ABOUT US

The team behind the smiles

A neighborhood practice built on a simple idea: treat every patient the way we’d treat our own family.

Theodore Ionescu, DDS
Theodore Ionescu, DDS

My Promise

“I have never believed that great dentistry was just a practice. Great dentistry begins in a mindset, a dedication to serving people on a personal level and embracing only the highest standards. That is the environment we have worked to create at Dentistry by Design.

My goal is to treat my patients with the same care and concern that I would devote to my own family. If there is a technique or material that is going to enrich my patients’ experience, I want to employ it. If there is a way to increase my patients’ comfort and lessen their anxiety, I want to find it.”

That is my mindset. That is my promise. — Dr. Ionescu

Today we’re a team of 8, serving thousands patients from the same corner of Elk Grove, California.

Theodore Ionescu, DDS

Voted “Best Dentist of Elk Grove, CA” numerous times since 2006!

Horia Theodore Ionescu, DDS, has been practicing comprehensive and aesthetic dentistry for more than 30 years. Before coming to California, he practiced in Germany, where he mastered German perfectionism and advanced technology. Dr. Ionescu has been practicing in California since 2000. He is a member of the AmericanCalifornia, and Sacramento Dental Associations, and to maintain his expertise in the most advanced procedures, he completes numerous hours of continuing education every year.

Dr. Ionescu is a gifted dentist who enjoys performing complicated general and cosmetic procedures for adults and children. He has a lovely personality, and his manner is calm and kind. His emphasis on patient comfort as well as keeping up to date with the latest advances in dentistry enable him to provide his patients with the best quality of care in the field.

Dr. Ionescu has a wide range of experience in different areas of dentistry, from cosmetic and restorative to surgical treatments. His approach to your treatment starts with patiently listening to you. Then, after a complete and thorough examination, he reviews and discusses the diagnosis and treatment options with you. Our patients rave about his thoroughness and attention to detail.

Dr. Ionescu is excited to meet you and discuss your dental needs. Call our office today at (916) 685-4662 to schedule the first step toward your healthiest smile.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Three rules we never break

Dentistry By Design Staff

Plain Language, always

No jargon, no scare tactics. You'll understand every option including the option to wait.

Pricing before treatment

Written costs up front, every time. Surprise bills break trust, and trust is the whole job.

Comfort is clinical

A relaxed patient heals better and comes back. Your comfort is a treatment outcome, not a perk.

THE TEAM

People who love this work

Erin

Senior Patient Coordinator

Erin is the first friendly face you’ll see when you arrive at Dentistry by Design. As our Senior Patient Coordinator, she connects you with the dental team and helps everything run smoothly. Erin handles scheduling, treatment planning, and financial coordination, and she’s always happy to answer your questions so every visit is easy and stress-free.

Cristina

Business Financial Manager

Cristina is the backbone of our financial operations at Dentistry by Design. She manages accounts payable and receivable, reconciles accounts, and keeps our financial records accurate. She prepares our monthly and annual reports, handles tax filings, and watches cash flow closely, so the practice stays healthy and the team can focus on patients.

Navleen

Dental Hygienist

Navleen has been a hygienist since 2009 and earned her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University. She builds lasting friendships with our patients and tailors care to each person’s needs. Our team loves to laugh and learn together. She loves visiting Canada, new restaurants, and making memories with her husband and two daughters.

Heather

Dental Hygenist

Heather is a dental hygienist who graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2009. She also holds an education degree and taught fifth and sixth grade before joining the dental field. She loves being part of a team that puts quality care first. Born in North Idaho, she enjoys hiking and skiing with her husband and kids, and loves the forest best.

Candice

Patience Coordinator and Front Desk Assistant

Candice is the friendly first person patients meet and the voice they hear when they call. She handles scheduling, answers questions, and helps with insurance to make every visit smooth and comfortable. A lifelong Elk Grove resident and mother of four, she loves getting to know each patient and building relationships based on trust and genuine care.

Leticia

Registered Dental Assistant – Expanded Functions II

Leticia has more than 20 years of clinical experience in the dental field. As an EFII, she loves building relationships with patients and helping them feel at ease and like family. She has never worked with a team more dedicated to quality care. Outside the office she enjoys traveling and shopping with her husband Eric and daughters Olivia and Alana.

Sarah

Registered Dental Assistant – Expanded Functions II

Sarah has been a registered dental assistant since 2006 and earned her extended functions license in 2013. She loves connecting with patients and being part of a team that holds itself to a high standard of excellence. Born and raised in a small town on the Delta, she is a busy mom of two who loves outdoor activities and reading her book of the month.

Come meet us in person

Tour the office, meet the team, and see if we’re the right fit u2014 no drill required.

Credentials & community

Continuing education isn’t optional here every clinician logs required Professional Development hours annually.

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