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 4.5 out of 5 based on 179 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestalbert armenta
a year ago
First of all, the staff and assistance are so friendly and professional . My dentist is very informative ,and has a way of putting you at ease. I would highly recommend this dentist office to the public that have phobia of dentist, or have had a bad experience with dentist in the past..
Abel Maldonado
a year ago
Going to the dentist is usually very stressful for me. However, this time the entire staff is amazing. I can't remember all of their names, but Glenda, Belinda and Dr. Ung are a few I do remember, but kudos to EVERYONE at this location. Keep up the good work!
Lamanuelle Ross
a year ago
Good customer service and good experience
Richard Martinez
a year ago
Just like it says,Gentle Dental Awsome customer service and the Hygienist is awsome. Thank you
Margaret Hoyos-Moreno
a year ago
I had a very satisfying experience today. The time there from checking to exit was nice and comfortable. I am pleased with the staff's attention to patients. The dentist was very good at explaining possible procedures and current issues. Recommend this office highly.
Marty Steres
2 years ago
This dental office is the best I have ever been to. They have corrected a dental bridge that was done by a huge conglomerate, very poorly, and has been a pain in my side for 2 years. I am so sick of Dentist suggesting that I just get Implants. In my mind that is a surgeon suggesting you get a synthetic arm for shoulder problem. If your only choice is that, then so be it. DR Ung, is competent, and confident in what he can do, and what cannot be done. I did not leave their office and have to let out the smoke they blew up there with their pitch of how a 5k implant was only choice. Although they are likely very competent in Implants as well. But DR Ung will give you alternatives if he believes it can be done competently. So I suffered for two and half years with an improperly fitting bridge, he explained to me what was done incorrectly, and that he can attach a properly fitting bridge with good results. The bridge he has done in the front of my mouth is a game changer. It fits, nothing uncomfortable, and looks as good as natural teeth. The staff is super, you do not have to wait months to get an appointment, and you will leave there fixed up, or knowing what needs to be done to get fixed up. I only wish DR Ung was a GP (Doctor) as well, because he conducts himself and this practice with what we all expect, from our providers but never get. I would give them 10 stars if I could.
Yvone Suarez
2 years ago
This dental office was very pleasant and professional from the front desk to the dentist and his assistant.
Mr Holic
2 years ago
Had an amazing experience at gentle dental, the front staff was amazing as well as dr ung and Marco the back stagg assistant. Highly recommend this office!
Patsy Garcia
2 years ago
I recommend Gentle Dental on Irvington great service same day appointment starting from walking in the help at the desk to the doctor that helped us his helper great service will be going back. J.R.H. ty again.
Ronnie Palomino
2 years ago
Very comfortable, staff is great,doctor very knowledgeable and thoroughly explained everything!!
Marisol Chali
2 years ago
Awesome team .! Love staff I 100% recommend this office.
Asiel Altamirano
2 years ago
Ariana and Dr.ung were very amazing and helpful to my experience
Mary Ellen Lenzen
2 years ago
Doctor Ung at Gentle Dental is the very best! He explains things so the lay person can understand. Highly recommend this location.
Manuel Grijalva
2 years ago
Poor service from front desk
Jamie Walker
2 years ago
The staff was super friendly from front desk to back office. They kept me informed about my sons care, they were knowledgeable and directed us in the next steps appropriately. We will absolutely recommend this dental office to our friends and family.
F Rivera
2 years ago
The staff is very professional and pleasant. I went in for pain and they were extremely informative. They made me feel calm and comfortable even while giving me news that would normally have my dental anxiety going through the roof. I hope they never close because I will be a long time patient along with my family. Thank you Gentle Dental on Irvington.
Marco Pride
2 years ago
Disrespected by the people Answer the phone . Because I called to cancel an appointment So they just laughed at me and made fun of me. People who run a business like that don't deserve my business
Kenneth Douglas (Ken)
2 years ago
Melissa and Dr Ung gave me my smile back by providing affordable (and lenient) financial terms and a mouthful of beautiful crowns to cover over years of shame and regret for having not been nicer to my teeth! I was told by various dentists that my smile could only be restored by MAJOR surgery and braces, but Dr Ung and his hygienist assured me that they could (and did!) fix this face! And Melissa and her team were VERY gracious and compassionate with patient reminder calls when payments were due (and sometimes overdue!) so I have nothing but good to say about this dentist office!
Ariana Zazueta
2 years ago
Amazing staff! Very professional and great attitudes
Oregon Rose
2 years ago
My family has been going to this Dental Office for several years and we are very pleased with the service and attention to detail that the staff gives to us. The staff are friendly and happy to see us. Jenny, my hygienist, is very gentle and sweet.
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