
Melissa Mondesir, DMD
Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Mondesir is a first generation Haitian American and a New York Native. She hails from Freeport, NY (Long Island), where she spent her childhood and teenage years. She attended Saint John's University, where she received her Bachelors of Science in chemistry and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Although Dr. Mondesir always knew that she wanted to become a dentist since the age of 3, she took a gap year between college and matriculating into dental school. During that time, she worked as a cosmetic chemist at Estee Lauder. She went on to receive her Doctorate in Dental Medicine from The University of Connecticut School Of Dental Medicine (Go huskies), where she not only participated, but lead many outreach and mentoring programs for children and teens from underserved communities. She was also afforded the opportunity to volunteer in global outreach and serve many children in Honduras.
Dr. Mondesir went on to complete a one-year General Practice Residency at New York Medical College/Phelps Memorial Hospital in Westchester, NY. After completing her residency, she spent some time in the Bronx, NY, where she worked as a General Dentist. In the height of the pandemic, Dr. Mondesir found herself moving to Alabama to begin her pediatric dental residency at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. During her second year in residency, she completed a leadership in education in neurodevelopment and related disabilities fellowship. In light of this exceptional training, Dr. Mondesir has a special place in her heart for the special needs community and hopes to be able to help those families in need.
Dr. Mondesir’s residency and practice experience has provided an excellent foundation for treating children of all nationalities, religions, races, and economic levels. She believes that every child deserves a beautiful smile. She is excited to provide compassionate care, servant-leadership, and hold an active interest in community health. She strives to be an advocate for children and help educate parents on the importance of good oral health.
Dr. Mondesir recently moved to the Albany/Troy area and while she’s originally from New York, Upstate New York is new territory for her. When you see her, feel free to give her some places she should visit. In her free time, Dr. Modesir loves to stay active. How? Her Peloton bike, lifting weights, and running with Peloton instructors. Can you guess that she loves Peloton? Dr. Mondesir LOVES to travel. She has visited 12 countries thus far. For now, COVID put a halt on travel, but she hopes to collect more passport stamps in the near future. She loves to cook at home, but also is a foodie and loves to try new restaurants and experience foods from different cultures. She is excited to see what Upstate New York has to offer and can’t wait to see all your beautiful faces.
Favorite color: All shades of blue and pink. Oh and purple, lol
Favorite children’s movie: The Lion King
Favorite sing along Disney song: “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Tarzan & “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” from The Lion King. Extra brownie points if it’s the Beyonce version.
Favorite game to play: Taboooo!! If you’re on my team, you need to bring your “A” game….not that I’m competitive or anything.
Go to Summer activity: Traveling, visiting vineyards, attending summer concerts, brunch, and laying poolside or at a beach.
Go to Winter activity: Staying warm inside, lol just kidding. Ice skating and snow tubing. Maybe I’ll giving skiing another try…
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? I like to believe that I am a pretty good cook, I mean at least that’s what people tell me when they try my food.
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be… To teleport, or use floo powder (IYKYK). That would most certainly help me visit every country in the world. Flights are way too expensive these days.
What are you most passionate about professionally? It is important to me that each patient has the best experience. My goal is to provide a warm, child-friendly environment with exceptional care. I want every child to love coming to the dentist.
What excites you the most about your work? It’s the kids! Children have a way of bringing out the joy and happiness in everyone. Seeing the smiles and excitement in a child who was initially afraid of sitting in the dental chair, and now loves to come to the dentist warms my heart.
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! The team is very hard working. Everyone works together to make sure that every patient and every parent has a wonderful experience at The Smile Lodge.
What else should our patients know about you? I have run 6 half marathons. I am a fitness enthusiast and am a Peloton afficionado. Oh and I love Beyonce.