Dentists in Seattle, WA - Ballard

Dr. Joseph Bizar, D.D.S.

Dr. Joseph Bizar is a passionate and well-rounded general dentist committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care that enhances his patients’ oral health and confidence. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Touro College of Dental Medicine in New York and his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology from the University of Washington. His background in microbiology and extensive laboratory experience inform his meticulous approach to diagnosis, prevention, and treatment planning.

During his training, Dr. Bizar participated in advanced clinical education alongside orthodontic residents and completed an externship at St. Barnabas Hospital, gaining valuable hands-on experience in diverse patient care settings. He also served in multiple leadership and mentorship roles, including Vice President of the Chinese Dental Student Association and Student Ambassador Peer Mentor, helping guide future dental professionals. Currently a resident at NYU Langone Health, Dr. Bizar provides comprehensive dental services ranging from restorations and endodontics to extractions, while continuing his academic growth through seminars and case studies.

Dedicated to community service, Dr. Bizar has volunteered for programs such as Give Kids a Smile and the NYC Congenital Heart Walk. His approachable demeanor, scientific insight, and commitment to lifelong learning make him a trusted and compassionate provider devoted to creating healthier smiles.

Dr. Anna Cai, DMD

Dr. Anna Cai is a compassionate and highly skilled general dentist dedicated to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care. She currently practices in New York City, where she provides a wide range of dental services—from crown and bridge restorations to molar endodontics and surgical extractions—at multiple practices including ToothDocs at Rockefeller Center, Brightray Dental in Queens, and VMC Dental Group throughout Manhattan.

Dr. Cai completed her General Practice Residency at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, where she received extensive training in complex dental procedures, including emergency dental care, trauma management, and special needs dentistry. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from Roseman University College of Dental Medicine in Utah, where she was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society and received the Distinguished Professionalism & Ethics Award. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Microbiology from the University of Washington.

Beyond clinical care, Dr. Cai is committed to mentoring and education. She has held leadership roles with Roseman’s chapters of the American Dental Education Association and American Student Dental Association and has served as a pre-clinical and interview mentor to aspiring dental students. Her passion for service is evident in her long-term volunteer work with underserved communities through programs like Give Kids a Smile, Special Olympics, and refugee dental outreach.

Dr. Cai is known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and warm chairside manner. She is fluent in the latest technologies, including digital scanning with iTero, and is experienced in managing both routine and complex cases. Driven by a genuine desire to improve lives through oral health, Dr. Cai continues to advance her skills while making meaningful contributions to her patients and community.

Dr. Blake Sessions, DMD, is a highly experienced general dentist with over 11 years in practice, including nine years serving patients across the Seattle area and two years in Anchorage, Alaska. A graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Sessions provides comprehensive care across all areas of general dentistry, from restorative and preventive treatment to implants, endodontics, occlusion, and orthodontics. His background in psychology and gerontology from Brigham Young University enhances his ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with patients of all ages, ensuring each visit is comfortable, informative, and centered on long-term oral health.

Dr. Sessions is known for his strong work ethic, leadership by example, and commitment to lifelong learning. He has completed advanced continuing education through institutions such as the Spear Institute, Whitecap Institute, and GpO Orthodontic Training, continually refining his expertise to better serve his patients. Fluent in conversational Spanish, he values creating a positive and engaging dental experience for both his patients and team members. Outside the office, Dr. Sessions enjoys sailing, spending time near the water, and experimenting with new recipes—often sharing his culinary successes with his colleagues.

Dr. Nisha Sharoff, DDS, MS

Dr. Nisha Sharoff is a highly skilled and compassionate general dentist with over a decade of experience providing exceptional care across a wide range of dental needs. She has advanced training in orofacial pain, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and sleep dental medicine, offering patients comprehensive solutions that improve both oral health and overall quality of life.

Dr. Sharoff earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, followed by a Master of Science in Oral Sciences with a focus on TMD and Orofacial Pain. Her diverse background includes extensive clinical experience in restorative dentistry, surgical extractions, periodontal therapy, implant dentistry, and minor oral surgery. She is also proficient in advanced diagnostic technologies such as jaw tracking devices, Bio-EMG, and pharyngometry for sleep apnea evaluation.

Dedicated to lifelong learning, Dr. Sharoff holds multiple certifications—including Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support—and has completed specialized training in palliative care, headache medicine, and opioid overdose prevention. She is an active member of professional organizations such as the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, and the Washington State Dental Association.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Sharoff is passionate about community service. She has volunteered extensively—providing free dental care for patients with special needs, veterans, and underserved populations in both the United States and India.

With a gentle approach and meticulous attention to detail, Dr. Sharoff is committed to delivering personalized, evidence-based care that addresses her patients’ unique needs and goals.

Randy Ogata D.D.S., Orthodontist

About Me

Introducing Randy Ogata D.D.S., our Orthodontist at Gentle Dental, specializing in creating beautiful smiles at our Lynnwood and Puyallup Washington locations. He previously served as the Executive Director of the Seattle-King County Dental Society and the Seattle-King County Dental Foundation.

Recently hired for the Puyallup office, Dr. Ogata specializes in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, using his expertise to create beautiful smiles for his patients. A graduate of the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology in 1987, Dr. Ogata continued his dental education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, earning his D.D.S. degree in 1991.

He furthered his studies in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Oklahoma University Health Science Center Dental School, completing his post-graduate program in 1994. Dr. Ogata’s passion for dentistry stems from his desire to serve others, helping patients achieve the smile of their dreams. He cherishes the ability to make a positive impact in people’s lives and build meaningful relationships with his patients and their families.

Beyond dentistry, he enjoys being a dedicated volunteer and leader in Scouts with his sons. His hobbies include fishing, fly-fishing, fly tying, model rocketry, model railroads, kayaking, canoeing, and camping, reflecting his love for outdoor activities and exploring nature. With a warm smile and a commitment to patient care, Dr. Randy Ogata looks forward to helping patients achieve the smiles of their dreams.

Education

University of Washington

University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry

Oklahoma University Health Science Center Dental School

Affiliations

Seattle-King County Dental Society

Washington State Dental Association

American Dental Association

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

Preston Dekker D.D.S., Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

About Me

Dr. Preston Dekker is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who joined Gentle Dental in March of 2024 after recently moving back to the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Dekker graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences. He attended the University of Washington School of Dentistry in Seattle, Washington, where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2018.

Dr. Dekker completed his comprehensive surgical training at the University of Illinois Chicago Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Program, where he served as Chief Resident.

While at the University of Illinois Chicago, Dr. Dekker was mentored by some of the nation’s leading oral and maxillofacial surgeons, gaining expertise in all aspects of the specialty. He rotated through five hospitals in the surrounding Chicagoland area that further solidified his surgical training, including UI Health Hospital, Northwestern Hospital, Lurie Children’s Hospital, Christ Advocate Hospital, and Jesse Brown VA Hospital.

In addition to years of surgical training, Dr. Dekker has published research articles, co-authored a book chapter, and presented his research at several national meetings. Most notably, he presented at the American Academy of Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons Conference, Chalmers J. Lyons Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Conference, and at the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Conference.

Prior to pursuing his surgical career, Dr. Dekker lived in ten different states, much of which was due to playing ice hockey for over 15 years. After a stint of playing junior hockey—and a couple chipped teeth and lip lacerations—he realized he could combine his passions for hockey and surgery. Dr. Dekker was one of the team doctors serving as an oral and facial surgeon for the 2023 Stanley Cup Champion Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing men’s league hockey, golfing, snowboarding, playing guitar, hiking, and traveling. Dr. Dekker is excited to provide compassionate and patient-centered care through Gentle Dental. He practices the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with special interests in facial trauma, full arch dental implant rehabilitation, microneurosurgery, and orthognathic surgery.

He is dedicated to using his surgical knowledge and abilities to improve the quality of life of his patients. Dr. Dekker has a natural ability to relate to others and befriend those around him, which has always earned him the trust and respect of his colleagues and patients.

Dr. Tanaya Kumar, BDS, MDS, MS – Endodontist

Dr. Tanaya Kumar is an accomplished Endodontist with over a decade of clinical experience in both the United States and India. She earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from People’s College of Dental Science & Research Centre in Bhopal, India, followed by a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in Endodontics from Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College in Pune. She further advanced her training with a Master of Science and Certificate in Endodontics from the University of Detroit Mercy, where she was awarded the prestigious Philip Cohen Memorial Scholarship and a research grant from the American Association of Endodontists.

From 2017 to 2023, Dr. Kumar practiced with Pacific Dental Services in the Greater Seattle area, providing advanced endodontic care across multiple locations. She has extensive expertise in diagnosis and treatment procedures including root canal therapy, retreatments, perforation repairs, resorption management, vital pulp therapies, bleaching, and regenerative endodontics, often utilizing CBCT technology. During her tenure, she treated and consulted with more than 30 patients per week, mentored general dentists, and supervised clinical teams, reflecting her leadership and commitment to excellence in patient care.

Earlier in her career, Dr. Kumar practiced as a general dentist at Vyas Raipur Multi Speciality Dental Hospital in India, where she provided a wide range of restorative and surgical treatments.

In addition to her clinical accomplishments, Dr. Kumar is an active contributor to dental research and education. She has co-authored two books in restorative dentistry and has published over a dozen peer-reviewed articles. Her academic work has been recognized with multiple honors, including best paper and poster awards at national and international dental conferences. She is also board eligible, having successfully cleared the written exam for the American Board of Endodontics.

Dedicated to advancing the field of endodontics, Dr. Kumar combines clinical expertise, research, and mentorship to provide patients with the highest standard of care.