River Valley Dental Team
Dr. Babak Gojgini D.M.D.
Dr. Gojgini received his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Tufts University, and subsequently received his Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree from Tufts Dental School in 2000. Dr. Gojgini is highly skilled in all phases of restorative and cosmetic dentistry. He is an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Society, and the Valley District Dental Society. The doctor currently is satisfying continuing education requirements to achieve Master level credentialing with the AGD. His wife, Andrea Gancarz, is a dental hygienist, a former professor, and currently is pursuing her Doctorate Degree in Higher Education Administration. Dr. Gojgini, Andrea, and their son Andrew reside in Belchertown, MA. In his free time, Dr. Gojgini enjoys golf, chess, and spending time with his family.
Dr. Thomas Borek D.D.S.
Dr. Borek is a graduate of Tufts University, class of 1971 and attended Case Western Reserve University where he graduated from dental school in 1975. He is a member in good standing of the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Society, and the Valley District Dental Society. Dr. Borek travels frequently to attend a wide variety of continuing education courses. He is a Ludlow native and now resides in Westfield with his wife Kathleen. Both are avid gardeners. His interest is in fruit trees and vegetable gardening while her interest is ponds and flowers.
Dr. Edward Smola D.M.D.
Dr. Smola is an alumnus of the University of Massachusetts and a 1967 graduate of Tufts Dental School. In that same year he moved his young family from his neighboring hometown to Hadley and has been practicing in the Hadley community ever since. Dr. Smola is extensively trained in all aspects of general dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Society, and a member and Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. In addition to thousands of hours of education accumulated over his career, the doctor maintains fellowship tenure with 35 credits or more of continuing education yearly. Dr. Smola is active in his community and church, enjoys his family, his woodworking shop, fishing, gardening, and travel. He enjoys his patients and his chosen profession as much now as when he first began practicing nearly 40 years ago.
Dr. Demi Athans D.M.D.
Dr. Demi Athans (nee Pirpiris) earned her undergraduate degree from Simmons College in Biochemistry before earning her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in May of 2009. At Tufts she served as president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She has done research at the Boston Medical Center on the correlation between periodontal disease and atherosclerosis. In 2008 she participated in the Tufts University Humanitarian Outreach Program where she provided dental care to children at orphanages in Cusco, Peru. Dr. Athans continues to stay on the forefront of new dental practices and techniques. Dr. Athans is a member of The American Dental Association, The Massachusetts Dental Society, Valley District Dental Society, and The American Association of Women Dentists. She currently resides in Sturbridge, Massachusetts with her husband Alex and dog Meli. When not working, she enjoys gardening, traveling, and outdoor activities.
Our Hygienists
The mission of our practice is to help you determine your oral health goals and to share the benefit of our knowledge and expertise in order to help you attain those goals. We pride ourselves on staying on the cutting edge of quality dentistry, patient education, and communication. We offer a highly personalized service tailored to your individual needs in a relaxed and homey atmosphere.
Our Staff
We are proud to welcome you to our practice. We are your receptionists, chair side assistants, and financial managers and our purpose is to help you achieve the oral health goals that you and your doctor set for yourself. We bring many collective years of education and experience to this task. We think of each other and our patients as extended family and would like you to feel the same. We want you to feel comfortable and special at every visit. Confident that your dental care is in the very best hands. Our goal is that you always leave our office looking forward to your next visit.
