At Dental Specialists of Darien, dentistry is where science, design, and human connection meet. Led by board-certified prosthodontists and partners Dr. Marie Falcone and Dr. William Zapata, the practice is rooted in precision, compassion, and a legacy of excellence spanning more than 60 years. As the third generation to own and operate the Darien practice, the couple brings both deep respect for its history and a forward-thinking approach to modern dental care.
Dr. Falcone’s path to prosthodontics was driven by her passion for creativity and healthcare. A graduate of Barnard College and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, she earned a full scholarship to complete her Master’s in Bioethics, graduated in the top ten percent of her class, and specialized at the University of Connecticut with a focus on esthetics and dental shade matching. She is also the first and only woman to serve as President of the Connecticut section of the American College of Prosthodontics.
Dr. Zapata’s journey was inspired early on by his father, also a prosthodontist. After graduating at the top of his class, he completed advanced residency training and a three-year prosthodontics specialty program at UConn, where he also taught dental students. His advanced training centers on facial esthetics and precision-driven smile reconstruction.
Together, they lead with a shared philosophy: treat the whole person, not just the tooth. Patients often remark that the office feels more like a family living room than a clinical setting. Listening, understanding personal stories, and easing anxiety are central to every visit. Clinically, their mantra is clear, aim for perfection and settle for excellence. A standard reflected in their meticulous attention to detail.
What truly differentiates the practice is how specialty-level training is applied to every patient, whether they need routine cleanings or complex full-mouth reconstruction. As the only board-certified prosthodontists in Darien and New Canaan, Drs. Falcone and Zapata bring three additional years of advanced education, dual master’s degrees, and a conservative mindset to all care. “We would never recommend something we wouldn’t do for ourselves or our family,” they share.
Among the most fulfilling cases they treat are children with congenitally missing or misshapen teeth, as well as adults who have avoided smiling or eating comfortably for years. Through collaboration with local specialists and advanced digital technology, they restore confidence, function, and joy, often in life-changing ways.
As husband and wife, their partnership adds to the practice’s warmth and cohesion. Their shared training, values, and mutual respect allow for real-time collaboration chairside, reinforcing the family-first culture patients feel immediately. Word-of-mouth referrals continue to fuel the practice’s growth, a testament to a team built on empathy, excellence, and genuine care.
We focus on the person attached to the tooth—listening deeply, understanding their story, and delivering dentistry that feels personal, thoughtful, and truly centered on long-term wellbeing.
We aim for perfection and settle for excellence, applying specialty-level precision to every patient—whether it’s routine care, esthetic refinement, or life-changing full-mouth reconstruction.