Roderick Place was named COO of InterDent in 2017 and assumed Co-Leadership as Chief Executive Officer in 2018. Mr. Place has extensive experience transforming private equity backed healthcare companies through his strategic leadership, focus on operational excellence, clinical leadership collaboration, and structuring of field operations and corporate support teams. Mr. Place is also accomplished in leading boards and executive teams through expansive growth in mergers & acquisitions, DeNovo, due diligence and market consolidation. Before joining InterDent, Mr. Place served in executive level operations roles with Western Dental, MedQuest Associates and Alliance Healthcare. Mr. Place is also the Managing Director and Co-Founder of MedSummit Solutions, LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from Grand Valley State University.
Matthew Wickesberg joined InterDent as EVP/CFO in 2016 and assumed Co-Leadership as Executive Vice Chairman two years later. In 2019, he was further elevated to Co-Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Wickesberg is an experienced board member, executive officer, and lender with a deep background in multi-site hospitality and healthcare industries. He is also experienced working with lending institutions and private equity firms through structuring capital, due diligence, mergers & acquisitions, and uncovering portfolio synergies. Prior to joining InterDent, Mr. Wickesberg served in various senior finance roles with HOA Restaurant Group, ZTejas, Inc., and GE Capital. Mr. Wickesberg received his Bachelor of Science in Finance from Oklahoma State University and his MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Dr. Heather Hawkins has committed her career to patient care while understanding current healthcare trends and value-based comprehensive care. Dr. Hawkins has an expansive clinical, academic and operational background, including leading medical-dental integration as well as quality and risk management for multi-site healthcare organizations. After 12 years of practicing general dentistry, she expanded her skills with several key roles in academia. In 2012 she joined the team at Adventist Health in Northern California, a multi-site health care organization with over 5,000 medical and dental staff physicians, as the Director of Quality. In her leadership role there, Dr. Hawkins led expansion and integration across the health system with medical and dental clinic management and an emphasis on comprehensive care models addressing patient risk factors, active disease and preventative measures. Dr. Hawkins earned her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) from Nova Southeastern University in Florida and her Advanced Education in General Dentistry Certification from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Dr. Manu Chaudhry has dedicated his career in the pursuit of dental health care, improving clinical quality and access to care, and transforming delivery of care to improve overall health outcomes. He is a dynamic and mission-driven leader with extensive leadership experience over multi-region dental practices, and has also founded multiple collaborative organizations that reduce oral and overall health disparities. Dr. Chaudhry is a board member of Healthier Kids Foundation and holds a Masters of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of California, San Diego and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of the Pacific.
Sandra Lau is a seasoned legal adviser with over fourteen years experience acting as General Counsel of multiple dental healthcare corporations. Ms. Laus responsibilities include advising executive management, supporting strategic growth initiatives, overseeing all aspects of the corporate legal function including HIPAA, state and federal regulatory compliance, corporate transactions and governance, mergers and acquisitions, and risk and litigation management. Before Joining InterDent, Ms. Lau served as General Counsel at Western Dental. Ms. Lau holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Juris Doctor from Loyola Marymount University.
Bernard Piccione has extensive experience across a wide range of industries delivering complex enterprise-scale information technology solutions to achieve major global business value and objectives. Mr. Piccione excels at driving sustainable business growth through IT modernization, solution development, and global transformation initiatives while building strong partnerships to better leverage technology solutions. Prior to joining InterDent, Mr. Piccione served as CIO for Ingenuity Advisory Partners, Inc., Complex Care Solutions, Inc., and MagnaCare. Mr. Piccione holds a Bachelors and Masters in Computer Science from Boston University.
Darrin Kellaris is a senior marketing executive with over 20 years experience specializing in digital marketing, social media, and brand strategy. Mr. Kellaris offers a record of success in creating and driving marketing strategies that strengthen revenue, margins, and market share by elevating brand authenticity and relevance. At InterDent, he leads all aspects of marketing including digital and social media, brand positioning, and performance analytics. Prior to joining InterDent, he led marketing efforts at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and IHOP. Mr. Kellaris holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from San Diego State University.
Diane Stern brings almost 20 years of dental services organizational experience specializing in organizational design and strategic partnering. Ms. Stern is responsible for Human Resources planning and strategy for recruiting, retention, benefits and performance management. She built her HR leadership experience through roles at Coast Dental, PrimeCo Wireless Communications and LabCorp where she focused on employee programs to increase engagement and satisfaction along with operational efficiencies. Ms. Stern holds a Bachelors degree in English Literature, Education, and Business from the University of Tampa and volunteers at KMR Group Foundation.
Reviews
Rating 2.7 out of 5 based on 75 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestGeneric Youtuber
a year ago
Only good experiences. Personalized care and attention from the dentist, hygienist, and staff. The hygienist went over my teeth gently, and went back through 2 additional times to be sure they were fully cleaned.
Eric C
2 years ago
I used to be a regular patient at this office. I liked the dentists, the assistants, the people in general. The care I received was always good and I never had any complaints about the work. The reason I stopped going to the office though was communication and a breakdown in the process. Phone calls stopped getting returned, messages are never answered. The couple times someone actually answered the phone, I sat on hold for so long I hung up. It's disturbing that there are SO MANY complaints about the exact same problem and nothing is done to fix it. If they would clean up the appointment handling/call returning/general competence of the front office process, the place would be amazing. Now, I have to deal with getting used to a new dentist (I don't WANT a new dentist, I want MY dentist!). Not happy. (Honestly, if they would call me and actually schedule an appointment, I would be happy. I don't like having to change dentists. I REALLY like everyone at Gentle Dental!).
Brian Harrigan
2 years ago
I was a little put off going to this office because of the reviews here, but my insurance plan (and a fallen filling) led me to their Mission office. Despite my trepidation, I was very impressed by how warmly everyone treated me. The front desk staff, particularly Linda, were so professional, proactive and good-humored. I felt very much at ease and cared for. I'll be going back next week for a follow-up, and feel no trepidation at all.
User 102112132
2 years ago
People's appointments are being cancelled because the gentle hygienist / dentist is sick - and multiple times
alex
2 years ago
They couldn't even get my appointment correct. So before u even see a dentist you have to hope by some luck that your paperwork was filed correctly. Go anywhere else but here.
Telma Zalazar
2 years ago
(Translated by Google) Very kind, respectful, they do an excellent job (Original) Muy amables ,respetuosos ,hacen un exlente trabajo
aimee ollman
2 years ago
TLDR: DO NOT GO HERE First off, I want to acknowledge the friendly reception staff and x-ray technician--they were fantastic. However, my first experience at Gentle Dental (GD) was wrought with confusion, disorganization, ineptitude, and negligence. I initially called GD in mid-January when searching for a new dentist that was compatible with my new insurance (effective 1/1/22). I explained that I had just had a cleaning and X-rays while visiting my family in Wisconsin at the end of October, and discovered that the discomfort in my #19 tooth was due to a crack in an old filling. I immediately scheduled another appointment to fix it, but due to a COVID infection, my appointment needed to be canceled. Unfortunately, I was due to be on the road for two months, and therefore I had to wait until I returned home to SF to get it fixed. After this explanation, the scheduler found me the earliest appointment available for a filling on 2/2/22. I was instructed to contact my previous dentist and have them email the current X-rays to GD. I called back one week later to confirm that GD received them, but was I was told they did not. So I called my previous dentist again, and they confirmed that they had sent them to the correct address. They offered to call GD to ensure delivery, but upon leaving multiple messages, no one at GD ever called them back. Then on 2/1/22, I received a phone call telling me that my cleaning appointment was going to be bumped back to a later time the next day. I corrected them to clarify that my appointment was not for a cleaning but rather for a filling. They said that was impossible since they don't do fillings on the first visit. I was incredulous, and explained about how I was instructed to secure the X-rays to help with the filling replacement, in an attempt to prove that I wouldn't have been asked to do that if I wasn't having my filling replaced. Additionally, I explained that I was leaving to be back on the road the next week and it was imperative that I get my tooth fixed as promised. I was transferred to talk to a woman at reception who was very understanding, kind, and helpful and she found an earlier appointment the next day that would help to secure more time to allow for a consultation and a filling. The next day, after checking in and having my x-rays completed, I was summoned into the back to meet with the dentist, Dr. Randhawa, but he did not seem to have been apprised of the situation at all. He seemed to think I only needed a cleaning, and when I explained the situation to him, he said he couldn't do a filling. I further explained all the details I've just shared above, and he sent me back out to reception to see what could be done. Not long after that, I was called back into the same chair, where Dr. R told me how lucky I was that he could do it for me on the same day. This did not sit well with me, since I had made the appointment 2-3 weeks prior and I had had multiple follow up calls with the staff when trying to secure my other X-rays--and at no time was it suggested that I was coming in for a cleaning and not a filling. He then proceeded to administer a numbing agent, inject Novocaine, drill, and replace my filling in under 15 minutes. It was rushed, not gentle at all (as the name of the establishment suggests), and I have had actual pain (not simple discomfort) in that tooth ever since. Prior to my visit, I would have sensitivity in that tooth if I ate or drank something hot, but now I have shooting pain every time I eat anything on that side of my mouth. I have never been treated so poorly by a medical professional, and I will NEVER be going back to that dentist. I was truly horrified by my experience.
Stefanie Gueye
2 years ago
Not to disrespect all Gentle Dentals. This particular space ruined my life! They made a huge mistake and will not take ownership. I am stuck now because I have to find another place to go and I my trust levels has diminished. I am miserable and depressed. I so regret allowing and trusting them into my mouth.
Shannon Glasheen
2 years ago
Stay very very far away from this dentist office. They are so unorganized in every aspect of your experience it blows my mind.
Lars
2 years ago
The front desk staff were kind and polite. The dentists and medical staff were also clear, gentle and present with me. I've had grouchy dentists in the past. Gentle Dental was consistently friendly. They helped me feel at ease when I was anxious about some dental pain and now after a crown I feel better. Very gentle. Totally professional.
John Jesus Alberto
2 years ago
The dentist that saw and cared for me was nice but one of the front desks was terrible,rude and arrogant.I remember one instance that somebody from them called me up for an appointment that never happened.They did not bother to cancel it at least and even answered rudely to me when I told them they have set the said appointment for me to go there that very day.I have canceled their services already but last night they called me again for a hygienist care and when I told them about my cancelation of their services since last year they said they know nothing of it and hang up on me rudely.
Carolina Villagomez
2 years ago
I took my son for his first appointment for braces that he needs, I felt really happy with the doctor. He was very professional, and not in a rush like most, and he took the time to explain everything to my son and myself. Mind you this was the 5th place I had taken my son to see where we would go for services, and we liked this doctor. Unfortunately the person that was to give us the information, of how much the insurance would pay and how much I had to pay out of pocket was out due to a family emergency. I was told I would hear from her in a couple of days, so I called after a week that I didn't hear and I was told she just got back that day, but I would hear from her soon. After 3 days I called again and was told she was waiting to hear from my insurance. I called after a week and I was told she would call me back, and they were surprised when I told them no one had called me back with any information. We were seen on 12/15/21 and I told the doctor my son had been waiting 8 years to get braces and finally got insurance to get them. My son was hoping to get his braces before Christmas and the doctor told us he had appointments on 12/20/21. Unfortunately that never happened, sure they were nice and accommodating for your first appointment but nothing after that. The people that work there suck and phone etticate is even worse. Too bad because we really liked the doctor, after a month I called back and was told the person would call me back. I said forget it because if this is how they treat a possible patient, I can imagine how they treat you once you become a patient. I told I didn't want anything to do with them and to forget it.
Randy Weled, MFT
2 years ago
I have been going to Gentle Dental for years. They have been professional and personable. They've always had good people working there. The only drawback you may have different dentists regularly.
Earma Applon
2 years ago
Waited over a year to get authorization and still waiting
anmol vasandani
2 years ago
I have never had a worse experience with the Dentist. I went in for a regular check up and my teeth were fine. They did an x-ray and didn't find any reasons for concerns. Dr. Khatwani took almost an hour to check around my teeth and they seemed fine. She played around with her tools inside my mouth and it was extremely uncomfortable. I thought that that was normal until a few days later when my gums got badly inflamed and I had to keep taking Ibuprofen to function normally. My entire lower left side of the jaw hurts very badly and I had never had even a single toothache issue in the last two years up until I visited Dr. Khatwani at Gentle Dental in Mission, SF. My worst nightmare has come true with this visit. When I called to schedule a follow up appointment, no one picked up the phone. I called multiple times but to no avail. Literally the worst place you can get treatment. Extremely unprofessional
Veena Patel
2 years ago
Dentists here are actually great, and I'll be sad not to be going to Dr. K again. Unfortunately, my experience with the office staff has been terrible. They are generally hard to reach, and belligerent in demeanor. They sent me a bill 5 months after my visit after never having tried to file a claim with my insurance. I seriously wish I had read reviews before I went to the SF office, because then I never would have chosen them. I'm also highly irritated by the responses to previous comments about taking them "very seriously" given nothing has changed!
Mike Crum
2 years ago
Very happy with the service and work
Camille Sanandaji
2 years ago
The worst experience I've had in my life with a dental provider. The dentist took an entire hour to remove my crown. She was only able to remove it by breaking it into a million pieces with brute force. She also had to poke me 4-5 times with localized anesthetic (probably because she didn't put it in the proper place the first three times). Had gum surgery and they didn't follow up nor did they ask to schedule a follow up appointment. Asked to transfer the x-rays they took and they make you wait at least 7 business days to send them to another provider. DO NOT GO HERE!!!!!
Jessy Martinez
2 years ago
From my few experience, I've never had any problems. They are professional, fast, and friendly. I would give the a 5 but one time I called and they did not answer. But that happens when you are taking care of the people in the office which I see them doing all the time.
Serene Kuramarohit
2 years ago
The WORST dentist experience ever. I have never felt adverse to dentists before I visited this place. My dentist had no regard for my general feelings at all. I was clearly in pain and she proceeded to continue her aggressive cleaning. She was extremely rude and unprofessional. After the deep clean, she demanded that I raise the mirror to look at my bloody mouth. She then proceeded to berate me on the condition of my mouth without actually giving me any helpful advice. I'm never coming back. If you made it to the end of this review, please save yourself from the trauma and do not go here.
Load more