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.
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Dr.Donald J. Betar Jr.DMD, MAGDDoctor
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 UpdikeEFDAOffice Manager/Expanded Function Dental Assistant
Kayla received her diploma in Dental Assisting from the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center in May 2015 and has since received her license in Expanded Function Dental Assisting. 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.
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Rachael EmenhiserSurgical Coordinator
Rachael is a 2006 graduate of Tyrone Area High School. She joined Betar Dental in April 2017, where she utilizes her administrative skills in our front office as the Surgical Coordinator. With her 3 years of experience as a medical receptionist, she will make your visit to our office a pleasurable experience. Rachael lives in Altoona, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
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Nandi MeadeRDHDental 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.
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Derek DelozierRDHDental 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.
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Kasandra VazquezDADental 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 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.
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Adrienne WaltersEFDAExpanded Function Dental Assistant
Adrienne is a 2014 graduate from Bradford School of Pittsburgh where she received her Associate Degree for Expanded Function Dental Assisting. She has been with Betar Dental since November 2018. Adrienne utilizes her EFDA skills to provide all our patients with an unforgettable experience. She is licensed by the state of Pennsylvania to take radiographs, also certified in CPR. Adrienne was born in Altoona but raised in Blue Knob area for 12 years. She enjoys traveling to new places, spoiling her dog and baking desserts.
Our Location
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Hours of Operation
Our Regular Schedule
Monday:
8:00 am-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