Dental Staff

All professionals at Betar Dental & Associates maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in the medical field. Read on to learn more about our staff's experience and training.

  • Dr.
    Donald J. Betar Jr.
    DMD, MAGD
    Doctor

    Dr. Donald J. Betar, Jr., graduated from Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School in 1985 and from Juniata College in 1989, with a Bachelors Degree in Biology. In 1993, he received his Doctorate Degree in Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.


    He is a member of ADA (American Dental Association), PDA (Pennsylvania Dental Association), AGD (Academy of General Dentistry) and affiliate member of AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry).

    In 2016, Dr. Betar was inducted as a fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry. Less than 5% of general dentists accomplish the 500 hours of continuing education and pass the qualifying exam in order to receive this highly renowned distinction. -'Through hard work and sacrifice, all fellows have demonstrated their commitment to a professional responsibility we all incur upon entering the dental profession. That is, the professional responsibility to maintain our knowledge and skills at the highest possible levels, and continue the educational process uninterrupted.' Source: Academy of General Dentistry

    In 2020, Dr. Betar was awarded with the Mastership Award from the Academy of General Dentistry. Less than 2% of all general dentists have earned this designation, requiring over 1,100 hours of continuing education and over 400 hours of hands-on application. -'The Mastership Award is the highest honor available in the AGD and one of the most respected designations in the profession. This accomplishment meets the highest criteria for professional excellence.' Source: Academy of General Dentistry

    He is certified in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

    Dr. Betar has been in private practice for over 26 years.

    In December of 2006, he moved his practice into a new state-of-the-art facility. Since then he has built an addition to the office to accomodate his growing practice. Finished in June of 2014, the building is one of the premier dental offices located in central Pennsylvania. It is equipped with the most modern, technologically advanced dental equipment available.

    In December of 2010, Betar Dental continued its commitment to providing the most advanced equipment available by purchasing a Va-Tech PaX-Duo3D Conebeam Digital Radiograph machine. This equipment provides Dr. Betar with 3-Dimensional imaging for the most precise and safe placement of dental implants. Since 2005, Dr. Betar has placed and restored over 500 dental implants successfully.

    Betar Dental has acquired the service of a Board-Certified Dental Anesthesiologist to provide I.V. general anesthesia to those patients who are fearful of dental procedures or those who require extensive dental therapy.  These services are perfomed at the office of Betar Dental & Associates.

    In December 2008, Dr. Betar was appointed to the, formerly named, Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff in the Department of Specialized Surgery, Clinical Service of Dentistry (Oral Surgery/General Dentistry). This appointment enables Dr. Betar to provide dental services to children, adults and special needs patients, who require general anesthesia at the UPMC Altoona Health System Outpatient Surgery Center.

    Dr. Betar has recently obtained his Restricted I Anesthesia Permit, which allows him to provide IV moderate sedation to children thirteen years of age and older and also adults. He has also been able to provide nitrous oxide sedation since receiving his Restricted II Anesthesia Permit in March of 2013. These services are offered in the comfort of our office.

    Dr. Betar's hobbies include ice hockey and fly fishing. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters.

  • Kayla Updike
    EFDA
    Office Manager/Expanded Function Dental Assistant

    Kayla received her diploma in Dental Assisting from the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center in May 2015 and received her license in Expanded Function Dental Assisting in December 2015. She has been with Betar Dental since November 2015, in addition to providing great EFDA care, she is also utilizing her administrative skills at our front desk. Kayla is licensed by the state of Pennsylvania to take radiographs. She is also certified in CPR. Kayla lives in Altoona, and she enjoys shopping and spending time with family and friends.

  • Dana Campagna
    Account Receivable Clerk

    Dana is a 1990 graduate of Altoona Area High School and a 1995 graduate of the School of Commerce. She has 18 years of experience as a medical secretary. Dana joined our Betar Dental team in August 2021. She utilizes her extensive medical experience to ensure all of our patients' accounts are accurate and up to date. Dana lives in Altoona and enjoys spending time with her family.

  • Jennifer Graham
    Receptionist

    Jennifer is a 1995 graduate of Altoona Area High School. She joined our Betar Dental team in December of 2021. Jennifer will greet you every visit with a pleasant smile. She has been volunteering in the community for many years. Jennifer enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. 

  • Marjorie Kepner
    Receptionist

    Marjorie joined our Betar Dental team in February 2023. She is graduate of Altoona Area High School. Every time you enter the office, she will be sure to greet you with a bright smile. Marjorie enjoys interacting with the children and loves to see you smile! In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, crafting and fishing in the Juniata River. 

  • Qaya Rolley
    Surgical Coordinator

    Qaya is a 2018 graduate of Altoona Area High School. She received her certification in Dental Assisting from the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center during high school. Qaya utilizes her dental assisting skills to get you scheduled for all of your surgical dental needs. She will put your mind at ease and answer all of your questions prior to your procedure. Qaya enjoys creating social media content, traveling, and shopping in her spare time. She will be sure to put a smile on your face with her charismatic personality.

  • Nandi Meade
    RDH
    Dental Hygienist

    Nandi is a 2017 graduate from West Virginia University where she received a B.S. in dental hygiene. She joined our team in August 2017. Nandi loves to educate her patients about the importance of their oral health. She utilizes her skills to ensure our patients receive the best dental care possible. She holds a local anesthesia licenses along with being CPR certified. Nandi was born and raised in Altoona and enjoys reading, working out, and shopping in her free time. She hopes to one day work as a international dental hygienist and to travel to countries in need. 

  • Derek Delozier
    RDH
    Dental Hygienist

    Derek is a 2019 graduate from Allegany College of Maryland. He joined our team in May 2020. Derek will provide a comfortable experience with his calm demeanor. He holds a local anesthesia license along with being CPR certified. Derek enjoys hockey, disc golf, anything outside, and spending time with his friends.

  • Kasandra Vazquez
    EFDA
    Expanded Function Dental Assistant

    Kasandra received her diploma in Dental Assisting from the University of Puerto Rico Medical Science Campus in May 2010. She has been with Betar Dental since April 2018. Kasandra is licensed by the state of Pennsylvania to take radiographs and certified in CPR. She received her Expanded Function Dental Assistant license in 2020. Kasandra was born & raised in Puerto Rico and speaks fluent English & Spanish. Our office has a diverse patient base, and Kasandra's bilingual abilities make a pleasurable experience for everyone. She enjoys going on road trips with her husband, cooking Puerto Rican food, and painting her nails.

  • Sydney Perino
    Dental Assistant

    Sydney is a 2023 graduate of the Dental Assisting program at the GACTC. After her great experience at our office during her Co-Op, she decided to continue her dental journey full time. Sydney joined our team in June of 2022 and she brings a delightful smile to work every day. She is CPR certified. Sydney lives in Altoona and enjoys hockey, racing and spending time with her family and friends.  

  • Cami Focht
    Co-Op Student

    Cami is a senior at Bellwood-Antis High School. She joined our team as a Co-Op student in August 2023. Cami aspires to go to college for Dental Hygiene. She will answer your call with a pleasant tone and transfer your call to an office member who can best answer your questions. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, shopping and spending time with her family and friends.

  • Paige Woods
    Administrative/Dental Assistant

    Paige is currently a sophomore at Allegany College of Maryland, and she hopes to continue her education at ACM for dental hygiene. She started out at Betar Dental as a patient and then returned as a student for job shadowing. Paige was impressed with her experience, so she decided to start her dental journey with us. She joined our team as an administrative/dental assistant in May of 2023. Paige's calm and uplifting demeanor will make every interaction a pleasurable experience. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her family and friends. 

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

    Excellent dental practice. They are caring and professional. Betar dental attends to every detail and makes each patient feel like they are the only patient in the office!

    Susan of Altoona, PA

    I love Betar Dental. The technicians and doctors are compassionate and understanding I suffer a great deal of anxiety when seeing the dentist. They all tell me what they are doing and give me frequent breaks. I highly recommend.

    Ann of Altoona, PA

    Very thorough, patient and qualified.

    Anonymous

    Staff & Dentist were great! My son fell on the playground and I was concerned about his teeth. They examined him and addressed my concerns without hesitation.

    Gage of Claysburg, PA

    They are fantastic with kids here. If you have a young first time patient or maybe a child who is a bit nervous? This will put them right at ease.

    Caleb of Altoona, PA