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 4.1 out of 5 based on 104 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestRoss Walsh
a year ago
I want to give Kudos to Gentle Dental, especially Christine my hygienist, she along with everyone there are fantastic, my teeth feel gray, the DDS is also great, they really explain what needs to be done and don't make you feel inferior to them. I highly recommend them for dental care.
John Crisp
2 years ago
Best dentist visit I ever had. I actually enjoyed it. They were all exceptionally friendly and actually took the time to listen. I felt she actually cared. They weren't just running a production factory. I'll be back.
John York
2 years ago
Everyone here is helpful, friendly and professional. Makes going to the dentist almost enjoyable!
lisa lee
2 years ago
First time at Gentle Dental, really liked Dr. Felix. She explained a procedure so clearly, I'm no longer nervous about it.
B Leveton
2 years ago
We are military and it's never fun looking for a new dentist. My daughter and I had an appt 6 months ago the first appt at a new dentist is always xrays and usually a cleaning. We had our xrays and no cleaning. I need periodontal treatments and when I was told the cost of my share I knew I wouldn't come back, it was 4xs what our share was in Kentucky and almost twice as much as a dentist in Yelm. So I am waiting to see a dentist until my insurance will cover another x-ray. I didn't want my daughter to have to wait a year so today we went in to get her teeth cleaned she was is the back for 18 min. This place seems to be more about money then teeth. Won't be back.
Adrianna Edwards
2 years ago
Usually when I come to this location among other locations in Puyallup or Tacoma there are no issues, but I was recommended to go to the Endo consultation because there was a free promotion going on where I could schedule it and go in as usual. I showed up and for some reason I waited a long time before my appointment even though I showed up early, but that happens and I didn't allow that to change my frame of mind because I am excited to get my dental issues addressed and I can get closer to my goals. Once it was time for my consultation the lady giving the consult was absolutely rude and very judgmental with her tone as she examined my mouth. It's almost like being respectful costs extra. She did not Tell me anything about my mouth because of the other work I had to do before I can pursue Endo dental work. Also, my questions were answered by the dental assistant helping her because she had training and had knowledge about my questions regarding Invisalign and implants. I wish I knew what the doctors name was but it's a good thing I don't, because if I did I would do anything to avoid her and write it on my patient notes because I cannot deal with that. if other patients had to tolerate that disrespect I feel bad for them, but she should check her attitude because people are going in there for help, and she made me feel bad about myself. Another thing with this location is I had x-rays done and multiple times they are not in the system for other gentle dental locations to access my x-ray records which is an issue that they constantly tell me about as if I have any control in the matter. Shouldn't the gentle dental database be in better communication and have my x-rays? My appointments are elongated every time they can't find my x-ray images from this location.
James Schmidt
2 years ago
I have had an extreme gag reflex my entire life and dentist appointments have always been a struggle. This is the first place I've gone that it felt like the dentist and dental assistent weren't annoyed at me because of it. They were both very patient and kind and they were both very knowledgeable.
Sandra Miller
2 years ago
Always a pleasure the staff are amazing Love my Dentist !!
Larry Taimanglo
2 years ago
Professionalism beyond reproach!! I am very pleased with the superb attention, service and above all else, the friendly and outstanding administration staff, Dr. Felix, Michelle and Christine went above and beyond all expectation. This Gentle Dental hospital is immaculately clean, benevolent and the best that I've ever experienced. I Highly recommend you get your dental work here.
Cody Parsons
2 years ago
Cassandra and Dr Lawhorne are incredibly professional and kind. Nikayla was also very sweet. Trish is always a pleasure. Blanca is always fun to speak with at the front desk. They make every experience at Gentle Dental a pleasure to behold. I refuse to see any other Dental office from now on. Your services are greatly appreciated and should emulated everywhere in your company in every office as a shining example.
Edita Kevac
2 years ago
Oh lord If I was allowed to go below zero I would! Very unprofessional & not helpful! Def looking to go to the Dental Examiners of WA.
Marika Sapp
2 years ago
So far so good. I appreciate the work they did on my teeth. They were able to fit me in when needed and able to come up with a plan for me. I enjoy the staff too.
Sharifah Clark SClark
2 years ago
I have been going to GD for a while now! The staff are very personable and helpful. They are really caring and understanding. After dealing with them for the better part of 5 years, I wouldn't change.
Pam Hallock
2 years ago
Been coming here fir a few years now, the dentist is very nice, the hygienists are all very good, I am thankful to have as my dental care team.
Blanca Juarez
2 years ago
This office has an amazing Staff. Dr Lawhorne has been seeing my family and every time he does an amazing job. The assistants (Trish and Casey) always have an smile and a great attitude when taking you Back. All around great office. Will always recommend Dr Lawhorne to everyone.
Dennis Coates
2 years ago
I have gone to Gentle Dental Puyallup off and on for 3 years and am very pleased. Today, I had my teeth cleaned by Christine, and she is hands down the best hygienist I have ever had. She is personable, gentle, and very funny. It will be very easy to go back for my next cleaning. Thanks Christine -- you are the Queen of Clean!
Dianne Rossman
2 years ago
Dr felix and her staff are absolutely amazing... 29 October I had surgery to remove a tumor on some nerves in my mouth she referred me to an absolutely amazing surgeon last night I ended up breaking a tooth on the right side I called Dr felix's office left a message and they immediately called me first thing in the morning and got me in I was super nervous she was very gentle And caring as well as her assistant her front office staff was amazing as well I highly recommend her if you're looking for a great dentist hands-down the best I've ever been to
Stephanie Simmons
2 years ago
Gentle Dental on 176 & Canyon is the dentist office you want to go to, see Dr Felix and all her colleagues. They are super friendly and welcoming. They care about their patients. I love working with Gentle Dental just because of the energy the office puts out. You can really feel the care and support they give to each and every patient. While you are at Gentle Dental you are not only a patient, you are treated like FAMILY!!!!! We have been to our share of dentist offices over the years. Not one dental office we have been to over the years can hold a candle to how my entire family is treated at Gentle Dental. We have been patients of Dr Felix for the past 8 years. And love the experience we have at every visit.
Jessee Baldwin Certified Health Coach
2 years ago
I've been taking my 4 children here for more than a year. I am a retired dental hygienist and I am impressed with this place. The staff is very kind and they run a tight ship! I'm never waiting very long. My kids are happy when they are done. I also have 2 in ortho treatment and it is going very well. I would recommend this practice location.
E H
2 years ago
New patient, at least trying, but they wanted me to make TWO appointments - exam then a cleaning. Who has time for that???
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