Meet The Team

 

Perry S. Kest, DDS

Dr. Perry Kest has practiced dentistry in the Southbury area for many years and is a well-respected member of the community.

 

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the City University of New York, and a Master of Arts degree from New York University, before entering the Accelerated Degree program at New York University College of Dentistry. Upon graduation from dental school, he completed a one-year, general practice dental residency at Sydenham Hospital in New York City.

 

His passion for dentistry and the care of his patients keeps Dr. Kest focused on continuing education. He has furthered his studies at the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL, Dawson Academy in St. Petersburg, FL, and Dr. Larry Rosenthal’s Hands on Aesthetic and Restorative Continuum at New York University. In addition, he attends important and timely professional conferences throughout the year.

 

Perry Kest is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the International Congress of Implantology, the Connecticut Dental Association, the Crown Council, and the Mastermind Group. He is currently President of the Phoenix Tri-State Study Club.

 

Dr. Kest always had been active in his community as well. He has long been involved with the Crown Council’s “Smiles for Life” program, which has raised $34.5 million for various children’s charities. Over the past 15 years, Dr. Kest’s office has itself raised $161,000 of that total, one-half of which has been allotted to the Region 15 Perpetual Fund. Dr. Kest is also a contributing supporter of the Southbury Food Bank.

 

Elena Tomasi, DMD

With 20 years of professional experience, Dr. Tomasi strives to provide quality, comprehensive dental care for her patients by keeping abreast of new techniques and applying them to her daily practice of dentistry. She has a wide background in dental practice that includes working with children and elderly patients.

 

Dr. Tomasi earned her dental degree in 2005 at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, and received the prestigious Dental Student Implants Award from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

 

Before joining “Dr. Kest’s fabulous team” in 2011, Dr. Tomasi worked in several private dental practices in Connecticut. Earlier in her career, Dr. Tomasi also practiced and taught dentistry in Belarus.

 

She is a member of the American Dental Association, the Connecticut Dental Association, and the Hartford Dental Society. Always committed to continuing education, Dr. Tomasi recently became a student at Dawson Academy of Advanced Dentistry in St. Petersburg, FL.

 

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and outdoor sports.

 

 

James E. Pucci, DMD – Periodontics & Surgical Implant Dentistry

Dr. Pucci graduated from Yale University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. In 1991, he earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. That same year, Dr. Pucci entered a specialized residency program in periodontology and implantology. He graduated in 1993 from Boston University School of Graduate Dentistry with his Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in periodontology.

 

Dr. Pucci limits his practice to periodontics with specialized services in surgical implant dentistry. He is specially trained in surgical and non-surgical procedures to eliminate gum diseases, in soft tissue grafting procedures to correct gum recession and root sensitivity, and in bone grafting procedures that enhance the amount of bone support around teeth. Dr. Pucci also is certified in seven different implant systems and has been placing dental implants for the past 21 years. He has placed more than 4,000 implants with a 99.4% rate of success.

 

Dr. Pucci has been affiliated with Dr. Kest since 2012.

 

He is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Connecticut Dental Association, and the American Academy of Periodontology. He also has won membership in the American Academy of Osseointegration, the American College of Oral Implantology, and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He has served on the Insurance Council of the Connecticut State Dental Association. And, as adjunct professor in the University of New Haven Dental hygiene program, he taught the DH327 Periodontology course for 10 years.

 

Dr. Pucci and his wife, Elaine, reside in North Haven along with their two children, Sarah-Jane and James Charles.

 

 

Our Team

Martha – Registered Dental Hygienist

Hello, my name is Martha and I’ve worked with Dr. Kest for the past 20 years. Prior to that, I worked in another group practice, and for a single practitioner in general family dentistry. I’m a graduate of Tunxis Community College with a degree in Dental Hygiene and I did my clinical work at UConn Health Center in Farmington, CT.

 

My day is filled with patient appointments. I enjoy making my patients feel comfortable and hearing about their day-to-day lives. It is just so rewarding to know I’m helping them maintain their dental health. And I like to think that my years of dental hygiene experience and knowledge play an important role in providing that care.

 

When I am not working, I enjoy gardening and caring for my pets.

 

 

Sandra – Registered Dental Hygienist

Hi, my name is Sandra. I graduated from Tunxis Community College with a degree in Dental Hygiene and have been working as a hygienist for 18 years. I joined Dr. Kest’s office in October 2014.

 

What I like best about my profession is the opportunity to go beyond routine care and establish a special relationship with each of my patients. I find it is very important to develop that kind of rapport, to help my patients realize the value of achieving and maintaining excellent dental health. I enjoy working with my patients every day.

 

When I’m not in the office, you’ll find me spending time with my husband and my two children, whose soccer, lacrosse and ice hockey games I enjoy attending.

 

 

Kelly – Dental Assistant

Hi, my name is Kelly. I joined Dr. Kest’s office in January 2014 after 15 years of working for a family-owned paper products company. What led to this major career move? The fact is, I’ve always been fascinated with the science of dentistry. And I find it rewarding to connect with people, which is something we do every day here. So, I enrolled and graduated from Porter and Chester Institute in the dental assisting program.

 

I’m thrilled with my new career as a dental assistant. It gives me great satisfaction to work with our patients, learning about their lives and helping them feel comfortable before and during treatments. I chairside assist Dr. Kest, Dr. Tomasi and Dr. Pucci. You will find me preparing treatment rooms for upcoming procedures and providing the best dental care and concern during your time in the dental chair.

 

I’m married and have a son who attends Naugatuck Community College. I love to cook, root for the N.Y. Giants, and collect DVDs—I’m what you might call a real movie fanatic.

 

 

Jessica – Dental Assistant

Hello, I’m Jessica. I’ve been a member of the team here at Dr. Kest’s for two years after having worked at several other practices during the last 10 years. Originally, I attended Naugatuck Community College with a focus on liberal arts, but decided to pursue a career in dentistry, graduating from Valley Medical Institute as a dental assistant.

 

Typically, I’m the first one in each morning. I start the day by ensuring that our office is prepared to welcome and care for our patients. One of my key roles is to chairside assist both Dr. Kest and Dr. Tomasi. As well as assisting you will find me preparing treatment rooms for upcoming procedures between patient visits and making sure your visit here is as comfortable as possible.

 

Outside the office, I look forward to family time, especially watching my teenage son play football. I also like to stay healthy and fit by attending the gym as much as possible.

 

 

Sandy – DANB Certified Dental Assistant

Hi, my name is Sandy. I attended Briarwood College Dental Assisting Program, I am a DANB Certified Dental Assistant, and have been with Dr. Kest since 1985. Working here for so many years has given me the opportunity to attend many continuing education courses throughout the country, learning about the latest dental technologies and advancements in patient care.

 

Being a dental assistant, helping patients achieve their perfect smile, has been an immensely rewarding career. But what I love most about my profession is forming relationships with my patients, making them feel at ease during their dental treatments, seeing each patient’s smile change with the care they receive from our entire team. One of my key roles is overseeing the entire clinical area making sure things are running smoothly on a daily basis, as well as chairside assisting Dr. Kest, Dr. Tomasi, and Dr. Pucci.

 

When I’m not in the office, I’m at the ice rink cheering for my sons as they play hockey, volunteering with their teams, and just being their most enthusiastic fan. I also love cooking and baking for my husband, family and friends.

 

 

Sherri – Office Manager

Hi, my name is Sherri and I’ve been working for Dr. Kest for the past 25 years and have worked in dentistry since 1986. Prior to working in dentistry I worked for JC Penney as a sales manager in custom decorating.

 

You will find me at the front office overseeing our daily administrative functions. I am available to help patients with any questions or concerns regarding their dental treatment and insurance benefits. I also help provide financial options to our patients so they can see how easily their needed treatment can fit into their lifestyle and family budget.

 

When I am not working, you will find me enjoying time with my husband and two daughters who compete competitively in cheerleading. I love spending time on our boat with family and friends in the summer and in the winter we enjoy being on the ski slopes.

 

 

Debra – Practice Coordinator

Hi, my name is Debra. I am typically the first person whom patients will encounter upon arriving at our office. After attending the Computer Processing Institute in Connecticut, earning a certificate in computer operations, I followed my growing interest in the science of dentistry and attended Tunxis Community College to become a Certified Dental Assistant. I joined Dr. Kest’s team in 2008.

 

Besides greeting patients and updating pertinent information in your records, I confirm your appointments, schedule return visits, assist with billing and general office duties. I enjoy working with our patients and getting to know them personally.

 

Along with my husband I have three grown children, and I am a grandma for the first time! I am a self-described football fanatic who roots for the Green Bay Packers. In fact, football is a family activity highlighted each year by the super bowl party we host for friends and relatives. I love hiking and gardening.