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 62 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJun Liu
a year ago
After 16 months I visited this place, they gave me a bill of $231 for teeth exam which my insurance already paid last year. I confirmed with them my insurance paid and in network last year.
fzuerche
a year ago
Twice in two weeks now I went there for an appointment, and stood in front of a locked door. Nobody answers the phone either. No call back, no apology, nothing. Called the scheduling number (main office) and they have no clue why nobody is there. Do they even care about their customers? They just lost one
C Hubbell
2 years ago
I had my teeth xrayed and cleaned today. I was very happy with the results. My teeth look so sparkly and white. Cool! Marcos, the dental assistant, was very nice and made me feel comfortable. The Dentist was awesome and she was easy going. I could tell she legitimately cared about teeth and wasn't trying to sell me on anything. My hygienist was very nice and really passionate about her work. She really got in there and cleaned. She did talk to me about braces and doing sealant. Felt more like she was into making my teeth as best as they could be than pushing a sell, so I didn't mind. Backstory: I have anxiety about going to dentist, because I've encountered shady ones a few times. One dentist told me I had 6 cavities when I had seen a different dentist the year before and they said I had none. I went to another dentist to verify. They said I didn't have any cavities (they said that practice is called "fill and drill" to make more money). I couldn't believe they'd drill healthy teeth just to make extra money. The last dentist I saw told me I needed two more appointments for a deep clean and it'd cost $600 with insurance. They said I had bad periodontal disease. I couldn't believe that one either as they had good reviews on Google. I think when it comes to HMO insurance you get the "milk 'em for all their [insurance is] worth" treatment. With Gentle Dental they didn't say any such things. They told me I had good, healthy teeth with some normal wear for my age and some gingivitis. Told me I needed to floss more along with a paste to help protect my teeth (which they gave me a tube to take home as part of my appointment). During the appointment, the hygienist did a treatment to help kill the bacteria as well as a fluoride paste on my teeth. I did pay extra for those things, but I felt like it was actually beneficial since I hadn't had my teeth cleaned since 2019. I brushed off the paste this evening (per her instructions) and my teeth look awesome! She whitened them too. She did such a good job cleaning them. They haven't looked this good in a long time. I am excited to go back for another cleaning knowing I won't have to worry about the dental scams and will have staff that cares about my well being. Huge stress relief! Thank you!
Alexander Savage
2 years ago
I came in for two crowns and was very nervous. The previous doctor who no longer works there worked on me twice and couldn't get my crowns correct. Dr. Lagda was very patient with me, I was worried about being completely numb for the procedure since with the previous doctor I felt it while being worked on. She got me totally numb and and took two impressions to make sure the lab got it right this time. The staff were all nice to me the whole time I was there. I'm used to being treated as a bank account in Dental offices but not here! I can't wait to return.
Madisyn Redd
2 years ago
I had 3 fillings with Dr.Lagda and she was absolutely amazing.
Omar
2 years ago
Everyone was very pleasant, professional, and caring. From the moment I walked in I could tell something was different about this place. Dr. Evelyn Lagda was very friendly and caring. While I never liked going to the dentist, she made me very comfortable and made quick work of a really tough situation. Thank you Dr. Lagda and the rest of the Gentle Dental staff!!
Sabrina Diaz
2 years ago
Honestly, the office is pretty old and it seems like the front staff are stretched pretty thin. Otherwise I went in for a cleaning with my insurance and everything ran smoothly. Dr. Lagda is very knowledgeable, sweet and cares about your health. My assistant was super friendly and personable but also made sure my needs were met and communicated them to the doctor. They are very trustworthy and won't try to sell you anything or convince you to do special treatments like other private practices. Highly highly recommend!!!
Tanor Redd
2 years ago
The staff was very professional especially the receptionist. I felt that I things were moving along in a timely manner but also not rushed. Highly recommend this office for any dental work you need done.
Caroline Moosmuller
2 years ago
This is the first review I write on google - it's important for people to be warned not to go there. Unfortunately, Gentle Dental does not care about your health or concerns; this is just about making money. I wanted to get a regular cleaning; I told them I am paying out of pocket and therefore just want the cleaning, nothing else. First, they insisted on taking x-rays - no cleaning without x-rays. I didn't want them, but agreed, because I wanted to get the cleaning (x-rays were $50). Then they told me I needed a "deep cleaning", because I have a gum infection and all other kind of awful things - price: $1200. Again, I told them I am not paying for this and just want a regular cleaning. Their answer: This is impossible. Either I get the deep cleaning or no cleaning. While all of this was going on, they also tried to sell me other stuff. So I left. In the end, I got x-rays, which I didn't want, and no cleaning. What a waste of money & time! Dear Gentle Dental - Please don't answer "we are sorry to hear this" - change your policy and philosophy instead!
RJM
2 years ago
Friendly, professional, comfortable and healthy teeth!
John Husselbee
2 years ago
Patient, Kind, flexible all around great dentists!
jambi valdivia
2 years ago
Dr Lagda and the whole staff were very nice and comforting. I was previously seen at a different office and was completely traumatized but they made me feel very safe and loved how they were very nice and gentle.
jacob flemish
2 years ago
Haven't seen them in over a year, but now just sending me a bill. When I completed all my care there I made sure I paid the bill in full. One of there sales persons just called me and wanted me to follow up for more services. I asked to speak to someone for the 4th time about this bill and no one ever got to me. But at least they stopped calling for a future appointment.
Jesus Correa
2 years ago
Dr. Lagda is a great dentist with a gentle touch. It is the first time that I had an extraction with no type of sedation. The front and back office were so nice and answered all my questions. I look forward to going to the dentist now!
Peter wALTER
2 years ago
Great friendly team that is always willing to help.
Timothy Smith
2 years ago
They don't care about your teeth, they care about making money, they intentionally messed up my dental work so I would come back. Also, they are not gentle, my mouth was sore for 3 weeks after going in for just two cavity feelings.
Torren Rabey
2 years ago
Slow down! I'm sure that this is a corporate policy on how many patients a dentist has to see in a day to be considered productive. The office staff is pushing that scheduling number. This is a tricky balancing act that is currently being poorly performed by this office. Don't get me wrong the staff is incredibly friendly and I love the dentist. But it's obvious to tell that the assistants are newer to the profession. They don't anticipate the needs of the dentist or even perform tasks when the dentist isn't present. 90% of the time the only time my procedure moved forward in any capacity is when the dentists was there. I understand that there may be legality of things I don't understand, but my dental assistant spent 1 hour of the 2 hours I was there today standing in the hallway watching the dentist and another assistant work on another patient. This bottle neck with the dentist is causing wasted time and frustration for your patients. (BTW I was only there for someone to cement a crown, that shouldn't take 2 hours. I know that my teeth take longer because of the excessive bleeding but not all that time was my teeth's fault) Solution 1: See less patients while your dental assistant staff is learning. Once they are confident in anticipating the dentists needs then ramp up production Solution 2: Get newer equipment I heard the repair technician for your x ray machine say that it was from 1978 and they no longer make parts for the machine. Also every time I go to a room, they say something is broken. On average I am moved 2-3 times during each visit. Fix your stuff!!!
Pamela Maclean
2 years ago
Penny at the Sorrento Valley Gental Dental is the best. Penny is so great at her job, helpful and smart. I I'm so grateful she was able to help me with my problems at Gental Dental. It's hard to find employees that will follow through like Penny did. They are lucky to have her.
Matthew Boylan
2 years ago
They want the best and are very helpful
Vishaka Shivaram
2 years ago
Great dental service with exceptional care. Highly recommended!
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