Meet The Doctors
Michelle Abate Ruby, DMDRobert Ruby, DMD
About Us
Dr. Michelle Abate Ruby, DMD
I was born and raised in the North Shore and am thrilled to be part of the Newburyport community! I graduated DMD from UCONN, then completed a residency at Hartford Hospital (this provided advanced training in complex dentistry, surgery, trauma, infection, and treatment of medically compromised patients). In a lifetime of private practice, we may not see the volume or severity of dental trauma/infection that we can witness in one year at a level 1 trauma hospital. What I experienced at Hartford Hospital was invaluable.
Following formal training, I began my career working under the tutelage of CT top dentists and prosthodontists, Dr. Michael Christian and Dr. Bruce Nghiem at the Center for Dental Excellence in Simsbury, CT. Working for them was an eye-opening experience for the potential of what dentistry can be. Their mentorship has had a lasting impact on my dentistry techniques to this day.
Dentistry is a “practice”, like law and medicine. What does this mean? This means more than to “perform”, or simply “carry-out” a process. It is not just the act of “doing” a crown or filling. Every single crown or filling, I pick apart how it could have been better, or more efficient. I am hyper critical of my work and always improving. It is said that 10,000 hours of practicing an act leads to true mastery. I am still young in my career and may change my perspective, but I believe I will always feel there is something that can be improved. It’s just the improvements I seek, get smaller and smaller over time, perhaps unnoticeable to anyone but me.. (is anything we do ever truly perfect?)
Enough with the philosophy now!! This is a fun job and I love my patients. I can say that 100% we have THE BEST patients at Ruby Family Dentistry. I love getting to know you all and your families. I am surprised how many people read this, but my patients tell me all the time they do like reading these “about me’s.” What I can also say, is that Rob and I truly do our best with each and every patient, and with running this business. It is not easy running a small business. There are days you want to give up. But we are doing this for a reason and we know we are providing something good, that will get better over time. Especially with corporate dentistry taking over. We want patients who see the value in knowing your providers and having continuity of care over time.
Outside of the office, I love (and hate) golf. I started a few years ago and now I’m hooked. You can find us at Haverhill Country Club. Luckily, I’m better at dentistry than I am at playing golf. I also love to take a yoga class, try a new restaurant (we currently love Bar25 in NBPT), read books, and experiment In the kitchen.
Dr. Robert Ruby, DMD
Dr. Ruby is a proud fourth-generation general dentist and Connecticut native. His family tradition in dentistry began when his great-uncle Joseph Ruby graduated from Harvard’s School of Dental Medicine in 1919. Over 100 years later, without interruption, the Ruby family continues to deliver high quality dentistry in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Dr. Ruby completed his dental training at the University of Connecticut where he was first introduced to his wife, Michelle Abate. After earning his DMD, Dr. Ruby was selected to join Hartford Hospital’s General Practice Residency program. This additional training focused on surgical techniques, complex restorative dentistry, oral-facial infection, and management of medically compromised patients. Outside of hospital hours, he and his wife worked additional nights and weekends to treat emergency patients at an overwhelmed community clinic during the initial months of the COVID pandemic. After completing his residency program, Dr. Ruby joined his former UCONN clinical instructor, Dr. Maryann Lehmann, as an associate in her private practice in Darien, CT.
Dr. Ruby is passionate about education and believes it is critical for patients to understand the status of their own oral health and the rationale behind recommended treatment options. For this reason, Dr. Ruby encourages questions and takes time to review imaging and discuss all findings with each patient.
Outside of the office he enjoys playing music, making homemade pizza, or punishing himself on the golf course. Dr. Ruby is always curious to learn something new and intriguing so don’t hesitate to share your interests when you visit the office!
Lydia C, CDA
Lydia has been a member of Ruby Family Dentistry since our office first opened. She is the main assistant to the doctors, which means she will be supporting you throughout your entire appointment! She is responsible for setting up the room for your specific needs, getting you seated and comfortable, and assisting chairside for all treatments. You will find her wearing other hats as well; she may be one of the friendly voices answering the phone, or helping you schedule your next appointment. Behind the scenes she is keeping the office clean and sterile, stocked with important dental inventory, or even brightening up the office with seasonal decorations. Lydia has a strong background in customer service and caretaking so do not hesitate to let her know how she can help you!
Outside the office, Lydia enjoys being out by the ocean or lakes up in Maine with her significant other. This winter she has taken on the new challenge of learning to ski. You also can find her at a local restaurant trying something new, or at her staple favorite- Wang’s table, for sushi. Lydia also loves spending time with her younger brother and other family members whenever she has the chance. Looking for a dog sitter? She also loves to be with dogs and on her off time enjoys helping families when they need a sitter.