Our Team

Dr. Lafen completed her Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the University of Connecticut, followed by a residency specializing in Pediatric Dentistry at Yale Children’s Hospital. Originally from Coventry, Dr. Lafen is thrilled to return home and care for Rhode Island’s pediatric community.

Each patient has special and unique needs, and Dr. Lafen is eager to address those on a personal level. Her goal is to create a positive experience and foster confidence for each individual patient, as well as encourage patients to take great care of their teeth outside of the office. 

Dr. Lafen hopes to inspire the future generation of pediatric dentists just as her own pediatric dentist did for her. Dr. Lafen has extensive community service experience and has worked with organizations across Connecticut to educate people about oral health. She is also a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Outside of the office, some of Dr. Lafen’s hobbies include spending time with friends and family, collecting sea glass, roller blading, gymnastics, surfing, and playing with her cat - Boots. Next time you see Dr. Lafen, make sure to tell her who your favorite SpongeBob character is (hers is Squidward). 

Dr. Jessica Berman is a board-certified pediatric dentist with a passion for providing exceptional dental care to children. She is originally from Connecticut and is excited to have recently settled down in Rhode Island to join and serve this community.

Dr. Berman earned her DDS and completed her residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of Maryland. During residency she served as co-chief resident. She received several awards for her clinical work and academic contributions including the Maryland Society of Dentistry for Children Humanitarian Award for her service to the underserved pediatric population in Maryland. She holds a B.A. in Biology from Connecticut College and an M.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology from Quinnipiac University. Dr. Berman is a member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Berman enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. Some of her hobbies include knitting, cooking, and exploring the outdoors.

Meet Mrs. Michelle, the dynamic pediatric dental hygienist whose journey in dentistry began as a certified dental assistant at Samuels Sinclair Dental Clinic. With a passion for working with children and patients with special healthcare needs, Michelle honed her skills and compassion, laying a strong foundation for her career.

In 2010, Michelle took the leap to pursue her dreams further, graduating from the CCRI Dental Hygiene program and later completing her degree at Witchita State University. Armed with licenses in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide administration, as well as her public health dental hygienist license, Michelle is dedicated to providing top-notch care to her patients.

Outside of the dental office, Michelle cherishes time spent with her husband Danny and their three beautiful children: Daniel, Declan, and Demi. Their family is completed by the company of their beloved dogs, Rocco and Parker. Annual trips to Disney World spark joy in their hearts, while sunny days call for beach adventures at Bonnet Shores Beach Club.

With her vibrant spirit and dedication to pediatric dentistry, Mrs. Michelle is not just a dental hygienist but a beacon of warmth and care in her community.

Miss Sarah has worked in dentistry since 2004 and has practiced at our office since 2014. She graduated from Community College of RI’s Dental Hygiene program and then completed her bachelor’s degree at Wichita State University. She is licensed in both local anesthesia and nitrous oxide administration, as well as holding her Public Health Dental Hygiene license. Miss Sarah has served as a leader and advocate for our state’s Dental Hygienists since 2012. She has held multiple leadership positions on the RI Dental Hygiene Association and has represented RI as a delegate for national meetings. She serves on the RI Dental Advisory Committee and is currently collaborating with other oral health leaders in the state on an educational program for Public Health Dental Hygienists. Miss Sarah is especially passionate about treating patients with extreme fear or apprehension about coming to the dentist. When she’s not in the clinic treating patients, you can find Miss Sarah at the beach with her family!

Ms. Michelle started her journey in the dental field back in 2004 working as a Certified Dental Assistant in general dentistry and then in oral surgery. During this time Ms. Michelle knew she wanted to do more and continued her education in the field of dental hygiene at the Community College of Rhode Island. Ms. Michelle graduated from CCRI's Dental Hygiene program in 2012 earning her local anesthesia license as well. Ms. Michelle started her career as a dental hygienist at a general dentistry practice but soon realized her true passion was working with kids. Ms. Michelle joined our practice in 2013. Though she did move to Florida with her husband for a few years where she obtained a Dental Hygiene license in the state of Florida and got the pleasure of working for a couple years in the Sunshine state she came back to us in 2020. 'No one compares to Dr. Lewis!' Ms. Michelle loves helping kids feel comfortable and every patient feel special. 'Working with kids keeps the day fun and exciting and it's such a good feeling to see them leave with a smile!' Ms. Michelle lives In Massachusetts with her husband, Don, their 2 amazing children, and their dog Paisley a fox red lab. When not in the office treating patients Ms. Michelle is spending time with her family, whether it's bringing the kids to karate, family pizza and movie night, game night, going to the beach or pool in the summer or family vacations! Ms. Michelle and her family love Disney vacations especially Disney cruises!!

Since joining our team in 2011, Allyson has been dedicated to providing exceptional dental care and education to our youngest patients. As a skilled and compassionate dental hygienist, Allyson brings years of experience and deep understanding of pediatric dental needs to our team.

Outside of her professional life, Allyson is a devoted mother to three wonderful girls. She cherishes her time with family and their vacations to New Hampshire together.