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 4.4 out of 5 based on 82 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestAaron Johnson
a year ago
I received a surprise bill for $1200 on a procedure that was pre approved by my insurance. I've been unable to speak with anybody due to the dentist being closed. Nobody is of any help. Avoid this place at all costs.
B A
2 years ago
Avoid at all cost. Myself inclusive of my relatives have used gentle dental in the past to great success; however this location could use some upper management visits ASAP! The reviews are old new staff not up to par. After rushing for an emergency due to a tooth breaking in half and falling out I was told they would prefer to have a mouth guard fitted before fixing my painful broken tooth. Someone may want to alert the "dentist" that mouthwash regardless if prescribed is not going to help the radiating pain through my entire head. Yet I still went along with their process to no avail. Woken up today to find out the mouth guard I've received zero information or calls on in over two weeks needs to be refitted and they want me to rush down not considering other people work different shifts within their career fields, more so mocking it. Avoid at all cost! I would visit another location as this one is lacking in every aspect of the word.
Luke Braitman
2 years ago
Went to the dentist for a tooth ache on one of my Morlers. They pulled the wisdom tooth next to it instead of filling the cavity and now I still have the cavity and had to go through a tooth pulling I didn't actually need.... pretty mad about that now my cavity has gone even further without treatment because the dentist told me this was going to fix the pain.... nope only more pain in my mouth in the same exact spot as before. Thanks not so gental dental for putting me though hell and not fixing the issue I came in for.
Leslie Haver
2 years ago
Read all these reviews they are old. I would not recommend this office to anyone. They had been closed for lack of staff for a long time. 2 years ago I would have given it a good review as I loved Dr. Thompson. When I was finally able to get in again I saw a Dentist that didn't have a clue. He kept telling me what was wrong with the wrong teeth even though he was looking right at the xray! The assistant had to tell him 3 times he was least talking about the wrong teeth! When the assistant left the room, he kept walking up and down the hall calling her name really loudly over and over again. When I left I was furious and told the receptionist to have the manager call me when she got in, which she never did. This was the most unprofessional and bizarre dental visit I have ever experienced
Emily Silvestri
2 years ago
Absolutely love this branch!
Monica Rajbhandari
2 years ago
Nice and friendly staff!!
Monica Rajbhandari
3 years ago
Nice and friendly staff!!
Emily Silvestri
3 years ago
Absolutely love this branch!
Matthew McCann
3 years ago
First time patient at Gentle Dental Durham. Dr. Thompson was very personable and informed me of what he was going to do as well. The dental assistants and the hygienist Nicole were also friendly and informative. Highly recommend this office.
Hillary Finke
3 years ago
Great customer service, kind and helpful dentists and hygienists, very family friendly. We love this office!
Jesilynn Olson
3 years ago
Great dentist! I've been seeing Dr. Thompson since I was a kid and followed him to this location. Great hygienists and the front desk staff is so kind! Staff is gentle, knowledgable and efficient.
erni Mathis
3 years ago
I just had the best experience at the dentist. I have had so much work done starting at age 8. Dr Ernie is amazing. All of the dental assistants are so kind. Dylan at the front desk is very accommodating with my schedule.
Rendy Edwards
3 years ago
I had a terrific experience today on my first time visit. The employees in the front office are very friendly and professional. I saw Ernie Thompson and really felt comfortable and will be going back. The xray tech and hygenest were professional and friendly. Totally made me comfortable! I will be goin
Kieu Hernandez
3 years ago
Went here yesterday for my annual and to get some orthodontic work done. Everyone was extremely professional and kind. I am so glad I picked this place. Usually I'm use to dentist office trying to up-sale you all the time, but Gentle Dental Durham was completely transparent and I did not feel pressure to receive anything extra that I did not ask for. I like that they actually seem concerned and are giving advice because they care about their patients.
Sep Ela
3 years ago
A week ago I came in for a new patient exam staff is super friendly! Would definitely recommend this location to everyone .
Joshua Pardes
3 years ago
I have been going to Gentle Dental Durham for a few years now and every experience has been a positive one. I most recently went in to have a damaged filling repaired (original work performed many years ago by a completely different dentist). Dr. Thompson had me in and out in less than an hour and did a fantastic job. It was painless and the results exceeded my expectations. He has performed other dental work on me in the past and every time I am impressed with his skill. He is a pleasure to work with and always explains exactly what he is going to do and why. I originally started having my dental work performed at this office because it is close to where I work but even if that changes at some point in the future I will continue to come here for my dental needs. Highly recommended.
Annie Durrani
3 years ago
This is the most negligent and unprofessional clinic. Neither do they have any clinical skills but they are financially motivated and negligent in their care.
WnS Krafthefer
3 years ago
Had to have a root canal done. Was not looking forward to it as the one other time it was a miserable experience for several days (I won't mention where). However, this time, Dr. Thompson at the Durham Gentle Dental, was fantastic!! Was done faster then I thought. Left the office expecting pain as soon as the Novacaine(sp) wore off. Two days later, still not even a tinge of pain or discomfort! He did a great job. If you need some advanced dental work, or even just a routine cleaning, I can't recommend, not just Dr. Thompson, but the whole staff, high enough!!!
Andy Ouellette
3 years ago
Awesome place with knowledgeable, professional and courteous staff! Dr. Thompson is the best Dentist I've ever had. Dylan (sorry if I misspelled your name) at the front desk is so kind and helpful along with every other staff member. The whole team is fantastic. I highly recommend Gentle Dental Durham to anyone. Keep up the great work!
PR Stack
4 years ago
Great service. Smile and an attitude of service and support from every member of the team, at this office. I had to switch dentists because of insurance plans, and this office made me feel as if I had been their client for years. Everyone listened, asked me for my opinion and provided care that was exactly as needed. Thanks Durham Gentle Dental. I'll see you again. Peter S.
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