Dr. Stephen is a pediatric dentist with a fun, friendly approach and a gentle touch. Voted a Top Pediatric Dentist in Connecticut, Dr. Stephen has earned a reputation for excellent patient care, allowing for a positive dental experience for both you and your child. As a parent himself, he understands the importance of helping children enjoy their visits to the dentist. His personal goal is to provide your child with exceptional dental care and an educational experience in a fun, comfortable environment.
Dr. Stephen earned his degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He then completed a 2-year pediatric dental residency program in New York City, where he gained invaluable experience as a specialist in his chosen field. Dr. Stephen has also received extensive training in orthodontic care for both children and teens. After growing up in Middlebury, he attended Syracuse University for his undergraduate studies and is excited to be back in the area where he spent his childhood.
Dr. Stephen was a national spokesman for Sensodyne ProNamel for Children in 2009 and 2010. He appeared in print, Internet and TV ads. This was a true honor for Dr. Stephen because he was proud to promote pediatric oral health awareness on a national level.
Dr. Stephen and his family love living and working in Southbury. He and his wife, Tali, have a daughter, Nava, and two sons, Rafi and Ilan. Two King Charles Spaniels named Teddy and Yofi round out their family. In his personal time, Dr. Stephen loves to be involved in the community, and he especially enjoys coaching little league and youth sports. Dr. Stephen now regularly visits local elementary schools to talk about the importance of maintaining oral health with fun presentations.
Dr. Stephen often hears from parents that the experience their children have at our office is so unique. He is warm, caring, and knows how to turn a regular dental check-up into a fun event. He understands that children can be fearful about their dental visits, and thats why Dr. Stephen and The Smile Spot team treat your children with the care and respect they deserve.
We strive to make your childs dental visits as comfortable, fun and convenient as possible, and we know that the difference is in the details. Here are just a few of the amenities that make our office a different kind of pediatric dental office:
At The Smile Spot, we act in accordance with American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines for cleanliness and safety. We also make every effort to reduce patient exposure to radiation by using digital x-rays, which use up to 90% less radiation than traditional x-rays. Digital x-rays are a valuable aid in oral healthcare for patients.
Were trying on fun costumes at the Smile Spot! The Smile Spot puts on fun events throughout the year for our patients and their families. From our movie days to patient appreciation parties, wed love to have you join us.
We love to show our appreciation for referrals. Referring your friends and family to our office is the greatest compliment you can give us. Ask one of our team members at The Smile Spot about our fun frequent referral program.
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 185 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMelissa P
2 years ago
Today was my son's first dentist appointment. The staff really went above and beyond to make the process as fun and as comfortable as possible! Dr Stephen is so welcoming and charismatic. I really appreciated the patience and care they provided my child and how thorough their explanations were regarding his dental care. I highly recommend The Smile Spot!!!
Chloe Morais
2 years ago
They didn't have the courtesy to call and let us know that they don't accept husky A anymore, here we were waiting for our next appointment. Thankfully I called and was told that they couldn't see us anymore due to insurance. You should put the same effort in letting patients know about changes just the same way you put effort in pushing parents for good reviews and check ins.
Michael Chernick
2 years ago
We brought our son to The Smile Spot earlier for his first appointment. The staff really goes above and beyond to make your child feel comfortable. They add individual touches which is a nice touch. Great experience will be back again!
Yunerkis Moran
2 years ago
My daughter has a loss tooth and they won't even give her an appointment b/c they no longer take Husky A. I was not notify about anything and even though my kids were pts there, they gave me a very hard time. Very unhappy about that and sooo... unprofessional!!!!
Michael Stedronsky
3 years ago
I'm not sure who had more fun, my daughter the patient, or me the parent. I was incredibly impressed with the office. The decor screams let's have fun and the staff takes the ambience to a new level with their energy and enthusiasm. My daughter generally is not a fan of appointments of any kind but she was all smiles the entire time. More importantly, the staff and Doctor were very thorough with their review and expectations moving forward. I'm grateful for the fun, but I'm more pleased with high level of care. Thank you all for an amazing experience!
Michael Chernick
3 years ago
We brought our son to The Smile Spot earlier for his first appointment. The staff really goes above and beyond to make your child feel comfortable. They add individual touches which is a nice touch. Great experience will be back again!
Samantha Plude
3 years ago
The Smile Spot is the by far the best decision we made for our family. There are not enough word to describe how amazing the staff is. My daughter begs us for trips to the dentist!
Yunerkis Moran
3 years ago
My daughter has a loss tooth and they won't even give her an appointment b/c they no longer take Husky A. I was not notify about anything and even though my kids were pts there, they gave me a very hard time. Very unhappy about that and sooo... unprofessional!!!!
Erica Ozelski /Bukalo
3 years ago
Amazing Dentist and staff! They truly care about what they do and it shows! They want your child to feel comfortable and they will do whatever it takes for you and and your child! Best dentist for kids in CT! I wish he would take adults!
Nicole Carlson Easley
3 years ago
This place is amazing. The staff is really friendly. They do a great job caring for my kids' dental needs.
Michael Stedronsky
3 years ago
I'm not sure who had more fun, my daughter the patient, or me the parent. I was incredibly impressed with the office. The decor screams let's have fun and the staff takes the ambience to a new level with their energy and enthusiasm. My daughter generally is not a fan of appointments of any kind but she was all smiles the entire time. More importantly, the staff and Doctor were very thorough with their review and expectations moving forward. I'm grateful for the fun, but I'm more pleased with high level of care. Thank you all for an amazing experience!
Samantha Plude
3 years ago
The Smile Spot is the by far the best decision we made for our family. There are not enough word to describe how amazing the staff is. My daughter begs us for trips to the dentist!
Nicole Carlson Easley
4 years ago
This place is amazing. The staff is really friendly. They do a great job caring for my kids' dental needs.
Matt Wilson
4 years ago
GREAT with the kids. OVERKILL on asking you to check-in on Facebook when you are there. Who wants all their friends to know everytime they're at the dentist? They're one step away from chasing you down the street if you don't do a little free social media advertising for them.
Erica Ozelski /Bukalo
4 years ago
Amazing Dentist and staff! They truly care about what they do and it shows! They want your child to feel comfortable and they will do whatever it takes for you and and your child! Best dentist for kids in CT! I wish he would take adults!
Sarah Mucci
4 years ago
Love! Love!
MD de-Jesus-Wilson
4 years ago
All of the staff at the smile spot are passionate and excited about deliverng the best dental care for your children. You feel important, remembered, and cared about the minute you walk through the door. The environment supports a postive experience visiting the dentist, and my children (currently 2 and 3) actually get excited to go because they are praised for what they do well and receive prizes at the end of the visit. Our first visit felt overwhelming because of all the information they share, and because of the energy and toys. I've grown to appreciate all three of those things as my children have aged. They are always willing and ready to have any and all conversations and to support you, as a parent. We love the community feeling this business has cultivated.
v k
4 years ago
Smile Spot is a hidden gem! Dr. Kest and the entire staff were super welcoming. Tali made sure my experience was not overwhelming by helping me every step of the way with electronic paperwork, introducing me to the team and showing me around the office. The atmosphere was cozy and fun- My 3 year old didn't want to leave. My 7-year old has special needs and I couldn't have found a more perfect place to make his dental experience comfortable and extremely enjoyable! I also brought home Vanilla Ice Cream Toothpaste!! Yummmm
Ania Rodriguez
4 years ago
My 3 kids started going to Smile Spot last year and they love it. The staff is super nice and extremely friendly. They really know how to take care of kids. I highly recommend this office as it has been a great experience every time we go.
akm571
4 years ago
A great visit at the Smile Spot! Dr. Stephen and all of the staff are extremely patient and kind!
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