Meet Our Team

Pediatric dentists have an extra two to three years of specialized training after dental school and are dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through college years. Infants, young children, pre-teens and teenagers all require different approaches in dealing with their behavior, guiding their oral growth and development, and preventing future dental problems. As trained specialists for children, we are best qualified to meet children's unique needs.

Dr. Religa

Dr. Z. Christopher Religa joined Central CT Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in 2000. A native of Newington, CT. he received his bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut and his DMD from UConn School of Dental Medicine. He did his residency and specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at the Columbus Children's Hospital in Ohio and also was awarded a Masters of Science in Pediatric Dentistry by The Ohio State University. Dr. Religa is Board Certified in Pediatric Dentistry and is a Senior Attending in the Department of Surgery at Middlesex Hospital. Dr. Religa was voted by his peers as one of Connecticut's Top Pediatric Dentists for the Connecticut Magazine. Dr Religa spends most of his free time with his wife, their two children and their dog Chewy. He enjoys traveling, hiking, biking and swimming.

Dr. Haim

Dr. Tiffany Haim joined Central CT Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in 2010. She attended Brandeis University undergraduate and received her dental training (Doctor of Dental Medicine) from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Haim then completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey followed by two years of pediatric specialty training at New York University School of Dentistry. Dr. Haim is Board Certified in Pediatric Dentistry and a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, New York State Dental Association and the Connecticut State Dental Association. Dr. Haim resides in Old Saybrook, Ct and enjoys traveling, skiing, and playing tennis in her spare time.

Dr. Pesce

Dr. Robert Pesce, Jr. joined Central CT Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in 2015. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Tufts University in 2000. After working as an engineer for a few years, he decided to go back to school to become a dentist and orthodontist. Dr. Pesce received his dental degree (DMD) from the University of Connecticut in 2007, and completed a three-year orthodontic residency with a Masters in Dental Science from the University of Connecticut in 2010. Dr. Pesce is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Connecticut State Orthodontic Society, the American Dental Association, and the Connecticut State Dental Association. Dr. Pesce lives in Wethersfield with his wife, Trisha, and their two daughters. As an avid Boston sports fan, he really enjoys following his hometown teams. He also loves to watch movies, travel, and spend time with family and friends. Dr. Pesce looks forward to meeting new patients and providing healthy, beautiful smiles.

Dr. Mohan

Dr. Ritu Mohan is a board certified pediatric dentist who graduated as an Advanced Placement student from NYU College of Dentistry with honors and was inducted into the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon (National dental Honor Society). While at NYU, she received ‘Dr. Bernard E. Rudner Memorial Award’ for demonstrating superior performance in providing oral comprehensive care. She did her specialty training as a pediatric dentist at UConn School of Dental Medicine with extensive clinical training, followed by an additional year of advanced fellowship. Upon graduation, she was awarded a Master of Dental Surgery degree. She is a member of American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Connecticut State Dental Association. She has a special interest in use of Laser technology in the field of Dentistry. Dr Mohan lives in Farmington with her husband, and twin daughters. She loves cooking, reading, and travelling.

Dr. Odiaka

Dr. Claudia Odiaka (or Dr. Claudia as she prefers to be called) joined Central CT Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in 2020. She received her undergraduate degree from Yale University and her dental degree (Doctorate of Dental Medicine) from University of Connecticut. Dr. Claudia then completed a two year pediatric dentistry residency at University of Connecticut and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Dr. Claudia is Board Certified in Pediatric Dentistry and a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, Connecticut State Dental Association, and Connecticut Society of Pediatric Dentists. Dr. Claudia’s goals are to help children and teens achieve their healthiest mouths and to help them enjoy their time at the dentist.