I worked in the dental field as a Registered Dental Assistant as well as a front desk coordinator for 30 years, so I have the perfect skill set to be the office manager here at Novato Family Dental Care. I graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelors in Education and a teaching credential, but my greatest asset is being raised in a dental family where my father and both my brothers are dentists. I am the mother of 3 sons and 1 daughter and a grandmother (Jamz) to 6 grandkids.
Ive been working here at Novato Family Dental Care since 2013 and I wear many hats. I handle new patients, payment plans, and invisalign, all while managing the front desk. I enjoy meeting new people and making our patients feel at home. I grew up in Novato and I especially love to see people come into the office that I havent seen since I was a young girl. Outside of work my passion is working on the two acres I live on. I love to garden and hang out with my boyfriend and my English Bullterrier Callie.
Ive worked at Novato Family Dental Care for 34 years, and I love my job. I enjoy interacting with the patients, helping patients feel comfortable, and supporting their dental needs. I love educating patients on how to manage their dental care, and supporting patients in making treatment decisions by giving them all the options and possible outcomes so they feel informed and comfortable about the choices they make. Outside of work, I enjoy the time spent with my family and out in nature.
I feel fortunate to be a part of the team at Novato Family Dental Care. I became a dentist to help patients overcome their fear of dentistry through education and gentle care. I like to take my time and explain to my patients what I'm doing and how it benefits their oral health, as well as detailing the different ways they can take care of their oral health at home! Getting to know my patients and helping them is so gratifying to me. I enjoy hiking, writing comedy, and learning new languages.
Ive been practicing Dental Hygiene since 2003 and Ive been working at Novato Family Dental Care since 2007. My role as a Dental hygienist is to coach, educate, and give the patients the skills they need to maintain their oral health. I enjoy working collaboratively with the dentist as a team to provide the best dental care for our patients. I enjoy fitness, meditation, and eating healthy.
I recently graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in political sciences, but my main focus has always been to improve the lives of others and I love that Im able to do so here at Novato Family Dental Care. I started working here in 2021, and even though Ive only been here a short time, I already feel like Im a part of the family. Im the first face you see when coming into the office, and the last one when you leave. My goal is to make sure every patient leaves with a smile on their face!
Im a very empathetic person, and Im known at work as Momma Shay because of my desire to care for others. I started working in the dental field because I love having the ability to help people navigate the otherwise very tricky waters of insurance. I have almost 50 years of dental experience so Im happy to have the opportunity to share that knowledge with our patients.
I absolutely love my daughter and my many grandchildren and theres nothing Id rather do than spend time with my family. When Im not at work, Im watching my grandson play football, jumping on the trampoline with my littlest grandkids, and watching live music with my friends.
5 years ago I was offered a job at a family friends dental practice, and it changed my life! I knew I wanted to be in the health sector, but I had no idea that Id fall in love with the dental world. Ive been working as a dental assistant ever since, and recently started working with Novato Family Dental Care. The thing I loved most about being in the dental field was being able to help patients feel more confident in themselves and their smiles, and in turn, my confidence grew too knowing that our patients felt comfortable putting their dental health in my hands.
Im currently enrolled at the College of Marin with the goal of being a trauma nurse. When Im not studying or working, you can find me taking hikes with my dog or going on fun adventures with my friends.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 191 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMark Critchfield
a year ago
Friendly and caring staff and medical professionals
Carol Graves
a year ago
Very thorough and nice group. Highly recommend.
Joe Barretta
a year ago
Hands down, the best dentist around. Vince Freemantle and staff are second to none!
Yasmin Odanovich
a year ago
Novato Family Dental Care is the best practice in Marin. The dentists and their staff care deeply about the people they treat. They know their business and are experts of calming those sitting in the dentist chair. They ROCK!!
Tara Matthews
a year ago
I never had considered the dentist a safe space, until I came to Novato Family Dental. Everyone acknowledges you, checks in, explains what is going on, and makes you feel at home. I'd honestly travel across state lines to be a patient at NFD!
Kevin Conkling
a year ago
Love the Drs and the staff you really are family when you join Novato Family Dental
Georgia Hughes
a year ago
Prompt and thorough attention and care. Excellent.
Liesbeth Eda Koning
2 years ago
We've been coming here for a decade. The entire staff is friendly and professional. They remember me and my kids. They are also great with kids. I highly recommend them. I trust that my family and I are being cared for.
Gerarde Moret
2 years ago
Great overall experience though I wish they would reduce the number of reminders sent
Leanne Malcher
2 years ago
Dr. Freemantle always goes above and beyond. Understands my irrational fears of the dentist, works and jokes with me. About it. He treats you with the utmost respect. Gives you options and talks you through procedures. I could go on and on. Bottom line, he's the best!
Sarah Wilder
2 years ago
Very happy, always!
Alissa Van Cleave
2 years ago
My experience was great. Andrea my hygienist was welcoming and knowledgeable. She made sure I was comfortable the whole time. Dr Freemantle was stellar. He gave me a comprehensive new patient exam and worked on my complicated case with ease and grace.
Steven Miller
2 years ago
Enjoy the staff, professional service
Ron Corral
2 years ago
Maria was very kind and knowledgeable. She did a very thorough job of cleaning my teeth and doing a check up and gave me sound advice how to better care for my teeth. She's also very compassionate and positive all of which made my experience very pleasant!
Sherry Rodriguez
2 years ago
Dr Perri, is amazing not a big fan of the dentist he explains the Process and he makes me feel better about my smile every time I leave there
Kathryn Hussein
2 years ago
Novato Family Dental is the best. Best dentists and hygienists I've ever had. They're always nice and have a knack for being a wonderful, calming presence in the room. Drs. Perry and Freemantle are both my favorite and I highly recommend them, and their whole team.
Karen Morton
2 years ago
Having been a Novato Family Dental client for many years, it was time to take my son in to be seen. I was so impressed at how all the staff was with my little dude. His first dental experience was great! We appreciate you all!
Tara Matthews
2 years ago
I never had considered the dentist a safe space, until I came to Novato Family Dental. Everyone acknowledges you, checks in, explains what is going on, and makes you feel at home. Odd honestly travel across state lines to be a patient at NFD!
Brenda Anderson
2 years ago
Dr. Freemantle and his team seemed kind and helpful! Yesterday was my first day meeting Dr. Freemantle and I was able to get dental work done on my first day! Dr. Freemantle is very knowledgeable, and talks to you throughout the dental procedure. I highly recommend him and his office for dental services!
Lucia C
2 years ago
Friendly, clean, professional care. Recommended.
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