We hold our entire team to the same Ideal Dental standard across all our locations. Our rigorous vetting and selection process for dental clinicians and staff ensures quality and consistency.
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Dr. Varun Kulkarni has served as a Faculty for Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Midwestern University. Currently a full-time private practitioner, Dr. Kulkarni combines his teaching abilities and clinical skills to deliver exceptional patient care. Additionally, Dr. Kulkarni has published over 50 articles in Immunology, Periodontology, Implant surgery, Oral Surgery, Esthetic, and Plastics surgery and has presented numerous lectures and surgical demonstrations. He has also lectured nationally and internationally on dental implants and periodontal procedures. He also serves on the Editorial Boards of many peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Kulkarni is the recipient of the Distinguished Nobel Biocare Fellowship and Straumann Implant Fellowship.
Dr. Pedersen was born in Iowa, but grew up in the small town of Dunlap, Illinois. After graduating high school, he returned to Iowa where he received a B.A. in Biological Chemistry at Grinnell College. Dr. Pedersen then moved to Washington DC to attend Georgetown College for a Masters in Tumor Biology with an emphasis on oral cancer research.
Shortly after completing his M.S., he moved to Chicago where he attended the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. Dr. Pedersen then attended an Orthodontics specialty residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, NY for three years, learning multiple approaches to early interceptive and comprehensive treatment styles.
Dr. Pedersen is very passionate about orthodontics and loves being able to make his patients proud of their smiles. After completing orthodontic treatment as a preteen, he realized the positive impact that aligned teeth had on his self-confidence. This, in turn, inspired him to share that joy with others as a career. Since completing his training in Orthodontics, Dr. Pedersen has helped hundreds of patients improve their smile aesthetics.
For Dr. Pedersen, it’s not just about transforming a smile, he strives to deliver the best clinical care to improve his patient’s quality of life. Dr. Pedersen is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics and actively attends continuing education courses to stay in tune with new research and advanced treatments in the orthodontic field.
Dr. Mona Stone is not only an esteemed oral and maxillofacial surgeon practicing full scope surgery, she is a public speaker, an activist, philanthropist and the cofounder to the grassroots organization Real Heroes Need Masks.
After receiving her dental degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, she went on to do a year of internship at Truman Medical Center and then a residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Broward General Medical Center.
Dr. Stone practices the full scope of the specialty, including maxillofacial pathology, dentoalveolar surgery, implant surgery, maxillofacial reconstruction, microvascular surgery, facial cosmetic surgery and trauma surgery. She is also an attending surgeon at Baylor Medical Center Grapevine, Irving and at Methodist Hospital.
In addition to her role in the community, she is the mother of two beautiful children, Max and Sofia, an avid supporter of motor sports and Formula 1, and a TikTok creator and social media activist.
Dr. Paula Ortiz, DDS, is an experienced periodontist with more than 10 years of experience providing advanced periodontal care and dental implant treatment. She is dedicated to helping patients achieve and maintain healthy gums, strong supporting structures, and confident smiles through comprehensive, personalized care.
Originally born and raised in Colombia, Dr. Ortiz began her career providing dental care to underserved communities after graduating from dental school. This experience shaped her commitment to compassionate, accessible care and continues to influence her patient-centered approach today. She later completed her advanced training in periodontics in the United States and now practices in both private and group settings while also serving as a faculty member at Texas A&M College of Dentistry.
Dr. Ortiz is experienced in all aspects of periodontics and dental implant treatment. She is committed to providing advanced, evidence-based care using modern techniques and technology while ensuring every patient feels comfortable, informed, and supported throughout treatment. Her approach combines clinical excellence with compassion, clear communication, and a genuine desire to treat every patient like family.
During her training at Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Ortiz served as Chief Resident. She has also contributed to the field of periodontics through research published in the Journal of Periodontology. Her dedication to continuing education and professional development allows her to stay current with advancements in periodontal treatment and implant dentistry.
Dr. Ortiz believes advanced dentistry should be provided in a relaxed, caring environment. She takes the time to understand each patient’s concerns and goals, providing gentle, personalized care designed to improve both oral health and quality of life.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Ortiz enjoys reading, cooking, riding her bicycle, and paddle boarding. She and her husband enjoy traveling and trying new experiences with their three children.
We’re dedicated to continuous learning and innovation to provide our patients with revolutionary personalized dental care.