Duquesne University/Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania/Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
University of Phoenix/Phoenix, Arizona/Master’s Degree in Nursing
Graduated Summa Cum Laude
Let me be the first to welcome you to our practice! We love how positive the environment is here and it is my hope that our patients do too. Our amazing dental team works extremely well together while providing the best dental services to our patients! Our warm, caring staff attentively strives to make each of our patients feel comfortable, and knowledgeable, while in their care. Our Doctor, Jonathan Garger DMD, is an amazing Dentist. He has vast and excellent dental skills, with a flair for hi-tech dentistry, but with gentle old-time care.
Having over 30 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, with a background in both Critical Care and Nursing Education, Renée has a unique and diverse understanding of both patient care and business management. When she is not in the office, Renée enjoys spending time with her husband, Dr. Garger. Together they enjoy walking with their dog Hermie, laughing, dining, and travel.
Santa Clarita Career College / Dental Assisting / 2008
Shayna loves meeting new people, learning their history, and listening to their stories about life. She wants to learn about our patients, so she can better know how to serve them! She likes to connect with patients, so they do not feel like they are ‘just another patient.’ She feels lucky that her career allows her to work with amazing people who ultimately become your second family. Shayna also enjoys seeing people’s lives change with a new smile, which gives them a newfound confidence!
When she is not at work, Shayna likes to spend time with her dog! She also enjoys going to the movies with her son and finding new places to eat. Being new to the area, Shayna is still discovering all of the wonderful things to do in Bakersfield, and exploring what the area has to offer!
Nishana loves the welcome feeling of Gentle Family Dentistry. She loves the staff and feels like we have a great team! (We agree!). Nishana loves our patients who she describes as being loyal, nice, and sweet people (We also agree!). She also says she really enjoys her time here with Dr, G … he gets along so well with the staff and patients alike!
In her free time, Nishana likes to take her boat to the lake and spend time with her husband and kids. Her family loves taking trips, especially to Disneyland.
Taft College /Associates in Dental Hygiene / 2017 Graduated with Honors / Phi Theta Kappa
Jocelyn joined Gentle Family Dentistry in 2022. A welcomed new member of the dental team, Jocelyn loves her profession because she enjoys empowering our patients with the knowledge and understanding of their oral care. Jocelyn focuses on helping our patients to achieve their optimal oral health, while providing a comfortable and positive experience. Jocelyn enjoys being a part of Dr. Garger’s team and serving the community.
When she is not at work, Jocelyn enjoys many diverse activities! Some of these activities include traveling, doing water sports, drawing, exercising, baking, and watching baseball. Her favorite activities are time spent with her family, friends and high school sweetheart.
Taft College / Associates in Dental Hygiene / 2019
We welcomed Abby to Gentle Family Dentistry in 2023! Abby knew from the time she was a little girl that she wanted to work in dentistry. Abby always had the best experiences at her dentist growing up, and she wanted to be able to be a part of creating healthy smiles as an adult. Abby enjoys working with people and plans to build lasting relationships with the patients in our practice. Abby’s priority is to provide patients with a great experience as well as make them feel confident about their smile. She also says, “I really enjoy working with my coworkers in an upbeat and positive environment”.
In her free time, Abby enjoys cycling and any outdoor activity, as well as spending time with my husband and our two cats Tony and Tux.
Taft College / Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene / 2023
Isabelle says the best part of her job is being able to develop a rapport with her patients, along with helping them to achieve their best smile. She strives to help our patients to feel as confident as possible.
In her free time, Isabelle loves to travel; but most days you will find her spending time with her husband and two fur-babies Kaleo and Ruca (Dalmatian & long-haired Dachshund).
San Joaquin Vocational College / Registered Dental Assistant / 2000
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Association (EFDAA) Fullerton / Extended Functions Program / 2012
Kimberley is fluent in Spanish and English and loves to serve others. Each day she strives to make dental care fun and also informative for our patients. Kimberley especially enjoys the bonds which she builds with our patients as she helps each to have their best smile.
In her free time, Kimberley likes to cook, especially BBQ, clean and bake! She also enjoys attending church and adventuring to the central coast for hikes.
Bakersfield College / Biology / Working on her Associate Degree
Fluent in both English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Joyce says she ‘loves everything’ about her career and working at Gentle Family Dentistry. She loves being able to help people and making a positive impact in their lives. Joyce loves dentistry so much that she is continuing her education with plans to become a Dentist one day!
On her days off, Joyce enjoys shopping with her mom, playing with her dogs (Fat boy and Ziggy), going to the beach, and working on her car.
Kaplan / Dental Assisting / 2009
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Jackeline enjoys helping patients with their oral health.
In her free time Jackeline enjoys working out and spending time with her family
I’ve had an extreme fear of the dentist since I was a small child, coming here has changed my expectations on what to expect when you are at the dentist. Dr. G is so gentle, and his entire staff his incredibly nice. I’m so thankful to have found Dr. G and his staff.
April Harris
Courteous and professionalism. Made me feel at home. Very clean facility.
Muneca Ornelas
I had such a great experience with them!! This the first time I have been to a dentist in years and they made me feel comfortable at home and just all around great! Their receptionists were amazing and the doctors that helped me were just as good 10 out of 10 recommend!!!
Zachary Bruce
Dr. Garger, and his staff are so wonderful. My children and I strongly recommend them. They’re very friendly and gentle when it comes to any concerns. The staff made sure my children felt comfortable and were at ease. My children and I felt no pain when we got work done.
Alma Castaneda
The best, friendliest staff. Dr. Garger is caring and gentle and always takes his time to provide excellent service.
Travis Corbell
Everyone in the office was very friendly and helpful. They took care of my issues very promptly and got me scheduled to resolve all my dental needs. If you have dental issues this is the place to go.
Britt A.
They always treat me like family. I’ve been Dr. Garger’s patient for possibly 20 years. Dental cleaning is always easy as expected. Basically pain free. Dr. Garger is a pleasure to see. I highly recommend him.
Marjie Wilson
The staff is absolutely amazing. My mom and husband had to have an emergency tooth pulled and they got them in asap. Dr. Garger is very gentle. I went there for fillings myself. We as a family won’t go anywhere else.
Sarah Estrada
My mother needed new dentures… I recommended Gentle Family Dentistry. She is so impressed and ecstatic how her new dentures turned out. She now looks younger and has her healthy smile back.
Cheryl Rydia
The best dentist in town! Dr Garger and his staff always make me feel welcome and safe. I have been going here for years and plan to stay here for years to come. Plus Dr. Garger has the best humor! Gotta love it 🙂
Michelle May
Everyone in the office was very friendly and helpful. They took care of my issues very promptly and got me scheduled to resolve all my dental needs. If you have dental issues this is the place to go.
Chuck Davis
People are respectful, friendly, knowledgeable and professional. It was a pleasure getting to know the staff and Dr. G.
Virginia Turner
It was a pleasure visit, all the staff are very friendly. Very good service!!
Alice Hutchings
Going to the dentist really gets my anxiety going. I’ve never been good with going. Gentle Family Dentistry makes it a point from the second you walk in the door, that your as comfortable and relaxed as you can be. I really appreciate the caring and professional atmosphere. I highly recommend this dentist.
Chris Geye
This was by far the best dental experience I have ever had. Dr Garger and his staff are amazing, Dr Garger and his assistant made me very comfortable. I would totally recommend Gentle Family Dentistry.
Shelle Kallgren
The best, friendly staff, caring gentle Dr. Garger always takes his time to provide excellent service.
Travis Corbell
Always a pleasure visiting the dentist with Dr. Garger and his wonderful staff. They make the nervous feeling of going to the dentist a fun experience! Above the rest they are the best ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amber Christian
I’ve been a patient of Dr. Garger for over 15 years. I’ve never once had a bad experience, the office ladies are awesome, they are very kind and helpful. The hygienist are all friendly and happy to get you clean and in and out while doing an excellent job. Dr. Garger is always gentle and always makes sure you’re comfortable before starting.
Adam Johnson
It was a pleasure to visit, all the staff are very friendly. Very good service!!
Edith Huizar
I have personally always been TERRIFIED of the dentist because of sensitive gums and a family history of dental problems. My previous Dr’s were rough and some even mean about it, but entering this office was so comforting I had no anxiety. I am confident I will be in good hands!
Megan Escabi
The staff works diligently to care for you and your loved ones.
Ashley Moreno
The BEST office and staff!! Thank you Dr G and team!
Jennifer Tougas
Very friendly staff who are kind and considerate to someone who is very afraid of the dentist!
Helen Prine
Very friendly staff who are kind and considerate to someone who is very afraid of the dentist!
Helen Prine
Very friendly staff, and very informative on what they’re recommending.
Geoffery Nistor
Dr. Garger and his team are excellent!!! Dr. Garger and his team truly provide a warm and friendly atmosphere and we will miss them dearly (we’re relocating). We would strongly recommend them to anyone living in Bakersfield because they are truly one of kind!
Emefa Selormey
This is a great practice. Recently moved to Bakersfield and had no dentist. I got in next day as an emergency. The dental work that had to be completed was extensive. The staff are polite and professional, and Dr. Garger did a great job. I would recommend this dental practice to anyone who needs a dentist.
Ed Ohlinger
This is one of the best dentists. They treat me like family and make sure that I know everything and are so loving. I have never felt so relaxed in a dentist office. Everyone is so nice and does whatever they can do to help you feel at home.
Kelsey Garcia
I have been a patient of Dr. Garger for over 25 yrs. I can’t see myself going anywhere else. The best service and care.
Maria Garza
Great Job. Very professional and courteous.
O. Jones
