Dental Staff

All the staff at Yanik Dental are highly skilled, expertly trained, and well experienced to help you with any concerns and ensure a "Friendly & Caring" dental visit.

Thomas J. Yanik, DDS
General Dentist in Windsor Locks, CT
Yanik Dental

Born and raised in Connecticut, Dr. Yanik always aspired to a career in the health field. He completed his undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech and Iowa State University earning a BS degree before graduating from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 1984. After graduation, he immediately entered a General Practice Residency in dentistry at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, Massachusetts where he worked directly with dental specialists, became proficient in emergency and well dental care, and did rotations in hospital and surgical center operating rooms. Since then Dr. Yanik has been practicing comprehensive general dentistry in Windsor Locks for over 25 years.

Dr. Yanik keeps his clinical skills current through a variety of continuing education courses offered by the American Dental Association, Connecticut Dental Association, Hartford Dental Society, Clinical Research Associates and Yankee Dental Congress.

His charitable endeavors include supporting Windsor Locks High School students, local Lions and Rotary Club charities; and volunteering at church mission projects and the CT Mission of Mercy dental clinic. Aside from spending time with his wife, 3 sons, and grandchildren; Dr. Yanik enjoys music, travel, birdwatching, and New York Giants football.

Julie - Appointment Coordinator

With over 22 years of dental office experience, Julie is a welcomed addition to our staff.

She received her BS degree from Southern Connecticut State University, and maintains a certification in dental assisting with regular continuing education. Julie is a willing helper when you phone and a friendly greeter when you visit.

Julie lives in Windsor and enjoys hiking outdoors, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with her family. 

Denise – Insurance & Finance Specialist

Denise has 25 years of dental office experience … the past 10 years she has concentrated on dental insurance and financing. She is ready and willing to help you solve any insurance or financial concern that arises. You will instantly appreciate Denise’s warm smile and friendly personality.

Denise lives in Enfield with her husband. She is thrilled that her son and daughter live close by. Denise enjoys reading, cooking and yoga.

Kelly – Dental Hygienist

After extensive experience with different forms of periodontal and teeth whitening therapy, Kelly brought those skills and wisdom to our office in 2004. She is a 1993 RDH degree recipient from Springfield Technical Community College.

Kelly is a dental journal junkie – she is intrigued and motivated by knowing the latest dentistry has to offer. Furthermore, she continually takes courses to put her learning into practical use. Kelly is a member of the Connecticut D.I.R.T. (Disaster Identification Response Team) and is well educated in dental forensics. All this dental knowledge, enthusiasm and technical skills she brings to her patients at each visit.

Raised in Enfield, Kelly still resides there with her husband and two children. She volunteers at her daughter’s school and co-leads her Girl Scout troop. Kelly enjoys reading and photography but, most of all, loves spending time with her family watching movies and traveling.

Kristen – Dental Hygienist

Kristen brings over 19 years of experience in the dental profession to our office. After starting as a dental assistant, she went back to school and received her dental hygiene degree from Tunxis Community College. Kristen loves being a dental hygienist and enjoys being part of the Yanik Dental team!

Kristen keeps her dental knowledge and skills fresh through her various continuing education. She has volunteered her time and skills many times for CT Mission of Mercy free dental clinic. Kristen lives in Suffield and enjoys spending time with her dog, Tucker, and cat, Charli. She is an avid CrossFit athlete.

Shannon – Dental Hygienist

Shannon’s experience in both family and pediatric dental offices, as well as raising 3 children of her own, makes her well skilled and prepared for any dental situation. Shannon looks forward to meeting and caring for all Yanik Dental patients.

Shannon has been practicing dental hygiene since 2009 when she received her dental hygiene degree from Tunxis Community College. She is committed to continual education and learning so she can provide the highest quality dental care.

Shannon lives in East Windsor with her husband and 3 children. She enjoys taking hikes and being outdoors, as well as spending time with her family and extended family.

Nicole - Dental Hygienist

Nicole graduated from the University of New Haven in 2013 with her bachelor's in Dental Hygiene. While completing her degree, Nicole was honored to be chosen for two trips to Cherokee, North Carolina to provide humanitarian dental aid to members of the Cherokee Nation living within the Qualla Boundary. Over the past several years, Nicole has attended countless continuing education courses to supplement her knowledge in a variety of aspects of dental care. Her favorite areas of study include the oral and systemic health connection, and public health.

As a Windsor Locks native, Nicole is thrilled to be with Yanik Dental and excited to run into familiar faces, as well as new ones! In her spare time, Nicole enjoys reading, hiking and traveling abroad

Betty – Dental Assistant

We are proud to have Betty as our dental assistant for over 10 years now. She received her Certified Dental Assistant degree from A. I. Prince Technical School in Hartford, Connecticut in 1983. Before joining us, Betty worked as a dental assistant in private practice as well as in hospital emergency and operating rooms. She has additional training in Advanced Life Support, radiology, sterilization and infection control. Her knowledge, experience and training are a valuable asset for our patients.

In addition to regular continuing education, Betty has volunteered multiple years to assist at the Connecticut Mission of Mercy (a two day program of free dental care) and to help train dental assisting and pre-dental students. Betty resides in Somers, Connecticut with her husband. She enjoys gardening, ocean cruising, and visiting with her children and grandchildren.