ABOUT HILLCREST DENTAL
Hillcrest Dental 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.
At Hillcrest Dental, you will find:
A friendly and approachable multilingual team that speaks English, Cantonese, Farsi, Italian, Serbian, Spanish, Tagalog, Polish and Korean.
Transparent services with full details about diagnosis, treatments and fees.
Dentists who offer a full range of general, cosmetic, restorative and preventative dental care.
Why Choose Us?
A Modern Dental clinic for Your Comfort
Ceiling TV's in each Operatory
Free Wifi
Refreshments & Snacks
Our clinic is equipped with:
Our Team
Dr. Frank Catapano
Dr. Frank Catapano, founder of Hillcrest Dental, is a dedicated dentist with 40 years of experience, practicing in Richmond Hill and King City. A graduate of Western University Dental School (1984), he has extensive training in dental implants and restorations, having pursued advanced education in Florida, California, New York, and Montreal. Specializing in dental implants and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Catapano prioritizes patient comfort and education, ensuring a compassionate and thorough approach to care. He enjoys helping patients feel at ease and restoring their smiles with precision. Outside of dentistry, he stays active with outdoor activities, working out, golfing, and growing giant vegetables. A member of the Ontario and Canadian Dental Associations, Dr. Catapano is passionate about making a positive impact on his patients’ lives.
Dr. Gerald Vanderpluym
Dr. Lauren Friedman
Dr. Gerald Vanderpluym, founder of Hillcrest Dental, has over 40 years of experience in general dentistry.
A graduate of the University of Western Ontario, he specializes in endodontics and implant-related prosthetics. Dedicated to patient-centered care, he provides personalized treatments to ensure optimal oral health. An active member of multiple dental organizations, he also volunteered internationally to provide dental care in Ghana. Outside of dentistry, he enjoys sailing, skiing, cycling, and playing hockey. Passionate about his work and community, Dr. Vanderpluym continues to serve Richmond Hill with expert, compassionate dental care.
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. Amy Tawadrous is a dedicated and compassionate dentist with over 10 years of experience serving the Richmond Hill community. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Western Ontario in 2015 and went on to complete a General Practice Residency at the same institution. Further enhancing her expertise, Dr. Tawadrous has obtained certifications in oral sedation and nitrous oxide sedation, prosthetic implant restorations, Botox and dermal lip filler treatments, and is also an Invisalign provider. With a passion for treating patients of all ages, Dr. Tawadrous specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, including Bioclear bonding for composite veneers and space closures, Invisalign orthodontic treatment, therapeutic Botox for TMD management, oral and nitrous sedation, pediatric dentistry, and full-mouth rehabilitations. Her commitment to patient-centered care is evident in her holistic approach—ensuring each patient feels heard, respected, and comfortable throughout their treatment journey. Dr. Tawadrous has had the privilege of working with diverse patient populations, including remote Indigenous communities in northern Ontario, mission work in Jamaica, and hospital-based dentistry for patients undergoing treatment for oral cancer and other complex medical conditions. She also has experience providing dental care under general anesthesia, particularly for young children requiring full-mouth restorations. Beyond her professional commitments, Dr. Tawadrous is an active member of the Ontario Dental Association and continuously pursues education to stay at the forefront of modern dentistry. Outside the clinic, she enjoys music, painting, yoga, and staying active. A self-proclaimed book lover, she finds solace in reading fantasy novels. She also appreciates the vibrant and diverse culinary scene in Richmond Hill, where she feels at home amidst its excellent Persian, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisine. Dr. Tawadrous looks forward to welcoming new patients into her practice, where they can expect personalized, high-quality care in a warm and friendly environment. She believes in treating every patient like family, ensuring their dental health is not only a priority but also a positive experience.
DR. ELENA MA
(Bio Coming Soon)
DR. AJAY PLAHA
Dr. Ajay Plaha is a highly skilled and compassionate dentist dedicated to providing exceptional dental care to patients in the GTA. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Toronto in 2022 and further honed his expertise through a one-year General Practice Residency at the Montreal General Hospital (McGill University). During his residency, Dr. Plaha gained valuable experience treating patients with complex medical conditions, including those undergoing rehabilitation, managing disabilities, or receiving active treatment for oral cancers.
Dr. Plaha is committed to working closely with each patient to develop individualized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs. Understanding that visiting the dentist can be an anxious experience for many, he fosters a positive and welcoming atmosphere in his clinic, taking the time to understand each patient’s concerns and ensuring their comfort through a calm and friendly approach. In addition to general dentistry, Dr. Plaha has received certification in Botox treatments and enjoys working with elderly and senior patients at his other practice in the Kawartha Lakes. He is a proud member of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA), the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), and the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO), upholding the highest standards of professional ethics and patient care.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Plaha is an avid sports fan and a dedicated runner, having completed two half-marathons in 2024 with aspirations of running a full marathon in the future. He enjoys traveling, staying informed on current events, and exploring new food spots across the city. A big Toronto Raptors fan, he also loves connecting with patients on a personal level, getting to know them and their families while helping them achieve healthy, confident smiles that last a lifetime.
DR. AMANDA NOYEK (Orthodontist)
Dr. Amanda Noyek grew up in Thornhill, Ontario, and is passionate about creating beautiful smiles and boosting patient confidence. She earned her DMD from Nova Southeastern University and completed her Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics training at Temple University. A national finalist in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics Student of the Year competition, she has also completed advanced training in clear aligners and orthodontic techniques. She specializes in braces and Invisalign®, offering personalized, high-quality care. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, reading, exercising, and is a big Harry Potter fan!
Dr. Amanda Noyek - Orthodontist
Dr. Jonathan Rapp - Endodontist
Dr. Darren Kaplan - Oral Surgery
Specialists
Administrative Staff
Sabrina - Treatment Coordinator
Ashifa - Accounting
RECEPTIONISTS
Annette
Princess
Yalda
Nabila
Saida
Jessica
Aurela
Hygienists
Jessie
Nikolina
Mehrasa
Cheryl
Shirin
Pegah
Michelle
Samira
Yanet
Our Patient Testimonials
Take a look at what our patients have to share about our clinic and services.
