At Convivial Dental, we’re lucky to have dentists with very different backgrounds, specialties, and personalities, but one thing in common: they genuinely care about the people behind every smile. Our practice caters to the needs of both adults and children. Our adult dentists, Dr. Christian Ford and Dr. Anna Liapaki will be portrayed in our next communication. Today, get to know our dental specialists: Dr. Cartsos, Dr. Zavras, and Dr. Rifkin! 

Meet Dr. Vicky Cartsos

Orthodontist | Dentofacial Orthopedics

With 30 years of orthodontic clinical experience, Dr. Cartsos brings a sophisticated understanding of orthodontics, facial development and long-term oral health to the care of children and adults. She specializes in Early Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Full Comprehensive Orthodontic treatment as well as Multidisciplinary Craniofacial orthodontic treatment which involves all dental disciplines including Restorative and Orthognathic (jaw) surgery. She approaches each patient’s care with clinical precision and a thoughtful understanding of their individual needs, esthetics, and lifestyle.

For Dr. Cartsos, great orthodontic care is about more than straight teeth.

Her expertise extends beyond her private practice at Convivial Dental. As an Associate Professor of Orthodontics and Former Clinical Postgraduate Program Director at Tufts University Dental School, she brings the clinical evidence-based knowledge and the newest field related techniques to her everyday clinical practice. She is also a co-founding member of the Tufts Medical Center Craniofacial-Cleft Lip & Palate Team, where she spent over 10 years collaborating across specialties to care for patients with complex needs. This depth of experience is matched by her warm, nurturing approach and belief that exceptional orthodontic care should help patients feel comfortable, understood and confident throughout treatment.

Last year, on November 12, 2025, Dr. Cartsos was inducted in the American Academy of Dental Science based on her profound impact on the academic, clinical and professional contributions in the dental community.

When she’s not treating patients or teaching the next generation of orthodontists, you’ll probably find Dr. Cartsos traveling, playing tennis, skiing, or spending time with her husband, Dr. Zavras, and their two sons, Jason and John.

Meet Dr. Ethan (Athanasios) Zavras

Pediatric Dentist | Dental Director

Dr. Zavras has built his 30+ years career at the intersection of pediatric dentistry, education, research and prevention. His approach is grounded in a deep understanding of how oral health influences a child’s overall well-being. His clinical experience is vast and extends from personalized prevention to restorative dentistry to complex dentistry at Franciscan Children’s Hospital where he treats children that require general anesthesia. 

To deliver a highly personalized and comfortable experience, Dr. Zavras incorporates advanced technology, including CBCT 3D imaging, intraoral scanners, and dental lasers. 

His expertise extends well beyond Convivial Dental. Dr. Zavras serves as tenured Endowed Professor and Chairman of the Department of Public Health and Community Service and Associate Dean for Global Affairs at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He also serves at the University Senate, in Governor Healey’s Special Commission on Oral Health for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and at the International Association of Dental Research.  

In the past, he has been Chair of Pediatric Dentistry at Boston University (2014-2022), Professor and Director at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (2009-2014) and Professor and Program Director at Harvard University (1999-2009). 

His impact on oral health is recognized by the generations of dentists he has trained, the tens of scientific articles he has published in the most authoritative journals, two USPTO patents on oral diagnostics, his advanced research sponsored by the US government and his work at the World Health Organization in the early 2000s. But what he enjoys most is the friendships he has established at Convivial Dental with so many of our wonderful families and patients and the passion and the challenge of providing the best quality care possible.

Outside the practice and the University, Dr. Zavras enjoys serving in humanitarian dental missions for children in-need (ask about his next travel to the Island of Lesvos to care for refugee children), building AI agents, bicycling, swimming and traveling with his wife, Dr. Vicky Cartsos.  

Meet Dr. Marissa Rifkin

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Rifkin brings advanced pediatric training and a thoughtful, highly individualized approach to caring for children. She is experienced in treating patients with a wide range of medical and behavioral needs, with a particular focus on prevention, family education and building the trust that helps children feel comfortable and confident during dental visits.

Her path to pediatric dentistry includes a degree in Human Biology from Cornell University, her DDS from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, and a pediatric dentistry residency at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where she served as Chief Resident.

Dr. Rifkin also has a creative side. While in dental school, she co-authored The Tooth Fairy’s Busy Day, a children’s book designed to make learning about preventive dental care and oral health a little more fun.

Dr. Rifkin’s combination of dental competence, experience and confidence along with her charming, caring and warm approach are the secrets for gaining children’s trust and putting parents at ease.

Originally from Westchester County, NY, Dr. Rifkin now calls Boston home. Outside of dentistry, she enjoys staying active, discovering great restaurants, traveling, and cheering on the Celtics.

One Team, Three Unique Specialized Perspectives

Whether you’re looking for orthodontic care, pediatric dentistry, or a team that takes a thoughtful, prevention-focused approach to oral health, the doctors at Convivial Dental bring their own unique perspective and expertise to every patient they treat.

Most importantly, they’re here to make dental care feel a little more personal, a little more comfortable, and a lot more convivial.

Ready to meet our team? Call Convivial Dental at 617-735-0800. We look forward to welcoming you and your family!