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 4.0 out of 5 based on 119 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMichael Mejia
a year ago
Booked an appointment for today, explained the reason why I wanted today instead of another day and was told everything was set. Luckily, i thought to double check before heading in and I was told I had been booked for the following year. Who books a dental appointment a year in advance? And then the only other appointment they can offer is a month away despite them making a mistake. Be weary when booking with this place.
Kunal singh
2 years ago
Good and friendly people!
Stephanie Gonzales
2 years ago
Gentle Dental & Dr. Alti are magnificent. I hate the dentist. Yeah, yeah, everyone hates the dentist, you say. No. I hate the dentist with an anxiety ridden, panic attack, stress for 2 weeks prior to the experience hate. I hate them so much that I've not gone to the dentist for 10 years even with tooth problems and pain. Dr. Alti is wonderful. First, he never lectured me. Second, his mood is always happy, upbeat, easy going, and infectious. Third, he was kind and understanding when I was deep in anxiety in our first session and in pain during procedures. He'd immediately stop and readjust the pain medication or angle, or whatnot, to ensure I was as comfortable as possible. He has given me such great care that I look forward to seeing him. ... Don't get me wrong. I still "hate" the dentist. But now, I like the man, appreciate his skill, and am "ok - don't have a panic attack" - when I need to go. I highly recommend Dr. Alti and Gentle Dental Cornell.
charmaine divens
2 years ago
Simply THE BEST staff and dentist !! Dr. Alti is a positive and very experienced and efficient dentist. I trust him and so that makes it easy to relax during certain procedures that would otherwise be unpleasant. His assistants are attentive and skilled also. Alti is also a good and thorough communicator. I always leave feeling informed and not rushed out. The office staff is top notch. They are helpful, friendly and efficient. I made the unfortunate mistake of straying during the first part of Covid quarantine- now I'm back and having all the crowns fixed that were done poorly elsewhere. I could gush on and on and on! I never hate going to the dentist!
Aarti Shenoy
2 years ago
It was very much satisfying experience with gentle dental.
Scott Myers
2 years ago
The staff make this dentist experience amazing!! What a wonderful cohesive team, I guarantee if you have any reservations going to the dentist, this is the office for you. BEST dentist experience I've had by FAR. My two teenage daughters even love going. Five stars, HIGHLY recommend!!!
Parker Myers
2 years ago
Really great people who always answer my questions and are great at their jobs. Dr. Alti is one of the best dentists i've ever been to. He's very skilled in what he does and is obviously passionate about his work. And Abby always listens to my dumb stories and explains everything very well so i don't get anxious. i have nothing bad to say about anyone here :)
Morgan McLaughlin
2 years ago
Dr. Walker and team are amazing. I had some concerns about getting fillings done and they were kind and understanding. They checked in with me along the way and made me feel comfortable. The staff in general are amazing!
A
2 years ago
A team of Dentist and hygienist is great. THEIR BILLING SYSTEM IS CONFUSING. A bill from Gentle Dental doesn't show detailed description. The amount for some charges don't match to information I receive from insurance company. You asked questions regarding a bill, but the staff at the front desk do not receive enough training to answer it. Very frustrating.
Robert McFadden
2 years ago
Always great service, knowledge, instruction, and empathy. Kind and caring.
Thomas Chase
2 years ago
You will read a lot of luck warm reviews but I can say for a fact this is one of the best, if not the best, dentists I have ever been too. I had bad experience's when I was young and have hated dentists since then, but Dr. Walker at the Cornell Center location has eliminated all of my anxiety. She and the staff there are extremely professional and nice, there are never any judgments or lecturing about the state of your oral hygiene. They only care about helping you and your oral health. They are also upfront with the cost to you as the patient, as long as you give them your dental insurance information BEFORE your appointment.
Ellen W.
2 years ago
This is not about the specific center as much as the entire chain. If you are simply getting routine cleanings, x-rays, and exams, then Gentle Dental is probably fine. We've been with them a dozen years before we needed any non-routine care, and our experience has encouraged us to just leave them all together. Their policies are designed to maximize insurance, maximize visits, break up simple procedures into complicated ones, and rip you off, and their specialist staff is anemic at best so they can run you around even more. Make sure you talk to our dentist friends and families for non-routine care to check if they are just trying to rip you off for multiple visits for a simple procedure and/or making you see their specialists for general dental care so they can charge your insurance more.
yair vered
2 years ago
Just find a better place.... Very unprofessional crew
Renee Hawley
2 years ago
Very nice staff, all very skilled. Dr. Alti is the bomb! Best dentist ever had!
elaine wilson
2 years ago
Dr. W and her assistant were wonderful. They spent so much time getting everything right, such perfectionists. 2 days later, i had a problem and they got me in right away to correct it and were willing to see me on a Saturday too
Nishant Lakshman
2 years ago
Dr. Alti is fantastic. Highly recommend!
Darci rambo
2 years ago
Dr.Bill Alti is the best dentist I have EVER had!!His assistant Stephanie is great!! They went above and beyond doing work on my teeth. Love that he's so meticulous.it's also a plus he and his assistant have fun personalities for being in a dentist office, which is a plus
bill alti
2 years ago
Front desk staff is very friendly and sweet. Both Rachel and Kailea are always professional and cheerful. In terms of the work itself, I thought it all went very smooth. Well Done Dr. Brammer and Mehrenaz. I had no pain no discomfort. Dr. Brammer is an awesome, skilled dentist who made me feel at ease. Mehrenaz is very thoughtful, gentle, and kind. 5 Star experience. My visite couldnt have been better. Thank you all.
Jeff Reynolds
2 years ago
I've been going this place for 20 years. So this review is after many experiences with them. They've always been a good dental practice, but they have continued to improve over time. Here's why 5 stars: * Their appointment reminder system makes sure forgetful me doesn't forget * Staff are friendly/professional. The hygienist is very thorough and gets your teeth CLEAN. The dentist (Dr. Alti) is just the nicest guy, really seems to know his stuff, is very careful, etc. * They are efficient. My appts have started and finished right on time, EVERY TIME, for the last 4-5 years. * They never push for me to spend. It's all my choice, no pressure.
Gisela Zepeda
2 years ago
Amazing service!! I highly recommend coming to Cornell Gentle Dental Dr. Alti and his team are so amazing! Thanks Kaela and Joana for taken care of me during my cleaning!
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