ABOUT OUR DOCTORS

Meet Dr. Geeta Bhat

Dr. Bhat was born and raised in Ogdensburg, New York on the border of Canada next to the magnificent St. Lawrence River. She knew when she was in the 3rd grade that she wanted to join her family tradition and become a dentist. During her senior year of high school she applied to several combined dental degree programs and was accepted into the seven year B.A./D.D.S program at New York University College of Arts and Science and New York University College of Dentistry. She double majored and received a B.A. in Biology in 1997 and a B.A. in Gender Studies in 1996 with a minor in Sociology. In 2000 she graduated with a D.D.S and became the eighth dentist in her family.
Upon graduation from New York University College of Dentistry in 2000 she entered a General Practice Residency Program at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. During her residency she had the opportunity to enhance and refine her skills in all areas of adult dentistry for the medically compromised individual. She was awarded a certificate of completion in 2001.

Immediately following the completion of her first residency, she was chosen to be the Chief Dental Resident in the second year General Practice Residency Program at York Hospital in York Pennsylvania. During her year at York Hospital Dr. Bhat had the opportunity to work with adults as well as children in all phases of dentistry. She became particularly interested in the treatment of children and had the privilege as Chief Resident to expand her clinical skills beyond the office setting into the operating room by treating children under general anesthesia. Upon completion, Dr. Bhat considered a faculty position at York Hospital, but decided to move to sunny North Carolina. Although Dr. Bhat is a general dentist, in 2005, she decided that she wanted to open a children’s dental practice because she loves working with kids and can’t imagine doing anything else. She has owned and operated Geeta Bhat, DDS PA for the past 17 years and counting providing a great dental experience to children.

Geeta lives in Holly Springs area with her 3 children. She is an animal lovers and boasts a house full of furry pets. She has a papipoo, Sir Renly, and a tabbly cat Mosley Rose, a Maine Coone mix named Fozzie Bear and a cat they named Mr. Tumnus who was rescued from a hoarding situation which left him deaf.   The incredible medical team at the SPCA of wake country removed both ear drums to save Mr. Tumnus and Dr. Bhat adopted him when she was serving on the board of Directors for the SPCA.   In her spare time Geeta trains in Brazilian Jiujitsu, plays chess, and dances.  She is a 4 time Masters World Champion in Jiujitsu and will soon receive her brown belt.  She travels all over the world attending jiujitsu camps, seminars and competitions. She has been training in Jiujitsu for the past 10 years and is committed to receiving her black belt one day. She also loves to dance and favors Country Western dancing and West Coast Swing.  She recently entered her first country western dance competition and took a triple gold medal. Super exciting for her.  Lastly, she plays chess weekly and takes bike trips frequently traveling both domestically and internationally.  She is always on the go between work, family and her hobbies.

Meet Dr. Stephen Wilst

Dr. Stephen Wiist was born in Michigan and grew up on Long Island, NY. He attended college at Amherst where he graduated with a B.A. in Biology in 1995. He then entered dental school at the Ohio State University where he graduated with a degree of D.D.S in 2000.

After dental school, Dr. Wiist completed a residency program at the Wilkes-Barre Veterans Hospital in Wilkes-Barre, PA where he met and worked with Dr. Geeta Bhat. They have been good friends for the past 22 years and counting. Upon completion of his residency program, Dr. Wiist moved to Minnesota and later to South Dakota. For over six years he provided dental services to the Native American population through the Indian Health Services program.

When Dr. Bhat’s growing practice was in need of an associate dentist, Dr. Wiist was the natural choice. Dr. Wiist brings to our office a wonderful sense of humor as well as a gentle manner that children and parents can appreciate.

Dr. Wiist is an avid traveler. His goal is to see ever part of the world. He has traveled to all 50 states and makes international trips each year to keep checking countries off his list. He also enjoys movies and outdoor activities. He has an extensive knowledge of state parks and loves to camp and hike.

Dr. Wiist made the move from South Dakota to North Carolina in 2008 to join his friend, Geeta and she was thrilled to have him on our team.

Meet Dr. Monica Henao

Monica Henao, D.M.D.

Dr. Henao completed her Doctorate in Dental Medicine (DMD) from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts after receiving her Bachelor in Dental Surgery from the Javeriana University in Bogota, Colombia.

She has worked for several years providing all aspects of dentistry to adults and children.
Her interest in pediatric dentistry started in dental school where she participated in dental fairs in elementary schools in Boston and surrounding areas.
She enjoyed interacting with children and providing dental care for them.
She worked for a number of years in a pediatric private practice and a Community Health Center, both located in a rural areas.

Dr. Henao served as a board member of the Massachusetts Hispanic Association for 3 years and she was an active member of the same association for 5 years.
She has been a volunteer dentist in several “Give Kids a Smile” events providing free dental services to underserved children

She is passionate about providing the best dental treatment for her patients. She believes that dental health starts at a very early age. She strives to provide a positive experience for patients and parents.

She is constantly learning about new research and technology in dentistry, by taking numerous continuing education courses.
She is a member of the American Dental Association and the North Carolina Dental Society. Dr. Henao is fluent in Spanish.

She enjoys spending time with family and friends, while also enjoying exercising and traveling.

VIRTUAL TOUR

ABOUT OUR STAFF

Colleen

Practice Manager

Hi, I’m Colleen and I am originally from New Jersey, I moved to NC 20 years ago with my husband Cliff I have 3 kids, my oldest Andrew is married to my beautiful daughter in Law Megan, and they have a son Colton who I just adore. My daughter Sarah is studying to become a PA and is currently at UNCW for her public health degree and my youngest Owen will be graduating HS this year with hopes to go to App State in the fall.   I have been in the Dental field for over 38 years, and  I have the love for teeth and making people happy to show off their smiles!  In my spare time I enjoy traveling with my husband, going to the beach, shopping, watching my grandson play sports and just relaxing with my family. I also have 3 fur babies, Ryleigh, Rosie, and Remy.

Yadira

Front Desk Coordinator

Hi, I’m Yadira! I am a mom to 4 beautiful kids, Cynthia, Julian, Bella and Lucas. You can often find me in Chapel Hill visiting with my oldest daughter who is currently attending UNC or out and about shopping with my teens. I love to visit Colorado to see my sister, nieces, nephews, and my mom. 

 

Payton

OR Coordinator

My name is Payton! I was born and raised here in North Carolina. I recently married the love of my life this past November. We have 3 fur babies, River, Kali and Sam. I love to spend my spare time with family , friends and my pups! 

 

Shieka

DENTAL ASSISTANT II

I am Shieka, I love reading, writing and everything beauty.  Dental is my first love ever since I was a kid.  I always wanted to be in the dental field and follow in the steps of my aunt.  I am from Michigan and decided to relocate to NC after I got out of the military. I have a 6 yr old girl who I love to teach and play with all day named Ava.  We have a bunny rabbit and I love animals very much. I am excited to be a part of Dr. Geeta Bhats awesome team.

Uniqua was born in Fayetteville, NC and relocated to Raleigh a couple of years ago to play soccer for school. She enjoys hanging out with her sister, meeting new people, traveling, and online shopping. Uniqua has always wanted to work in the dental field, since high school. She loves being a pediatric dental assistant.

Stephaney Williams

Dental Assistant II

Stephaney was born in Roanoke Rapids NC, then relocated to the Raleigh area in year 2006. She started a family of three boys who she dearly loves and enjoys spending time with. Stephaney loves to go to the beach and doing Barbecues on the weekends with her children. She enjoys working in the pediatric field as a dental assistant, taking cooking classes, and taking Zumba lessons.