Meet Our Specialist Partners
At Fountaingrove Dentistry, we pride ourselves on providing a broad range of dental services within the practice. We also partner with outstanding specialists in our area when it is in your best interest to be treated by a Specialist outside our practice.
We work in concert with many experienced dental specialists with the latest techniques and equipment. Click on the specialty areas below to see where we regularly refer our valued patients.
Endodontists | Pediatric Dentists | Periodontists | Oral Surgeons | Orthodontists
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At Fountaingrove Dentistry, our goal is provide outstanding general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care. Contact us today with any questions or to schedule your appointment!
Endodontics Root Canals that allow us to save important teeth
Dr. Emine C. Loxley
Dr. Emine C. Loxley, DMD
Practice limited to Endodontics
Dr. Loxley attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Dentistry, graduating in 1994. Serving two tours abroad in the U.S. Army’s Dental Corps. from 1994 to 2004 completing her service as a Major. Selected for the military’s intensive Endodontic Specialty training program in 1998, Dr. Loxley earned her specialty certificate in Endodontics at the Army’s Tingay Dental Clinic and the Medical College of Georgia. She completed her residency program in 2000. Dr. Loxley started her Endodontic practice in Bend, Oregon in 2004 and recently sold her practice due to her autistic son’s needs, relocating here in Sonoma County. She loves spending time with her four children, scuba diving, reading, and traveling. She is a member of the California Dental Association, American Dental Association, American Association of Endodontics, and the Redwood Empire Dental Society.
To learn more about Dr. Loxley’s practice, go to www.santarosaendodontics.com
Dr. Jared Fortman
Jared R. Fortman, DDS
Dr. Fortman grew up in suburban Kansas City, Missouri where he attended The University of Missouri-Columbia for his undergraduate studies and The University of Missouri-Kansas City-School of Dentistry for his pre-doctoral training. He started his general practice in 1996 and after 5 years was chosen to join a 3-year post-graduate residency by Louisiana State University’s Endodontic Department in New Orleans. Upon completion in 2004 Dr. Fortman, his wife, and their 2 sons moved to Santa Rosa to begin their lives in California and start his private endodontic practice. He took the reins from the first endodontists in Santa Rosa and never looked back. “This is a great city in which to live and work. I feel fortunate that the people in this community have accepted me so graciously.”
Dr. Fortman continues to stay at the forefront of his profession with his main passions being the retreatment of failed root canals and pain control. He is often heard saying, “A root canal should be boring. If you are bored then it didn’t hurt and everything went as planned!” Dr. Fortman is a member of The Redwood Empire Dental Society, The California Dental Association, The American Dental Association, The California State Association of Endodontists, and The American Association of Endodontists.
Dr. Fortman spends much of his personal time mountain biking with his sons, coaching their baseball teams, supporting school functions, and relaxing with his wife Kelly.
To learn more about Dr. Fortman’s practice, go to www.santarosaendodontist.com/
Dr. Justin Wu
Justin Wu, DDS, MDS
Dr. Justin Wu is a board-eligible Endodontist who strives to provide quality care catered to each and every patient. He prides himself on a conservative approach both in diagnosis and in his treatments. Dr. Wu graduated from University of California San Diego with honors and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from UCLA. He then traveled to New York City, where he completed a General Practice Residency at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx. Following several years of private practice as a general dentist he returned to Southern California to pursue his passion for endodontics and completed his endodontic residency at Loma Linda University. As a Northern California native, he is excited to finally be back in the area and serve his community! Dr. Wu is an active member of The California Dental Association, The American Dental Association, The California State Association of Endodontists and The American Association of Endodontists.
In his free time, Dr. Wu enjoys running, cycling, triathlons and surfing.
To learn more about Dr. Wu’s practice, go to www.santarosaendodontist.com/
Pedodontics Treatment of Children and their special oral health needs
Dr. Rob Oliver
Rob Oliver, DDS
Dr. Rob loves working with kids of all ages and wants to show all of his patients how going to the dentist can be fun, especially with his magic tricks! His goal is to have kids grow up fearless in a dental setting and, equally as important, teach families the skills that will help keep their dental visits to a minimum. Starting them off early will lead to a lifetime of prevention!
Dr. Oliver is active with his continuing education and the newest technologies available. He has had training in the uses of ozone therapy for applications in dentistry and is a member of the IAOM (International Association of Orofacial Myology) which specializes in the position of the oral and facial muscles and habit patterns.
Education and Experience
- Pacific Lutheran Univ–BA in Business & BA in Art/Photography
- University of Pacific–Doctorate of Dental Surgery
- Louisiana State Univ Post Doctorate Pediatric Dentistry
Professional Affiliations
- American Dental Association
- California Dental Association
- Redwood Empire Dental Society
- California Society of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- International Association of Orofacial Myology
- International Association of Ozone in Healthcare and Dentistry
Outside the Office
Dr. Rob is married and has two young children. At home, he enjoys gardening and is well-practiced at chasing gophers away! He is an avid cyclist and loves his annual backpacking adventures. West County is Dr. Oliver’s home and he likes to get his family out to explore the world around them near and far, as often as possible. He considers himself to be a lifetime learner and always enjoys spending time expanding his skills both professionally and personally.
To learn more about Dr. Oliver’s practice, go to https://www.lifeofsmiles.com/
Dr. Amber Nierode![Dr. Amber Nierode- Pediatric dentist that partners with Fountaingrove Dentistry]()
Amber Nierode, or “Dr. Amber,” is a board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She was born and raised in Huntington Beach, CA. Through her large family, tutoring in high school, and working at the daycare her mother owns, she knew she wanted to work with children from a very young age.
She received a B.S. degree in Neurobiology from the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Amber decided to become a pediatric dentist after spending several years volunteering in pediatric dental offices and traveling to Mexico to assist with treating underserved children. After college, Dr. Amber attended the UCLA School of Dentistry, graduated with several honors, served as president of the UCLA Student Chapter of the AAPD, and received the AAPD Predoctoral Student Award for outstanding promise in pediatric dentistry.
After graduating from dental school, Dr. Amber attended Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine in New York for her two-year pediatric dental residency, where she served as chief resident. In residency, she strengthened her skills for treating very young, anxious, and scared children, and children with special health care needs.
Dr. Amber practiced pediatric dentistry for 2.5 years in Fresno, CA before finding and falling in love with the beauty of Santa Rosa in 2019. She is happy to now call Santa Rosa home. Dr. Amber’s goal is to create a positive dental experience, allowing children to grow into healthy adults without feelings of fear or worry when visiting the dentist. During her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities with her husband and two corgis, Clementine and Winston. She is so happy to be a part of such a wonderful community and loves being a part of the Santa Rosa Pediatric Dentistry team.
Dr. Amber is a proud and active member of the College of Diplomates, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, AAPD, CSPD, WSPD, ADA, CDA, and REDS.
To learn more about Dr. Aber’s practice, go to www.santarosapediatricdentistry.com
Periodontics Treatment of the gums and supporting structures around the teeth to help them last a lifetime; Dental Implants; Cosmetic surgery of the gums to make teeth look their best
Dr. Jay Uemura
J. Jay Uemura, DDS
Dr. Uemura, or “Dr. Jay,” is a highly regarded Board Certified Periodontist and Dental Implant Surgeon with over 17 years of experience in these dynamic areas of dentistry. His practice emphasizes dental implants, laser-assisted surgery, and periodontal plastic surgery.
Dr. Jay worked as an analytical chemist for five years before realizing that dentistry was his true calling. He found that periodontics allowed him to combine his love of science with his surgical talent and natural enjoyment of people. Dr. Jay earned his DDS degree at New York University and completed his specialized periodontal training at the University of California, San Francisco. Dedicated to providing state-of-the-art periodontal services in a caring and comfortable manner, Dr. Jay has extensive training in dental alveolar surgery, dental implants, and I.V. conscious sedation. He is licensed by the Institute of Advanced Laser Dentistry to perform a Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure also known as “LANAP” and has been awarded Board Certification by the American Academy of Periodontology
Dr. Jay met his wife Kathy while they were both attending Cal Poly. They enjoyed traveling in the US and Europe but fell in love with Sonoma County while visiting the area on camping trips up the coast. Settling here in 2003, Dr. Jay and Kathy have three children who are now in college and high school, along with two mini Australian shepherds. As a family, they enjoy traveling and the outdoors, especially hiking, biking, surfing, and SUP. Dr. Jay’s interests also include many sports, especially baseball, and soccer, along with films and music.
Education
- B.S. Biochemistry, 1992
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo - Doctor of Dental Surgery, 2000
New York University - Certificate of Periodontology, 2003
University of California, San Francisco - Diplomate, 2007
American Board of Periodontology - Certificate of LANAP (Laser Surgery), 2014 Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry
Current Active Memberships:
- American Board of Periodontology
- American Academy of Periodontology
- California Society of Periodontists
- American Dental Association
- California Dental Association
- Redwood Empire Dental Society
- Academy of Osseointegration
- American Dental Society of Anesthesiology
Dr. Philip Vassilopoulos
Philip Vassilopoulos, DDS, DMD
Dr. Philip Vassilopoulos, also known as “Dr. Philip” or “Dr. V.” has both extensive clinical and academic experience as a Board Certified Periodontist and Dental Implant Surgeon. Dr. Philip hails from Athens, Greece, he completed his DDS in Athens and received his Certificate in Periodontology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2003. His passion for teaching Periodontology led him to an academic career from 2003 to 2014 at UAB. During this time, he completed his DMD and was promoted through the ranks, and enjoyed serving as Director of the Graduate Program. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology, has lectured nationally and internationally as well as published peer-reviewed research.
Following his childhood dream to live in California, Dr. Philip, and his family relocated to Northern California in 2014 where he worked in private practice in a multispecialty dental group. He has experience in the full scope of periodontology and implant dentistry. His main interest is to provide the best care and treatment options to patients based on solid evidence and innovative concepts.
Dr. Philip currently resides in the East Bay with his wife and 10-year-old daughter. In his free time, he enjoys cheering on the SF Giants, and he is a longtime fan of baseball great Barry Bonds. Dr. Philip also roots in Cristiano Ronaldo and likes to play soccer himself whenever he can. His other hobbies include traveling, spending time with his lovely family, and listening to music; fun fact, Dr. Philip aspires to play the electric guitar someday, rock on Dr. V!
Dr. Vassilopoulos has been invited to give several presentations at national and international meetings and he has been the author of articles in periodontics and implant dentistry. He has been well respected as a teacher and mentor and he was the recipient of the American Academy of Periodontology Educator Award in 2007.
Dr. Vassilopoulos has extended experience in the full scope of periodontics and implant dentistry. His interests are concentrated on providing the best treatment options to his patients based on solid evidence and innovative concepts. He is well known to the students and colleagues as a Master Clinician.
Current Active Memberships:
- American Board of Periodontology
- American Academy of Periodontology
- International Team of Implantology
- Academy of Osseointegration
- International College of Dentists
- American College of Dentists
- American Dental Association
- California Dental Association
- Alameda Dental Society
- Contra Costa Dental Society
- American Dental Education Association
To learn more about Dr. Uemura and Dr. Vassilopoulos’s practice, go to www.srinnovativeperio.com
Dr. Paul Steigerwald
Dr. Steigerwald received his dental degree from Ohio State University in 1984; and his certificate in periodontics in 1986 from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Dr. Steigerwald began placing dental implants in 1988 and to date has placed over 4000 implants.
Because of his many years of experience and affiliation with professors and academic institutions, Dr. Steigerwald has been involved in many of the techniques and innovations that are commonly used for successful implant dentistry today.
Dr. Steigerwald is a continuing education provider for the California Dental Association and the director of a local study club for dentists that focuses on diagnosis and treatment planning of complex restorative cases.
Dr. Steigerwald’s practice, Wine Country Periodontics and Implantology, has offices in Santa Rosa and Ukiah.
To learn more about Dr. Steigerwald’s practice, visit his website www.winecountryperio.com
Oral Surgery Removal of impacted or badly damaged teeth; Dental Implants; treatment of lesions of the head and neck; reconstruction of jaws
Oral Surgeons of Santa Rosa
Dr. McMahon
Dr. Alexander J. McMahon is a board-certified surgeon of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and leads his private practice, Oral Surgeons of Santa Rosa, in Santa Rosa, CA. He
specializes in single- and multi-site dental implant placement, zygomatic implants, full-mouth reconstructions, wisdom teeth extractions, and general anesthesia for pediatric and adult patients. In
addition, his medical training informs diagnosis and evaluation of oral pathology as well as the strategic management of complex medical cases.
Dr. McMahon was born and raised in Sonoma, CA. After graduating from St. Vincent de Paul High School in Petaluma, he attended the University of California, Davis, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelors of Science (BS) in Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior.
Dr. McMahon attended dental school at the UCLA School of Dentistry, graduating with the Dean’s Medal Award for outstanding leadership and academic excellence. He then completed the six-year UCLA Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery residency program at the UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, during which he also obtained a medical degree (MD) from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Highlights of Dr. McMahon’s surgical residency include a prestigious surgical fellowship from the Osteo Science Foundation and his service to the Thousand Smiles Foundation when he traveled to Mexico to perform cleft lip and palate surgeries on children with congenital craniofacial defects. As chief resident, Dr. McMahon managed and led 12+ hour complex cancer-excision operations and performed one of the first emergent surgeries in a COVID+ patient at UCLA at the start of the 2020 pandemic.
Dr. McMahon enjoys watching the English soccer league (Chelsea FC fan) and hiking with his rescued Siberian husky, Charlie.
To learn more about Dr. McMahon’s practice, visit santarosaoms.com
Education
B.S., Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, UC Davis
DDS, School of Dentistry, UCLA
MD, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Residency, UCLA
Diplomate, American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Sonoma County Oral Surgery
Dr. Chavez![Dr. Chavez- Oral Surgeon that partners with Fountaingrove Dentistry]()
Dr. Chavez’s Oral Surgery interests include treating dental phobic patients, implant surgery, bone grafting, trauma, TMJ, and facial reconstruction. Outside of Oral Surgery he enjoys spending time with his family, running, sports, and exercising. He completed his undergraduate degree at Sonoma State and his dental degree from the University of California, San Francisco. He then went on to complete his Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery residency at the University of Pacific/Highland Hospital.
Dr. Mogannam
Dr. Mogannam is very excited to be able to practice in his hometown of Santa Rosa where his family roots are deep. He is married to Cindy, a Dietitian, and together they have two children, Gabrielle and Peter. Dr. Mogannams Oral Surgery interests include treatment of children and young adults, implant surgery, bone grafting, and facial reconstruction. Outside of Oral Surgery, his hobbies include playing with his children, running, and working out.
To learn more about Drs Chavez and Moganam’s practice, go to www.oralsurgeonsantarosa.com
Orthodontics Aligning of teeth and management of growth to help give patients the most beautiful and functional smiles
Dr. Brian W. Payne
Dr. Brian W. Payne has been practicing orthodontics since 1988. He received his undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley, graduating magna cum laude with a degree in biology. He went on to receive his dental degree from the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, and his certificate in Orthodontics from UC San Francisco. He is a Board Certified Orthodontist committed to the highest level of patient care.
In addition to his over 30 years in private practice, Dr. Payne taught clinical orthodontics at UCSF Dental School for eight years and he is currently on faculty and teaches orthodontics at the University of Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry Graduate Orthodontic Department. He is involved in his community as well as many professional organizations. Dr. Brian Payne is married to Dr. Leslie Jue, a general dentist in Santa Rosa. They have two children, Jacqueline and Matthew. Dr. Payne enjoys spending time with his family, playing tennis, snow skiing, and backpacking.
Dr. Payne’s involvement in professional organizations includes:
- Member of the American Board of Orthodontics
- President of the Northern California Edward H Angle Society of Orthodontists
- Program Chairman of the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists
- Legislative Committee Member of the California Association of Orthodontists
- Member of the American Dental Association
- Member of the California Dental Association
- Past President of the Redwood Empire Dental Society
- Member of the American Association of Orthodontists
- Member of the Peninsula Orthodontic Research Group
- Member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a National Dental Honor Society
- Member of Tau Kappa Omicron, a University of Pacific Dental School Honor Society
- Regional Peer Review Consultant for Delta Dental Insurance
Dr. Payne’s involvement in the local community includes:
- Leadership Santa Rosa Class of 23
- California Children Services Orthodontic Screening Panel
- Orthodontic Care Provider for Hanna Boys Center
- Past Member of Active 20-30 International
- Co-Chairman of the Santa Rosa Junior College fundraising campaign for the George S. Payne Dental Wing – Raising over $300,000 for upgrading digital technology in the dental clinic.
To learn more about Dr. Payne’s practice, go to www.paynesperfectsmileclub.com
Bales Orthodontics
Dr. Tom and Dr. Katie Bales are the perfect combinations for your orthodontic needs. They bring together over 35 years of experience with cutting-edge techniques, plus state-of-the-art facilities. Dr. Tom and Dr. Katie Bales are the top premiere providers for Invisalign in Marin and Sonoma counties. Bales Orthodontics has delivered outstanding orthodontic treatment to over 15,000 people.
Dr. Tom
Dr. Thomas R. Bales has been in the exclusive practice of orthodontics since 1976. He received his dental degree from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco and completed his specialty training in orthodontics at the University of California in Los Angeles. An active member in both, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists and the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Bales is also the Past President of the Marin County Dental Society, a component of California and American Dental Associations. He is a board-certified orthodontist and a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, a distinction held by only roughly 25% of practicing orthodontists.
Dr. Tom was honored in March 2004 when the new UCLA Orthodontic Clinic dedicated the DR. THOMAS R. BALES ORTHODONTIC CLINIC at UCLA, for his leadership, dedication, and philanthropy to the Orthodontic Residency Program there.
Dr. Katie
Dr. Kathleen M. Bales was born in Novato, California. She attended the University of Colorado at Boulder for her undergraduate education, majoring in Biology. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2003 from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco, California, where today she enjoys teaching Invisalign part-time to dental students.
Dr. Katie completed her orthodontic residency in 2006 at the University of California at Los Angeles, where she was chief resident and simultaneously earned a Master of Science degree. Her research was focused on the orthodontic treatment of cleft palate patients.
Dr. Katie is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontics as well as the local dental societies of Marin and Sonoma County. Like her father, she has the distinction of being a board-certified orthodontist and a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
To learn more about Dr. Bales’s practice, go to www.balesorthodontics.com