Dentists in Kirkland, WA

Dr. Hemamalini Chandrashekhar is an internationally trained Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon and a U.S.-trained specialist in Orofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine. She is American board-certified in Orofacial Pain and an American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) Qualified Dentist, with over 15 years of clinical, academic, and research experience.

She began her dental career as a cosmetic dentist, completing advanced cosmetic dentistry training through NYU, and running a successful private dental clinic in Mumbai, India. She then pursued residency training and a Master’s degree in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, along with advanced clinical training in Head & Neck Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai. Dr. Chandrashekhar further enhanced her surgical expertise through an internship in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at Boston University and an implant dentistry fellowship at UCLA. Her dedication to managing TMJ and chronic pain led her to complete a fellowship in Orofacial Pain at UCLA and earn a second Master’s degree in Orofacial Pain from Rutgers University.

Academically, Dr. Chandrashekhar ranked among the top 1% throughout dental school and her residency. She received several distinguished academic honors, including the Vice Chancellor’s Merit Award and an award from the Indian Dental Association (IDA) Navi Mumbai during dental school. She was also awarded prestigious scholarships from the JRD Tata Trust and earned a merit-based scholarship to pursue her OMFS residency. At Rutgers University, she was recognized for academic excellence with an award for her research poster at the university’s scientific event.

Dr. Chandrashekhar's clinical interests include dental implants, wisdom teeth, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), chronic undiagnosed facial pain, headaches, and sleep-related breathing disorders. She has extensive experience in surgical and wisdom tooth extractions, and managing patients with complex medical conditions.

Dr. Chandrashekhar holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Research and has worked on multiple clinical research projects at UCLA and Rutgers University. She has contributed to several peer-reviewed international publications on TMD, chronic facial pain, and sleep apnea, and serves as a reviewer for PubMed-indexed journals in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Orofacial Pain. Dr. Chandrashekhar is also an internationally invited speaker on Orofacial Pain disorders, sharing her expertise with dental and medical professionals across global platforms.

At Gentle Dental, Dr. Chandrashekhar provides comprehensive general dental care to patients in and around the Kirkland area, integrating her diverse training to deliver thoughtful, patient-centered care.

In her free time, Dr. Chandrashekhar enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest. She was also a professional Indian classical dancer (Bharatanatyam) and continues to stay connected with this art form.

James Liu D.D.S., General Dentist  

Dr. Liu practices dentistry with passion, compassion, and a commitment to excellence.  Dr. Liu earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Southern California.  After he completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University Dental School in 1997, he furthered his training by completing a general practice residency at North Chicago V.A. Hospital & Great Lakes Naval Hospital.

Dr. Liu takes great pride in his work. He is committed to gentle and quality dental care in a comfortable environment.  With over 20 years of dental experience, he enjoys treating each patient like a member of his family.

Outside the office, Dr. Liu loves spending time with his family and friends. He enjoys traveling, golfing, tennis, hiking and skiing.

Dr. Muktai Deshpande, BDS, MS
Orthodontist

Dr. Muktai Deshpande is a dedicated orthodontist passionate about helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles. Originally from a scenic hill station in India, she brings warmth, empathy, and a love for long-term patient relationships to her work. She enjoys guiding patients through their orthodontic journey over the course of one to two years, ensuring each step leads toward optimal results.

Dr. Deshpande earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from KLE’s Vishwanath Katti Institute of Dental Sciences in India and went on to complete her specialty certificate in Orthodontics and Master of Science in Oral Biology at the UCLA School of Dentistry. She is also American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Certificate Eligible.

Her professional experience includes serving as a clinical observer and assistant in India, where she collaborated with orthodontists to plan and deliver comprehensive care. She has been recognized with multiple honors, including Budding Dentist of the Year (2020), Innovation and Research in Dentistry Award (2019), and Versatile Dentist of the Year (2019). In addition, she has presented research at international conferences and holds patents for innovative dental care solutions.

Beyond the clinic, Dr. Deshpande enjoys hiking, fitness, and gardening, reflecting her appreciation for nature and a healthy lifestyle. Her background in elocution and dramatics has strengthened her communication skills, allowing her to connect deeply with patients and inspire confidence throughout treatment.

Aravind Buddula D.M.D., M.D.S., M.S., Periodontist

ABOUT ME

Dr. Aravind Buddula’s father, a pediatric surgeon, served as his initial inspiration and played a key role in shaping his career. He loves treating his patients and giving them the gentle care they need for great oral health. Delivering periodontal services at multiple Gentle Dental offices throughout the Seattle region, he brings a wide range of knowledge and experience to each patient’s care. His love for his profession is reflected in his achievements. While studying Dentistry at a top dental school in his home country of India, Dr. Buddula received an award from the International College of Dentists for achieving the highest marks in Prosthodontics. He furthered his education with a Masters of Dental Surgery in Periodontics from the College of Dental Surgery in Manipal, India. He went on to pursue a Certificate in Public Health at the Oklahoma University of Health Sciences in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

He then attained his D.M.D degree at Tufts School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Buddula made the Dean’s Honor Roll for his exemplary performance on the National Dental Board examination, and was selected by the world-renowned Mayo Clinic to complete his Fellowship in Periodontology and Masters in Biomedical Sciences. His work there earned him the Dental Student Award for outstanding achievements from the American Academy of Periodontology. Especially interested in implant surgery, he has multiple articles on this topic in international, peer-reviewed journals, and his papers have been accepted for presentations at various national and international conferences. He is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology and American Dental Association. Recognizing that patient care and understanding are the essence of any health profession, Dr.Buddula has genuine love and concern for his patients. This fact was acknowledged when he was placed among the best periodontists in patient care at the Mayo Clinic, based exclusively upon the positive patient feedback he received.

In his spare time, Dr.Buddula enjoys watching movies and playing cricket. He is fluent in English, Telugu and Hindi.

EDUCATION

D.M.D., Dentistry – Tufts School of Dental Medicine

M.D.S. – College of Dental Surgery (India)

M.S., Periodontics – Mayo Clinic

AFFILIATIONS

American Dental Association

American Academy of Periodontology