Meet the Team
Robert G. Dernick, DDS
General and Cosmetic Dentistry
281-363-2770
DrDernickDDS.com
Dr. Dernick had an interest in Dentistry beginning in his childhood years. From that time, his desire to serve others by providing Dental care continued to grow and he has always maintained that same caring attitude and commitment. His excellence in pre- Dental studies allowed him early acceptance into Dental School and graduated from University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston in 1979 with a DDS degree.
Dr. Dernick was one of the pioneers to The Woodlands opening his first practice in 1980 and has been regarded by his patients as one of the most caring, qualified, and committed dentists in the area. His desire to maintain his skills and be the first in new and innovative dental techniques has credited him and his partners at The Woodlands Dental Group with a reputation of excellence in providing the finest quality of Dental care. His expertise in General Dentistry include a wide range of skills including Cosmetic Dentistry which has allowed him and his partners more years of Cosmetic experience than any other Dentists in the area. Since 1979 he has attended a long list of postgraduate courses, which keeps his office current with cutting edge technology. He is considered a perfectionist among his staff and takes great care in providing the best care possible, in a comfortable and professional manner.
Dr. Dernick with his wife Chris has raised three children here in The Woodlands and recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. He is very involved in his church and community. His favorite past time will find him playing and studying the game of golf. For the past 12 years he has been involved in raising funds in promoting junior golf opportunities for youth across the country. His passion for golf at a very young age developed into life-long skills and qualities of a true gentleman and person of respect and integrity.
Hours: Mon 7:30am—4:30pm, Tue 9:00am-6:00pm, Wed 7:30am—4:30pm, Thur 7:30am—4:30pm, Fri 8:00am-12:00pm
| Contact Dr. Robert G. Dernick |
Mike Freeman, DDS
General and Cosmetic Dentistry
281-367-0590
Dr. Mike Freeman was born in Beaumont, Texas and has lived here in Woodlands for 30 years. He and his wife Gayla, whom he married in 1975, have three children, Ali, Blake and Ashley. All are college graduates. Dr. Freeman received a B.S. in Biology at Lamar University and a D.D.S. from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. He attended the prestigious Pankey Institute in Miami, Pete Dawson’s complete series in St. Petersburg, and Carl Misch Implant Institute in Detroit, not to mention numerous other continuing education courses over the past 31 years.
Dr. Freeman’s interests include traveling with his family, golfing (he’s a lifetime lover of the game), reading historical and adventure novels, playing with the family’s numerous dogs, and doing projects around the house.
His love of dentistry is enhanced by the enjoyment he receives having colleagues with whom he shares cases as well as a common practice philosophy. He appreciates working with a fun and dedicated staff and wonderful patients. Dr. Freeman feels at home at The Woodlands Dental Group because “we strive to deliver the best dental experience possible for our patients.”
Hours: Mon 7:30am—4:30pm, Tue 7:30am—4:30pm, Wed 7:30am—4:30pm, Thur 7:30am—12:30pm
| Contact Dr. Mike Freeman |
Calvin L. (Cal) Jochetz, DDS
General and Cosmetic Dentistry
281-367-2090
I was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. My father was a farmer, and I spent my early years “in the country” before moving to a foster home in the nearby small town of Taft, Texas.
My foster father was a pharmacist and his wife was both my Sunday school and sixth-grade teacher. I graduated from Taft High School in 1959, received a B.S. in biology in 1962 from Southwestern University, and earned my D.D.S. in 1966 from The University of Texas Dental Branch (Houston). I have attended numerous post-graduate courses in all areas of general and cosmetic dentistry, including training at the Dawson Center for Advanced Clinical Studies in St. Petersburg, Florida.
After graduating dental school, I entered the US Air Force for almost five years, with assignments in South Carolina, Vietnam and Germany. After my tour of duty, I returned to the Houston area and maintained a solo dental practice for sixteen years, before joining with six other Woodlands area dentists to found the Woodlands Dental Group.
This has been a great experience and I truly enjoy dentistry more than ever. I treasure each day as I interact with the high quality individuals comprising our staff, my professional colleagues and, of course our patients. We love that we are able to have fun while providing top quality care for our patients.
My other hobbies and interests include woodworking, stained-glass, exercise/body building, and nature/bird-watching. I am also a member of the Barbershop Quartet Society.
My wife, Sandra, grew up in Tyler, Texas and is a capable match for the Energizer Bunny! I have two sons and a daughter. David lives in Asheville, North Carolina; Chris lives in Cedar Hills, Utah; Megan lives in Honolulu, Hawaii. All the “kids” are married, and Megan has two little boys: Ty, who is 3 and Kai, 1. The only “children” left in our home are of the four-legged variety: Abbey (Dalmatian), Brownie (Dachshund), Lucinda and Pilar (calico cat sisters), and Riley (orange tabby).
Hours: Mon 7:30am –4:30pm, Tue 7:30am –4:30pm, Wed 7:30am –4:30pm, Thur 7:30am –12:30pm
| Contact Dr. Calvin L. (Cal) Jochetz |
Judith Ragsdale, DDS, MSD
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
281-367-8805
Dr. Ragsdale completed her dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental Branch at Houston in 1984 and received her certificate in pediatric dentistry from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1986. During this two-year specialty training program, she learned all about the special dental needs of children. The curriculum included training in growth and development, child psychology, behavior management, dentistry for the special needs patient, sedation/general anesthesia and pediatric trauma. Dr. Ragsdale is an active member in good standing of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Texas Dental Association, and the Greater Houston Dental Society. She achieved Diplomate Status from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 1993.
Dr. Ragsdale actively participates in continuing education courses. The most recent completed was advanced training in sedation, becoming certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support, a course sponsored by the American Heart Association.
Dr. Ragsdale lives in the Woodlands with her husband, Arlin Maddox.
Hours: Mon 7am—5pm, Tue 7am—5pm, Wed 7am—5pm, Thur 7am—5pm
| Contact Dr. Judith Ragsdale |
Wade Williams, DDS
Board Certified in Orthodontics
281-367-1617
Dr. Wade Williams is a specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. He is dedicated to providing the highest quality of treatment to every patient. Dr. Williams believes in treating people the way he would like to be treated: with respect, courtesy and a full explanation of proposed treatment. It gives him much satisfaction to provide a service to his patients that improves their self-esteem, potential for success and quality of life.
Dr. Williams uses the latest techniques and theories in the practice of orthodontics and strongly believes in attending continuing education courses and orthodontic study clubs. He is an active member of the Texas Dental Association, American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists.
Dr. Williams earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from Loma Linda University, located in Loma Linda, California. After completion of his dental degree, he completed a twenty-seven month residency where he earned his Master of Science degree and a Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics from Loma Linda University. Dr. Williams, his wife, Kristy, and their daughter reside in The Woodlands. He enjoys sports, playing the guitar and spending quality time with friends and family.
Hours: Mon 7:15am—5pm, Tue 7:15am—5pm, Wed 7:15am—5pm, Thur 7:15am—5pm
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| Contact Dr. Wade Williams |
David W. Ryder, DDS
General and Cosmetic Dentist
281-367-3085
Dr. Ryder grew up in Houston, attended the University of Texas at Austin, Baylor Dental School in Dallas, and served a dental internship as a U.S. Naval Officer in the San Francisco Bay area. He moved to the Woodlands in 1978 to practice dentistry, when there were only 3,000 residents. He has been active in the community through civic, church, and school groups along with his wife, Susan, and three children, Bryan, Adrien, and Meredith.
Long term relationships are a priority for Dr. Ryder. He is a founding member of the Woodlands Dental Group, which was established in 1985, and along with several of his front office staff, hygienists, and assistants, has served many patients for over 20 years. He has established long term relationships with his partners and dental specialists to provide comprehensive care and the most updated dental procedures.
His ceramic lab is located in the same building as his office to offer immediate and personalized cosmetic and reconstructive services.
Hours: Mon 8am—5pm, Tue 8am—5pm, Wed 8am—5pm, Thur 8am—5pm
| Contact Dr. David W. Ryder |
David Epstein, DDS
General and Cosmetic Dentist
281-367-3085
After living in Nashville, Tennessee and Buffalo, New York, Dr. Epstein can call Texas his home once again. He grew up in The Woodlands and graduated from the John Cooper School. Dr. Epstein received his B.S. from Vanderbilt University, where he majored in Neuroscience. When he was deciding on a career, he spent a few days observing Dr. David Ryder practicing at The Woodlands Dental Group. Inspired by that experience, he enrolled in dental school at the State University of New York in Buffalo, where Dr. Epstein developed a passion for the art/craft of dentistry. As a student, he had the opportunity to volunteer in the Dominican Republic and the Appalachia region, and experienced first-hand how good dental care can greatly impact a person’s life.
Upon moving back to Texas to be closer to family, friends, and good barbeque, Dr. Epstein began working with The Woodlands Dental Group, which was voted Best General Dentists in the Best of The Woodlands 2012 online poll. He has had the opportunity to get to know the highly skilled assistants, hygienists, and staff over
the past three years. It has been an honor for him to serve such wonderful, loyal patients.
Dr. Epstein intends to keep standards high. As a general and cosmetic dentist, he offers a variety of services including: lumineers/veneers, bonding, crowns, oral sedation, laser dentistry, some root canals and extractions, implant restorations, and more. Dr. Epstein believes in continuing his education in order to stay current with the latest technologies available to give his patients the best results. The patient’s satisfaction is his top priority.
Dr. Epstein looks forward to making his home here in The Woodlands and being a part of this vibrant community!
Hours: Mon 8am—5pm, Tue 8am—5pm, Wed 8am—5pm, Thur 8am—5pm, Select Fridays 9am—2pm
| Contact Dr. David Epstein |