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 4.4 out of 5 based on 65 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestRichard Doong
a year ago
What a mess! I have been having tooth pain and had an appointment scheduled for a week ago, when I called I made sure to ask if my insurance was covered, provided all of the insurance information and they said yes it would be covered. When I showed up to the appointment last week I found the door locked. I called the office and they said the doctor called in sick and there was nobody there! They said they tried to call me but I had no record of it. They were able to help me get another appointment scheduled for today. I do get a call today, saying that unfortunately my insurance is not covered?! I've wasted 2 weeks trying to get help for my tooth pain delaying my care for this place what a joke!
Staci Pena
2 years ago
I am beyond disappointed with this orthodontist! My daughter has not had the ability to get her braces tightened for over 6 months! NO ONE PICKS UP THE PHONE! I've left numerous messages & have even requested for a manager to call me back! NOTHING! Gentle Dental- how would you feel if you had braces in your mouth & couldn't get them adjusted? I'm seeking an attorneys advice, as you all still seem to take your money out of my account without any services!
Kathy Craft
2 years ago
Not even sure where to start. This office is an absolute disaster! They NEVER have a doctor and the office managers don't know what they are doing. In 2019, we paid to have all 4 of my son's wisdom teeth pulled. They suggested that we break it up into 2 sessions which was fine so he had the top done on 2019. Covid hit in 2020 so understandably, they didn't want to schedule anything. Also, each time I would call, they would tell me that the previous dentist left and they had a new one. Fast forward, in March 2022, we were able to get his other 2 teeth pulled. Now, when I made the appointment, I verified that we didn't own anything because we paid up front. When my son was back with the dentist, the office manager told me that I owed more to which I questioned. He explained that the previous payment didn't include anesthesia. Ok fine. I paid the total and left. In May, I received a bill saying more money was owed. I have tried numerous times to contact this office with NO ANSWER! I called the gentle dental corporate number, was told this office has no dentist.....AGAIN and is only open every other friday. She told me someone would contact me within 48 hours....NO CALL. I have now contacted the corporate office 4 TIMES with no response and no call from this office. I was just told that they would raise it to a higher level in corporate. Seriously unbelievable that this place is still in business.
Keith Wynn
2 years ago
I went to gentle dental for a tooth extraction it was preapproved from my insurance company and when I went to gentle dental they first said it was not approved so I called my insurance company and the presented of gentle dental talked to my insurance agent and approved a copayment of $40 for my tooth extraction. So I paid my $40 copayment. Two months later I received a bill as if I did not have insurance and after I first told them if it was not approved I would not approve and I would go somewhere else. At the time Gentle Dental told me they approved my insurance and I told them if not approved I would go somewhere else and they approved my copayment before I left that dentist. Now two months later I just received a large dental bill as if I did not have insurance. This is after they excepted my copay and told me I was covered.
Roryce Dirden
2 years ago
Gentle Dental Santa Clarita , is a 5 star experience , very professional and comforting, Giovani in the front office is a well spoken representative and flexible with appointment scheduling . Excited for the outcome of my newly created smile , the people in the process has been memeorable !! Thank you Gentle Dental Roryce Dirden
sheila pollack
2 years ago
Dr shahnaz is the best dentist I have ever gone to. She did a painless tooth extraction for me which she completed in 2 minutes it was the easiest one I have ever had she is kind gentle and knowledgeable I trust her completely the rest of the staff is also very friendly and the front office gentleman who does the billing does not try to charge you more than what your dental insurance co-payment is and the dentist also doesn't try to upgrade you so you will spend more money it was a wonderful experience I am so glad I found this office and this dentist I hope she stays there a very long time
Victoria C
2 years ago
I used to really like going here, but not anymore. I have been trying to make an appointment but no one ever answers the phone. I went through the 1-(800) number and they made my appointment for the next day at 9:30. I got there at 9:20 and the doors were locked. I figured it was their covid protocol, so I tried calling to check in and no one answered. I called, knocked, and waited until 9:45, then I left. The website states that their check in protocol is posted outside, but there is no such thing. Very upsetting, since I've been coming here since 2019 and the hygienists are very friendly. I even tried calling the number that was posted as a response to another review, and no one answered.
Anis Mankada
2 years ago
Dr. Shahnaz and team are fantastic. I have been to the clinic for multiple procedures. The entire team is very warm and thoughtful and keeps patient care at their forefront, during the full visit I was kept well informed on the treatment I was being given. Doctor is very patient and gentle in her treatment. The clinic lives upto it's name Gentle Dental.
Karen Nosala
2 years ago
I would like to Thank Dr. Sonia Vanmali and her team at the Santa Clarita Gentle Dental office! They have been so kind and helpful! They really care about their patients and make getting dental work done a breeze! And they really worked with me so I could understand my options, both payment wise and made sure I understand the choices I had regarding dental work!
Travis Mays
2 years ago
Quick, thorough and friendly. Hygienist was experienced! Thanks!
crystal Ince
2 years ago
So my kids have been going to Gentle Dental on and off for years. So long as Lillian and Dr Sonia are there we will be here to stay. I constantly got calls and text about booking but refused to until Lillian was around. Dr Sonia takes her time and my kids really trust her and her patience is unmatched. I'm disappointed they don't offer treatment for children when it's a general dentist but Dr Sonia refers my kids accordingly when my daughter needed a crown. Lillian is very kind and explains everything to me even when I ask over and over. The office is clean and the staff is very accommodating. Thank you Lillian and Dr Sonia and staff for everything!
Tyler Smith
2 years ago
Love This dentist I am so afraid of the dentist and they make you feel so comfortable and at home everyone so sweet easy quick and got everything I needed done! Also they informed me of everything they're going to do!
Nancy Gomez
2 years ago
I'm always very happy with the service at Gentle Dental. Lillian is very friendly (along with the rest of that staff) and she's always very helpful and puts me at ease. I love bringing my children here because we always have a good experience. Everyone is so warm and welcoming.
Trina Maddox
2 years ago
Everyone has been super friendly and always attentive at this place ..definitely lives up to their name.
George Delgado
2 years ago
Recently I've had the opportunity to experience a nearly a stress free visit with my careful dentist and the pleasant office staff. My concerns were addressed, I felt safe in my surroundings and the wonderful office manager explained my future options thoroughly and answered my questions... Professional and Vested with me...
z z
2 years ago
This place is excellent! The staff and Dr Sonia are so sweet, welcoming, friendly and skilled. They go above and beyond to ensure a good visit & work really hard to keep you comfortable throughout the whole process. I came here because I saw them on my insurance website but I will be coming back here again because I just love this place. Highly recommend!
Woranart Timsuwan
2 years ago
They kept rescheduling me and when I show up they're don't answer the door. This has happened twice. Last time somebody finally opened the door the check me in after 20 mins past my appointment. Not today. I wasted 40 mins driving from the AV. Will be looking for a new Dentist.
Brian Hegemier
2 years ago
This was my first appointment at this dental office and I was so impressed with Lillian, Doctor Sonia and staff. I've gone to the same office for many years and decided to try this office as it was closer than my regular dentist. I was able to get a cleaning and exam done and the professionalism Lillian showed along with her informative detail on treatment needed made me feel comfortable and in great hands. Doctor Sonia hands down has been the best dentist I've seen. I will most definitely be returning.
stephanie ebia
2 years ago
Was very skeptical and nervous when I got to the office. The staff were all very helpful and knowledgeable. My dentist was very gentle and through.
Codie Carter
3 years ago
I had an amazing experience @ Gentle Dental the staff were attentive to my needs and made me feel at ease. I had childhood traumas that always made me dislike my dental visits. They debunked that fear and I'm looking forward to my next service.
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