
About Us
At Drs. Bankhead and Groipen DDS PC, we believe that healthy teeth are team effort. Our team consists of our clinical and administrative staff, our doctors, and of course you. We believe it's important for you to feel comfortable with us as we work toward your goal of a healthy smile. We'd like to use this page to introduce ourselves.
Meet Our Doctors
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Richard Bankhead, D.D.S.
The Ohio State University
Bachelor of Science, Zoology/Ethology, 1976
Doctor of Dental Surgery, 1979A native of Ohio, Dr. Richard Bankhead met Dr. Groipen in dental school and began a lifelong friendship. After graduation, they decided to become business partners. Dr. Rick is drawn to the intricate details of dentistry as it’s often the little things that make a person’s smile. His patients know him as a perfectionist; he never rushes, taking time to make sure the procedure and the aesthetics are superb.
It comes as no surprise that Dr. Rick loves the arts. He has taken classes at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and at Massachusetts College of Art. He paints with both oil and acrylic, although he prefers oil. Dr. Rick loves local theater and takes in a production whenever he has a chance. He also has a passion for helping people. He is currently volunteering at Bridge Over Troubled Waters, a shelter for homeless and at-risk children and adolescents.
Dr. Rick balances his love of the arts with his love of the outdoors. His undergraduate studies in zoology and ethology (animal behavior) caused him to be very environmentally conscious. Dr. Rick had a bike rack installed at our Belgrade Avenue location. That will certainly help with the gas prices rising! He tries to carve out time to enjoy cycling, running, and hiking, but he always feels he should be doing more!
Dr. Rick is a current member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Massachusetts Dental Society. He taught at the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene for 7 years. Dr. Rick is a certified provider of Invisalign short-term orthodontic treatment, and also a certified provider of porcelain CEREC restorations.
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Paul Groipen, D.D.S.
Case Western Reserve University
Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude Religion, 1975
The Ohio State University
Doctor of Dental Surgery, 1979Dr. Paul Groipen was born in Newton, MA. Having been raised in such a homogenous city, he wanted to gain some independence from his family. He decided that Ohio was the place to be. He had fun in Ohio, but he missed his family and came back home. He is very involved with the community. Dr. Groipen is a past president of the Hyde Park Rotary Club and a past board member of the Riverside Theater Group. He is currently a member of Hyde Park Main Streets.
For fun, Dr. Groipen loves to travel. In 2010 he went to Antarctica to play with the penguins. He would love to show you the pictures from his expedition on our office Facebook page. He tries to play tennis and tries to exercise. (He has the best intentions, anyway!) And he loves to go to the theater and the symphony.
Dr. Groipen is a current member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Massachusetts Dental Society, and the American Endodontic Society. He is a certified provider of porcelain CEREC restorations.
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Kirk Bankhead, D.D.S.
The Ohio State University
Bachelor of Science, Zoology, 1980
Doctor of Dental Surgery, 1985Dr. Kirk Bankhead earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology at the Ohio State University. From there he found his passion in dentistry, completing dental school at OSU. He especially enjoys surgical procedures, including extracting teeth and placing implants. His passion clearly flows over into his personal life, and he often makes follow-up phone calls to patients after hours, even when taking a personal vacation or day off.
He enjoys a variety of physical, recreational, and cultural activities. When Dr. Kirk can pull himself away from work, he truly thrives on travel and its experience. He's had the opportunity to discover many parts of the world and enjoys immersing himself in the language and culture of the countries he visits. He is an avid bodybuilder and his efforts don't go unnoticed! Kirk appreciates his down time and enjoys home improvement projects, tending to his landscaping and experimenting in the kitchen. Come spring, he just loves to watch the Red Sox!
Dr. Kirk treats his patients as if they are all close personal friends. As his patients would tell you, having a doctor who feels so passionate about his chosen profession is perhaps the greatest benefit of all.
Dr. Kirk is a current member of the American Dental Association and the Massachusetts Dental Society. He is a certified provider of porcelain CEREC restorations. -
Stuart MacDonald, D.M.D.
D.M.D.The University of New Hampshire
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science 1995
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Doctor of Medical Dentistry, 2001Dr. Stuart MacDonald was born in Boston and grew up in Hyde Park. Upon graduation from Boston Latin Academy, he attended the University of New Hampshire. He studied political science, and was a member of the UNH men’s rugby club. Dr. MacDonald began working with Drs. Bankhead and Groipen as a part-time dental assistant during summer and winter breaks. Through working with us, he decided to pursue a career in dentistry. He received his DMD from Tufts University in 2001, but he continues to enhance his education.
Dr. MacDonald is a current member of the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is a certified provider of Invisalign and 6 Month Smile short-term orthodontic treatment, and also a certified provider porcelain CEREC restorations. Dr. MacDonald has been involved in the curriculum at the Dawson Academy in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Formerly an avid outdoors man, Dr. MacDonald used to enjoy snowboarding and hiking. Of course he has three kids now, so he doesn’t do any of that anymore. In his free time, Dr. MacDonald likes to read story books, pick up toys off the floor, and watch Dora the Explorer. He also cheers for the Red Sox and the Patriots when he can gain control of the TV.
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Derek Martin, D.M.D.
Anna Maria College
Bachelor of Science Degree, Biology/Chemistry, 2001
Clark University
Masters Degree, Education, 2003
Boston University
Masters Degree, Medical Science, 2008
Doctor of Medical Dentistry, 2012Dr. Martin is originally from a small town in northeast Connecticut. He has always enjoyed visiting the Boston area, though, and has spent the past ten years living in the city.
Dr. Martin has always wanted to work with children and has always loved science. After receiving his Bachelors degree in Biology and Chemistry from Anna Maria College, he pursued a Masters in Education from Clark University. He spent the next several years teaching biology to high school students. In the office, Dr. Martin puts his background in education to good use. Our younger patients love seeing Dr. Martin because he makes visiting the dentist a fun and pleasant experience. His calm, friendly demeanor also helps put our anxious adult patients at ease.
Dr. Martin is a current member of the American Dental Association and the Massachusetts Dental Society. He is also a certified provider of Invisalign short-term orthodontic treatment. When time permits, Dr. Martin enjoys traveling and golfing. His perfect escape from big city life is a relaxing afternoon spent in coastal Maine, walking the beach with his two dogs, a miniature English bulldog and a Boston terrier.
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Warren C. Childs III, D.D.S., M.M.Sc.
Cornell University
Bachelor of Arts, Biochemistry, 1978
The University of Illinois College of Dentistry
Bachelor of Sciences, 1983
Doctor of Dental Surgery, 1984
Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Certification in Periodontology, 1987
Master of Medical Sciences, 1987Dr. Warren Childs was born and raised just outside of Chicago, Illinois. He brought his love of the Cubs with him when he moved to Boston in 1984. He’s maintained his loyalty to them through the years. No stranger to heartbreak, he rejoiced when the Red Sox and White Sox won their championships.
Dr. Childs resides in the Boston area with his wife and children. He keeps busy by attending his children’s many soccer, softball, and baseball games. He also loves gardening; his yard boasts over 200 roses and two koi ponds.
Dr. Childs is currently a member of the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Society, and the American Academy of Periodontology. In addition to working three days with us, he is a member of the courtesy staff at Faulkner Hospital and Bicon Dental Implants.
Meet Our Staff
Our support staff at Drs. Bankhead and Groipen is made up of people who grew up in the area. Many of our patients are our neighbors and we therefore have a strong sense of community. When a patient calls with a question or a concern, we do our best to resolve the issue and help our neighbor. We get along very well with each other and our patients have often remarked that we create a fun atmosphere. We have a small photo gallery; if you’d like to see more pictures of us at work and play, please head over to our Facebook page.
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The Front Desk
Our front desk staff is experienced in facilitating the dental care
you need. Denise, Dave, and Tara are our office managers, supported by
Janet, Meghan and Stacey. Together they bring a combined total of 75
years working with Drs. Bankhead and Groipen! The women were all born and raised in Boston (Dave is from the South Shore) and we know many of our patients from the community. It’s this personal connection with
our patients that motivates our work. Our front desk often develops
personal rapports with the patients, and we look forward to seeing
them. If you need help with scheduling, insurance, or finances, (among
other topics) just call and someone will be happy to help you. -
Dental Assistants
Our team of dental assistants is responsible for helping the dentist
in performing the procedure, taking diagnostic x-rays or impressions
if necessary, and a myriad of other tasks. Each assistant usually
works specifically with one doctor. This means that as the patient
forms a relationship with the doctor, a relationship with his
assistant is formed at the same time. Our assistants are calming and
welcoming, and the atmosphere they create alleviates any anxiety a
patient may have about visiting us.
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Dental Hygientists
We have nine full- and part-time hygienists. This allows us to offer
evening and Saturday appointments. Often, a personal bond is forged
between hygienist and patient, and many patients have a favorite
hygienist. Their popularity is evident in how quickly the schedule
books up. We encourage our patients to schedule cleanings six months
in advance, if possible, to ensure the requested day, time, location,
and hygienist are available.
Marie Quinlan, R.D.H. Forsyth Graduate, Practicing with us since 1981 Joanne Scaramuzzo , R.D.H. Forsyth Graduate, Practicing with us since 1987 Erin Martin , R.D.H. Forsyth Graduate, Practicing with us since 1992 Maureen Favorito , R.D.H. Forsyth Graduate, Practicing with us since 1991 Mary Fitzpatrick , R.D.H. Forsyth Graduate, Practicing with us since 1985 Jacob Ramos, R.D.H. Mount Ida Graduate and currently an assistant professor at Mount Ida, Practicing with us since 1996. Elaine Conroy, R.D.H. Forsyth Graduate, Practicing with us since 1999 Kristina Krug, R.D.H. University of Maine, Practicing with us since 2005 Elizabeth Roddy, R.D.H. Mount Ida Graduate, Practicing with us since 2008
