was their own."  - Johann W. Goethe

"Procrastination is the theif of time."  - Proverb

CORE VALUE THAT MEANS THE MOST TO ME:

Honesty.  For me this is the key for success and the foundation for every relationship,both professional and personal.  You need to be honest with yourself with what you are, what you want, what makes you happy and with what you do.  We are not exempt of making mistakes, but the difference is how we respond to them, and if we are honest with others, and ourselves, then we will be able to learn and grow together from these experiences.

 

 

 

Zack Philbrook, Infection Control/IT

EDUCATION/DEGREES:

United States Coast Guard from 2001-2005.

CERTIFICATIONS:

CPR Certified. 

SPECIAL CONTINUING EDUCATION:

Attended Infection Control classes at the Yankee Dental Conference in Boston, MA 2010.  Also, attended Cerec Course in Arizona in 2011.

YEARS AT THIS OFFICE:

2 Years.

INTERESTING INFORMATION:

I scanned every patient's chart into the computer.  Now it is much more effecient finding a patient's xray in our Software on the computer with just a couple clicks of the mouse.

WHAT I ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT DENTAL SOLUTIONS OF GLASTONBURY:

We really have a great team.  There are a so many different strengths in this office and as a whole unit we do amazing work together.  

WHAT DOES BEING A PARTNER IN HEALTH MEAN TO ME:

There are so many respectable doctors in our community that have the answers.  Working with them and working together is how you will get the results you want.   

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Drink your water people."  -Tony Horton

CORE VALUE THAT MEANS THE MOST TO ME:

Honesty.  It is the most important quality a person could have. 

 

 

 

Administrative Team

 

  

Patty Mullen 

EDUCATION/DEGREES:

Graduated with an Associate’s in Science Degree in 1972

CERTIFICATIONS:

Trained @ The Schuster Center, Yankee Dental Congress, Certified Respiratory Therapist, CPR Trained

SPECIAL CONTINUING EDUCATION:

Attended The Schuster Center For Professional Development In Scottsdale, Arizona. Has attended Yankee Dental Conference In Boston, MA for several years. Attended Kathy Jameson "How to Handle Difficult People". Recently attended  Fred Pryor seminar on "Collection Law".

YEARS AT THIS OFFICE:

I have been a team member of Dental Solutions of Glastonbury for 8 years and have been in the dental field for 20+ years.

WHAT I ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT DENTAL SOLUTIONS OF GLASTONBURY:

What I enjoy are the relationships we have developed with each other and our patients. We have great teamwork at Dental Solutions - It is amazing how much you can accomplish when it doesn't matter who gets the credit. Teamwork is working together — even when apart.  

WHAT DOES BEING A PARTNER IN HEALTH MEAN TO ME:

"Partner in Health" means educating ourselves and our patients how to obtain and maintain good oral health so they may reach their personal goals. "Partnering in Health" allows me to become part of a solution, being able to facilitate financial answers for patients so they can continue to strive towards their goals and maintain them.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable.” Moliere

CORE VALUE THAT MEANS THE MOST TO ME:

Integrity is the core value that means the most to me. Integrity is an adherence to moral, and ethical principals. It is the soundness of moral character; honesty. Integrity is the state of being whole. Without integrity nothing in your life is true. 

 

 

 

Trish Ulion 

EDUCATION/DEGREES:

I graduated from Daytona Beach Community College with an Associate’s Degree in 1997.

SPECIAL CONTINUING EDUCATION:

I attended The Schuster Center for Professional Development in Scottsdale, Arizona from 2007-2009. I also attended Yankee Dental Conference in Boston, MA 2005, 2006, and 2007.

YEARS AT THIS OFFICE:

I have been a team member of Dental Solutions for almost 6 years and hope to be here for a lot longer.

INTERSTING INFO:

Coming from 9 years of retail background, I came to Dental Solutions with absolutely no dental background in hopes that that something new would strike my attention. Needless to say I am still here almost 6 years later and enjoy it very much. I am newly married and my husband and I are expecting our first child in December 2010. I am an avid Red Sox fan and enjoy spending time with my family.  

WHAT I ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT DENTAL SOLUTIONS OF GLASTONBURY:

I enjoy interacting with patients and creating as much of a stress free zone as possible. I truly love to help people in whichever way they need whether it is to take some extra time and explain procedures and costs or if the need is for me to offer them some personal experience to help alleviate anxieties that they may be experiencing. I also love working with such a dynamic group of people. It makes everyday challenging and no one day is like another. Our Doctors create a fun professional atmosphere which allows us to be creative and to express our own individual touches to the practice. 

WHAT IS MY MOTIVATION FOR PARTNERING IN HEALTH WITH OUR PATIENTS:

I feel that by living a healthy lifestyle people experience a higher quality of life. I personally try to maintain a healthy lifestyle to minimize stress and financial burden. When I was working out my personnel trainer made a statement to me that hit home. He said “You’re either giving a small amount of money to your gym or a whole lot more to your doctor! My motivation for partnering health with our patients directly revolves around the reality that people who live healthier lifestyles generally live a longer more fulfilling life so why would I not want to motivate people to stay as healthy as possible?

FAVORITE QUOTE:

"The most successful people are those who are good at Plan B."  James

CORE VALUE THAT MEANS THE MOST TO ME:

Honesty-One of the most basic core values is honesty. To quote W. Clement Stone, "Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity."  I personally believe that above all when you use honesty anything can be conquered.

 

 

 

Lauren Sevigny

EDUCATION/DEGREES:

Batchelor of Arts from University of Massachusetts, Amherst 2005 with a double major Psychology and Sociology. 

CERTIFICATIONS:

CPR Certified.  Member of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society of Psychology.  

SPECIAL CONTINUING EDUCATION:

Attended Cathy Jameson’s “Model of Success” seminar, October 2009.  Attended a lecture at Yankee Dental Congress about “Kodak Softdent” in January 2010.

YEARS AT THIS OFFICE:

Almost 3 years.

INTERSTING INFO: 

I annually volunteer for “Back Bay Mission” in Biloxi, Mississippi to help rebuild houses that were damaged from Hurricane Katrina.  I was the Vice President of Delta Zeta Sorority. 

WHAT I ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT DENTAL SOLUTIONS OF GLASTONBURY:

I enjoy the relationships I have developed with my team members, our doctors, and our patients.  I really love helping our patients, whether I am describing a procedure, scheduling their next appointments, discussing financials, or calming their anxieties.  

WHAT DOES BEING A PARTNER IN HEALTH MEAN TO ME:

I think that being a “Partner in Health” means working together to develop a healthy lifestyle.  Here at Dental Solutions of Glastonbury, we offer a partnership with our patients to work with each individual and give them the knowledge and resources to maintain or improve their dental health.  Just like working with a personal trainer to learn how to get your body physically in shape, we offer the same training and work with each individual to hit their personal goals. 

WHAT IS MY MOTIVATION FOR PARTNERING IN HEALTH WITH OUR PATIENTS:

I am motivated to “Partner in Health” with our patients because having someone to help guide you and work with you to hit a goal is an incredible feeling.  There are many different aspects of being healthy and being dentally healthy is one of them.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“You will either step forward into growth or you will step back into safety.” – Abraham Maslow

“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” – Coco Chanel

CORE VALUE THAT MEANS THE MOST TO ME:

Integrity is the core value that means the most to me.  Integrity is a promise, being trustworthy, and it is giving your word and keeping it.  Having an honest relationship is crucial for the success of that relationship. 

 

 

  

Emily Strattner

EDUCATION/DEGREES:

Bachelor of Arts from the University of Vermont with a double major in Anthropology and Film & Television Studies.

YEARS AT THIS OFFICE:

Less than one!

WHAT I ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT DENTAL SOLUTIONS OF GLASTONBURY:

What I enjoy most about working at Dental Solutions of Glastonbury is working with a group of people that really focuses on making our patients healthy and happy.  

WHAT DOES BEING A PARTNER IN HEALTH MEAN TO ME:

Being a partner in health is not only encouraging others to follow healthy practices but to follow the same practices yourself.    

WHAT IS MY MOTIVATION FOR PARTNERING IN HEALTH WITH OUR PATIENTS:

My motivation for partnering in health with our patients is the patients themselves. When a patient tells me what a wonderful experience they have had and how much better they feel after receiving treatment I feel extremely proud to be a part of a team that improves the lives of others.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Do or do not, there is no try” –Yoda

CORE VALUE THAT MEANS THE MOST TO ME:

Honesty. I believe that if you are honest to yourself and those around you then you always start on a solid foundation that will only grow to benefit you and those around you.ntegrity is the core value that means the most to me.

 

 

 

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