Meet Your Toms River Dental Team
Dr. Rakhee Patel
Born and raised in Texas
University of Texas at Austin - Graduate with Honors
Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health - Doctor of Dental Medicine, Best Dental Student of the Year Award
General Practice Residency at Lutheran Medical Center, Long Island College Hospital
Member: American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Spear Education, American Academy of Clear Aligners, and the Pankey Institute
Meet Dr. Rakhee Patel
Dr. Rakhee Patel was born and raised in Texas and received her undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Austin, where she graduated with honors. After college, she completed dental school at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, where she received the Best Dental Student of the Year award.
While in Arizona, Dr. Rakhee focused on improving society and earned a certificate in Public Health. Subsequently, Dr. Rakhee furthered her training through a General Practice Residency at Lutheran Medical Center, Long Island College Hospital. This hospital training allowed her to gain experience in many different areas of dentistry, including cosmetic dentistry, root canals, oral surgery, Invisalign, and emergency dentistry. Since 2012, Dr. Rakhee has been committed to delivering the highest quality care to her patients.
Dr. Rakhee maintains professional affiliations with the American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Spear Education, and the Pankey Institute. Dr. Rakhee is a certified Invisalign provider and has completed advanced Aesthetic Advantage training to deliver exceptional cosmetic results. In addition, she has received formal training in occlusal therapy and full-mouth rehabilitation at the Pankey Institute.
With her bubbly personality and warm chairside manner, she strives to treat patients as she would her own family. When she is not practicing dentistry, Dr. Rakhee enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two boys. She strongly believes in giving back to the community and devotes a substantial amount of time in mentoring young children. Dr. Rakhee is excited to be a part of Dentistry With A Woman’s Touch and to get to know each and every one of you.
Reviews for Dr. Rakhee Patel
Dr. Monica Patel
Born and raised in New Jersey
Rutgers University - Bachelor of Arts
University of Medicine and Dentistry - Master's in Biomedical Sciences
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine - Doctor of Dental Medicine
General Practice Residency Program at Stony Brook Dental School
Member: American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Spear Education, American Academy of Clear Aligners, and the Pankey Institute
Meet Dr. Monica Patel
Dr. Monica Patel was born and raised in New Jersey and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University and a Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey.
Dr. Monica received her Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree in 2016 from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. While there, she was selected to participate in various clinical Dentistry Honors Programs in aesthetics, implant, and restorative dentistry, as well as Community Health Honors Programs. She created a community service proposal to develop “exceptionalsmiles.org”, a website to assist caregivers in providing better oral hygiene to patients with special needs.
She completed a General Practice Residency Program at Stony Brook Dental School, where she gained experience in hospital-based dentistry, cosmetic restorative treatment, surgical extractions, root canals, implant placement, and denture fabrications. Since 2017, Dr. Monica’s extensive training, coupled with her attention to detail and creativity, has helped her provide world-class dental care.
Dr. Monica is an active member of the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, Spear Education, and the Pankey Institute. She is a certified Invisalign provider and is surgically trained in implant placement and periodontal treatment through minimally invasive techniques for maximum patient satisfaction. In addition, she has received formal training in occlusal therapy and full-mouth rehabilitation at the Pankey Institute.
During her free time, Dr. Monica enjoys spending time with her husband and baby boy, traveling with family and friends, interior decorating, cooking, and watching movies. Dr. Monica is excited to join Dentistry With A Woman’s Touch. We are excited to have her kind and thoughtful personality shine through to our patients and staff.
Read Dr. Monica Patel's Reviews
Meet The Toms River Dental Team
Melanie Jesuele
Office Manager
Melanie has been in the dental field since 2008 and is proud to be part of the Dentistry with a Woman’s Touch team. As our Office Manager, she plays an important role in making sure every patient’s visit is smooth, comfortable, and welcoming from start to finish.
Melanie’s favorite part of her job is getting to know the families who come through our doors and helping create the friendly, supportive atmosphere that defines our practice.
Outside of the office, Melanie enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing at the beach, staying active, and cheering on her boys at the baseball field.
Lauren Ciliento
Hygienist
Lauren attended Burlington County College, where she earned her degree in dental hygiene in 2014. She joined the team at Dentistry with a Woman’s Touch in 2017 and has since become a valued part of our practice.
Lauren is known for her kind, caring, and gentle approach, and she is dedicated to helping every patient feel comfortable and at ease during their visit. She takes pride in educating patients about their dental health and believes that building trust and strong relationships is an important part of providing excellent care.
Outside of the office, Lauren loves spending time with her two beautiful little boys, who mean the world to her. She also enjoys working out, relaxing at the beach, traveling, and making memories with her family.
Schedule your next hygiene visit with Lauren today and experience her warm, compassionate approach to dental care.
Heather Hitchens
Hygienist
Heather began her career in dentistry as a dental assistant in 2008 before earning her degree as a Registered Dental Hygienist from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 2012. She joined the team at Dentistry with a Woman’s Touch shortly after graduating and quickly became a valued part of our practice.
After stepping away following the birth of her son in 2015, we were thrilled to welcome Heather back to our team in 2024.
Heather takes great pride in building meaningful connections with her patients and strives to make every visit comfortable and relaxing. She believes that understanding each patient as an individual helps create a positive and personalized dental experience.
Outside the office, Heather enjoys spending time with her son and loves cooking and baking for family and friends.
Schedule your next appointment with Heather today—we know you’ll love her caring approach to dental care.
Mary Carpenter
Dental Assistant
Mary trained at Dental Assisting Services and has been part of the dental field for many years. She has been a valued member of the Dentistry with a Woman’s Touch team since 2001, bringing experience, warmth, and a friendly presence to our office.
Mary truly enjoys connecting with patients and loves sharing laughs and conversations during their visits. One of the things she appreciates most about working in our practice is the high quality of care and dentistry that we provide for our patients.
Outside of the office, Mary cherishes time with her family, especially her grandson, who she says is the joy of her life. She enjoys spending time at the Jersey Shore and pursuing hobbies such as crafts, knitting, traveling, gardening, and reading. Mary is also fluent in Polish and enjoys staying connected with her family in Europe.
Nicole
Dental Assistant
Nicole trained at Dental Assisting Services and earned her dental X-ray certification in 2015. She joined the dental field with a passion for helping patients feel comfortable and cared for during their visits.
After becoming a mother in 2018, Nicole spent several years focusing on raising her son before happily returning to dentistry once he began kindergarten. She brings that same patience, warmth, and attentiveness to the patients she works with each day.
Outside of the office, Nicole loves spending quality time with her family and enjoying whatever adventures life brings their way.
Kathie Nevins
Treatment Coordinator
Kathie was born and raised in Bayville, NJ, and has been part of the dental field since 2012. As a dedicated Treatment Coordinator at Dentistry with a Woman’s Touch, she helps ensure that every patient’s experience is organized, comfortable, and seamless from start to finish.
With over a decade of experience, Kathie assists patients with scheduling, treatment coordination, and creating a welcoming front office environment. She takes pride in supporting both patients and team members with professionalism, care, and attention to detail.
Outside of the office, Kathie enjoys spending time with her daughter and creating new adventures together.
Have a question? We have answers.
New Patient Specials
New Patient Exam & Healthy Mouth Cleaning
$189
No insurance? We offer a $189 Comprehensive New Patient Exam, X-Rays, and a Healthy Mouth Cleaning.
New patients only. Cannot be combined with insurance. Includes a Healthy Mouth Cleaning in the absence of periodontal disease.
No Insurance?
The Dentistry with a Woman's Touch Friends & Family Membership Plan
With our membership plan, you can receive the quality care you need at a discounted price.
Cannot be combined with insurance.
Our Toms River Dental Practice Location
Office Hours:
Monday: 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday: 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday: 10 am-6 pm
Thursday: 10 am-6 pm
Friday: limited clinical hours by appointment only**