Suffolk Dentists At Commonwealth Dentistry

Dr. Heriford is a native of Hampton, Virginia. He graduated honors cum laude from Virginia Tech with an undergraduate degree in Biology, before earning his doctorate of dental surgery from MCV School of Dentistry. Dr. Heriford completed his general practice residency at the Hampton VA Medical Center. Continuing education efforts are very important to Dr. Heriford and he regularly attends classes with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists, the Spears Study Club at the Scottsdale Dental Center of Portsmouth, the Suffolk Dental Study Club, and the Pankey Institute.

“My profession means the world to me!” says Dr. Heriford. “Some people say that they go to work every day just to pay the mortgage, but my job is always intriguing and fun! For over 23 years, I have found it a joy to share in the fascinating stories all of our patients have to offer. I thoroughly enjoy caring for our patients and their teeth.”

Dr. Heriford has lived in Suffolk for the past 23 years with his wife, Susan, a fellow cosmetic dentist, and two daughters, Diana and Julia. Outside of the office, Dr. Heriford enjoys swimming, tennis, and snow skiing. He and his family are active members of Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church and participate in many of the classes and groups at the church.

Our in-house periodontist, Dr. Nicholas Yesbeck is a lifelong Richmonder. He grew up in Midlothian and attended Virginia Commonwealth University for 11 years, where he received his undergraduate degree, DDS degree, and specialty certificate in periodontics with a Master of Science in Dentistry. His training was concentrated on treating periodontal disease, gum grafting, bone grafting, dental implants, and moderate sedation.

He is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the American Dental Association, the Virginia Dental Association, and the Richmond Dental Society. He also gives back to the community through local Mission of Mercy projects in Virginia.

Outside of dentistry, he enjoys spending time with his family and staying active outdoors.

Dr. Joy Cocchiola is a kind, dedicated, and patient-focused general dentist with over 30 years of dental experience. Dr. Cocchiola received her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Clark University in Worcester, MA. She then completed her dental degree at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine in Farmington, CT, and her general practice residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in Hartford, CT.

Dr. Cocchiola has worked extensively in adult care dentistry and possesses a wide range of expertise, including composite restorations, bleaching and whitening, crowns and bridges, porcelain veneers, implant restoration, Invisalign®, denture fabrication (including implant-retained dentures), and root canal therapy. She excels at building patient relationships with her calm and gentle approach to dentistry. Dr. Cocchiola and her team work tirelessly to ensure the delivery of superior dental care for you and your family.

In her time away from the office, Dr. Cocchiola enjoys exercising, traveling, and spending time with her fiancé, Rick, and her dog, Jonas.