Meet the Doctors
General Dentists
Dr. Matthew Kerr
Dr. Matthew Kerr has extensive training in all areas of dentistry. In particular, he is proficient in crown and bridge work, including metal-free restorations. He has expertise in endodontics, including implant placement and the creation of implant-retained dentures. On his days off, he enjoys playing the guitar.
Credentials:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, SUNY Stony Brook
- Recipient of the American College of Dentists Professionalism and Performance Award
- Member of the Omicron Kappa Epsilon Dental Honor Society
Dr. Asma Ijaz
As a child, Dr. Asma Ijaz loved running after butterflies and daydreaming about a beautiful world. Today she takes great pleasure in knowing that she is helping create that beautiful world, one smile at a time. As a creative problem solver, she knows there are multiple ways to solve most dental problems while preserving an attractive smile and good oral health.
A New York native, Dr. Ijaz has fallen in love with Connecticut. She describes it as a magical place between New York and Massachusetts, with great beaches, awesome parks, and polite people.
Dr. Ijaz enjoys being part of each patient’s story and is motivated by knowing that each day, she helps many patients have a healthier smile. To make sure patients have a good experience, she sets them at ease with her sense of humor, and she treats every patient’s teeth as if they were her own. She also makes sure patients are fully informed about all their dental choices. Dr. Ijaz believes that your natural tooth structure is sacred. She uses conservative dentistry techniques to preserve as much of it as possible.
Credentials:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, New York University
- Mini Residency in Implantology, New York University
- Advanced Education in Endodontics
- Invisalign Certified
Dr. Pooja Palaksha
Dr. Pooja Palaksha grew up in Mumbai, India. She completed dental school in India in 2011 and then decided to move to the United States. She obtained a masters degree in public health in Houston, and then her DMD from Boston University. After having experienced life in many different cities, Dr. Palaksha finally settled in Hamden, Connecticut.
Dr. Palaksha is passionate about dentistry and enjoys helping patients and relieving their pain. She says, “I love taking my time with my patients and making sure they always feel at ease.” She understands how nervous many people are at the dentist, but her experienced manner helps them feel confident and relaxed. Dr. Palaksha believes in preserving both the function and aesthetics of your natural teeth.
In her free time, Dr. Palaksha loves traveling, learning guitar, and cooking different cuisines. She holds a black belt in judo, and she finds solace in reading many books and dreams of traveling the world.
Credentials:
- Masters of Public Health, Houston, Texas
- Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry, Boston University
- Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency
Dr. Meera Menon
Dr. Meera Menon has been practicing dentistry in Connecticut for the past 35 years. She wants her patients to feel as comfortable as possible during dental care, and she believes that patient education is an important part of cavity prevention. Dr. Menon enjoys treating children and adults and always prioritizes preserving natural tooth structure.
Credentials:
- Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry, Boston University
- Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry
- Member of the American Dental Association
- Member of the Connecticut State Dental Association
- Member of the Dental Society of Greater Waterbury
Dr. Patrick Pollak
Dr. Patrick Pollak was drawn to dentistry because he loves talking to people and helping them, and he enjoys working with his hands. In his years of practice, he has seen the difference that the right dental treatment can make for a patient’s quality of life. He believes in saving natural teeth whenever possible and works with his patients to help them avoid cavities and gum disease through better oral hygiene.
A Connecticut native, Dr. Pollak lives locally with his wife and four children, and their dog, Yogi. He enjoys the area’s changing seasons and staying close to his extended family. Dr. Pollak credits his father as a major influence on his life and remembers his advice, “Keep moving forward!”
Credentials:
- Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry, University of Connecticut
- Member of the Connecticut State Dental Association
- Member of the American Student Dental Association
- General Practice Residency, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Waterbury, Connecticut
- Invisalign Certified
Specialists
Dr. Mitra Y. Kabakoff, Pedodontist – Dr. Kabakoff completed her specialty training in pediatric dentistry at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn. She is a board-certified pediatric dentist and member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Jaimie Vassiliou, Orthodontist – Dr. Vassiliou is a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. She also holds a certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Paul Dengelegi, Prosthodontist – Dr. Dengelegi is a board-certified specialist in prosthodontics. He specializes in implant restoration and dentures, including removable dentures and implant-supported dentures.
Dr. Nazeeh Abunasra, Oral Surgeon – Dr. Abunasra graduated from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY. He does all our oral surgery including wisdom teeth extractions and offers both oral and IV sedation.
Dr. Ammar Idlibi, Pedodontist – Dr. Idlibi is a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and completed his pediatric specialty certificate at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He has been awarded Diplomate status with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.