We recognize that all of our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.
We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.Looking for a reliable, friendly dentist in Walnut Creek? We offer personalized care for every smile. Make Your First Appointment Today!
Charles
In Memoriam
For more than 20 years of Dr. Stephenson’s career, Charles was the trusted advisor, accounting support, acted as the office manager from time to time, helped patients with complex treatment plans providing strategy on saving money, counseled the team as a friend and father figure, was a warm welcoming face to all patients, and was the overall rock for Dr. Stephenson. Charles was an extra special member of our team because he was also Dr. Stephenson’s father.
He had extensive career qualifications and life experiences well beyond working in the dental office, but as a true Southern gentleman, he was caring, humble and always lending a hand in large and small ways. Sometimes he would come in to enjoy coffee with special patients that had become good friends. Whenever in the office, the team and patients felt the warmth and genuine care he had for them and passion he had for seeing the business succeed and the patients receiving quality service. Dr. Stephenson will forever be grateful for all the millions of hours he dedicated and offered for the betterment of our mission.
Originally from Tennessee, he graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Finance and Philosophy degree. After attending graduate school in Texas and Colorado, he proceeded to serve as a Commanding Officer in the US Army. He enjoyed his 35-year corporate career with Chevron in management, within the Finance, Pipeline, and finally the Supply and Distribution Division for Computer Development and System Design. His “post-retirement” careers included non-profit work for San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church’s youth house, Chairman of the Board for Sierra Service Youth Program, construction for schools domestic and abroad for National Volunteers in Mission Programs, and construction for Habitat for Humanity. He had worked as office manager/consultant and accountant for a construction contractor, several Dentists and part time for Dr. Stephenson’s SF practice for many years. When Dr. Stephenson moved to Walnut Creek, he was instrumental in helping design, build and grow her practice there. He loved interacting with the patients and adding value to their experience by providing informative financial options for complex cases. He enjoyed the challenge of simplifying answers to patients’ dental insurance questions. Additionally, he would oversee the front office and the accounting for the practice. In his leisure time, Charles enjoyed time with his wife Shirley, and together they shared traveling, wine and gourmet dinner groups, church activities, dancing, and 11 grandchildren. Charles enjoyed making a meaningful contribution in the dental practice and it gave him continued purpose in the final third of his life. Even though Dr. Stephenson misses him every day, she felt incredibly blessed to benefit from his skills and have her Dad, a true friend, closely involved in her life. The time was valued and cherished.
Veronica
Registered Dental Assistant Lead
With nearly 30 years in dental assisting, I bring genuine passion to every patient interaction — from the simplest treatments to advanced cosmetic procedures. I feel fortunate that my path led me to Dr. Stephenson, whose work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to patient comfort I deeply admire. It's a privilege to be part of such a skilled, caring team. I love my job and wouldn't have it any other way.
From the Doctor:
Veronica is so much more than an assistant, she is an integral part of our steam. She manages the entire back office, lab communication, inventories and team. The most significant thing is that I rely on her deep understanding of dentistry every day, and her skills chairside rivals many dentists. She is an invaluable partner when I’m performing big esthetics cases or full mouth reconstructions. Together, the treatments are seamless and the patient’s comfort and outcomes are significantly enhanced with Veronica’s skill sets.
Pegah
Registered Dental Hygienist
I love helping people feel healthier, more confident, and more comfortable with their smiles. Our office is built on teamwork, positivity, and genuine kindness — toward our patients and each other. Outside of work, family is everything to me. My two boys keep me wonderfully busy, and I'm close with my parents, my sister, and a circle of amazing friends. I'm grateful for every day.
From the Doctor:
I particularly love Pegah’s passion for helping patients get healthy. Her communication skills and authenticity help patients raise the bar for their health and it’s palpable that she deeply cares. She is also expert in communicating with elderly. Patients of all ages love Pegah and her warmth is loved by the entire team.
Shay
Registered Dental Hygienist
I love building long-lasting, trusting relationships with my patients and watching them achieve healthier smiles. Our team truly feels like family. Dr. Stephenson holds all of us to the highest standards — in the care we provide, our sterilization practices, and our ethics — and everyone here continuously strives to be their best. Our culture of continuous learning and growth means better outcomes for our patients every day.
Outside the office, I'm an avid concertgoer, a gym and Pilates enthusiast, and a passionate advocate for personal health and nutrition. I also adore my French bulldog, Remi.
From the Doctor:
I’m constantly amazed at Shay’s maturity. We hired her as a new grad and just a half dozen years into her career, Shay has developed a strong understanding of periodontal health and how to effectively treat disease. She is totally committed to caring for patients in a comfortable fashion and passionate about attaining amazingly healthy outcomes with the patients. She is also an amazing team player, picking up all projects, helping out the team in the front and back. She is loved by the team because she is friendly and fun, but also because she has the best interest of her teammates and the office at heart at all times.
Jennifer
Front Office Manager
I love every opportunity to educate our patients about prevention and care. We have a top-notch team across all disciplines, working collaboratively to deliver the highest quality treatment with warm, friendly service. Outside of work, you'll find me traveling, hiking, or running trail races — and always making time for my husband, sons and four dogs.
From the Doctor:
We love Jennifer, she is simply amazingly competent with insurance and goes the second, third and fourth mile to fight for what patients deserve with their benefits. She is committed and passionate about advocating for patients. She is always trying to find compassionate easy ways that work for our patients so they can get the quality dental care they deserve in a way that fits their lives and other priorities.
Courtney
Registered Dental Assistant
I love connecting with patients, the best part of my day is getting to know all the interesting things about them. Currently in school finishing my degree, I have been fortunate to have a solid job that fits in my schedule to work with this incredible team and refine my skills as an RDA. I have learned all the technical aspects of assisting chairside and most importantly, really understand how to help patients feel comfortable during their visit. In my spare time, I love outdoor recreation and can race on my jet ski with the best of them.
From the Doctor:
We appreciate Courtney so much. She has an intangible skill with patients and connects with all ages. She genuinely finds patients fun and delightful and is interested and engaged in what matters to them. She remembers everyone, which enhances her other skills. She has become expert in calming patients who are fearful or apprehensive about dental treatment.
Malou
Registered Dental Assistant
I came to Dr. Stephenson’s office after working with Veronica for over a decade early in our careers. We worked together seamlessly. I love working up front, although I’ve worked in the back chairside for most of my career. I am committed and passionate about the Team, which have become like family. When not at work, I love time with my two teen kids and husband. Their sports and activities keep me on the run.
From The Doctor:
We wish there were two Malou’s, three actually. She is awesome in the back chairside and can adapt and do any technical procedure flawlessly. She picked up the front office and can manage the whole office when asked with expert skill, and understands the nuances and delicate patient interaction with compassion and grace. We are always respectful of her commitment - she’s a total pro and loved by all.
