After more than a quarter-century of caring for generations of families, one of West Haven’s most respected dentists is beginning a well-deserved new chapter.
Dr. Mark Ryan, a graduate of the former University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey—now Rutgers School of Dental Medicine—completed his residency at Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey. Before pursuing dentistry, Dr. Ryan worked as a registered nurse, where he frequently assisted with head and neck procedures. It was there that he discovered his passion for the field.
“Rather than pursuing medicine, I found my calling in dentistry,” Dr. Ryan reflected. “It allowed me to combine science, precision, and patient care in a way that was truly rewarding.”
In December 2000, Dr. Ryan established his dental practice in West Haven, where he quickly became much more than a trusted healthcare provider. Over the past 26 years, he has built lasting relationships with countless patients while becoming an active and valued member of the community.
Beyond his practice, Dr. Ryan has dedicated himself to serving West Haven. He has been a proud member of the West Haven Rotary Club for 11 years and was actively involved with the West Haven Chamber of Commerce. Throughout the years, he has generously supported numerous local organizations, including WHEAT, Do Good Feel Good, Inc and various West Haven athletic programs, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to giving back to the community he has proudly served.
Dr. Ryan and his wife reside in Trumbull, where they raised their three daughters.
As he prepares for retirement, Dr. Ryan has entrusted his practice to Dr. Ku, owner of Clover Dental, who maintains an office in West Haven for the past 8 years. Dr. Ku, an Orange resident, lives with his wife and their two children. He selected West Haven as the home for his growing practice because of its central location and convenient access, including the city’s train station.
As part of the transition, Dr. Ku will merge the practices, making the Savin Avenue office his primary and only West Haven location. Patients will be pleased to know that the practice will continue operating under the trusted Ryan Dental name.
“My promise is to keep the same level of patient care and to take very good care of Dr. Ryan’s patients going forward,” said Dr. Ku.
The expanded practice will offer patients access to an even broader range of services, including oral surgery, periodontal treatment, dental implants, and advanced technology that will allow many procedures to be completed in a single visit and one office.
The current Ryan Dental team of seven employees will be joined by six additional staff members from Clover Dental, creating an expanded team dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care.
Letters notifying patients of the transition are being mailed in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth and seamless change.
For the West Haven community, Dr. Ryan’s retirement marks the end of an extraordinary era. His professionalism, compassion, generosity, and dedication have left a lasting impact on thousands of patients and on the community he has proudly called home for more than two decades.
As one chapter closes and another begins, West Haven extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Mark Ryan on an exceptional career and wishes him and his family a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement. At the same time, the community warmly welcomes Dr. Ku and looks forward to the continued tradition of outstanding dental care that Ryan Dental for which it was known.