Dental Staff

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.

Dr. Sarah Michaels recently graduated from West Virginia University School of Dentistry. A recipient of multiple scholarships, Dr. Michaels also completed extensive community service hours in rural settings. She hopes to make a difference in the lives of her patients by listening, advising, and providing compassionate dental care.

Dr. Michaels is a member of the ADA (American Dental Association) and AGD (Academy of General Dentistry). She is certified in BLS (Basic Life Support).

A native Pennsylvanian from Ligonier, she loves to enjoy the great outdoors. She skis, kayaks, bikes, and hikes. Always up for a new adventure, she has recently picked up tennis and kickboxing.

Dr. Aisha Gharsalli was born and raised in Florida. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Florida in 2014. She continued on to LECOM School of Dental Medicine where she received the “Dean’s Award” and graduated with a Doctorate of Dental Medicine in 2018. 

Dr. Gharsalli is a member of the ADA (American Dental Association), PDA (Pennsylvania Dental Association) and AGD (Academy of General Dentistry). She is certified in BLS (Basic Life Support).Dr. G, as she likes to go by, recently got married and moved to Altoona from the sunshine state. In her free time, she likes travelling and spending time with her husband. They enjoy watching movies, hiking and scuba diving.  

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.

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.

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. 

Jessica is a 2011 graduate of Allegany College of Maryland, where she received her Associate Degree in Applied Science. She joined Betar Dental & Associates in April of 2019. Jessica strives to give her patients optimal oral care and ongoing dental education. She is CPR certified. Jessica enjoys the outdoors and exploring new places.

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 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.

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.