We’ve chosen to have a large team because it allows us to deliver the best service and care for our patients at Blue Back Dental. Whether you’re talking to the front desk or working with an assistant or hygienist, you can trust that you have 100% of their attention and focus. They’ll take the time to learn about your needs and strive to meet them without you even having to ask. Before you meet our West Hartford and Avon dental team members in person, you can learn more about them below.
Michele, Lead Dental Hygienist
Michele has been a part of the dental world for over thirty years! She graduated from the Westbrook College of Dental Medicine with certification in local anesthesia. Along with her continuing education courses, her skill and experience allow her to do top-notch work for our patients’ smiles.
Since spending her childhood in Bristol, Michele has raised and enjoyed her wonderful family. That group includes her husband, Tom, and her four children – Leah, Luke, Lyle, and Lucy. When she gets time away from the office, she spends much of it with them.
Rachel, Dental Hygienist / Clinical Director of Hygiene
Rachel excels in both of her roles, having degrees in dental hygiene and Healthcare Administration. She’s even served as the Connecticut Dental Hygienists Association secretary for multiple years.
Born in Cheshire, Rachel now lives with her husband and two adorable dogs. She tends to rock climb, run trails, and garden in her spare time. That last activity is especially big as Rachel has over forty houseplants!
Lucy, Dental Hygienist
Lucy has earned many accolades in dental school and has her degree and certifications in local anesthesia, CPR, AED, and first aid. Lucy also volunteers for Mission of Mercy and takes many continuing education classes. As a result, she’s well-equipped to give patients the education she believes is crucial to oral health.
Connecticut-born and raised, Lucy lives with her husband and two sons. In her non-work hours, she likes to create art ranging from paintings and pottery to photographs. She also considers herself a music lover, having an eclectic palate that lets her enjoy many genres.
Renee, Dental Hygienist
Renee exudes a deep passion for dentistry and has both a dental degree and local anesthesia certification. Every day in our office, she loves getting to help people and make them feel confident in their smiles.
Renee lives locally with her husband Brandon, her son Beau, and a dog named, Baloo. As for non-dental hobbies, she likes family time and touring the Connecticut wine trail. Staying active with frequent workouts is another passion.
Lindsey, Dental Hygienist / Oral Myofunctional Therapist
Lindsey is an experienced dental hygienist, and better yet, she also has a local anesthesia certification and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She loves to make people feel great about their smiles.
A Farmington resident, Lindsey has a loving husband and three sweet sons. She deeply enjoys hiking and biking with them, running road races, and spending time at the beach. A fun fact about her is that she makes silly, dental-related social media videos with her colleagues!
Jenn, Dental Hygienist
Jenn earned her dental degree from the University of Bridgeport. She’s a past recipient of the Colgate Star Award, which acknowledges students who’ve shown excellence in the oral hygiene profession. As always, her daily goal is to provide optimal and compassionate care to all her patients.
Today, Jenn resides in Naugatuck with her husband Steven, sons Nolan and Blake, cat Bella, and dog Arrow. Outside the office, she likes to spend time with family, garden, and practice yoga.
Ana, Dental Hygienist
Ana earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of New Haven and studied at the Kois Center. After providing free dental care to Arizona’s Navajo nation, she joined our practice.
Ana was born and raised right here in Connecticut. In terms of interests, she loves to go on adventures and travel. (Her current goal is to visit all of the national parks.) If she’s not hiking with her dog, Hocus, you’ll likely find them at home with her cat, Blueberry.
Melissa, Dental Hygienist
As a hygienist, Melissa loves getting to know her patients over time while also helping them feel good about their oral health. She has her Associates in Dental Hygiene from Tunxis Community College and regularly keeps up to date with the latest continuing education courses. She’s been working in this wonderful field for over a decade now!
Melissa and her husband, Scott, have known each other since high school, and they have a son named Tommy and an English Bulldog named Seamus. When she isn’t busy caring for teeth, her favorite hobbies include hanging out with loved ones, going to Cape Cod in the summers, and visiting Connecticut’s various vineyards and breweries. She also has a love of dancing, having practiced it for over 20 years at her grandmother’s studio.
Joann, Dental Hygienist
Joann graduated with honors from Tunxis Community College with a degree in dental hygiene. During her time in school, she was able to intern at the Community Health Clinic of New London as well as volunteer at different vaccination sites during the COVID-19 quarantine. Today, she is certified in local anesthesia and currently working on acquiring more continuing education credits that will help her further her knowledge so she can better help her patients.
Joann was raised in Puerto Rico by her mom who ended up being the first person in her family to go to college, and her dedication to being independent and improving herself was a big influence. Her mom and stepdad met and college, and because he was in the army, Joann and her two sisters moved around a lot when they were young. Today, she loves to dance, ride her road bike, do karaoke, and spend time with her closest friends watching K-dramas.
Samantha, Dental Hygienist
Samantha began her dental career as a dental assistant, with a strong focus in oral surgery, before earning her degree in Dental Hygiene from Lincoln College of New England in 2011. She is licensed to administer local anesthesia and certified in CPR, and she actively pursues continuing education to stay current with the latest advancements in dental techniques, procedures, and technology.
Passionate about patient care, Samantha is dedicated to helping individuals achieve and maintain optimal oral health. She prides herself on creating a comfortable, positive experience for every patient she treats.
A lifelong Connecticut resident, Samantha now lives in Southington with her husband, Anthony. Outside the office, they enjoy spending quality time with their large extended family and share a love for travel and new adventures.
Sarah, Dental Hygienist
Born and raised in Ware, MA, Sarah attended Springfield Technical Community College to earn her associate’s degree in dental hygiene. She’s also certified in local anesthesia and is a graduate student pursuing her master’s degree in dental hygiene. Her favorite thing about her job is helping patients take control of their oral health and seeing them happy about their smiles.
Sarah and her husband have been together since 2016, and they live together with their beautiful baby daughter and their dog and cat. Outside of dentistry, she loves to spend time with family and friends, participating in game nights, crafting, and trying new restaurants. One fun fact about her is that before she found dental hygiene, she originally wanted to pursue classical studies focusing on Roman civilization and took 6 years of Latin!
