The practice's shingled house at 362 Ives Street, on the corner of Waterman Street in Providence.
★★★★★ 4.6 on Google · 150+ reviews

Gentle dentistry on the corner of Ives & Waterman.

Dr. Mahra Rubinstein and Dr. David Persky practise general, cosmetic and implant dentistry on Providence’s East Side, in the practice Dr. Michael Rubinstein and Dr. Robert Ducoff built.

Request an Appointment (401) 861-4358
Ives Street, Providence 1968

the year Dr. Michael Rubinstein began practising. His daughter, Dr. Mahra, joined him in 1999.

Fellowships, memberships and study clubs our dentists belong to

Academy of General DentistryFellow, Dr. RubinsteinAmerican Academy of Dental Sleep MedicineMemberAmerican Dental AssociationMembersRhode Island Dental AssociationMemberSeattle Study ClubContinuing education
The practice's sign on the lawn at 362 Ives Street, listing Dr. Rubinstein, Dr. Ducoff and Dr. Persky and pointing patients to the side entrance.
The door at 362 Ives Street under its black awning, with the practice's nameplate beside it.

Some patients here have been coming for decades: first to Dr. Michael Rubinstein and Dr. Robert Ducoff, now to Dr. Mahra Rubinstein and Dr. David Persky. Dr. Ducoff treated three generations of some families. That is what a practice is for.

The names on the door have changed over fifty years. The way you are looked after has not.

Our history

A family practice, since 1968.

The practice is still called Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff, after the two dentists who built it. Dr. Mahra Rubinstein is Dr. Michael Rubinstein’s daughter, and joined him here in 1999.

  1. 1968

    Dr. Michael Rubinstein

    A University of Rhode Island and Loyola graduate, he begins practising dentistry, following his own grandfather into the profession.

  2. 1973

    Dr. Robert Ducoff

    Tufts-trained, with two years of postgraduate training at Langley Air Force Base, he makes Rhode Island home and goes on to practise for over forty years.

  3. 1999

    Dr. Mahra Rubinstein

    Moses Brown class of 1990, then Union College, Maryland and a residency at Mount Sinai. She joins her father's practice.

  4. 2021

    Dr. David Persky

    Straight from an Advanced General Dentistry residency at Tufts, after dental school at Boston University.

  5. Today

    Dr. Rubinstein & Dr. Persky

    Dr. Michael Rubinstein and Dr. Ducoff have retired. The practice keeps their name on the door, and their patients.

1968
Dr. Michael Rubinstein begins practising dentistry
1999
Dr. Mahra Rubinstein joins her father’s practice
2021
Dr. David Persky joins, from his residency at Tufts
4.6
On Google, from 150+ reviews

Meet your dentists

Dr. Rubinstein and Dr. Persky.

Two general dentists, one who grew up in Providence and one who chose it. Both trained in hospital or advanced residencies after dental school, and both belong to the Academy of General Dentistry.

Dr. Mahra B. Rubinstein, DDS, FAGD, in the office at 362 Ives Street.
Since 1999Fellow, AGD

Dr. Mahra B. Rubinstein, DDS, FAGD

University of Maryland College of Dental Surgery (DDS); General Practice Residency, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York

Grew up in Providence and graduated from Moses Brown in 1990. In her own words, she enjoys helping people feel and look their best, and works to make a visit to the dentist more relaxing for anyone who dreads it.

  • Fellow, Academy of General DentistryEarned through years of continuing education beyond dental school.
  • Dental sleep medicineA dedicated course at Tufts, and membership of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
  • Implant restorationA multidisciplinary course in restoring integrated dental implants.
  • Seattle Study ClubOngoing case study with colleagues, to stay current with technology.

Lives in Sharon, MA, with her husband, their two children and their dog Gracie. Lacrosse fields, and skiing in the winter.

Dr. David W. Persky, DMD, in the office at 362 Ives Street.
Since 2021Published researcher

Dr. David W. Persky, DMD

Boston University School of Dental Medicine (DMD); Advanced General Dentistry Residency, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

Grew up between Philadelphia and Boston. He believes open communication is the heart of the job, and takes the time to talk each option through so every patient knows exactly what their choices are.

  • Research on dental bond strengthPublished from his Master's in Biomedical Science at PCOM.
  • Advanced General Dentistry residencyTufts University School of Dental Medicine, after his DMD at Boston University.
  • University of PittsburghBiology, with a minor in chemistry and a second major in religious studies.
  • Study club memberAcademy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association and the Providence Dental Study Club.

Lives in East Providence with his wife, their dog Libby and their cat Macy. New restaurants, and the Patriots.

The two names the practice still carries

1968 to retirement

Dr. Michael L. Rubinstein, DDS

University of Rhode Island, then Loyola University Dental School. A Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry who served on the discipline committee of the Rhode Island Board of Dental Examiners, and a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

Over forty years, to retirement

Dr. Robert J. Ducoff, DMD

Rutgers, then Tufts. A Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry since 1979 and a past president of the Providence District Dental Society, who treated three generations of some families.

Care & comfort

Three things we take seriously.

Personalised, gentle, comprehensive care is the practice’s own description of itself. Here is what that looks like from the chair.

Headphones resting on a dental chair, for a patient's own music during treatment.
01

Nervous? Tell us. It changes the visit.

The problem: dental anxiety, often from not knowing what comes next.

We explain what to expect before each step, which on its own settles a lot of fear. Bring headphones and your own music, and ask about dental sedation options. One patient wrote that Dr. Rubinstein and her assistant Ann eased their anxiety from start to finish.

A dental operating microscope over a treatment chair.
02

Dentistry is micro-surgery

The problem: a restoration can only fit as well as the eye that places it.

We work under high-power microscopes, like the ones ophthalmologists use, with the light directed onto the tooth rather than into your eyes. Electric handpieces run truer than air-driven drills, with less noise and vibration.

A custom oral appliance for snoring and sleep apnea, in its case on a bedside table.
03

Snoring, sleep apnea, and your dentist

The problem: sleep apnea is serious, and it happens while you are asleep.

After a professional diagnosis, a custom oral appliance can keep the airway open through the night. Dr. Rubinstein trained in dental sleep medicine at Tufts and is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

Dentistry in Providence, RI

General, cosmetic & implant dentistry.

A full scope under one roof, from cleanings to porcelain veneers, implants, crowns and bridges. If you ever do need a specialist, we refer you to colleagues we have vetted ourselves.

Preventative Care

Cleanings and checkups, and properly treating gum disease when it is there: deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, and Arestin placed right in the pocket.

  • Cleanings & Checkups
  • Oral Hygiene
  • Gum Disease Treatment
  • Deep Teeth Cleaning
  • Arestin
  • Periodontal Maintenance
Book a cleaning →

Restorative Dentistry

Putting teeth back. Restorations are made under high-power microscopes with electric handpieces, for a precise fit between tooth and restoration.

  • Dental Implants
  • Dental Crowns
  • Dental Bridges
  • Dental Fillings
  • Non-Surgical Root Canal
  • Tooth Extractions
Ask about a restoration →

Dentures

A full range, from dentures placed the day teeth come out to dentures held by implants, and the care that keeps them fitting over the years.

  • Immediate Dentures
  • Implant-Retained Dentures
  • Partial Dentures
  • Relines & Soft Liners
  • Rebase & Repairs
  • Exams & Maintenance
Ask about dentures →

Cosmetic Dentistry

A bright, even smile, with any combination of the treatments below, and Xeomin for TMJ pain, grinding, gummy smiles and frown lines.

  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Venus Whitening
  • Invisalign
  • Dental Bonding
  • Inlays & Onlays
  • Xeomin
Ask about your smile →

Four that people ask about most.

Dental Implants

A foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and work like natural ones, so you can eat virtually anything again, and your facial contours are preserved.

Invisalign

A customised digital plan shows the whole change before it starts. Aligners are worn 20 to 22 hours a day and changed every one to two weeks; 12 to 18 months is typical.

Venus® Whitening

In the office, with custom trays at home, or disposable trays, depending on your needs and budget. A shade assessment first tells you what to expect.

Xeomin®

An FDA-approved injection that relaxes specific muscles: relief for TMJ pain and grinding, a softer gummy smile, and smoother frown lines.

Advanced technology

See more, expose less, fit better.

Dr. Rubinstein and Dr. Persky choose carefully which radiographs are taken, and when, following published guidelines. The rest of the equipment is there to see problems sooner and explain them better.

  • Digital x-raysViewed on a monitor rather than held up to the light, at a fraction of the exposure of film, and sent straight to a specialist or insurer when needed.
  • Intraoral cameraA camera a few millimetres long, showing you enlarged, clear images of your own teeth and gums.
  • Laser dentistryNo heat or vibration for many procedures, and gum treatments that heal faster without sutures.
  • Infection controlOSHA, EPA and CDC procedures, and every reusable instrument sterilised by autoclave before each use.
A digital dental x-ray displayed on a monitor beside a treatment chair.
Digital x-rays appear on screen as soon as they are taken.

The office

A house on the corner of Ives and Waterman.

A grey shingled house on a residential corner of the East Side, with a waiting room that looks out over the street. These are the practice’s own photographs.

★★★★★
Kind and thoughtful people work here. Scott H.Google review
The front of 362 Ives Street, a grey shingled house with a gambrel roof, under a blue sky.
The waiting room, with chairs along a wide window onto the street.
A corner of the waiting room with a television, a water cooler and a framed print of Providence.
The waiting room by the stairs, with armchairs and framed prints.

New patients & emergencies

In pain? Call, and we will try to see you today.

If you have pain or an emergency, every attempt will be made to see you that day. For everything else, we schedule as promptly as we can, and send appointment reminders so nothing slips.

  1. An examination, a review of your history, and your treatment options
  2. Treatment can often be done or started the same day
  3. Bring previous x-rays, your medication list and insurance forms
  4. Anyone under 18 comes with a parent or guardian
Request an Appointment (401) 861-4358
The side of the practice building along the sidewalk, with its black awning and wide windows.
362 Ives Street, on the corner of Waterman Street. The lawn sign points to the side entrance.

Insurance & payment

We bill your insurer for you.

As a courtesy we file your claim and track it. Keep us posted if your plan changes. Anything insurance does not cover is due at the time of service.

Plans we work with

Not on the list? Call (401) 861-4358 and we will tell you what other options may be available.

  • Delta Dental
  • MetLife
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Altus

Paying for treatment

Payment is due at the time of service. Most insurers respond to a claim within four to six weeks, and any remaining balance is yours.

  • Cash or check, always accepted
  • Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express
  • Questions about financing: call the office

Brown University students

Brown University Health Services lists Dr. Mahra Rubinstein and Dr. David Persky among its dental referrals. The office is a short trip east of College Hill.

Drs. Rubinstein & Persky

4.6 on Google · 150+ reviews

In our patients’ own words.

★★★★★
Together they helped ease any anxiety I had and made sure I was comfortable from start to finish. Their teamwork, kindness, and attention to detail made the entire series of appointments stress-free. Rod M.Google review
★★★★★
Excellent care. Dr. Mahra is fantastic. My hygienist today was especially kind and gentle. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this practice to anyone. Camille C.Google review
★★★★★
I must admit I've never loved going to the dentist, but I DO love how these folks explain everything to me step-by-step to minimize my anxiety and give me agency in my care. Rebecca G.Google review
★★★★★
Very professional dentist practice. Overall a great experience from the front desk to the cleaning to the final dentist exam with Dr Rubenstein. She is the best! Mallard R.Google review
★★★★★
Cynthia is the best! She is so very thorough at her cleaning technique. Just excellent!! Michael F.Patient review
★★★★★
Great experience! Always friendly and kind service. Anna B.Google review
★★★★★
I always enjoy seeing Dr. Mahra. And I look forward to seeing Kim who has cleaned my teeth for many years. Jo-an M.Patient review

Patient education

What people ask before they book.

Do you take my insurance?

We work with Delta Dental, MetLife, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Altus, and as a courtesy we bill your insurance company and track the claim for you. Most insurers respond within four to six weeks. If your plan is not listed, call us on (401) 861-4358 and we will tell you what is possible.

I get anxious at the dentist. Can you help?

Tell us when you book. A lot of fear comes from not knowing what happens next, so we explain each step before we do it. You are welcome to bring headphones and your own music, and you can ask us about dental sedation options.

I am in pain. Can I be seen today?

Call the office rather than using the form. If you have pain or an emergency, every attempt will be made to see you that same day.

What happens at my first visit?

An examination and a review of your treatment options. Treatment can often be done or started the same day; a complex medical history or treatment plan may need a second appointment. Bring any x-rays from your previous dentist, a list of your medications, and your insurance forms. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian with them.

How long does Invisalign take?

On average 12 to 18 months, depending on how complex your case is and how faithfully the aligners are worn: 20 to 22 hours a day, taken out only to eat, clean and for the occasional special event.

Where are you, and which door do I use?

362 Ives Street, on the corner of Waterman Street, on the East Side. It is a grey shingled house; the sign on the lawn directs you to the side entrance. We are open Monday to Thursday 8 to 5, and Friday 8 to 2.

Providence & nearby

From all over Providence County.

Individuals and families come to Ives Street from across the city and its neighbours, and from just over the state line in Massachusetts.

  • Providence
  • Cranston
  • Pawtucket
  • East Providence
  • North Providence
  • Johnston
  • Warwick
  • Seekonk, MA
  • Swansea, MA
Downtown Providence at dusk, seen across the river.

Visit us

362 Ives Street. Use the side entrance.

Address
362 Ives Street
Providence, RI 02906
Corner of Waterman Street
Phone
(401) 861-4358
Fax (401) 421-9124
362Ives@gmail.com
Hours
Monday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Request an appointment, and we will call you to confirm.

Our scheduling coordinator will contact you. If you are in pain, please phone instead. Existing patients: please do not send private health information through this form.

✓ Delta Dental, MetLife, BCBS ✓ Same-day for pain ✓ Accepting new patients