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 53 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestBraden Duncan
2 years ago
I have severe dental anxiety & often require sedation during cleanings. When I called to schedule an appointment, I made my concerns clear to the call centre, and they assured me that Gentle Dental Lynnwood would be a good fit for my needs. I booked the earliest appointment available (3 months away) & authorised the transfer of my records from my previous dentist the same day. My first visit was supposed to include an updated set of X-rays, an introductory exam & a treatment plan. Upon arrival I discovered the call centre had recorded both my name & birthdate incorrectly, so the ladies at the front desk had to spend an additional 20 minutes tracking down & correcting my info. During the X-rays, the dental assistant complained that my mouth was too small & repeatedly allowed the equipment to cut into my soft palate. The pain was severe enough that my anxiety became higher than usual during the exam. Following the exam, Dr Mueller confirmed he had not reviewed my previous dental records & informed me that the Lynnwood location could not accommodate my need for sedation during cleaning due to 'staffing constraints,' despite the website advertising that service. He said he was not comfortable accepting me as a patient due to my anxiety, which is fair, but he refused to refer me to any other general dentist or periodontist. He suggested instead that I try the UW Fear Clinic (which no longer exists), proceeded to dismiss the concerns that forced me to leave my previous dentist (tooth shaming & constant billing discrepancies bordering on harassment), and condescendingly insinuated that those issues were 'probably my fault.' When it became clear that I would not receive further treatment at Gentle Dental, I requested my X-rays, but Dr Mueller said he wouldn't bother forwarding them, because 'other dentists wouldn't know how to read them.' I responded that in fact previous dentists had no issues referencing my X-rays from other clinics, and he said that I 'wouldn't understand because I wasn't a doctor.' I was upset & explained the situation to the ladies at the front desk who assured me they could offer me multiple referrals. Dr Mueller then stormed into the reception area & demanded that they stop, because he didn't give his permission for a referral. They remained calm & took it in stride, giving me the impression that they'd almost certainly dealt with this scenario before. They emailed my X-rays directly to me (because it's illegal to refuse a patient access to their own medical records), and I finally left with referrals for two private dental practices. They might or might not take my insurance, but after my experience here, I'd happily pay money to never walk into a Gentle Dental clinic again. I would leave a 1-star review for glaringly false advertising, but the saving graces of the Lynnwood location are the ladies at the front desk. They're kind, knowledgeable, answered all of my questions with compassion & clarity, and they deserve a medal for putting up with Dr Mueller's concerningly controlling behaviour. Gentle Dental wasted 3 months & 2 unnecessarily painful hours of my time, and overall my experience was far from gentle.
Bruce McCurdy
2 years ago
Great Dentist and compassionate, knowledgeable staff.
Mike Bourgette
2 years ago
Was charged in full prior to having receiving my partial. Then started receiving bills saying I owed them. When I disputed it I was told they would get the details in court. Awesome..
Ray Ranstrom
2 years ago
I have been going to Gentle Dental since 2000.
nataliya naumchik
2 years ago
From going to get a regular cleaning to needing a root canal. That with not knowing any tooth ack ever. I scheduled a cleaning they told me there is a small cavity that they can fix right away. I am like ok. Since I am here let's do it. Well now they tell me I need a root canal and a crown. For a cavity that was barley visible on the exray. They drum up their own business. Be aware
Sara Carlson
2 years ago
Friendly reception, friendly assistants. Thorough care. I first saw them after not having gone to the dentist for years and they put me at ease. Though busy, they were punctual and I was out in no time!
Y.K Wong
2 years ago
This place is great! Dr. Taba treated me very well. She is very professional and the best. I like my smile again.
Michele McIntyre
2 years ago
Five stars plus more if I could Dr. Tabs was amazing gentle, kind and really cared. I could joke with her but felt like she really wanted my experience to be good. I have to say her assistant Leslie was also amazingly kind and just a beautiful person that cared. When leaving the receptionist's both of them made me feel like a good friend saying goodbye. Tell me how many people go to the dentist and get this type of care. The only thing that bothers me with this review is that it might be harder now to get an appointment . Thanks for treating me so well. Michele McIntyre
Rachel Lam
2 years ago
Front desk and all 3 nurses + 2 doctors were so nice! All very friendly and efficient, walked me through charges before doing procedure, and diverse staff.
Lu Huang
2 years ago
Efficient and courteous service.
Cherylann Celio
2 years ago
Two fillings replaced and no pain. Done in an hour. Yay.
Kathleen Church
2 years ago
Dr Mueller is very kind, & highly skilled. I feel fortunate to have him as my dentist. His support staff Kay & Melody are also very courteous & efficient. Thank you for making my dental visit as pleasant as possible!
Jake Rose
2 years ago
I had an absolutely wonderful experience with Dr. Mueller and Kim, would highly recommend. Everyone was super friendly and personable.
Ryan Page
2 years ago
The staff is friendly and personable
Cherylann Celio
3 years ago
Two fillings replaced and no pain. Done in an hour. Yay.
Y.K Wong
3 years ago
This place is great! Dr. Taba treated me very well. She is very professional and the best. I like my smile again.
Kathleen Church
3 years ago
Dr Mueller is very kind, & highly skilled. I feel fortunate to have him as my dentist. His support staff Kay & Melody are also very courteous & efficient. Thank you for making my dental visit as pleasant as possible!
Rachel Lam
3 years ago
Front desk and all 3 nurses + 2 doctors were so nice! All very friendly and efficient, walked me through charges before doing procedure, and diverse staff.
Ryan Page
3 years ago
The staff is friendly and personable
Lu Huang
3 years ago
Efficient and courteous service.
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