Comprehensive Dental Care | Trusted Family Dentists

About Us

At West Hartford Family Dental, we believe every patient deserves dental care that feels comfortable, personalized, and built on trust. Our practice is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where individuals and families can feel confident knowing their smiles are cared for by an experienced team that genuinely puts patients first.

From preventive and restorative dentistry to cosmetic care and emergency treatments, our team is committed to helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles through personalized treatment and compassionate support. We take the time to listen to your concerns, explain treatment options clearly, and create care plans designed around your comfort, lifestyle, and long-term oral health goals.

History Behind Our Clinic

West Hartford Family Dental was founded with a simple mission to provide exceptional dental care in an environment where patients feel welcomed, comfortable, and genuinely cared for. From the beginning, our practice has focused on combining modern dentistry with compassionate, personalized service that puts patient well-being first.

Over the years, our office has become a trusted part of the West Hartford community, caring for individuals and families through every stage of life. Patients have continued to choose our practice not only for comprehensive dental care, but also for the friendly atmosphere, honest communication, and long-lasting relationships they experience during every visit. Many of the families we serve have trusted us with their smiles for decades, and those connections remain the heart of our practice.

Today, West Hartford Family Dental proudly continues its tradition of patient-centered care with the same values that shaped our foundation integrity, compassion, professionalism, and excellence in dentistry. Every smile we restore and every patient relationship we build reflects our passion for helping our community enjoy healthier, more confident smiles for life.

We are honored to serve the West Hartford community and look forward to caring for generations of smiles for many years to come.

Roy Shakun, DMD

Dr. Roy Shakun is a trusted dentist in West Hartford, CT. Dr. Shakun graduated from the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Dental Medicine in 1986. In addition to receiving his doctorate in general dentistry, Dr. Shakun received the dental materials award. Dr. Shakun spent the next year completing a general practice residency at the University Of Pennsylvania Dental Care facility. This program provided a unique opportunity to work with some of the most accomplished, recognized general dentists and specialists in the profession. Spanning from 1987 until the present, Dr. Shakun has been dedicated to providing quality dental care throughout the local community.

In addition to providing excellent clinical care, Dr. Shakun has been a member in good standing of the American Dental Association, the Connecticut State Dental Society, and the Hartford Dental Society. Dr. Shakun has also completed numerous programs and continuing education courses, including advanced courses in cosmetic dentistry and implant dentistry as well. Dr. Shakun’s philosophy, with regard to dental care, emphasizes practical solutions to providing optimal health as well as preventive care. Additionally, Dr. Shakun has had extensive experience and training in pain management, and helping patients overcome dental fears.

Dr. Shakun has been married for more than 20 years and is a proud father of three wonderful children. Dr. Shakun is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys telemark skiing, windsurfing, and fishing.

Janki Patel, DMD

Dr. Janki Patel believes that a great dental experience doesn’t start with a clinical exam—it starts with a genuine conversation. Known for her warm and approachable nature, she has built her practice philosophy on her belief in collaborative dentistry that is rooted in trust and empathy. She strives to empower her patients, providing the expertise to help them make informed decisions together. Whether it’s been six months or six years since their last visit, she meets her patients exactly where they are, taking the time to listen to their unique needs.

Dr. Patel's focus is on creating treatment plans that truly make sense. Her aim is to restore health and balance through dentistry that is as functional as it is aesthetic. She always considers the vital link between her patients' oral health and their overall physical and mental well-being. This heart for people is matched by a high standard for clinical excellence. She developed her detailed, deliberate approach to restoring healthy smiles at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, followed by advanced clinical training at Hartford Hospital. As a dedicated lifelong learner, Dr. Patel is an active member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Connecticut State Dental Association, and Spear Study Club. She is constantly chasing the best in evidence-based dentistry to ensure her patients receive the highest standard of modern care.

Originally from Southern New Hampshire, Dr. Patel has been serving the West Hartford community since 2019. When she isn’t in the office, she is usually exploring the world with her husband. Together, they seek out the earth’s most breathtaking landscapes to find peace in the beauty of the natural world. Dr. Patel brings that same sense of wonder and calm energy back to her patients, with a simple goal: to help them gain confidence in their smiles through care so personalized that they actually look forward to their next visit.

Rebecca Portnoff, DMD

Dr. Portnoff enjoys working with patients of all ages and has experience in multiple disciplines of dentistry including restorative, removable, periodontics, and endodontics. She goes above and beyond to make patients feel comfortable during appointments. In particular, she loves that she gets to use her interest in science and art everyday, like designing a smile, or even restoring a smaller filling. Dr. Portnoff strives to make every visit a positive experience. She treats every single patient the same way she would treat any of her family members.

After studying at Union College in Schenectady for her undergraduate education, Dr. Portnoff received her DMD from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, where she was selected to be a member of the Gamma Pi Delta Prosthodontic Honors Society. She completed a General Practice Residency at the Montefiore Medical Center in New York.

Before her recent move to Connecticut, Dr. Portnoff was living and working in Manhattan, where she still loves to visit, especially as she is from the NJ suburbs. Outside of the office, Dr. Portnoff enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, seeing live music and shows, traveling, skiing, cooking, and exploring new restaurants.

Jeffrey Goldschmidt, DMD

Dr. Jeffrey Goldschmidt is a periodontist and implant specialist at CT Periodontics & Implant Dentistry and treats patients in West Hartford, CT. Dr. Goldschmidt graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, CT in 1995, and the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine in 1999. He completed his periodontal residency from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine in 2002.

Dr. Goldschmidt has received the Listerine Excellence Award, the Annual Award for Outstanding Achievement in Periodontology, Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Dental Society Phi Chi Chapter, and the Lewis F. Fox award for the most outstanding dental student in his class while in dental school. He has authored two articles in the Journal of Periodontology.

He has been voted Top Dentist in Hartford County in Hartford Magazine in 2007-Present and voted Top Dentist in Connecticut in Connecticut Magazine in 2008-Present. Dr. Goldschmidt is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, American Dental Association, Connecticut State Dental Association, and the Connecticut Society of Periodontists.

In his free time, Dr Goldschmidt enjoys fishing and skiing with his family.

What They Say About Us

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.

Lenora T.

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.

Luis L.

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.

Carol J.

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.

Theresa R.

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.

Andrea G.

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.

Brenda O.

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.

Cory L.

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.

Margaret L.

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!

Cindy P.