Meet Our New Haven, CT Dental Team

Dr. Summer Lerch, DDS, FAGD, AAACD

Dr. Summer Lerch has spent more than 40 years perfecting the art of the natural-looking smile. She was the fourth woman ever Accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and served many years as an examiner helping to set the standard for other dentists and cosmetic work nationwide. Trained early in complex smile rehabilitation, she blends a doctor’s science, an engineer’s precision, and an artist’s eye on every case. What drives her is watching people go from hiding their smiles to showing them off. That change in a person’s confidence makes all the difference to her and her team! She built this practice so patients would always feel heard, healed, never rushed, and treated as true partners in their own care. Dr. Lerch’s practice philosophy is based on open, honest and regular communication and the message featured on one of the paintings in the waiting area: “Smile! You Deserve It.” She is enjoying being a Past President of Connecticut State Dental Association, horse back riding, traveling, and being a grandmama of two, Ayla and Luca.

Frank Amaefuna, DMD, MPH

Dr. Frank Amaefuna earned his DMD from the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Connecticut and his Masters in Public Health at Yale, focusing on overdose-prevention work. Dr. Frank then completed his formal dental training with a General Practice Residency at St. Francis Hospital. Outside of clinical dentistry, Frank serves on the CSDA’s Access to Care Task Force; CT’s Coalition for Oral Health Initiative (COHI) Executive Board; and advises the Elm City Smiles Dental Initiative. His skillset allows us to continue to provide exemplary restorative dental care, including dentures and partials, while adding root canal therapy and, in the future, implant placements.

Robert Fucci, RDH

Robbie earned his Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene at the University of New Haven. He comes from a family of dental hygienists, joining in with both his mother and older sister. He specializes in maintaining optimum oral health, and in education regarding smile design and dental health needs. “Total Body Health” is his motto. He provides comfortable and high-quality care to all our people. Patients regularly tell Dr. Lerch about Robbie, “I love this guy, don’t let him go.”

In his spare time, Robbie enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife Victoria and adorable sons Luciano and Gian Luca. He also loves traveling around the world; some of his favorite spots to visit are Aruba, Dubai, and Italy.

Sheri Marotolo, CDA

Sheri brings over 30 years experience to the Center for Esthetic Dentistry as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). As our head Cosmetic Assistant, she loves technology and has mastered the art of dental scanning for impression taking as well as clear aligner therapy, Invisalign in particular. Her knowledge and skill combined with her nurturing nature and gentle hands makes her the perfect companion for your smile makeover journey, where all fear disappears. Sheri is directly responsible for educating and empowering our patients in all aspects of their dental health. As our Invisalign expert and more, she welcomes all questions.

Sheri is the mother of two and in addition to her work here, she enjoys cooking, and spending time with her husband and first grandchild!

Zainab Suyal, DA

Zainab is a Dental Assistant (DA) known for her genuine warmth and the ease she brings to the treatment room. Patients frequently single her out in their reviews for making them feel comfortable and cared for from start to finish. Zainab’s goal is to become a dentist herself; she provides valuable insight into this process. She is married, loves to travel and really enjoys her extended family.

Rahisha Bivens, MSW

Rahisha has a Master’s Degree in Social Work and spent 11 years as Director of Social Services and 15 years overall with several health care companies in our area. She has been recognized as a leader among colleagues, peers and customers throughout her career for her advocacy & commitment to supporting people in what’s possible. As our Team Leader and Patient Care Coordinator, Rahisha is your first point of contact and true champion for you to have the smile and quality of life you dream of. Rahisha’s experience in marketing, and empowering teams helps to expand our office in new and exciting ways, ensuring that we continue to fulfill our mission & that you have a great experience here. Rahisha is happily married to New Haven artist, Raheem Nelson and proud mother of award winning athlete and journalist, Desiree Robinson.

Karen Courtemanche

Karen is our Patient Treatment Coordinator, a master in creating supportive and responsible financial plans for helping people attain the smiles they have always wanted. She’s been in the dental field for over 30 years, offering her gifts to people initially as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), then expanding into treatment planning and dental benefits. Whether it be a referral to one of our care partners, or an explanation of what a procedure entails, or a question about payment plans, she’s the right person for the coordination of your smile design treatment. In addition to the love of her dental career, she enjoys spending time with herself, her dog and her two grown children.