STAFF
Welcome to our practice. We want our patients to feel comfortable and secure in the knowledge that they will be treated with the utmost care by everyone who works at our practice. Our entire staff is personable, knowledgeable, and highly skilled.
Our expertise in applying the best, safest dental procedures and our gentle, personalized approach to providing dental services for our patients are cornerstones of our unique practice.
Dr. Caroline Peterson, DMD
Dr. Melinda Chan, DDS
Dr. Audrey Peterson, DDS
Dr. Caroline Peterson, DMD
Dr. Caroline Peterson has been working for Rockridge Smiles since 1982, and took over the practice in 1986.
Dr. Peterson has lived in Berkeley most of her life. She earned her bachelor's degree in physiology from U.C. Berkeley, and her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree with honors from the Washington University School of Dental Medicine. She continues her dental education with regular seminars and study groups. She also volunteers every summer for a dental project in El Salvador and speaks Spanish.
Dr. Peterson is a member of the American and California Dental Associations, the Alameda County Dental Society, and the American Academy of Cosmetic and Adhesive Dentistry.
Dr. Melinda Chan, DDS
Dr. Melinda Chan joined the staff of Rockridge Smiles in 2000. Her overarching dental philosophy is to find ways of giving her patients the best dental care available, and to this end she continues to avidly pursue postgraduate study to further her knowledge of the best techniques and current scholarship in dentistry. She feels lucky to work in a practice that fosters a culture of learning and personal growth.
Dr. Chan grew up in the Philippines, where she graduated from dental school at the University of the Philippines. In 1993, she moved to the Bay Area and completed the International Dental Student Program and Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program, both at the University of the Pacific.
Dr. Audrey Peterson, DDS
Dr. Audrey Peterson is the newest member of the team, joining the practice in July 2009. Born and raised in Berkeley, she completed her bachelor's degree with highest honors in molecular cell developmental biology at UC Santa Cruz. She continued on for her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at UC San Francisco Dental School and was elected a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) honor society.
Dr. Peterson travels to El Salvador with Dr. Caroline Peterson in the summer to volunteer for a dental project.
Dr. Peterson is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and the Alameda County Dental Society.
Lester, RDH
Lester has been a registered dental hygienist for 25 years, and joined Rockridge Smiles in 1996. He spent most of his first 15 years as a hygienist working for periodontists in Los Angeles and the Bay Area.
Lester's experience with severe periodontal cases inspired him to find work in a general dentist office, so that he could help identify and treat periodontal disease in its early stages, helping his patients avoid visits to a periodontist.
Lester has completed his hygienist training and earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Southern California. He also has a bachelor's degree in physiology from U.C. Berkeley.
Shannon, RDH
Shannon has been with Rockridge Smiles since 2000. She has worked in dentistry since 1989, and earned her associate's degree in dental hygiene at San Joaquin Valley College.
Shannon finds great satisfaction in dental education - both in educating her patients about good periodontal health and in expanding her own knowledge by attending regular seminars, particularly those focusing on advances in the treatment of periodontal disease.
Geralyn, RDH
Born and raised on Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, Geralyn received her first dental training in the early 1980s while volunteering as a Red Cross candy striper at the base's regional dental center.
Geralyn has been with Rockridge Smiles since 2003. She is currently working toward her bachelor's degree in dental hygiene at East Tennessee State University.
Geralyn shares her passion for her work by passing her dental knowledge on to her patients.
Rita, RDH
Rita joined the Rockridge Smiles team in 2008. She has been practicing hygiene for 13 years. Although a native Californian, Rita completed her education on the east coast in Boston, MA. She earned a Bachelor's of Science degree with focus in dental hygiene.
Her love for California brought her back to the Bay Area. Rita is dedicated and passionate about educating her patients and helping them maintain good oral health.
Carin, RDH
Carin has been with Rockridge Smiles since 2008. She has worked in dentistry for 20 years, the last ten years as a dental hygienist. She earned her degree in dental hygiene in 1998 at Chabot Community College.
Carin is enthusiastic about dental hygiene and her highest priority is educating her patients about good oral health. Carin strives to stay current on the latest advances in periodontal treatments, so she can provide gentle yet thorough dental care for her patients.
Maribel, Maria, La'cea, Veronica
Our registered dental assistants, Maribel, Maria, La'cea and Veronica help us ensure that you have the healthy smile you deserve. They work with our dentists to provide our patients with a calming and reassuring experience. They are all exceedingly skilled, and our patients appreciate them.
Margaret, Heather
Each time you check in and out at our practice, you'll be greeted by one of our friendly and talented front office staff: Margaret or Arlene. They'll answer your questions about our dental services or fees, schedule your appointments and communicate with your dental insurance provider on your behalf.
Margaret, our combination office manager, insurance expert, and concierge, first began her tenure at Rockridge Smiles in 1983, and has been with us full-time since 1996.
Heather is the newest member of our staff and joined us in August 2011. She has been working in the dental field since 1997 and brings great expertise in helping Margaret run the front office.