Meet Our Team

Dawn Baker DDS

Dr. Dawn Baker

Dr. Dawn Baker’s dream has been to create an office that gives each patient a positive, unique, relaxing and ethical experience. In 2016, she introduced PURE Dental, where patients find a comfortable, no-pressure environment focused on their needs and oral health.

Dr. Dawn Baker is a fun-loving, kind and thorough doctor who has the ability to make patients feel welcome, comfortable and well-cared for. Her personalized attention along with her high-quality clinical training allow her to deliver exceptional patient care and experiences.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL

  • BS – Education – The Ohio State University
  • DDS – The Ohio State University
  • ODA Foundation Scholarship
  • Member, American Dental Association
  • President, Psi Omega Dental Fraternity
  • Member, Ohio Dental Association
  • Member, Columbus Dental Society
  • Former Board Member, Stonybrook Early Learning Center
  • Former Board Member for various local community organizations
  • Advanced training – pediatrics, sleep apnea and non-invasive treatment such as Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), Healthy Start Appliances and Invisalign
  • Hundreds of hours of continued education and training with many leaders in the dental industry
  • Mentor and Leader for many other dentists and guest on podcasts
  • Volunteer for local Charities
  • Leadership training

Dr. Baker’s dental career started as a dental assistant in 2004 and progressed to an EFDA while in Dental School. She has worked all positions in an office and had amazing mentors. In 2015, her youngest son fell extremely ill to side effects from his chemo while treating his pediatric cancer. Dr. Baker chose to step away from the profession and stay by his side. During this time, she learned more about being a patient than being a doctor.

Those experiences, good and bad, have helped her develop a goal to always maintain the patient’s best interest and to advocate for her patients. These unique experiences have allowed her to become a detailed and compassionate dentist and also are the inspiration behind “Frankie’s Gift,” our internal charity program designed to support our community. Through Frankie’s Gift, we have donated over $60,000 to local charitable organizations through this inspired program.

When she is away from the office, Dr. Baker enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys and dog, Piper. She enjoys all of their activities as well as spending time with her baseball friends & neighbors, visiting old friends, travel planning for fun vacations, and misses her horses from her childhood. Spending time with and helping people is what makes her heart happiest.

Dr. Vishal Chitkara

Dr. Vishal Chitkara

Born and raised in Centerville, Ohio, Dr. Vishal Chitkara moved to Columbus in 1999. He received his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University; and went on to obtain his doctorate from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry.

With experience practicing in Upper Arlington, Delaware County, Reynoldsburg, and Grandview, Dr. Chitkara has proudly served the Central Ohio area for over 16 years. In addition, he has served as part-time faculty for The Ohio State College of Dentistry. Dr. Chitkara brings experience with Invisalign, extractions, bone grafting, as well as implant & cosmetic dentistry.

He enjoys the variety that dentistry has to offer on a day-to-day basis; from aesthetics to comprehensive care. Most of all, Dr. Chitkara enjoys delivering top-quality care and earning his patient’s trust.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL

  • BS – Biology – The Ohio State University
  • DDS – The Ohio State University
  • Served as Faculty for The Ohio State College of Dentistry
  • Member, American Dental Association
  • Member, Ohio Dental Association
  • Member, Columbus Dental Society
  • Alumnus of the Implant Seminars' Implant Continuum
  • Participant in the Clinical Mastery Series
  • Former member, Spectrum Dental Society
  • Participant of the Dental OPTIONS program
  • Advanced training – bone grafting & surgical techniques, cosmetic dentistry, dental scanning & milling, non-invasive treatment such as Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), Invisalign, and SureSmile
  • Hundreds of hours of continued education and training
  • Organizational Development Leadership training
  • Appearances in classrooms and local news to discuss dental issues
Ben Baker - Chief Financial Officer

Ben Baker - Chief Financial Officer

Ben is from Centerville, Ohio and currently resides in Blacklick, Ohio with his wife, Dr. Dawn Baker, sons Patrick, Simon, and Frankie, as well as their dog, Piper. Ben enjoys working out, traveling, and spending time with family.

Ben received his bachelor’s degree in Economics from The Ohio State University and has worked in accounting and finance for over fifteen years. His favorite part about dentistry is witnessing the ever-changing technology used to benefit the patients. His favorite part about Pure Dental is the welcoming atmosphere. Ben’s favorite food is pizza, favorite music is 90s alternative, and favorite place to visit is Key West, Florida.

Something unique about Ben is that his lifelong goal is to visit all 50 states…he has currently been to 38!

Simon Van Weerdenburg - Patient Care Coordinator

Simon - Patient Care Coordinator

Simon is from Chester, United Kingdom. He currently lives in Blacklick, Ohio with his wife Nicki, daughter Poppy, son William, and dogs Buddy and Luna. Simon enjoys soccer, watching movies, and collecting vinyl records.

Simon’s favorite part about Pure Dental is meeting a wide variety of people and the positive environment. His favorite food is pizza, favorite band is Led Zeppelin, favorite movie is “Die Hard” (which IS a Christmas movie!!), and favorite place to visit is Anna Maria Island in Florida. A unique fact about Simon is that he is on the cover, pictured in the crowd of an AC/DC DVD, “Live at Donnington.”

Nicole Shannon - Patient Care Coordinator

Nicole - Patient Care Coordinator

Nicole has been in the dental field for almost 8 years and feels she has finally found her dental home!! She moved around a lot when she was younger, but spent a majority of her childhood in Pennsylvania. After high school, she attended Penn State and majored in English. In 2017, she moved to Columbus after her daughter was born to be closer to family. In her spare time, she enjoys reading fiction novels and spending time with her daughter, Molly.

Some fun facts about Nicole: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is her favorite movie and she loves the color pink! She has become an avid baker since the pandemic, specializing in carrot cake and banana bread.

Brittany Byers – Hygienist

Brittany – Hygienist

Brittany is originally from Owosso, Michigan and currently resides in Columbus, Ohio with her wife, Megan, dog, Marshall and 2 cats, Luna and Boots.

She has worked in the dental field for almost ten years and received her Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Detroit Mercy.

Brittany’s favorite part of dentistry is being able to help create a healthy, beautiful smile for the years to come. Her favorite part of Pure Dental is everyone is treated like family, whether you are a co-worker or a patient.

Brittany’s favorite foods are nachos or anything with potatoes! Her favorite movies are “Jurassic Park” and “The Goonies." Her favorite places to visit are family in Northern Michigan as well as family in Oregon. Some unique facts about Brittany are that she loves a good craft beer and has an unhealthy obsession with dinosaurs.

Madison Cochran – Hygienist

Madison – Hygienist

Madison is from Centerburg, Ohio and currently resides in Gahanna with her cat, Quincy. She enjoys spending fee time with the people she loves, cooking, watching television and traveling.

She has worked in the dental field for four years and her favorite part of dentistry is connecting with and getting to know the patients. Madison’s favorite part of Pure Dental is the positive environment and great teamwork.

Madison’s favorite movies are Scream and the Harry Potter series and her favorite place to visit is Jamaica.

Ashley Brown – Hygienist

Ashley – Hygienist

Ashley is originally from Oregon and Montana and now resides in New Albany. Her hobbies include going to the gym and playing racquet ball. She has worked in dentistry for seven years and her favorite part about dentistry is the patient interactions and celebrating each patient’s unique story and how they ended up at Pure Dental. Ashley’s favorite part about working at Pure Dental is Dr. Baker’s kindness and positivity.

Ashley’s favorite food is fettuccine alfredo, her favorite TV shows are “Friends” and “How I Met Your Mother” and her favorite place to travel and visit is Hilton Head, South Carolina.

A unique fact about Ashley is that she lived in Montana near Glacier National Park for eight years.

Whitney Rollins – EFDA

Whitney – EFDA

Whitney is from Mount Sterling, Ohio and now lives in Galloway with her husband, daughter, and three bulldogs. She enjoys camping and spending time with her family.

Whitney has worked in dentistry for over 17 years and has been an EFDA since 2015. Her favorite part about dentistry is giving patients high quality dental care, and she enjoys new challenges. Her favorite part of working at Pure Dental is the great team and the colorful and beautiful office.

Whitney’s favorite music is country, her favorite movie is “My Girl” and her favorite place to visit is her mom’s house!

Jes – EFDA

Jes – EFDA

Jes grew up in Ohio and Florida and now resides in Worthington with her son, four cats, a tortoise, two snakes, two lizards, and two frogs. She likes to travel, golf, shop, and attend concerts.

Jes has worked in the dental field for 16 years and her favorite part about dentistry is making people feel more comfortable with their smile. She enjoys the welcoming staff at Pure Dental and how meticulously organized the office is!

Her favorites are fast food, Motley Crue, and places to visit are New York City and Florida.

A unique fact about Jes is that she is an ordained minister.

Taylor Carter – Dental Assistant

Taylor – Dental Assistant

Taylor is from Vancouver, Washington and currently lives in Westerville. She has 2 cats, Momo and Crockpot. She enjoys working out and exploring all types of new things. She has been in dentistry for three years and her favorite part of dentistry is being able to help patients and she enjoys the friendly staff at Pure Dental.

Taylor’s favorite food is fettucine alfredo and her favorite movie is “The Greatest Showman.” Her favorite place to visit is Disney World and Universal Studios.

A unique fact about Taylor is that she is also a certified personal trainer!

April

April - Patient Care Coordinator

April is from Wellington, Ohio and currently resides in Pataskala with her husband and son.  She enjoys reading, traveling, and hiking.

April has worked in the dental field for over 19 years and her favorite part of Pure Dental is helping the patients.

April's favorite foods are spaghetti squash and nachos!  Her favorite place to visit is Hilton Head, SC.  A unique fact about April is that she has traveled to 42 different states and has driven across the country twice!

Erica

Erica - Dental Assistant

Erica is from Worthington, Ohio and now lives in Gahanna with her husband and two daughters.  She enjoys making handmade birthday cards, baking, dancing and singing, and spending time with her family.  Erica has worked in dentistry for over nine years and enjoys making people smile.  Her favorite part of working at Pure Dental is the teamwork from the staff.

Erica's favorite food is "House of Japan" and "Jersey Mike's."  Her favorite movies are "Harry Potter" and "Star Wars."  Her favorite place to visit is Jamaica.

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