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 3.6 out of 5 based on 60 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestKevin Hughes
2 years ago
Nice employees. I was scheduled for an orthodontic appointment however the orthodontist is only here 1 day a month which was not made clear to me when I made the appointment. Would have been nice to know before I drove over here
Roland Perez
2 years ago
Their team and physician are amazing, extremely knowledgeable and helpful in every way, I was impressed with the level of service, and will definitely be back.
Sharon Strong
2 years ago
I am a senior and had a bad toothe ache the night before visiting Dr. Garcia's office. They refused to extract my tooth without trying to upswell me in a bone graft procedure. Once I said I could not afford bone graft the Dr. Abruptly said he could not help me. To make matters worse, they refused to write me a prescription for my tooth pain. This place lacks professional integrity and common courtesy.
Nicolas Azoulay
2 years ago
Went to this place almost a year ago for a simple tooth sensitivity. Even though it was clear the doctor felt my situation was borderline on whether I should get a veneer or have it covered, he didn't even try to preserve my tooth but instead quickly decided on doing a veneer. Today it's been almost a full year and I can say for a fact that going to this dentistry was a big mistake, a mistake I will have to deal with perhaps for the rest of my life. Every single night I have to sleep with a mouth guard since my teeth had been shaved down so much following the veneer and since the day I've been to this dentistry I've had more tooth pain than ever before. I've struggled eating solid foods every single day since I've been to this dentistry. Going to this place literally made my pain worse and I will definitely not be coming back. I feel as if the first priority of a dentist should be to preserve the teeth or atleast what's still healthy and in my opinion they missed that mark by a mile. Lastly, I was very surprised by the manner they talk to their patients. Never have I been asked by a dentist "tell me how you're feeling" to cut me off 5 seconds later and tell me to shut up. Even his assistant was shocked by his comment. I feel bad for all the assistants, front desk workers, all of them because I would hate to work under people like that. All of the assistants were super kind and helpful. Oh and if you're wondering why I didn't come back? I came back about 7-8 times due to pain and other such things. After our last appointment I contacted the doctor to tell him my situation and how the pain just was not subsiding. Well he never answered. Talk about giving up on your patients huh. Make no mistake, he did a great job on the veneer, it was more or less the quick decision to do a veneer as well as unnecessarily shave down my teeth so my bite felt better. He did a good job with the veneer but a terrible job with preserving and as a result I feel as if I have many new teeth sensitivities from all the tooth shaving that was done. Overall, very unprofessional, unethical practice, unorganized, and compared to other dentistry's I've been to this one really was the worst of the worst. Planning on finding a new dentistry when the time comes but for now trying to avoid dentists altogether, that's how bad my experience was. I feel bad to put the doctors name so I won't but I hope he reads this and realizes the impact he's made on my life cause going to gentle dental has done nothing but make my life tougher.
Jeffrey Stone
2 years ago
If the owner can see our post, I want him know nobody doing third job! I stay there one hour and half just did two x-ray. The guy talk to each other and won't tell us what going on and why we need wait! Not recommend at all!
brenda lacey
2 years ago
Great
Michael Suarez
2 years ago
Dr. Garcia and the staff were great! Very courteous, prompt and professional. I look forward to the next visits!
Alicia Salsberry
2 years ago
Way better management Brenda was a sweet heart and full of knowledge. On top of everything. Definitely will be returning for more treatment.
Franklin Ortega
2 years ago
This office has been so amazing! I love how quickly they're able to start treatment. The front office is very knowledgeable about what's going on in the back. The assistant Jocey really allows you to express your concerns and has a way of answering them in terms I can understand. Sometimes being at the dentist can be overwhelming and most of the dental language is hard to understand, but not here! Dr Garcia, is quick and efficient. I'm pleased with the new Office Manager Brenda, she really excels with overseeing everything in the office. Thanks for such a great experience Gentle Dental of Irvine!
David Hofseth
2 years ago
Dr. Garcia was great, and Lisa, the dental hygienist, was absolutely wonderful with/for my 96 year old dad. Thank you.
Kermitq Frog
2 years ago
Gentle dental is a very nice establishment and I got a very nice cleaning there as a first timer everyone is very welcoming and overall had a great experience and will be going there again for future appointments
Khulan
2 years ago
Out of all the dentistries I have ever been to, I've had the worst experience here at Gentle Dental Irvine. I had a really bad toothache and I wanted to get that treated. The first treatment was a temporary crown and they said they'll put a permanent crown next to see if a root canal was necessary or not. On the first time they put the temporary crown, it hurt really bad and the pain persisted for weeks after it was placed. I couldn't even eat properly. (was NOT Gentle AT ALL) So, I went back and they put the temporary crown again but this time it was the actual doctor instead of the assistant. I was charged $1800 for the whole thing before the treatment was done. Then, I went to another dentistry in LA and explained my situation. They told me that you're never supposed to put a crown before doing root canal and did the root canal treatment before putting the crown. The crown costed only $750 there. TOO EXPENSIVE FOR A HORRIBLE SERVICE. I want my money back.
Jane M
2 years ago
Update-6/2021 I filed a grievance with my insurance company and they found a few things...and Gentle Dental owes me money! This has been my dentist office for a few years. Unfortunately I was very disappointed with my recent visit. I needed a couple of crowns and was provided a quote for a certain amount. Almost two months after my visit I received an invoice for almost $600 in additional charges. I called their Billing dept. and have yet to hear back. I could understand a difference of $50 or $100, but almost $600? Thats borderline bait and switch. Im very disappointed and have already change dentists with my insurance provider. GOOD RIDDANCE. Oh and don't get me started on the appts they cancelled on me......
Michael Starrett Ambrose
2 years ago
My wife and I had our first visit for our regular, semi-annual cleanings and X-Rays. Despite my wife having spoken with the receptionist earlier that day, we were not informed that their hygienist had not come to work that day (reason not provided) until we showed up for our appointments. They conducted the x-rays and inspection, but told us we had to come back the next day for the cleaning. The next day we each had our cleanings, and everything went fine for the most part (except the bit above where they failed to notify or provide the services at the time of our scheduled appointment). The only thing that bothered me was that they quoted and charged my wife a higher out-of-pocket for the same procedure they quoted me (we are both equally insured on the same plan). My permanent lower retainer came off the other day (it's over 15 years old, so it was bound to happen eventually), and I called to make what would be my third appointment at Gentle Dental. The earliest appointment I was offered was over a week out, despite mentioning that the concrete that was still on my teeth was scraping and hurting my tongue. I would have appreciated an outside referral for more expedient appointment even if it was just to sand off the concrete on the back of my teeth before an actual appointment to re-attach the retainer. Nope. What's worse, their orthodontist is only in one day each week. Just my bad luck, but this conflicted with the day most of my meetings are scheduled each week. The representative I spoke to just reiterated that the orthodontist was only in on Wednesdays and the earliest appointment was next Wednesday. Did I mention there is chipped up concrete retainer adhesive f^$%ing up my tongue?! TL;DR: We were already planning to switch to a new dentist after just our first appointment, but our experience at Gentle Dental left us wishing we had never chosen them in the first place (hence this cautionary review).
Franklin Ortega
3 years ago
This office has been so amazing! I love how quickly they're able to start treatment. The front office is very knowledgeable about what's going on in the back. The assistant Jocey really allows you to express your concerns and has a way of answering them in terms I can understand. Sometimes being at the dentist can be overwhelming and most of the dental language is hard to understand, but not here! Dr Garcia, is quick and efficient. I'm pleased with the new Office Manager Brenda, she really excels with overseeing everything in the office. Thanks for such a great experience Gentle Dental of Irvine!
brenda lacey
3 years ago
Great
Alicia Salsberry
3 years ago
Way better management Brenda was a sweet heart and full of knowledge. On top of everything. Definitely will be returning for more treatment.
David Hofseth
3 years ago
Dr. Garcia was great, and Lisa, the dental hygienist, was absolutely wonderful with/for my 96 year old dad. Thank you.
Michael Suarez
3 years ago
Dr. Garcia and the staff were great! Very courteous, prompt and professional. I look forward to the next visits!
Khulan
3 years ago
Out of all the dentistries I have ever been to, I've had the worst experience here at Gentle Dental Irvine. I had a really bad toothache and I wanted to get that treated. The first treatment was a temporary crown and they said they'll put a permanent crown next to see if a root canal was necessary or not. On the first time they put the temporary crown, it hurt really bad and the pain persisted for weeks after it was placed. I couldn't even eat properly. (was NOT Gentle AT ALL) So, I went back and they put the temporary crown again but this time it was the actual doctor instead of the assistant. I was charged $1800 for the whole thing before the treatment was done. Then, I went to another dentistry in LA and explained my situation. They told me that you're never supposed to put a crown before doing root canal and did the root canal treatment before putting the crown. The crown costed only $750 there. TOO EXPENSIVE FOR A HORRIBLE SERVICE. I want my money back.
Load more