West Hartford Family Dental | Dentist in West Hartford CT | DMD
When you visit our West Hartford Family Dental office, your smile is our top priority. Our entire dental team in West Hartford, CT is dedicated to providing you with the personalized, gentle care that you deserve. Part of our commitment to serving our patients includes providing information that helps them to make more informed decisions about their oral health needs. This website is a resource we hope you’ll find both useful and interesting. We have gone digital, with x-rays, television, and more! See our technology page! We are accepting new patients! We look forward to helping you improve and maintain your smile! And yes, we welcome new emergency patients during regular hours. Whether you saw the problem coming but waited until it was...
Opening hours
- sunday: (closed)
- monday: 7:15-18h
- tuesday: 7:15-18h
- wednesday: 7:15-18h
- thursday: 7:15-18h
- friday: (closed)
- saturday: (closed)
Photos of West Hartford Family Dental | Dentist in West Hartford CT | DMD
Services and Treatments
West Hartford Family Dental | Dentist in West Hartford CT | DMD: Reviews
Fantastic experience: This is my fourth time coming I love how they treat you they treat you with kindness and respect they do treat you like family I would highly recommend them. This is the best dentist I been too since I been in Connecticut and I been living here for almost 12years. Keep up the amazing work. God bless
Fantastic experience: Friendly people. Office is clean.
Fantastic experience: The whole staff is very professional. I would never switch dentists.
Fantastic experience: Today is August 28,2025. I chipped another tooth and Dr. patel fixed it this afternoon. The tooth looks like new and you can't even see the bond on it! Thank you Dr. Patel! The assistant was very helpful too. This is a highly professional practice. The best l have been with. I highly recommend it! I have been with the practice for many years. They are very professional and genuinely care about their patients' wellbeing. Diana cleaned my teeth every four months, l think my teeth are several shades whiter afterwards. Dr. Patel is an excellent detenist. Last year l chipped my tooth and she managed to fix it the next day. I highly recommend this practice! Today is January 8th. I had my cleaning by Diane, l have been with her for years, as always, the cleaning and x ray were done professionally, then Dr Patel did a final check of my teeth. I highly recommend their practice! I had my teeth cleaned this morning. Diana and Dr Patel were great as always, they check my mouth hiygene regimen and make recommendations about month wash and toothpaste. I greatly appreciate that!
Thank you so much for your loyalty and trust! We appreciate your feedback and recommendation!
Fantastic experience: I am 92, have had a lot of dentists in many different parts of the country: Laconia, New Hampshire; Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo Michigan; Topeka and Wichita, KS; and Atlanta. This is the best dentist I have ever had. Today he put a crown on. His assistant, Natalia, did a fantastic job keeping my spirits high.
Fantastic experience: Friendly helpful staff - Theresa is an awesome dental hygienist. Dr Shakun is a great dentist that really listens to his patients.
Fantastic experience: I was a patient of Dr. Shakun when I was a child, and I returned to his practice after moving back to the area almost 20 years ago. He is very knowledgeable, has a caring and easygoing bedside manner, and I trust him implicitly. He explains things in a way that is easy to understand. The dental hygienists are all very experienced and lovely people as well. When I asked the front desk for a change to a hygienist with a gentler touch for my next visit (as I have a lot of sensitivity), it was no problem at all.
Fantastic experience: Dr. Patel is a truly conscientious doctor who took the time to explain everything in detail to my child so that she was comfortable with what needed to be done. We couldn't be happier to be one of her patients!
Fantastic experience: Dr. Waterman was prompt, kind, and very informative. He put my mind at ease and did not make me feel silly for coming in on an emergency type basis.
Fantastic experience: Dr.Spignesi recently moved to this location. He has been my family dentist for over 40 years! He is the BEST. Nicole was my hygienist today. She was wonderful. She explained everything she was doing and gave me some good advice for taking care of my teeth. The receptionist, Brandy, was also very nice.
Positive experience: Office was nicer than I expected. Staff was pleasant and courteous. Service was great.
Fantastic experience: West Hartford Family Dentistry does it again. Sadly a tooth cracked unexpectedly. The front staff scheduled me within 24 hours. Dr Shakun did a masterful job repairing the tooth with his assistant Jackie. In & out, I swear the man wears a cape with a large “S” on it. Thank you all again for another 5-star performance. Greatly appreciate the entire team.
Hi Eric, thank you for the feedback and your loyalty! We sincerely appreciate your recommendation!
Fantastic experience: I've been a patient at West Hartford Family Dental for about 30 years now. Of note, I liked the practice so much that I stayed with it after relocating from WeHa to the shoreline many years ago. They've ushered me through multiple cleanings, an implant and a couple of crowns. The entire staff - those at the front desk, the hygienists, and Dr. Shakun - is friendly, knowledgeable and efficient.
Fantastic experience: As always, you're amazing! First-class in service and professionalism. The staff is wonderful. Keep up the great work!
Fantastic experience: I'm getting a crown! The dentist and hygienist worked well together and kept me informed as to what procedure would be next. I was given enough opportunities to rinse or rest. Their work was done smoothly and carefully. . . Two weeks later the new crown was inserted, as routinely as the temporary on my first visit.
Fantastic experience: Stephanie was very patient with me today. She made sure I was comfortable and provided me with a blanket during my cleaning.
Positive experience: I am a long time patient of Dr. Spignesi, but new to this location. When I came to my first appointment here, I had to complete a detailed form. It would have been best if the form could have been online or we could have known what information we would need to complete the form. It would save everyone time and you would get more accurate information.
Thank you for being a longtime patient of Dr. Spignesi and for sharing your feedback. We understand that completing paper forms at your first visit can be time-consuming, and we appreciate your suggestion. We are actively exploring ways to improve the new patient experience, including digital forms, though these updates will take some time to implement. Thank you for your patience and for choosing our office.
Fantastic experience: Anne and Dr Spignesi were wonderful!
Fantastic experience: Professional, thorough, painless, friendly service. On time as usual.
Fantastic experience: I always have a great experience! Dr. Patel is so knowledgeable and caring.
Fantastic experience: Awesome, professional and very nice staff.
Fantastic experience: I love my hygienist and dentist. They are friendly and I feel they genuinely care about my teeth…and me.
Fantastic experience: Theresa did a great job cleaning my teeth! She was able to remove stains and my teeth looks so much brighter than before.
Fantastic experience: Highly professional and very gentle cleaning and checking my teeth. Thank you Stephanie, Teresa and Dr Shakun ❤️
Thank you so much for your feedback, Maria!
Fantastic experience: The staff is always couteous, friendly, knowledgeable and professional any time I call and at every appointment. I love my Dental team and recommend them to everyone I know and meet.
Thank you very much, Deborah! We appreciate your feedback about our West Hartford dental team!
Fantastic experience: I always feel like I'm in the best hands with WEHA Family Dental. Easy going, professional, friendly, and thorough. Great communication always. Thanks Stephanie for the excellent cleanings!
Hi Gerald, thank you for the feedback and your loyalty and trust. We sincerely appreciate it!
Fantastic experience: Always an excellent experience whether it’s for prophylactic care or more involved dental work. Dr. Shakun is constantly considerate of the patient’s concerns throughout any procedure.
Fantastic experience: "I had a great experience at this dental office. The staff was kind, professional, and truly attentive to my needs. Dr. Waterman made me feel comfortable from start to finish.
Fantastic experience: Very friendly people! Would highly recommend
Fantastic experience: Visited the practice today for a routine visit. It was actually the wrong day for my appointment, but they were flexible enough to see me anyway. Turns out I have and endodontal issue, and I got good conservative advice on how to proceed, i.e., wait and see but do nothing now. Suits me!
Thank you!
Fantastic experience: Always a pleasure. Great, professional service from Theresa and Dr. Patel.
Fantastic experience: This is Dennis Levy and I want to say that I was very pleased with the "service" that Larissa, dental hygienist, and Rebecca Portnoff, D.M.D. provided today at West Hartford Family Dentistry.
Thank you!
Fantastic experience: Love this dentist office. Even with the changes in personnel, the staff is still friendly and professional. The new hygienist, Larissa, is terrific.
Negative experience: West Hartford Family Dentistry is my favorite medical practice. I've been a patient for over 30 years. The staff has always been professional and welcoming. Doctors Shakun and Goldschmidt are both professional and personable. Both have always ensured I receive the best possible treatment and advice.
Hi Cliff, thank you for the feedback and your kind words! We're glad to hear you're happy with your experience! If possible, would you mind changing your rating from 1-star to more accurately reflect your experience here with our team? Thank you so much in advance!
Fantastic experience: Always the best pleasant experience. So professional and family oriented. Have been with this office for over 25 years and would never change them.
Fantastic experience: Always professional and friendly. Great team, great work. Larissa was very professional and thorough. Dr’s are honest and I didn’t feel they were trying to sell me anything.
Thank you, Kevin!
Fantastic experience: Friendly, experienced and convenient to access. Been going here for decades and will keep going in the future!
Fantastic experience: First rate: cleaning, Doctor’s evaluation and explanations were all performed well. Update: I’m a patient for 20 plus years - ask for Stephanie for cleaning - lovely touch.
Hi Alan, thank you for the feedback! We're glad to hear you're happy with your experience!
Fantastic experience: Great office. Friendly staff. Nicole took a lot of X-rays and did a superb job cleaning my teeth. Dr Patel took her time to explain what work might need to be done down the road but wasn’t rushing in to it. I highly recommend this office
Fantastic experience: Dr Shakun & staff are the best! Thorough, professional and communicative. I’ve been their patient for over 20 yrs. Very satisfied. I like that Dr. Shakun stays current on dental technology and combines that with his long experience to make good dental care recommendations, especially when it comes to restorative and repair work.
Thank you so much, Benjamin!
Fantastic experience: Excellent customer service from beginning to end!
Fantastic experience: Friendly staff, the dentist was very patient and kind. Gave me breaks as needed. My comfort was their priority. The dentist also gave a thorough explanation of problem areas and treatment plan. I’m very pleased.
Positive experience: I have found going to the dentist is not an experience I look forward to. Today I saw Dr Goldschmidt My appointment was educational enjoyable painless AND with no anxiety during, then or after. I highly recommend him to someone who has an implant. He was professional and actually made me laugh during my visit. If you have an implant, require additional work follow up he is your Dr
Fantastic experience: I have been a patient at West Hartford Family dentistry for over 10 years. The staff and doctors are the best!!
Thank you! We appreciate it!
Fantastic experience: Dr Portnoff is thorough and explains her treatment. Her assistant Jackie is very helpful. I will continue to use this practice and I am pleased that I found Dr. Portnoff . Being new to the area this is a plus
Fantastic experience: I had a great experience at West Hartford Family Dentist. The hygienist was professional, friendly, and clearly knew exactly what she was doing. She made me feel comfortable throughout the entire appointment and explained things in a way that was easy to understand. The cleaning was thorough yet gentle, and I left feeling well cared for. I truly appreciate her expertise and positive attitude—highly recommend!
Fantastic experience: Dr. Shakun is the absolute best! Not only is he extremely skilled, he also does his best to minimize discomfort and trauma. I had a broken tooth and he repaired it in the least invasive way that was medically necessary. I won't go to anyone else!
Fantastic experience: I can’t say enough good things about West Hartford Family Dental. Diana, my dental hygienist, is truly outstanding — best hygienist I’ve ever had! She’s incredibly thorough and gentle, especially in sensitive areas and on the tougher spots. I always leave with my teeth feeling unbelievably clean, and her charismatic, comforting personality makes the entire appointment feel easy and stress-free. She’s honestly the reason I keep coming back and genuinely deserves recognition for the amazing work she does. West Hartford Family Dental doesn’t just do routine cleanings—they provide exceptional preventative care. Between Diana and my dentist, Dr. Patel, my smile has truly never been in better hands. They’ve taken images to stay ahead of any issues, fixed cavities promptly, and even made me a custom night guard after noticing wear on my molars from excessive grinding. I’m really grateful for the care, attention to detail, and consistency from this team. And I’d be remiss not to mention Brandy and Vanessa at the front desk—they’re always smiling and consistently welcoming. The office and waiting area are always spotless and well-maintained. You can tell this dental group knows exactly what they’re doing because they hire the best—and they truly are the best in the business. Highly recommend!
Fantastic experience: Our family really loves the WHFD, top notch dental team, front office staff are very hospitable and welcoming. I would definitely recommend joining WHFD for any family looking for an excellent competent dental team.
Fantastic experience: Beautiful people and the service is awesome the staff there makes you feel comfortable during your visit just awesome all around
Thank you!
Fantastic experience: Dr. Patel is a doll. The staff treats me well they’ve tried to keep my teeth in my mouth and I appreciate that a really good family dental practice.
Fantastic experience: My experience was good because during the entire procedure the attending physician kept me aware of what to expect and the assistant was very professional with good chair side manner. Throughout the process I was asked "are you doing ok"and wanted to know if I had any questions following the procedure. Also to call if there is any discomfort. The front desk staff at checkout was very courteous.
Fantastic experience: Always have great experience through all these years. Teresa is great. She did great job cleaning my teeth. At meantime let me feel relax and comfortable.
Thank you!
Fantastic experience: The best clinic in town. I’ve been with them since 2012 and, for sure, they are the best.
Thank you for your feedback!
Fantastic experience: As always. Over years, across several groups of associates, your groups have been par excellent in friendship and bed side manners. Couldn’t be better. Thanks..
Fantastic experience: West Hartford Family Dental embodies the word FAMILY for me. They continue to serve me and my family dental needs with the highest degree of service. My children are in their late 20s and early 30s and have lived in different states but they return to West Hartford Family Dental for their excellent dental care. My dental hygienist Stephanie and Cindy, the manager, are amazing. Their expertise in their jobs is performed at the highest standard. Everyone there truly makes you feel a part of the family. Anyone who reading this and is looking for a new dentist office, make appointment and you will be greeted with professionalism, excellent dental care, friendly reminders and the comfort of knowing that this is a place that will take care of you and your family dental needs year after year.
Thank you so much for this very kind feedback, Hazel! We appreciate your loyalty as part of our family here. It's wonderful to hear from patients like this. Thank you for your recommendation and we appreciate your kind words.
Fantastic experience: I’ve been going to West Hartford Family Dentistry for 10 years. From Cindy, the Office Manager, who coordinates everything, to Dr. Patel (DMD), they are top notch. Dr. Patel’s Dental Hygienist and their assistants, are the best. I highly recommend this office at Bishops Corner, West Hartford, CT Mike G
Fantastic experience: I recently switched to this practice and cannot be happier. I have never had to wait, the communication has been excellent, and they even tell me how much my treatments will cost in advance. I’ve gone to some dental practices in the past, that were fine if not actively bad, but this one is actively great!
Fantastic experience: Diana is an excellent hygienist. She is very experienced and always has the patient’s best interest at heart. Also, it is obvious she likes what she is doing and cares about her patients.
Negative experience: I started with this practice about 2 years ago. Everything was great until I lost my insurance. I went in for my last cleaning of the year today and told them I needed just a cleaning and my insurance would kick in in January. I was told I had to get an MD exam and radiographs "according to the dentists policy". The office manager proceeded to tell me I would get a "huge" discount on those services of 30%. I couldn't believe I was getting a shake down at the dentist office especially since insurance was kicking in in less than a month. Another example of a health care provider who has lost their way. This practice is unethical I suggest you all stay away.
We’re sorry to hear you were disappointed with your recent visit. Our policy requires an exam and updated radiographs when clinically necessary to ensure we’re providing safe and appropriate care. We understand this wasn’t what you expected and offered a discounted rate to help accommodate the situation.
We’d be happy to discuss this further and clarify any questions you may have. Please feel free to reach out to our office directly.
Fantastic experience: Very happy, teeth cleaning today, excellent job. Thank yiu
Fantastic experience: Excellent care when it comes to dental needs of my family and me. Front office to back end are true professionals. We switched over to this practice a few years ago and have no plans to look other options for dental care in Farmington valley area.
Fantastic experience: I was very pleased on my cleaning on wed feb 15.Dianea did a 10plus job on my front grill.She n eer hurt or bought any disconfort to for the 45 to hr cleaning that was due and behind due to my so many medacal problem i keep happen in my life . BUT i was so happy when i got a great report about my teeth at this time in my life .Thank you again for all your help and carning for me you have been my family and supporter for many years .Thank you all for working in these hard times my god bless you all be safe stay well my dental angels of mine ❤️ and fan club aswell .Bob Gleason jr
Thank you so much, Bob!
Fantastic experience: West Hartford family dentistry has been my DENTAL PROVIDER since I was 15. They are the best I wouldn’t go anywhere else. Dr Shakun is by far the most amazing dentist. His staff are incredible. Very trustworthy. Highly recommend this dental practice. Everyone is amazing.
Fantastic experience: West hartford family dentistry offers friendly and supportive hygienists, who obviously care about their patients and their well being. The team of dentists are professional and remember you and your family happenings, which brings out a very caring atmosphere.
Fantastic experience: Recently I just changed my dentist to West Hartford Family Dental the staff are very friendly professional kind and attentive to your needs I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a new dentist they are the best around
Fantastic experience: This is a review from a few months ago that I apparently didn’t post. I had an emergency visit to my dentist today. I was very happy to be seen within 90 minutes of my contacting the office. I was taken on time and made as comfortable as possible at the dentist. My crown had fallen off and could not be salvaged. I was told my options. They immediately started working on inserting a post and whatever else was needed to make a temporary crown and a mold for a permanent crown. The process was over 2 hours and they were very considerate of me. I was beyond impressed and very grateful.
Hi Marjorie, thank you for sharing your story here and for your kind feedback. We were glad to be able to help and pleased to hear you're happy with your experience.
Fantastic experience: Nicole has treated my daughter, son and myself for several years. She is always very friendly, professional, thorough, gentle and kind to my kids. She is the best.
Hi Ira, thank you so much for your feedback and kind words about our team! We appreciate you!
Fantastic experience: This is hands down the best dentist office visit I have ever experienced. From the front office to the dental assistants to the dentist...so friendly and knowledgeable.
Fantastic experience: We started going to West Hartford Family Dentistry during the pandemic. Dr. Janki and all of the staff have been wonderful: Knowledgable, attentive, and professional. Could not recommend the practice more.
Fantastic experience: I was referred to this group by a coworker several years ago. Since then,, my wife and I have been very pleased with our experiences there. My hygienist Diana is wonderful, as Dr. Patel.
Fantastic experience: I have been a patient for many years. Dr. Shakun is outstanding: caring and professional; I trust him implicitly.
Fantastic experience: As always Teresa was amazing, patient and thorough. Excellent cleaning and very gentle. Dr Shakun also provided excellent, highly professional, friendly service and advice. He always has my best interest in mind. I couldn’t be happier.
Hi Dave, thank you so much for your feedback and kind words about our team! We appreciate you!
Fantastic experience: I love this practice. I've been with them since day one on Farmington Ave. Everyone is professional and kind. The atmosphere is inviting the moment you walk in the office. They treat you like family. I would recommend them to anyone that wants the best dental care in this area.
Positive experience: Nicole is always a pleasure and does a great job. I really like everyone at the office. I’ve had some bad experiences with other practices in the past, and am glad to finally be happy with the care I receive there. I’m in need of some expensive dental work, but I’m not able to use care credit and can only afford to do a monthly payment plan currently, which isn’t offered, so I may have to look at some outside options to have that done, but I'm hoping to get that figured out and be able to remain a client there.
Fantastic experience: Excellent experience every time! The staff are professional, gentle, and caring.
Fantastic experience: Theresa is the absolute best. And Dr. Shakun never tries to encourage me to get procedures I don’t need
Fantastic experience: Excellent people Doctors and Hygienist whom are very knowledgeable and pleasant to interact with….❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Fantastic experience: Very personable. Had crown/cavity work today. First crown and 3rd cavity T age 62. Thoroughly explained everything. Showing me scans and X-rays.
Fantastic experience: Best dentist around! Dr. Patel is always extremely thorough and friendly.
Fantastic experience: We’ve been going for years, the doctors and hygienists are great, and the rest of the team is always friendly! I’d definitely recommend!
Fantastic experience: We were on vacation and an implant fell out. West Hartford Dentistry was able to take us in and fix it. They were very professional and so nice.
Fantastic experience: The doctors and the staff at this place are all very friendly, caring, and helpful.
Thank you! We appreciate it!
Fantastic experience: Been going here since I was 16/17 years old! Great dentist! Everyone is great always had a great experience!
Fantastic experience: Dentist appointment here is always great! Friendly courteous staff willing to answer questions and concerns. Been coming here for over 20 years and have never thought of changing dentist.
Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful feedback, Charlotte! We appreciate you!!
Fantastic experience: Appointment was on time all personnel professional and knowledgeable.
Fantastic experience: I love this place!!! The staff and the doctor are the best!!!
Negative experience: False advertising. They do not take emergency situations. Apparently now days. If a TOOTH needs to be taken out and you are in pain, You must go to a hospital emergency to have your emergency extraction. Wowww. Dentist are too busy doing cosmetic Dentistry now days.
We’re sorry to hear about your frustration. Our team always tries to help patients in pain as quickly as possible. When you called, we offered a same-day appointment for an exam and X-rays so the dentist could evaluate your situation. However, as explained during your call, most of our general dentists do not perform extractions, and we wanted to make sure you could get the right type of care that day by suggesting an emergency clinic. We understand how uncomfortable dental pain can be and wish you relief soon.
Fantastic experience: Been coming here for a few years, have had a few fillings and many cleanings. Everyone is always friendly and helpful
Fantastic experience: West Hartford Family Dental has been the best I have ever been to. They did a deep cleaning and my teeth feel super clean. As soon as I walked in they called me in, so no wait time if you are punctual. Will recommend to my family and friends. Kudos to everyone, thank you
Thanks so much for your recommendation, Rosa! We appreciate you!
Fantastic experience: This is Richard, Barbara's husband. Couldn't get a better cleaning and x-rays. My hygienists was great - very thorough and gentle.
Thank you! We appreciate it!
Fantastic experience: I've love everyone at West Hartford Dental! Our entire family has been with them for over 10 years! Gental hygienists, experienced dentists and competent office staff! The hours of operation are perfect as I love my 7:15 am appointment every 6 months! A recent repair on my chipped tooth is flawless!
Fantastic experience: I've been coming here the past 20+ years. Wonderful dentists, hygenists and front office staff. Great recommendations for doctors outside their wheel house (oral surgeons, periodontists). I wouldn't think of going anywhere else for my dental hygiene. Just had another crown done today. Dr. Shakun is incredibly skilled and has great dental chair manner.
Thank you so much for your feedback! We appreciate it!
Fantastic experience: I am a patient almost 14 years, and never left this practice without smiling and thanking entire staff starting from front desk and finishing with my medical assistant, hygienist, and my amazing doctor Patel. Thank you all for your nice and very professional work and lovely atmosphere.
Fantastic experience: I have been a steady patient of West Hartford Family Dental for more than 30 years. I love this practice. No one likes going to the dentist but they manage to make every visit as pleasant as possible. I moved to Florida yet I continue to rely on them for my dental health. They are the best.
Fantastic experience: Friendliest, most professional, and educational staff you’ll ever come across. 10/10 recommend
Fantastic experience: WHFD has been our go to dental practice for over 20 years. They have wonderful dentist, dental hygienist and receptionists!! Can't say enough great things about the folks who work there!!
Fantastic experience: Love this dentist office! The appointment reminders are very helpful. The staff is always pleasant and friendly, smiling as soon as I walk in.
Fantastic experience: Like most people, I dislike going to the dentist, but Dr. Shakun is truly a prince among dentists. So kind, so thorough, so good at explaining things--and so human. I have been going for years (maybe decades) and unfortunately have had a lot of dental issues. Whether for routine care or troubleshooting, I always feel I'm in the best possible hands with Dr. Shakun at W Hartford Family Dental.
Fantastic experience: It always feel like family when I walk in because our family has been there over 30 years. They do a wonderful job of making you feel comfortable ( I really don't like going to the dentist.) Thank you for your experience, professionalism and smile.
Leave your review about West Hartford Family Dental | Dentist in West Hartford CT | DMD:
West Hartford Family Dental | Dentist in West Hartford CT | DMD appears in the following listings:
Other dentists you might be interested in
Elmwood Dental
Add your business to our directory for free
If you have a dental clinic and want to appear in our guide, send us your business information and you can appear completely free of charge.