HILLCREST DENTAL - Key Persons
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.
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 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 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.