About Us

Dr. Kelly L. Griffith

Dr. Kelly L. Griffith received her Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Care at The University of Hartford and her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 2016 from DDS from SUNY-Buffalo. She also did a one year AEGD Residency at East Carolina University in Sylva, NC.

Additional training or credentials:

·        Invisalign certification

·        Fellow, Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD)

·        Diplomate, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (D.ABDSM)

·        Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification

·        Minimal conscious sedation certification for NC

Dr. Griffith truly enjoys being a general dentist, as it allows her to treat a wide range of conditions across all areas of dentistry. She values the importance of continuous education to stay current with new advancements in the field, which helps her to enhance her skills and understanding. One area she’s particularly passionate about is sleep apnea, and she has pursued advanced training in this field. Dr. Griffith’s background as a respiratory therapist has given her a unique perspective on treating sleep apnea, particularly through CPAP therapy, which is considered the gold standard. However, she recognizes that CPAP isn’t always well-tolerated by patients, so as a dentist she is able to offer oral appliances as an effective alternative for those seeking a more comfortable treatment option.

Dr. Griffith enjoys dentistry because she loves getting to know her patients and learning what truly matters to them, so she can use her skills to help them achieve their goals. She has wanted to be a dentist since she was young—she even pulled out her younger brother's loose baby teeth! Growing up, she had such a positive experience with her own dentist, and thought she would end up in pediatric dentistry to provide that same level of care. Over the years, however, she discovered that her passion lies in working with adults. She finds great fulfillment in helping adults who are fearful of the dentist overcome their anxieties and work through their barriers, so they can get the care they need.

Outside of work, Dr. Griffith spent the last 8 years in western North Carolina, where she made the most of her free time by hiking and exploring the great outdoors, and she looks forward to continuing this passion here. She is also a big fan of running and playing soccer. Originally from Coventry, CT, Dr. Griffith is excited to be back in the area, reconnecting with friends and family to spend more quality time together. She is an animal lover, especially when it comes to cats – if she could adopt every cat and dog in the world, she definitely would! In her downtime, she enjoys playing board games and card games with friends.

Dr. Jasmeen Kaur

Bio Coming Soon!

Dr. Manush Shah

We are excited to share that Dr. Manush Shah will be joining our Northford practice in January 2025. Dr. Shah received his undergraduate degree from UCONN and then continued on to BU Dental School to pursue his dreams of attending dental school.

Dr. Shah is incredibly passionate about his patients and their care. He speaks to his love of being a partner in transforming someone's confidence and dental hygiene. He understands that our smiles can often be a source of vulnerability and he works hard to address this. While he is interested in all aspects of dentistry, you may see an extra twinkle in Dr. Shah's eye if you get him talking about oral surgery, as he truly enjoys seeing the instant relief it can bring to the patient. Don't you worry though: he will be just as committed to caring for your restorative or endodontic work and, of course, thrilled to celebrate sharing great oral health news with you! 

In his free time, Dr. Shah spends as much time outside as possible. You can find him hiking or playing any sport at all! If he has to be inside, he's probably watching sports or (every now and then) he does slow down to sleep! 

Dr. Richard Benoit

Dr. Benoit received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Boston College in 1986 and his Doctorate in dental medicine from Tufts University in 1990. After graduation he served in the Navy as a dental officer at Parris Island Marine Corps base, and on the USS George Washington CVN-73 achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Although he is now in private practice, he continues to support the troops by providing dental services as needed for the CT National Guard.

Dr. Benoit is also the Director of Dental Services for UConn Health Center’s Correctional Managed HealthCare program where he oversees a 25 member team of dentists, assistants, and hygienists. Striving to always advance the profession of dentistry, and dental education Dr. Benoit is responsible for developing the curriculum, and providing continuing education programs to his staff dentists. He has also established externship programs in corrections for the dental hygiene, and dental assisting students at Tunxis Community College, as well as for dental students from Tufts University.

Through curriculum developed by Dr. Benoit at UConn, as well as many hours annually of private continuing education, Dr. Benoit continues to stay current with all aspects of dental technology, including CAD/CAM imaging, and restorations, digital radiology, Invisalign® and dental implants. Presently he is working on his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degree at the UConn School of Business.

When not working, Dr. Benoit enjoys flying, boating and working on his family farm, which includes chickens and horses. He is a member and Treasurer of the Old Lyme Town Band where he continues to enjoy his lifelong love of music. He has been married to his lovely wife Jaimee for over 27 years, and they have 4 amazing children! (2 boys and 2 girls)

Dr. Dana M. Bergenfeld

Prior to dental school, Dr. Dana M. Bergenfeld received her BA in Botany from Connecticut College in New London, CT. Dr. Bergenfeld then graduated from Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine. In dental school, she was focused on wellness and motivating her peers through exercise, treats, and special events. Dr. Bergenfeld pursued a General Practice Residency at Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica, NY for additional general dentistry experience in a hospital setting. She continued her training with a Dental Oncology Fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan, NY to focus on treating patients' dental health care needs with respect to their cancer history and treatment. Dr. Bergenfeld is passionate about serving patients with special healthcare needs including the geriatric population and patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has work experience in practicing on a mobile dental van and in the operating room as well. Dr. Bergenfeld loves musical theatre, tap dancing, and concocting culinary experiments in the kitchen. She is avid about visiting aquariums near and far with her favorite being her very own 55-gallon freshwater tank. When Dr. Bergenfeld is not repotting a plant or in the office, she is most likely making memories with her husband, Alex.

Dr. Alexander J. McGuiness

Dr. Alexander J. McGuiness graduated from Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine. In dental school, he was viewed as an honorable member of the class and served on leadership as secretary representing and advocating for his peers. Prior to dental school, Dr. McGuiness received his Bachelor's of Science in Biochemistry from Stony Brook University with a minor in Jazz Music. Dr. McGuiness is a certified provider for SureSmile orthodontic treatment. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and the Connecticut State Dental Society.

"I gravitated towards the path of dentistry due to the detail-oriented nature of the profession. I strive to listen thoroughly to the concerns, goals, and priorities of each individual to craft their unique smile using a patient-centered approach. I am appreciative of my patients' trust in me to provide them with comprehensive dental care."

Dr. McGuiness has performed in a myriad of musical groups, including the "Small Town Big Band" based in Cooperstown, NY and "The Stamford Standards" based in Stamford, CT. He hosts/participates in open mic/jam sessions throughout Fairfield and Westchester counties and loves incorporating music into dental visits starting with the acoustic guitar in the reception area for patients' use. When Dr. McGuiness is not strumming his guitar or in the office, he is most likely making memories with his wife, Dana.

Dr. Zachary Martinez

Dr. Martinez graduated from The College of the Holy Cross, where he received his B.S. in Psychology, He then went on to attend from University of Maryland Dental School, where he was trained in the most advance technology and procedures being used in dentistry today. He enjoys the many aspects of dentistry and helping patients find solutions they never thought possible. Dr. Martinez has been trained and certified in Invisalign, implant placement and restoration, Lumineers, and sedation dentistry. As a member of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) and American Dental Association (ADA), he is continually keeping up with the latest research and procedures.

In his free time, he enjoys golfing, traveling and spending time with his family and friends. His favorite times are spent together with his wife Laura and their son Gavin.