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 4.3 out of 5 based on 149 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestPaula G
a year ago
Gental Dental is a nice clean place waiting is minimum they get the job done with care
Miller Larry
a year ago
I am not naturally a fan of going to the dentist, but shear necessity demanded I make an watd to my next appointmentappointment. I was hesitant when my Denti cal insurance recommended smile dental as I had never been there before. the office staff were very helpful and professional. Elizabeth was very thorough and even though I had to wait for a while, when I started my appt with the Dr and her assistant , Diane,'I was immediately impressed how they worked together as a team and really boosted my confidence in the work they were doing on me. I would rate this office a 10 out of 10. Looking forward to my next appointment and continuing relationship with these caring and thorough team of Dental professionals. Larry Miller
Maria De Jesus
a year ago
My doctor did a great job and I didn't feel any pain!she was very professional!
Jimmy Barahona
a year ago
It's sad to have to change dentist offices after years of service due to their declining customer service. Unfortunately, every practitioner and expert in a business setting must be accredited along with their management group. It's not the first time that I have to deal with long wait times at this office but when I have an appointment, get there early to check in, and 20 minutes after my appointment time I have to ask how much longer it'll be just to find out that the doctor isn't even there yet, all along having a full lobby of people that have been waiting there longer than I have, then it's a problem. The doctor here is great but she's not the only excellent one in the area so it's better to seek a new provider that has a conscience and professional team to match.
Cortney Richards
a year ago
Gentle Dentle Hesperia is my families favorite! Every single employee at this location is amazing. We have been coming here for about 9-10 years. The work they do here from teeth cleanings, to other dentle work, to ortho is all done with integrity and grace. They are all very detailed and make sure you are comfortable. They have done such an amazing job with my family. I am so so grateful and so are our teeth.
REYNA MAGANA
a year ago
The staff was very nice and professional
Dana Aragon
a year ago
I had a amazing experience with Gentle Dental ( the names says it all) The Dentist was Very informative main concern no pain definitely NO PAIN . Elizabeth at the front desk was AWESOME very professional very informative as well I needed an appointment I had toothache and she got me in there ASAP. She's absolutely amazing definitely a wonderful experience. I will continue all my Dental work with Gentle Dental. Thank you
Fernando Gonzales
a year ago
AMAZING!! wonderful service! Everyone is the office is extremely nice and very professional. Best dentist I've been to by far!
Christine Evelyn
a year ago
There is a time to be gracious and patient with businesses but after today were looking for a better experience. Scheduling really needs to be improved upon as wait times are ridiculously long. It is a fight to get a cleaning and exam around the same time and I had waited over 3 months for our appointment today just to be told (after asking) an hour after our appointment time that the doctor was very behind. The office staff asked my husband and myself to wear a mask, and while it is excessive I was apathetic towards the request. I did feel singled out by the front desk worker who was not wearing her mask correctly when she approached us. I did ask if this was a firm policy as other people in the office did not have their masks on and she did a little more than shrug. I get she is doing her job but as a consumer we just want the best care for our families without the unprofessionalism and attitude.
EDWIN GARCIA
a year ago
Nice place very clean nice people they did a good job Thank you guys see you soon
John Kornachuk
2 years ago
Dentist is cordial and skilled but the dental office is the worst I've seen in more than 50 years of seeing dentists. Three cancellations this year. Today's with no notice. I took off $256.24 worth of time from work today for an appointment and the office was locked despite a sign saying they'd be open until 7 p.m. No warning. Clearly the office does not value patients or their time. Will be sending a bill for lost wages.
Jaimee Nieman
2 years ago
Not impressed. Too pushy for procedures that weren't necessary. My father went in there and needed work and cleaning. They never discussed cleaning/fillings and recommended pulling a tooth ( which didn't cause any pain for my father) and putting an implant in its place $$$$. My dad did not feel like this was necessary and walked out.
Janet Garcia
2 years ago
Everyone is so nice and they explain everything in detail.
Hester Harris
2 years ago
Heather's visit was good, staff was courteous and efficient. We were very satisfied.
Fullmetal Rich
2 years ago
Made an early appointment thinking I would get taken care of. Front desk staff was mediocre and could hear them gossiping about staff and patients. Finally got seen and was taken to get 2 different x-rays done. The x-ray tech was fast and professional. Dentist showed up way later and was pushing the issue off getting a jaw adjustment when I clearly don't need one. She kept telling me it's minor but could still use the adjustment. After being ask multiple times I told her I just came for a regular check up and cleaning. She seem to have been bothered by my comment. She had an attitude for the rest of the check up and kept walking away for phone calls. After that they have the nerve to ask me if I want to schedule for a cleaning. What's the point of an appointment if they are only going to provide half the service. A waste of my day for just x-rays and what's normally a quick examination. Haven't found a good dentist is the High Desert sadly. I will definitely never return to this place. Started going down the hill where the service is better.
Ray Cooper
2 years ago
The Gentle Dental in Hesperia is the best dental experience any patient can hope for. There are so many kind and knowledgeable individuals on staff that treat their patients with the utmost respect and professionalism. Aimee is the best and most gentle RDH I have ever met. She educates me on all my Dental matters in a easy to understand kind of way. She informs me of my Dental options to maintain my teeth (which she so thoroughly cleaned) with products offered by the office. Thanks to her I am well educated care options from Perio Protect to Oral-B toothbrush products. Thank you Aimee for taking the time to explain and answer all my questions so well. Dr. Platon leaves no stone unturned with her Dental checkups and I greatly appreciate her for being thorough and professional. Her work is flawless and her chair side manner is extremely welcoming. I feel like my oral care is in great hands with her. Thanks Dr. Platon Ally is hands down the most thorough DA I have been around. Her personality and attention to detail makes me feel like she has been in the field for decades and she just started her Dental career. She is gentle and very good at everything she does and I am grateful for her professional acumen when it comes to my Dental well being. Thanks Ally The whole staff seems more of like a family and when you walk in the door you feel adopted into that family atmosphere. Look no further when searching for the dream team in Dental excellence. Thank you all for a great Dental experience and I look forward to the next time. Stay safe and take care.
Jose Rodiles
2 years ago
Had an appointment at 2pm, it's currently 3:25 and still waiting. Update. Finally got scene after I went to the front and complained at 3:30. Had a very simple follow up after a procedure that only took a couple minutes. This was not acceptable in any way.
Stettler King
2 years ago
Today, I was only scheduled for a cleaning. I get early appointments so I don't have to wait as long, thinking it is too early to get behind. My appointment time was 9:30 and I arrivedat 9:23. I did not even get called back until 10:40. My regular hygienist is great! The girl who started with polish and floss was not friendly or skilled. She broke the floss in my teeth twice! I floss daily and do not have that problem. I thought she was gonna pull my teeth out. Once my regular hygienist took over, it was fine.
Sandy Henderson
2 years ago
Amy is wonderful. She is professional and kind. She does an excellent job of cleaning teeth. She was on time for my appointment, which is important to me.
Sue "Mark" Hitzel
2 years ago
I would like to thank each and every one of the staff at Gentle Dental for there professionalism in dealing with me. They were helpful, gentle, the office and exam rooms are very clean and everyone is very helpful. From my first emergency visit in 2020 they have been right there for me. My husband will be in next 2022. Thanks so much Sue Hitzel
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