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 3.9 out of 5 based on 31 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestCardellaBoden
a year ago
I have been going to Gentle dental for almost 8 years. I've paid for two kids to have braces there. I have had dozens of appointments over the years. Typically I always wait 15-20min plus past my scheduled appointment time and I have never complained. However I was 10min late to an appointment yesterday, and was told by the receptionist who called me "If you are more than 15min late, we will have to reschedule you're appointment". I was very upset. What they really said, we will cancel your appointment if you're not here in 5min. After years of patience with this expensive place, to get spoke to like that on my very final appointment. Sad! If my daughter needs a phase two, which is also another point of contention, I will be taking my time and money somewhere else. This place is a factory that does not care about dedicated patients. Only money and it shows with that phase 1/phase 2 nonsense.
Carson Cooper
2 years ago
I just recently established primary care with the Dentistry! They have been excellent in communication, kindness and quality of work. The office staff is so kind that it makes for a relaxing experience. The dental assistants and the office are very good about communicating with you about your invoice as far as what's out of pocket & what insurance covers. The dentist did an excellent job on removal of all four of my wisdom teeth. I am scheduled for a cleaning here shortly and am confident and feel good that I'm on a good oral plan now! Highly recommend
Jessica Hughes
2 years ago
Absolutely love the whole bunch here, from the lovely receptionists to the hygienist Sonny, to the Dentist. The whole place is full of smiles. They go above and beyond every visit to make the joy of dental work as easy as possible on us patients. It's super clean and I always get a how are you?. I appreciate the quotes before any work, as I personally am a budget stricter. My smile gets better every visit. No new cavities for me.
Ruth W
3 years ago
This was a good experience. The dentist and staff were all exceptional. They are doing a great job on covid and appear to have a good process in place. They were very professional, efficient, gentle and kind, and the actual work they did turned out great!
diane barta
3 years ago
Truly are 'gentle' and make dreaded dental visits easy. Dr. B & staff are great and Kalyn on the reception and billing end is a star.
Jordan
3 years ago
I love Dr. Backowski & hygienist Sonny! Both are amazing at what they do
Dano Mehner
3 years ago
Went in today feeling anxious about my Ortho visit and the staff quickly turned that around. From the office manager Kalyn, down to the gentlemen that helped do my impressions. The staff here are friendly and knowledgeable. Looking forward to my future visits!
Wouldnt Lktkno
3 years ago
Very rude folks
diane barta
3 years ago
Truly are 'gentle' and make dreaded dental visits easy. Dr. B & staff are great and Kalyn on the reception and billing end is a star.
Rosemary Lowery
3 years ago
Staff was knowledgeable, Dr Backowski and the Hygienist Sonny are Excellent at what they do. The assistant's are friendly and funny. Overal Passionate, and Honest Dental office... And I have High ANXIETY when it comes to dental!
Becca Kortum
3 years ago
Shout out to the Wood Village office! I just got my teeth cleaned and a little work done. They are supper great! Fast, friendly, up to date on all the COVID requirements, and super responsive to every little thing I ask for. I really appreciated the guy who did the cleaning, he hit every trouble spot without me even having to say it was bothering me. I really appreciate you all, keep up the great work!
Ruth W
3 years ago
This was a good experience. The dentist and staff were all exceptional. They are doing a great job on covid and appear to have a good process in place. They were very professional, efficient, gentle and kind, and the actual work they did turned out great!
Dano Mehner
4 years ago
Went in today feeling anxious about my Ortho visit and the staff quickly turned that around. From the office manager Kalyn, down to the gentlemen that helped do my impressions. The staff here are friendly and knowledgeable. Looking forward to my future visits!
Jbadge
4 years ago
I love Dr. Backowski & hygienist Sonny! Both are amazing at what they do
Becca Kortum
4 years ago
Shout out to the Wood Village office! I just got my teeth cleaned and a little work done. They are supper great! Fast, friendly, up to date on all the COVID requirements, and super responsive to every little thing I ask for. I really appreciated the guy who did the cleaning, he hit every trouble spot without me even having to say it was bothering me. I really appreciate you all, keep up the great work!
Wouldnt Lktkno
4 years ago
Very rude folks
Rosemary Lowery
4 years ago
Staff was knowledgeable, Dr Backowski and the Hygienist Sonny are Excellent at what they do. The assistant's are friendly and funny. Overal Passionate, and Honest Dental office... And I have High ANXIETY when it comes to dental!
Gabryelle Waltemeyer
4 years ago
My daughter sees Dr. Saito, the orthodontist, at Wood Village Gentle Dental. The staff is always super firendly and make an effort to joke with her and set her nerves at ease. I am so happy with our service here!
Rebecca Schouten
4 years ago
This is the best office for your dental needs. Everyone is AMAZING and very gentle. I would recommend this office to anyone.
Shannon Vazquez
4 years ago
I would give Zero if that was possible. They wait until you sre there for your appointment to tell you they need to reschedule (this has happened multiple times). They will not see another member of your family if someone else in the household has a balance on their account. Not sure why one person would be tied to another for dental hygiene. Finding a new dentist asap!
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