Our Team

Our team consists of dedicated individuals who are kind, friendly, and caring. Our staff is here to ensure a pleasant experience during your visit to our office.

Our team includes experienced and energetic people whose goal is to communicate well with our patients and provide the best care possible.

Becky – Registered Dental Hygienist

Becky has worked in the dental field for 20 years. She attended the Dental Hygiene Program at Cuyahoga Community College to obtain her hygiene license in 2010. Prior to being a hygienist, Becky worked as a Dental Assistant. She has been a part of the Premier Dental team for over 9 years. When asked what she enjoys most about her job, she says, “Sharing my knowledge & educating patients on the importance of Oral-Systemic Health, and seeing the difference this can make in a patient’s life.” She has a calm, nurturing demeanor that helps to put our patients at ease. In her free time, Becky enjoys spending time with her 2 children and husband.

Melissa- Dental Hygienist

Melissa has been a hygienist since 2006. She graduated from Lakeland Community College.  Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of working alongside and learning from numerous accomplished practitioners. She has been with Premier Dental Associates since November 2020, and then officially joined our great staff the following January. She has learned so much about the cutting edge of dentistry and is excited to be part of it working with Dr. Rita. Melissa finds joy in her interactions with patients and takes pride in assisting them in achieving a healthy and beautiful smile. Each one is a “patient”, not a condition. Her dedication and commitment to providing excellent dental care make her a valuable asset to our team!

Cindy – Office Manager

Cindy’s passion for the dental field has been a lifelong adventure, beginning at the age of 21. With over two decades of experience as an office manager, she shows a natural comfort within the dental office that puts everyone at ease. Her mission is to make sure that every patient experiences a sense of ease and confidence during their visit.

Equipped with a wealth of knowledge, Cindy goes above and beyond to address questions, offering guidance on insurance and financial matters. As a valued member of the Premier Dental team, she has witnessed countless smiles transformed under the skillful hands of the remarkable Dr. Rita.

Dr. Rita is not only highly skilled in the art of dentistry, but she also knows how to make every moment enjoyable. Working alongside such an exceptional doctor is not only a privilege for Cindy, but an absolute delight.

Beyond working, Cindy enjoys spending time with loved ones, both family and friends. Cindy looks forward to the countless years of collaboration and smiles yet to come.

Nicole – Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)

Nicole has been involved in the dental industry since 2010 and became an EFDA after completing her licensure at Case Western University in 2015. Her professional journey has led her to work alongside Dr. Rita since 2015, an experience she greatly cherishes. Nicole possesses a genuine enthusiasm for dentistry and finds joy in dedicating time to her growing family. During her free time, she likes to play golf.

Erica – Treatment Coordinator

Meet Erica, our dedicated team member with over 10 years of experience in the dental field. She has a genuine passion for patient interaction and takes pride in helping patients throughout their treatment journey. Erica is committed to making the financial aspect of treatment comfortable and affordable for all our patients. With her friendly and caring demeanor, she strives to ensure that every patient’s experience is nothing short of wonderful.

When Erica is not at work, she cherishes spending quality time with her two children, Enzo (8) and Stella (5), and her wonderful husband, Matt. Having been happily married for over 9 years, Erica understands the importance of family and brings that same warmth and compassion to her interactions with our patients.

Michele – Dental Assistant

Hi, My name is Michele. I have been a dental assistant for over 30 years. In my spare time, I enjoy my family, friends, and my 3 German shorthair pointers. I also enjoy reading thriller novels and watching our favorite Cleveland Sports Teams. Looking forward to seeing you in the office.

Shawna – Dental Assistant

Meet Shawna, our newest team member at Premier Dental! With 13 years of experience in the dental field, Shawna brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our practice. She has quickly become an invaluable asset, learning, and growing under the guidance of Dr. Rita, who is not only an incredible dentist but also an amazing teacher.

Shawna’s passion lies in helping patients achieve their perfect smiles. She believes that a healthy and confident smile can positively impact one’s overall well-being. Shawna is dedicated to providing exceptional care and ensuring her patients leave with smiles that light up the room.

Outside of work, Shawna cherishes her role as a mother to her energetic 3-year-old daughter. She finds joy in spending quality time with her family, and her husband. On weekends, you’ll often find Shawna on her boat, enjoying the serenity of the water. She also enjoys maintaining a healthy lifestyle and working out.

With her commitment to patient care, dedication to continuous learning, and passion for creating beautiful smiles, Shawna is a valued member of our team, ensuring each patient’s dental experience is nothing short of exceptional.