General Dentistry & Prosthodontics - Waterford, CT

Modern Dentistry, Personalized to You

Discover Our Patient-Centered Approach

At Coastal Connecticut Dentistry, you’re never just another patient to us. Our entire staff genuinely cares about your dental health and your dental needs. From the moment you enter our Waterford, CT office, you’ll experience exceptional care with a personal touch in a sophisticated environment. During each visit, our highly credentialed and accomplished doctors talk you through any treatments you may need, making you aware of all the options available, then following the course of treatment that’s best for you. Our practice is honored to provide a comprehensive range of dental services in one convenient location. We invite you to reach out to us today and set up an appointment. Our dental family is eager to welcome yours!

Dr. Melissa Johndreau

Dr. Johndreau received her dental degree with honors from Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, WI. While serving in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps, 3^rd Dental Battalion in Okinawa, Japan, she completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry. Dr. Johndreau has distinguished herself with her research at the prestigious National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research as well as the National Institutes of Health, in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Lloyd McDonald

Dr. McDonald is a graduate of the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. He served on active duty in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps for 24 years before retiring with the rank of Captain. Dr. McDonald later returned to school full time in an advanced training residency program at the National Naval Dental School, Bethesda, MD, earning a certificate in Comprehensive Dentistry. He is a diplomate of both the Federal Services Board of General Dentistry and the Certifying Board of General Dentistry.

Dr. Yuvika Raj Kumar, DDS

Dr. Kumar is a very compassionate and self-motivated dentist. In India, she graduated with a Bachelors in Dentistry (2005) after which she pursued her dream of becoming an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in 2010. Her research topic was TMJ internal derangement and she wrote a library dissertation on implants. Successively, she practiced surgery in a tertiary care hospital setting for 5 years. Her article on third molars was published in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. After moving to San Francisco, she attended the University of California, School of Dentistry, and attained her DDS degree. Post graduation she briefly worked as a general dentist in Napa, California after which she moved to the east coast to continue practice.

Dr. Erik Hekkert, DDS

Dr. Erik Hekkert was originally born in Holland and moved to Switzerland at the age of 13. He is fluent in three languages; English, German and Dutch and is an intermediate speaker of Spanish. After completing his undergraduate degree in Belgium in 1988, he moved to Houston, Texas to pursue his graduate degree. He realized his true desire for dentistry and so he pursued and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2001. Over the years, Dr. Hekkert has garnered advanced skills from different dental organizations, even owning his own practice out in Colorado.

Dr. Hekkert is a voracious learner and has pursued continuing education at many prestigious centers. Those include the University of Colorado, Academy of General Dentistry, Kois Center, Spear Education, Nobel Biocare, and Align/Invisalign. Dr. Hekkert was an early adopter of digital technology, working with Same Day CEREC crowns since 2003. He has been immersed in Sirona/CEREC education, exploring the boundaries of digital applications ever since. Beyond natural tooth restoration, Dr. Hekkert has utilized digital applications for implant restorations and orthodontic aligner therapy.

Dr. Hekkert is excited to join Coastal’s team of exceptional clinicians in April 2021, where he can create an intersection between his passion for dental rehabilitation, digital dentistry and collaboration with other skilled clinicians in an interdisciplinary approach.

Dr. Aurora Dibner, DMD, FACP, MDSc

Dr. Aurora Dibner is a Board-Certified Prosthodontist who prides herself in expertly restoring patients to their vision of superior dental health, function and esthetics through her craft.

A lifelong resident of Connecticut, Dr. Dibner is honored to be providing care to the patients of Coastal Connecticut Dentistry. Though passionate for the rigor of dentistry and meticulous in her attention to detail, it is Dr. Dibner’s eagerness to listen and communicate that allows her to achieve outstanding outcomes for her patients. She is dedicated to ensuring that her patients both understand the treatment options available to them and feel comfortable and confident in her care.

Dr. Dibner graduated number one in her class from UCONN Dental School in 2010, an achievement for which she received academic distinction from the Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity. After graduation, she completed a year-long General Practice Residency at Hartford Hospital before returning to the UCONN Dental School to specialize in Prosthodontics. As she pursued her specialty, Dr. Dibner was awarded several prestigious national research accolades including the Stanley D. Tylman Award and the John J. Sharry Prosthodontic Award for outstanding research. Dr. Dibner completed her specialty program and achieved Board Certification in Prosthodontics in 2014. She maintains certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics.