Dr. Maria has an interesting backstory that led her to pediatric dentistry. She was working as a postdoctoral fellow in the Center for Molecular Medicine at the University of Connecticut Health Center. This is the location of the UConn School of Dental Medicine.
Having been exposed to and immersed in the culture of dentistry, she decided to sign on. She entered dental school excited about general dentistry until she did an internship in pediatric dentistry and found her passion!
After graduating from the UConn School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Maria took a residency in pediatric dentistry at the Connecticut Childrens Medical Center. In 2014, she became a board-certified pediatric dentist. Dr. Maria serves as adjunct faculty at Norwalk Community College. She has been instrumental in teaching and mentoring in the dental assisting program.
Dr. Maria loves working as a pediatric dentist because every day is interesting and fun, as well as a challenge. The challenge is to maintain or restore good oral health without creating fear or anxiety. Dr. Maria uses compassion, kindness, a good sense of humor, and a lot of coffee to achieve these goals. She especially enjoys working with patients with special needs.
Dr. Maria lives in Fairfield with her husband Mike and son Samuel. She enjoys hiking with her two dogs, Dave and Dolly. In addition, she sings in two choirs: Arts for the Community CantiamoCHOIR and the Festival Choir of St. Emery Church in Fairfield. In her remaining free time, she stays active by training with Pete Pulaski at Pulaski Strength Academy and taking yoga classes.
We recognize that all our young patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your child to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.
Dr. Maria and our team believe in caring for your childs smile the way wed care for our own family: with compassion, empathy, and respect. We believe in caring for the whole person, not just their teeth.
Prevention is always the best medicine! We focus on home oral hygiene:teaching the best way to keep your youngsters mouth clean and healthy. Well also talk about nutrition, and how whatever your child eats affects his or her mouth. In addition, well talk about strategies to end bad habits and develop good ones.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 94 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMelissa Mavilla
a year ago
I loved this place for my 5 year old son. They are so great with children and make you feel comfortable. My son loves receiving the prizes at the end.
Samantha Gigante
a year ago
I have been to this office three times already with my 3 yr old daughter. The office decor is so cute and warm and welcoming for children including a little area for play in the waiting room. Dr. Maria is great with kids and the hygienist Maureen is very patient and does a wonderful job at making my daughter feel comfortable in the dental chair! Definitely recommend bringing your children here for a very pleasant dental experience :)
Faith Webster
a year ago
Especially accommodating to my kid who is on the spectrum and is scared of the dentist. It went smooth and they were able to settle him down. Great work and patience.
Diennifer Silva
a year ago
I am so happy , my experience with you is the best, I am very happy that you take such good care of my son, I just have to thank you
Leslie Amador
a year ago
My son says Dr. Karayiannis and dental assistants are gentle when cleaning his teeth. Great place and friendly staff.
Brittly Nieves
a year ago
This place is the one shining star in a sea of dental practitioners. The staff goes above and beyond to make sure that you and your children feel welcomed and comfortable. Each time I enter the office, I am blown away by the service we receive. And they take state insurance! I am so happy I found this place for my kids. We will be coming here for many years to come.
Trisha Crone
a year ago
Dr. Maria and Ms. J we're amazing! They explained step by step what they were doing and what needs to be done. We left there very very pleased!!!
Annie Eat's
2 years ago
Great environment, great doctors and nurses! She likes them very much!
Ines Hernandez
2 years ago
It was my son's first dentist appointment and I highly recommend this dentist ! From the moment I walked from the receptionist and the Drs they were so friendly. They made my son feel so comfortable and loved. I'm so happy my son loved his visit to the dentist
janelle jessee
2 years ago
The staff is amazing and took the time to explain everything to my very nervous boys. Very happy we switched to this practice
Jennifer Macklin
2 years ago
Love them! My son also loves them!
Lexi Boyd
2 years ago
My son and I had an amazing experience. Mr Rob & Dr Maria made my 1 year old feel safe and comfortable, I wouldn't have ever thought this was his first time at the dentist. Highly recommend this office ! Wouldn't take my son anywhere else.
Bryan Postelnek
2 years ago
Great job with my son's first dentist visit at age 1! Highly recommend. Very kind and thoughtful practice.
Michele Czarnecki
2 years ago
My daughter had a fall and she was fit in for an appointment immediately. The doctors and staff were amazing from the moment I stepped into the office until we left. They talked me through every detail of the exam and next steps. They were all so wonderful and I'm so lucky I found them!
Amy Famigletti
2 years ago
Today was our first day at River Road dentist they are super nice and caring for our children they don't rush they actually want to take the time to get to know my son an other children I will be making this my son dentist care provider they are super good with special needs kids I'd Def bring your child there it's nice there very clean an good hearted people
Colleen Pinkerton
2 years ago
Absolutely wonderful experience!! My 3 year old just had his first visit and everyone couldn't be more patient and kind!
Katherine Keklik
2 years ago
Great medical office, wonderful and warm experience from start to finish. Loved their shore decor in the waiting room. Dr. Maria and Maureen were professional, kind, and humble. Cici was very pleasant to communicate with over the phone.
Steph Gawitt
2 years ago
I have never been so happy with a pediatric dentist in my whole life! My daughter was super anxious due to bad experiences at other dentists the whole staff and doctor are just the most amazing people ever we found our forever dentist for my kids
Janelle Nicole Page
2 years ago
Exceptional. Took the time needed for my son's first dental appoitment. We will definitley be going back :)
Danielle Schryver
2 years ago
The office is gorgeous, spotless and has the best staff! Dr. Maria and Morgan treat my kids and I like we are family. My kids LOVE picking their prizes after their cleanings. Thank you Dr. Maria and staff!
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