About Hillcrest Dental
Hillcrest Dental Centre has been providing family-friendly oral healthcare services in Richmond Hill since 1983. We are proud of the caring and professional services we consistently provide you, your children and your family. Please feel free to schedule an appointment with our dentists. If you have any questions or would like to stop by for a visit and guided tour, please check our contact us section for ways to get in touch with us.
Why Choose Us?
At Hillcrest Dental Centre, you will find:
Dentists who offer a full range of general, cosmetic, restorative and preventative dental care.
Transparent services with full details about diagnosis, treatments and fees.
A friendly and approachable multilingual team
that speaks English, Cantonese, Farsi,
Italian, Serbian, Spanish and Romanian.
A Modern Dental clinic for Your Comfort
Our clinic is equipped with:
Ceiling TV's in each Operatory
Free Wifi
Our Team
Entrust your teeth to experienced, highly qualified professionals. All of our Richmond Hill dentists are determined to make your visit a pleasant one. We conduct regular continuing education courses so that we remain up-to-date on the latest dental technologies, methods, and dental materials.
Meet our team that is always committed to providing you with dependable dental care.
Dr. Frank Catapano
Dr. Frank Catapano attended the University of Western Ontario and earned his degree at UWO School of Dentistry in 1984.
Dr. Catapano is one of the founding members of the Hillcrest Dental team. He enjoys all aspects of dentistry and has a special interest in both implant surgery and implant restoration.
Dr. Catapano is fluent in Italian and he loves being busy raising his two boys and spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoys growing Giant Pumpkins, cooking, fitness and the outdoors.
Dr. Gerald Vanderpluym
Dr. Gerald Vanderpluym was born in Oshawa, Ontario and graduated with an honours degree in Pharmacology and received his dental degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1984.
Dr. Vanderpluym founded Hillcrest Dental Centre with Dr. Kochberg and Dr. Catapano. He is a member of the Ontario Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Association.
With three active teenagers, family life seems to take up most of his personal time; however, Dr. Vanderpluym still finds time to enjoy sailing, snowboarding, skiing, hockey, curling and cycling.
Dr. Lauren Friedman
Dr. Lauren Friedman received her Honors Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Western Ontario. On receiving the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry Graduate Scholarship she completed a Master of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. She went on to receive her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Dr. Friedman has a keen passion for improving patient education and access to dental care. Participating in the Jamaica Dental Outreach program, she found offering free dental services in Jamaica a very rewarding experience. While living in Florida, she also volunteered for Give Kids a Smile program providing free dental care to children in the community. She strongly values continuing education and is focused on updating her skills to always provide the best dental treatment to her patients. Patients love seeing her for her kind and compassionate approach to complete oral health.
Dr. Lauren Friedman is actively involved in the Ontario Dental Association, Canadian Dental Association and the York Region Dental Society.
Dr. Amy Tawadrous
DR. ELENA MA
With a history in Biological Sciences, Dr. Amy Tawadrous joined Hillcrest Dental Centre in 2016 after graduating a year prior from the University of Western Ontario. Having completed a residency, she has gained additional training in general dentistry — she's worked in various hospital settings with many specialists, including oral surgeons, prosthodontists and pediatric dentists. She's also travelled across the province to provide much-needed dental services to many rural communities. In 2016, she joined Nine Miles of Smiles, a non-profit organization to provide free dental care to children and adults living in Runaway Bay, Jamaica and plans to do more outreach missions in the future.
"I enjoy practicing all areas of dentistry, and meeting and treating patients of all ages," she says. "I grew up in Richmond Hill and after I completed my training, I knew I wanted to move back to my home community and practice dentistry at Hillcrest Dental Centre. To serve the people of this community is an honour and I look forward to growing more involved day by day. Hillcrest Dental has welcomed me warmly in so many ways and I enjoy coming to work and being part of this awesome team."
Dr. Amy has a passion for continuing education and is actively involved in the Ontario Dental Association, Canadian Dental Association and the York Region Dental Society.
(Bio Coming Soon)
DR. AJAY PLAHA
Dr. Ajay Plaha is a highly skilled dentist who graduated from the University of Toronto, class of 2022, and completed additional training through a general practice residency at McGill University. With a strong educational foundation and a commitment to providing exceptional dental care, Dr. Ajay is dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal oral health and a confident smile.
Dr. Ajay is excited to return home to practice dentistry in the GTA. With a gentle and compassionate approach, he prioritizes patient comfort and satisfaction, building long-lasting relationships based on trust and communication. His goal is to help you achieve optimal oral health and a confident smile that lasts a lifetime.
Dr. Ajay is a proud member of professional organizations, such as the Ontario Dental Associate (ODA), the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), and the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO), adhering to the highest standards of professional ethics.
Outside of the clinic you can find Dr. Ajay going on runs, on hiking trails, trying new food spots in the city, or cheering on the Toronto Raptors.
Specialists
Dr. Jonathan Rapp - Endodontist
Administrative Staff
Ashifa - Accounting
RECEPTIONISTS
Annette
Sabrina - Treatment Coordinator
Sevda - Reception Coordinator
Princess
Yalda
Mihaela
Hygienists
Aurela
Mehrasa
Janet
Pegah
Nikolina
Jessie
Cheryl
Shirin
Our Patient Testimonials
Take a look at what our patients have to share about our clinic and services.
