Dr. Salonia was born and raised in Middletown and knew since high school that she wanted to be a dentist. In pursuing her career, she hoped to be able to help people overcome their fears and concerns about visiting their dentist and to treat them with gentleness and kindness. Dr. Salonia is a 1975 graduate of St. Lawrence University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. In 1979, she graduated from the University Of Connecticut School Of Dental Medicine with a Doctorate of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Salonia prides herself on staying current with the latest dental trends and technology. She holds it is crucialin this rapidly changing field to keep up with the latest information and techniques in general and cosmetic dentistry for the benefit of my patients. I have taken advanced training in TMJ, dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry at the L.D. Pankey Institute and Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. I am also very proud to be a founding member of the Southern New England Pankey Study Club, which is a small group of like-minded dentists who meet monthly to discuss advanced dental cases and the latest in science and technology.
Dr. Salonia enjoys the pace and continuous evolution of the dental field and is especially inspired by new information about materials and techniques. She has more and more fun every year she practices and continues to use new knowledge for the benefit of her patients.
Since 2012, Dr. Salonia has collaborated with local sleep physicians to treat patients with obstructive sleep apnea. For those patients who cannot tolerate CPAP or who prefer an alternative, Dr. Salonia can offer treatment with an oral sleep appliance. Dr. Salonia has taken advanced training and was the first dentist in Middlesex County to be accredited by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Proud to still call Middletown her hometown, Dr. Salonia feels privileged to be practicing here. Outside of the practice, she enjoys time with her husband, retired attorney John Boccalatte. The couple loves spending time with their family, which includes six grown children and five adorable young grandchildren, and many local friends. In her downtime, Dr. Salonia often relaxes by being outdoors hiking and bicycling are among her favorite hobbies. Dr. Salonia and her husband are also involved in many volunteer activities, non-profits, and local charities. They are actively involved in the Warm the Children program to purchase warm winter clothing for needy families and support an orphanage and school in Haiti.
Dr. Renate Saunders was born on the twin-island of Trinidad and Tobago and attended New York Universitys College of Arts and Science in 2001. She then continued onto New York Universitys College of Dentistry where she graduated with a degree in Dental Surgery in 2008. Afterward, she went on to complete a 1-year General Practice residency at Jacobi Medical Center in Bronx, NY.
Dr. Saunders has been an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) since 2009 and received her Fellowship in 2015. She currently serves on the CE committee for the AGD North East Region. Dr. Saunders is also a member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and has served as President of the Naugatuck Valley Dental Society from 2014 2019. She is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, and also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Connecticut State Dental Foundation.
Peacocks are stunningly beautiful birds who take great pride in themselves. At Sanibel Dental in Middletown, Connecticut, we take great pride in helping our patients maintain beautiful, healthy smiles!
Those of us that have been blessed with good fortune and success have the responsibility to give back to our community. In our office, we are proud to participate in several local and national charities. Give Kids a Smile and the Husky program both serve children in need and Give Back a Smile helps restore dental health to women who are victims of domestic violence. We participate annually in the CT Mission of Mercy, a free clinic for those in need. For years, we have collected Halloween candy and donated it to Treats for the Troops, a program that supports our servicemen and women overseas.
Founded in 1859, the not-for-profit American Dental Association is the nations largest dental association, representing more than 158,000 dentist members. Since then, the ADA has grown to become the leading source of oral health-related information for dentists and their patients. The ADA is committed to its members and to the improvement of oral health for the public.
The American Academy of General Dentistry was founded in 1952 and is the only progressional association that exclusively represents the needs and interests of general dentists. AGDs mission is to advance general dentistry and oral health through quality continuing education and advocacy.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 75 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestabigail rivera
a year ago
Very friendly personnel and a feel really good atmosphere love going there for my dental work would recommend to anyone
Brian Robinson
a year ago
Always very professional and positive experience.
Patricia Clark
2 years ago
Excellent care, I highly recommended this practice. I have been a patient for many years, we developed a care plan, and over time, they have helped me achieve maintenance dental care instead of always crisis care... If you are looking for a dental practice that is kind, caring, and skilled, this is the one.
Rachel Tomassone
2 years ago
I arrived on time to my appointment yesterday for a routine cleaning. What was different was no one said hello or acknowledged us in any way. After 10 minutes someone asked if we had been helped. After 20 minutes had gone by I inquired at the desk....they said Tracy was running late. A few more minutes went by and she came out and told us she would not be able to clean our teeth unless we each had a full set of x rays done. She was not allowed to let us sign a waiver anymore. This was our second visit since Sanibel Dental had started taking our insurance. My thought is now they can bill our insurance and we were not cooperating. I have been coming there for over twenty years and have been treated respectfully until yesterday. It was the first time I felt like my healthcare was being used for profit.....not for my personal care. A terrible feeling. Seems to be the trend these days....if you can't make them money they don't value you as a client.....as a person. I do want to add that my hygienist Tracy is awesome and I will miss her very much.
Christine Crouch
2 years ago
Friendly staff, I would highly recommend this office to anyone looking for dental professionals. Dr. Saunders is wonderful!
Renee Paley
2 years ago
Very nice & helpful!
John Grenman
2 years ago
My Hygienist was so gentle. Tracy does a great job. Dr.Saunders was very informative about condition of my teeth.
Noah Baerman
2 years ago
I began going here earlier this year and have had uniformly positive experiences so far - friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient.
Kari Weil
2 years ago
Lovely people and experts at their jobs. I've recommended many times and no one has been disappointed.
Jay Seeley
2 years ago
Michele Salonia, Dental Sleep Medicine: Dr Salonia and staff: Intellegent, patient and caring. I very well run office. They have been great help to me. J. S.
Walter Pieper
2 years ago
Caring and thorough professional treatment of dental issues.
Katie Pavia
2 years ago
Very friendly and efficient staff. Ive been coming to this location for dental care for many many years and I am very satisfied with the care that I have recieved each and every time.
Robert Guynn
2 years ago
Had a post Sleep Study consult with Dr Michelle Salonia to determine my candidacy for a dental appliance to manage a minor Sleep Apnea. She was patient & thorough...giving me direction as to my next steps.
Jan Cordero
2 years ago
Always a great experience at Sanibel Dental! I've been going there for years, and I've always found them to be competent, professional, kind and compassionate. I would never go anywhere else!
Patrick Tynan
2 years ago
friendly staff great customer service would highly recommend
Anne Cassady
2 years ago
How often do you hear someone say they truly enjoy going to the dentist? Sanibel Dental Middletown is an exceptionally fine practice. Dr. Saunders and her staff are top notch. Both the quality of care and level of expertise given to patients stands above and beyond that experienced in other dental offices. After receiving over thirty years of excellent preventative care and treatment by Dr. Michele Salonia and now her remarkably capable successor, Dr. ---- Saunders, our family heartily recommends this fine practice to all who value their own dental well-being. Anne Cassady & Jon Swift Durham, CT
Lunarhys
2 years ago
As always , a splendid experience. They always make me feel so comfortable :) I'm always nervous about have my teeth worked on but I'm very comfortable with them and they are confident in their work highly recommend!
Brian Z
2 years ago
Went in for a filling repair. No waiting, no delays, no nonsense. The staff explained everything in advance and Dr Saunders was awesome! I was out of there in no time!
Hap Jordan
2 years ago
A dental practice I really enjoy visiting. (I'm not talking about Bill Murray in 'Little Shop of Horrors'.) Everyone is so pleasant and welcoming. Dr. Salonia makes you very comfortable with her friendly manner. I hope someday to see their smiling faces without masks.
Michael Bavasso
2 years ago
Thank you Sanibel Dental for helping me find the "root" of my problem.
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