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 4.2 out of 5 based on 46 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestLynn Tucker-DeMarco
a year ago
I really liked the receptionist and the dentists and staff at the Vista office. They seemed very caring however, I was sent to a substitute endodontist who was probably the worst person I have ever had the misfortune to have worked on my mouth. She had her assistant hold me down in the chair while she jammed the needle into my gums. I was screaming in pain and tried to make her stop! Her assistant still held me down while she emptied the whole syringe into my gums. The tears were streaming down my face and I was shaking all over by the time they were done! The assistant apologized over and over for his part in the act but not a word of apology from the masochistic woman. I truly believe that she should have her license revoked if my visit was any indication of the treatment she gives her patients. Since I had suffered what I figured was the worst she could do and I had to have the root canals to proceed with the other dental work I needed I sat there while she performed the three root canals. I told Gentle Dental Vista about the incident and although they apologized for the horrible and traumatic treatment they didn't offer any recourse for me to file a claim against the endodontist. After completing the rest of my dental work which came out over the estimated cost I paid my bill and left. I have since moved and now have received a $1000.00 bill for the work on the root canals. I explained the situation to their billing department and she have me an email address to send a complaint to and assured me that department would contact me. I sent the email a few months ago but have yet to hear back from them. One of the teeth in my partial fell out a couple of months after I moved away and the only thing Gentle Dental Vista would offer was for me to bring the tooth and partial back for them to repair. I have not returned as it was not worth driving the 7 hours to have it repaired. I ended up having the rest of my lower teeth removed and getting a lower plate. All I can say is I will never return to any Gentle Dental facility, ever!
Katherine Moore
a year ago
Excellent dentist and staff!
Linda Tyner
2 years ago
Best dental experience ever! From the time I walked in until the time I left, everyone was extremely helpful, patient, compassionate and GENTLE. I'll never go anywhere else.
Lucas Miller
2 years ago
Scam dentist!! Beware!! Refuses to provide normal free cleaning included in your typical HMO insurance plan if you refuse to pay out of pocket for an extra "Deep cleaning" . I went to another dentist and they provided the free cleaning without a problem
Eli Henig
2 years ago
Terrible just terrible Not only did they leave a tooth splinter in my gums the receptionist talks to you like he's a used car salesman. He was so off-putting that I let a tooth go bad cause they wanted another $1500 for a bridge Turns out there was a cheaper option all along Run run fast and far
Lindsey White
2 years ago
Had a great experience with Gentle Dental in Vista! Every staff member I worked with was so friendly and helpful. Prices were very reasonable and Dr. Rivera was amazing. She worked quickly, carefully and was always concerned with how I was feeling. They were patient with my fears as well and helped to make me feel comfortable at all times! I would highly recommend this office to anyone and am so satisfied with my work that was done there.
Tatyana Anatopolis
2 years ago
I had a WONDERFUL experience at this dental care. The way everyone took care of my teeth I felt like royalty because of how nice and friendly everyone was. This is a number one concern for me (friendliness and care, not just a random number of patients like I have had in the past) for me to be able to trust someone with my teeth pain/ needs. I was impressed how well the team is at this office works together. The doctor is a sweet lady with a gentle voice and beautiful culture. This is such a contrast to what I ve had before I came here ( with abrasive aggressive male dentists seeing you as a walking wallet). I am now not affraid to go again to a dentist office. Fiy I had several very deep cavities and they were all well taken care of. They also educate you on how to take better care of your teeth like using that Phillips electric took brush can make the biggest difference in the World. Bless you all ( the team) for the care I wont ever forget your hard work. And can I also mention the vibe is nice. Good every with diversity in cultures of different countries, I thought that was one of the coolest parts.
mark alfaro
2 years ago
Thank you to the amazing staff at Gentle Dental! From Johann, Patricia, Liz, Gemma and Doctor Rivera...I'm so grateful for your care, patience and for going above and beyond to help me! You are my dentist office for life. God Bless you all!! Please check this place out, they are Wonderful!!!
eywen Rei
2 years ago
This place is not gentle. Unnecessary procedures were pushed to my parent. Fillings and crowns were done while there were no cavities (after getting second and third opinations on X-rays). Front desk staffs were rude AF. Don't bother yourself with these scammers.
Nicole Kifer
2 years ago
The staff and professionals here are patient, informative, honest, and give you options. They don't try to upsell and work with you on different payment plans. I recommend them to me family and friends!
Booki Rivera
2 years ago
What a wonderful Dentist, and hygienist! I love this place! After no going to the dentist for years they welcomed me and make me feel comfortable. Love this place! Thank you!!
DOLORES COSMA
2 years ago
Doctor Ofelia Rivera and her staff are very professional and provide excellent dental care. At first, I was reluctant to come to this office because I had other recommendations but doctor Rivera was in my insurance network, so I decided to see her. I am very happy with her service and after seeing her, I do not want to see another dentist even if my insurance allows. When I first saw her, I had an emergency and her staff was so kind and understanding that they accommodated me that morning. So grateful for all the experience! Thank you Gentle Dental Vista for your excellent service!
shawnie goldman
2 years ago
Love this place! They are all so friendly and do a really great job at actually being gentle when working on my teeth (so the name gentle dental is actually appropriate lol.) I'm able to easily get appointments when needed and everything is always thoroughly explained to me. I went through a few dental offices that I didn't like before finding this one and I'm so happy I finally did!
S Khang
2 years ago
Had a great cleaning experience with Patricia! She did such a wonderful job. The best cleaning I've had. Also, the ortho team is amazing! Dr. Kim, Jeff and Omar. Always caring, friendly and easy to talk to. Thank you all!
nittaya linsri
2 years ago
Very nice service and warm welcome they are all so friendly.
Marc Liggins
2 years ago
What do you get when you combine a used car salesman and a dental office? Gentle Dental Vista! There's a reason why they have 2.5 stars on Yelp! I switched insurances thinking I would save money, nope. This dental practice is crooked. I went because of an urgent dental manner, yet they tried to upsell me on everything. They "found" a bunch of dental problems that somehow developed in the months since I switched dentists and manifested a $5000 treatment after insurance! HAHAHA. The hygienist is below average and I was in discomfort for much of the cleaning. The dentist herself is rarely seen and is only there to make money. And the male receptionist was rude. I would give 0 stars if I could!
Andrea Hart
2 years ago
Great teeth cleaning experience for myself and my child
Edward Basler
2 years ago
The very best dental experience of my life I had not gone to the dentist for years. Gentle Dental was quick, painless and so professional I no longer fear going to the dentist now. I recommend everyone to check out Gentle Dental. A diffenite 10 out of 10.
Victor Petersen
2 years ago
5 stars isn't enough for this dental office. They go above and beyond for their patients. The dental hygienist and dentist there ease your mind and make every visit painless. The front desk is so helpful and knowledgable with what you're having done. Prices are amazing. Would recommend this dental office to all my friends and family. Highly recommend if you want amazing care with the right prices!
caitier29
2 years ago
The staff were friendly and did a wonderful job!
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