Dr. Russo completed his undergraduate degree at Providence College. He received a Masters in Medical Sciences from Boston University School of Medicine and earned his dental degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine where he was a student admissions representative his second year and class Vice President for his last two years.
Dr. Russo and his wife moved back to CT in 2001 after graduation to begin his dental career at Vernon Family Dentists. Dr. Russo loves technology and has incorporated it into every aspect of his practice with 3D x-rays, digital impressions, CAD/CAM, 3D printing, and operatory patient education videos. He believes in educating his patients on the importance of oral health and all treatment options while providing the most up to date dental care in a gentle and compassionate manner. Dr. Russo understands that learning continues throughout life and continues his dental education as a member of the Manchester Spear Study Club where he meets monthly with other local dentists to corroborate on difficult cases, discuss all aspects of dentistry, and attend yearly courses in Scottsdale, AZ. Dr. Russo is also a member of the ADA, CSDA (CT State Dental Association), and Tolland County Dental Society.
In his spare time, Dr. Russo enjoys spending time at ice rinks where he has helped coach all three of his sons in ice hockey. He also is an avid runner and has completed numerous 5k, 10k, half marathons, and full marathons.
Specializing in full-service dental care, Dr. Shlafstein performs most dental procedures in-office to save you time and costly visits to a specialist. His conservative approach to treatment also gives you peace of mind that you are only getting dentistry you truly need. Short on time? Dr. Shlafstein also specializes in Same Day Dentistry. This means even complex procedures like implants, root canals and crowns can be completed in just 1 visit utilizing advanced technologies like the CEREC System.
Dr. Shlafstein graduated from NYU School of Dentistry in 1997 and completed his general practice residency in New York Presbyterian Hospital in 1998. Before going to dental school, Dr. Shlafstein worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He has co-authored scientific papers on stem cells and umbilical cord blood. While working at Sloan Kettering, he discovered Maxillofacial prosthodontics. His desire to improve the outcomes of oral cancer patients affected by radical resection surgery solidified his passion to become a dentist. He joined Vernon Family Dentists in 1998. Many of our patients have been coming to us for their dental needs for over 40 years. At our office we take great pride in providing high quality, high tech patient care while still treating each and every patient as if they were our close friends or family. Many of our patients are surprised by the fact that we almost always run on time, delivering nearly painless dentistry in an efficient manner.
It is quite natural to seek for the best dentist in Tolland County in case of any dental problem. This is where we can help you out. At the dental office of Dr. Shlafstein, we never put in a half-hearted effort. Keeping in mind the comfort and convenience of the patients, we always use the best tools and equipment to get the job done. Patient satisfaction is our primary goal and we never leave any stones unturned in achieving that. If you are looking for quality dental care and a staff that makes you a priority schedule a visit with us today!
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 112 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJennifer Manley
a year ago
Going to the dentist is not super fun but for me it is my worst nightmare. However Vernon Fam dentist make the visit much more comfortable knowing how anxious I get. From the front desk and on everyone is awesome ! I appreciate Dr Russo and all the staff !
Susan Leone
a year ago
Friendly and kind staff.... Very professional and efficient....got me in quickly as having tooth pain. Dr. Mike explained the need for a procedure in a gentle and clear manner
Richard Coope
a year ago
Great staff and Mike is the best
Ralph Mansell
a year ago
Our previous dentist retired so a friend recommended Vernon Family Dentist. so far we've just had cleanings done but I did have one small cavity that needed to be fixed. I had a trip planned, office staff was gracious enough to get me an early appointment and it went very smoothly. Dr. Mike was friendly, explained all procedures to be done. I could not be more pleased with both the service and the results ...highly recommend them.
Dave Knybel
2 years ago
Great experience as always! Very happy
barbara belske
2 years ago
If you need a dentist this is a place to go they are very professional thorough and clean. I absolutely love going to my dentist and having my teeth cleaned and fixed. Scheduling is a breeze they work around your schedule. Thank you so much for taking good care of my smile.
William Ehler
2 years ago
Office keeps up with the times by sending text reminder of appointment. Once in the office you get prompt, courteous service.
Jen Knochenhauer
2 years ago
Dr Mike is the best dentist in the area. He is caring and takes the time to make sure the shots don't hurt. I have been going here for about 20 years, couldn't ask for a better dentist and his work is exceptional!
Soldier C
2 years ago
DR. Mike is the BEST! Took extra time to make sure my crown was just right. Been coming to him for over 20 years and have never been disappointed!
Kimberly Culver
2 years ago
Been coming here for 30 years! Dr Mike is the best!!! Staff is always friendly and well trained!
Catherine Kay
2 years ago
The staff and Dr. Mike are great at Vernon Family Dentist. Stephanie is my hygienist, she is awesome. If you're looking for a Dentist this is the place to go!
mary segall
2 years ago
I had just moved to the area and scheduled a routine cleaning. The day before I get a call that they cancelled my appointment because the hygienist was going to be out. They rescheduled me a week later. For my next visit I had to cancel last minute. I had an emergency. I left a message letting them know. I received a message saying I would be charged a $30 cancellation fee. I called back to get this waived, I was in tears trying to explain my situation, the lady said she would ask the doctor and get back to me. Never heard back and received a bill in the mail. After multiple attempts and voice mails I finally got a hold of someone in billing who told me the same thing and said said she would call me back. A few days later she calls me back and said they will not waive it because I'm not an "established patient" they didn't care what I was going through; apparently these dentists don't make enough money and are absolutely desperate for my $30. I'm sure there are folks who are chronic no shows but to not even be willing to give a one time waive especially in today's current economic climate is really gross and appalling. Or perhaps the fact that they cancelled on me last minute would cancel out my last minute cancellation. Nope, don't care this greedy practice desperately needs the money. It's fair to say I will never become an established patient bit concerning to see a dentist office not care about their patients and clearly in some sort of financial crisis. On the plus side the dentist office next to CVS does not charge cancellation fees, they value their patients, also their office doesn't look look like prison cell, much more inviting.
Robert Tedoldi, Sr.
2 years ago
Appointment was on time,. The staff was friendly and efficient. Stephanie my hygienist Was very knowledgeable and caring.
K S
2 years ago
The absolute worst dentist office I have ever dealt with!! Front office employees are extremely unprofessional!!!!! The receptionist is a young rude girl!! Feel sorry for the dentist because the representation of their front office is ...
Ken R
2 years ago
They do a great job with cleanings. I have been a customer for years.
K S
2 years ago
Excellent caring, in depth help. The absolute best dental office ever! Safe, clean and very caring and informative staff. Thank u
Bernice Jantuah
2 years ago
I scheduled an appointment for me and my daughter for the same time because of my busy schedule, they called me a couple of days before the appointment to come in early but I told them I could not come in early because I already have something planned and they said ok. To my surprise , on the day of the appointment when I arrived at the dentist, they had cancelled my appointment with the reason being that my hygienist left early because she was sick. Wow what a coincidence. This is very unprofessional and unacceptable. What hurt most is am actually having problems with my teeth and they just canceled my because they just don't care/
K S
2 years ago
The absolute worst dentist office I have ever dealt with!! Front office employees are extremely unprofessional!!!!! The receptionist is a young rude girl!! Feel sorry for the dentist because the representation of their front office is pitiful!! And they Lie to make excuses for their actions. Absolutely no customer service so glad that I found a dentist Who cares about his patient! If I could give them a zero no stars I would.
steeleydan
2 years ago
Friendly and extremely competent from Hygienist to Dr Mike
Autumn Sullivan
2 years ago
Before Covid this place was great. The past year they've really gone downhill. Their office staff cant keep it together. Ive had multiple cancellations and they scheduled an appt without my knowledge and then charged me for not showing up. ...
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