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 4.6 out of 5 based on 267 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestDulce Rodriguez
a year ago
Love coming here for my son. He enjoys coming to his appointments, the staff talks to him and make him feel comfortable.
Shawn Glide
a year ago
Had a good experience having two crown replacements w/Dr. Janku, and she kept me comfortable during the procedure. Thank you!
Marilyn Monroe
a year ago
First, I wanna start out by saying the front office stuff is absolutely amazing!! I've dealt with a lot of unpleasant girls in the front office and by far these girls are the best! The back office girls are amazing as well. They're very thorough and they answer every question that you have! Very professional and skilled! They are compassionate and empathetic to their patients!! I highly recommend everyone to bring their whole family here!! Kathryn
James Kieft
a year ago
Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable.
Lex Ortega (Lex)
a year ago
Feeling so much gratitude for such a caring and gentle emergency visit at Gentle Dental in Indio, after a nightmare experience losing a front incisor crown this morning. Dr. Pham was so sweet to me as I was sobbing in her chair and made sure to try to speed the process of a replacement tooth, while explaining the permanent options and choices I had. And shout out to Martha who did her magic making me a temporary tooth so that I could find some confidence until my flippers come in a few days. The manager also very clearly explained the process of each route of care and the costs. My heart literally feels so grateful for finding them. Can't thank them enough.
Alex Cuevas
a year ago
Everyone has been kind! ROSA DIAZ has been awesome
J M
a year ago
Thanks Melissa, Martha and Dr. Janku for being attentive and helpful with my treatment. Highly recommend this office.
clara navarro
a year ago
The staff were so great Martha was excellent Rosa very patient doctor the best thank you ladies
vero Mag
2 years ago
Excellent staff and dr too
Eloina Meraz
2 years ago
Very friendly place and everyone is so nice and attentive to inform you when your next and ready for you. Also didn't have to wait more then 5 mins to get called in.
Nadia Mendoza
2 years ago
I can not express how pleased I am with the service and staff. By far the most welcoming staff, knowledgeable dentists, and super clean/safe office. I'll definitely be back!
Mariela Coronel
2 years ago
My first experience was great! Staff overall are friendly and very helpful. Martha was so informative and made me feel so comfortable during my visit.
Los Sanchez
2 years ago
Great place brought our two daughters who are under the age of 5 and they did great they were gentle with them.
PEREZ ISABEL
2 years ago
They have good service.
Dee Aragon
2 years ago
Great experience. Professional staff. They never disappoint. Called us in on time. Very friendly and welcoming.
Lorena Chavez
2 years ago
They were so kind and I felt super comfortable. Office was clean and everyone was super sweet.
Isabel Alvarez
2 years ago
Gentle dental has been my family's dentist for many years and we are very happy with their service... the front desk and back office ladies including Dr Janku are awesome! I recommend this dentist office.
Arthur Dean
2 years ago
Professional, courteous and sensitive to any issues or discomfort you may be experiencing.
Rafael Cobos
2 years ago
Excelente. Gentle and very professional
Diana Nieto
2 years ago
(Translated by Google) Miss Martha took care of my daughter very well!! Excellent service!! (Original) La senorita Martha atendio a mi hija muy bien!! Excelente servicio!!