At Oral Health Center, we believe in early diagnosis of tooth decay. Science is helping us understand the nature of dental disease, especially the two main ones – tooth decay and gum disease. Because both are bacterial infections, we have the ability to treat them and achieve better oral health. The solution doesn’t always have to be drill and fill.

Quite often, we are able to help the tooth “heal,” and turn an uneasy visit into a pleasant experience.  We reduce the level of the bacteria causing tooth decay, and enhance the body’s natural ability to replace minerals. Instead of placing fillings that will need to be replaced in the future, our focus is to stop early decay, help the tooth heal, and then make it more resistant to future decay.

Our Dentists:

Dr. Peter Blanchard, President and General Dentist
Dr. Blanchard is the President of Oral Health Center, where he also serves as a general dentist. Formerly, Dr. Blanchard served as the Chief of Dentistry at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. Dr. Blanchard has a MBA in Health Care Management from Boston University Graduate School of Management. He received his DDS degree from Georgetown University School of Dentistry and his Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University. Dr. Blanchard is a member of the American Dental Association and the National Association of Dental Plans. In addition, he is both a National Board Member and Practitioner Investigator with the PEARL network (Practitioners Engaged in Applied Research and Learning), sponsored by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR).

Dr. Joy-Ann Deane, Clinical Director
Dr. Deane is the clinical director at Oral Health Center where she also serves as a general dentist. She received her DDS degree from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and her General Practice Residency certificate from Montefiore Medical Center/Jacobi in Bronx, NY.  Dr. Deane was a member of Gamma Pi Delta Prosthodontic Honor Society while in dental school.   She serves as a co-investigator with the PEARL network and is a member of the Academy of General Dentists and the American Dental Association. Dr. Deane is the proud mother of two children.

Dr. John Ducimo, Director of Quality Improvement
Dr. Ducimo is the Director of Quality Improvement at Oral Health Center. Prior to joining Oral Health Center, Dr. Ducimo served as Dental Co-Director and Dental Director at two community health centers in the Worcester area. During that time, he taught dental hygiene students at Quinsigamond Community College. Dr. Ducimo received his DMD degree from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. He is a member of the American Dental Association and is a co-investigator with the PEARL network.

Dr. Thomas F. Unger, General Dentist
Dr. Unger joined the practice in July 2007 and concentrates on the treatment of Oral Health Center’s patients.  Prior to joining our staff, Dr Unger was in private practice and was formerly Chief of the Dental Service at Harvard Vanguard Health Care in Braintree.  He received his DDS degree from New York University College of Dentistry and completed his two year General Dentistry Residency in a joint program with Harvard University School of Dental Medicine and The Veterans Administration Hospital in West Roxbury Massachusetts. Dr. Unger is a member of the American Dental Association and a co-investigator with the PEARL network.

Dr. Gohar Mkrtchyan, General Dentist
Dr. Mkrtchyan is a general dentist at Oral Health Center and focuses on oral surgery and implant services.  She received her DMD degree from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine’s Advanced Standing program and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Implantology from the same institution. Dr. Mkrtchyan is a member of the American Dental Association and a co-investigator with the PEARL network.