Meet Our Friendly Dentists In Rochester

Get To Know Cornerstone Dental

Why choose Cornerstone Dental? With so many options in our area, we truly feel we have something unique to offer. It starts with our people. You'll struggle to find dentists that care more about their patients' well being than the team at Cornerstone Dental. You'll be welcomed with a smile, treated with respect, listened to, and receive the highest level of care available. Our dentists are experts in their field and rely on the latest state-of-the-art technology to assist in creating healthy, beautiful smiles.

Dr. Daniel Palermo, General Dentist

Dr. Daniel Palermo is devoted to providing patient-centric treatments and procedures to every person in his care. Delivering comprehensive dentistry that optimizes your oral health is his focus, and whether he’s performing preventive, cosmetic, or restorative services, he’s passionate about helping you love your smile.

Before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1987 from the New York University College of Dentistry, Dr. Daniel Palermo achieved his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the State University of New York College at Oneonta in 1981. He completed his General Practice Residency Program at the Eastman Dental Center in Rochester and entered private practice in 1988. Dr. Daniel Palermo has amassed over 700 hours of continuing education, serving as a clinical instructor at the Eastman Dental Center (EDC) for nine years, where he was honored with the Award for Excellence in Clinical Education. He has also been associated with research at the EDC and is a member of the American Dental Association, New York State Dental Society, Seventh District Dental Society, and Monroe County Dental Society.

Dr. Marc Malatesta, General Dentist

Dr. Marc Malatesta loves all aspects of dentistry and is committed to delivering uncompromising excellence in dentistry. Providing high-quality oral health care while educating patients about how they can best prioritize their smile is his focus, and he looks forward to the opportunity to help you “love your smile!”

Dr. Marc Malatesta achieved his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Philosophy from Le Moyne College in 2000 before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 2006. He completed a one-year General Practice Residency at the Philadelphia Veterans Administration Medical Center before entering private practice in Rochester.

Dr. Marc Malatesta is passionate about learning and has invested over 1000 hours of continuing education in all phases of dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, New York State Dental Association, and more.

Dr. Matthew Valerio, General Dentist

Focused on helping his patients achieve optimal oral health in a fun and relaxed environment, Dr. Matthew Valerio and his team do everything they can to calm any fears and/or anxieties patients may experience. He derives great satisfaction from helping people smile with healthy confidence and would love the opportunity to care for your family’s oral health needs!

Dr. Matthew Valerio earned his Bachelor of Music in 2009 from Eastman School of Music while simultaneously attending the University of Rochester, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. He went on to achieve his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2014 from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (UBSDM) where he was the recipient of the Richard A Powell Award. He completed a one-year General Practice Residency at Rochester General Hospital and subsequently has been practicing at Cornerstone Dental LLP since 2015.

Dr. Valerio believes that education is a lifelong commitment and has dedicated hundreds of hours of education to further his knowledge and skillset about all aspects of General Dentistry. He currently volunteers as an Attending Dentist at Rochester General Hospital General Practice Residency. Dr. Valerio is the Vice President of the Seventh District Dental Society and serves on the Ethics Council for the New York State Dental Association. In 2020, Dr. Valerio was the recipient of the Frederick J. Halik New Dentist Award which recognized a new dentist for outstanding leadership and significant contributions to dentistry and the community.

Dr. Alessandro Geminiani, Board-Certified Periodontist

Dr. Alessandro Geminiani is devoted to providing patient-centric care that centers on safety, integrity, and long-term success. His practice focuses on bone grafts, gingival grafts, periodontal surgery, and dental implants.

Dr. Alessandro Geminiani is a board-certified periodontist who earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University at Siena (Italy) in 2004 before achieving a Master of Science in Fixed Prosthodontics and Prosthetic Dental Materials in 2006. He has also completed a two-year Certificate in Advanced General Dentistry in 2009, a Certificate in Periodontology in 2012, and a Master of Science in Clinical Investigation in 2012 at Eastman Dental Center, University of Rochester.

Dr. Alessandro Geminiani has participated in several clinical research projects investigating advanced treatment options for patients who have lost teeth due to periodontal disease or caries. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, and is a member of several scientific organizations.

Dr. Kaylee Pollitt, General Dentist

Dr. Kaylee Pollitt provides compassionate, comprehensive, accommodating care with an emphasis on patient education. Committed to building long-term relationships with each person in her care, she’s focused on helping them maintain optimal oral health while achieving the smile they want.

Dr. Kaylee Pollitt attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she majored in Molecular and Cell Biology and minored in City and Regional Planning. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences at Barry University in Miami and a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dental Medicine. She then completed a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency at NYU Langone Health in Florida.

Dr. Kaylee Pollitt is an active member of the American Dental Association, New York State Dental Association, Monroe County Dental Association, Seventh District Dental Society, and more.

Dr. Xiomara Restrepo, Orthodontist

Dr.Restrepo is a caring and experienced orthodontist who is highly trained and skilled in the practice of orthodontics and temporomandibular joint disorders.

In 2001, she graduated and received her dental degree, as class valedictorian, from Universidad del Valle. Upon graduation, she worked as a general dentist in Colombia before moving to Rochester in 2005. She continued her education at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester, ultimately completing her Orthodontic Residency in 2012.

Her CV is extremely impressive, including multiple research publications as well as two Temporomandibular Joint Disorder fellowship programs completed at Nova Southeastern University in 2002 and University of Rochester 2006.

Dr. Mitchell Rick , General Dentist

Dr. Mitchell Rick is focused on providing high-quality, individualized dental care in a laid-back environment that puts his patients at ease. Trust and integrity are the pillars of his practice philosophy– and he strives to form long-lasting relationships with his patients by listening to their goals, addressing their needs, and doing what is best for each specific patient.

Dr. Mitchell Rick was born and raised in Watertown, NY. He then obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University in 2016, where he majored in Biology and played four years of Division 1 lacrosse. Dr. Mitch went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and was finally brought to Rochester for his residency program. He completed a rigorous General Practice Residency program at Rochester General Hospital where he gained extensive training in both hospital-based and private practice dentistry. Throughout his education, Dr. Mitch participated in multiple mission trips in underserved areas of the US and the Caribbean, providing him with additional training and a unique perspective on what it means to help people in need.

Dr. Mitra Heidari , DMD, MS

Dr. Heidari is a board-certified pediatric dentist, bringing a unique blend of cultural influences to her practice. Born Persian but raised in Sweden, her European training and cosmopolitan outlook set her apart.

Her journey in dentistry began in Jakobstad, Finland, as a general dentist. However, driven by her American dream, she relocated to the United States, embarking on a new chapter.

In 2017, she completed her residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the prestigious Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester. Driven by her passion for pediatric dentistry, she pursued her dream and joined Eastman's pediatric dentistry residency program. Her dedication and hard work led to her graduation in 2019, and she assumed the role of Assistant Professor in pediatric dentistry. During this time, she also earned a Master's degree in Health Professions Education from the Warner School of Education.

Beyond her professional work with children, Dr. Heidari finds immense joy in forming meaningful connections with kids and families. She is deeply committed to shaping the next generation of pediatric dentists through her teaching. Additionally, she is dedicated to providing dental care to underprivileged communities, making a positive impact where it's needed most.

Outside the clinic and classroom, Dr. Heidari's diverse interests include engaging in physical activities, exploring new destinations through travel, and indulging her culinary creativity with Scandinavian pastry baking.

Dr. Alexis Ghanem, General Dentist

Helping patients smile with healthy confidence is Dr. Ghanem’s passion. He devotes himself to ensuring that his patients feel at ease throughout every visit, to providing the diligent general dentistry treatments and procedures they need and deserve, and to educating them about the deep connection between oral and overall health.

Dr. Ghanem received his dental degree from Central University of
Venezuela in 1997. He completed his residency in Oral Surgery at Central University of Venezuela and worked for 10 years as an assistant professor at the Department of Oral Surgery at Central University of Venezuela. He graduated from Eastman Dental Center with Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program and completed his residency at Strong Memorial Hospital. He lectures to dental organizations nationally and internationally, and he is a member of the American Dental Association, New York Dental Association, Seventh District Society, and the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Dr. Caitlin Hewitt , General Dentist

Dr. Caitlin Hewitt is a Rochester native who is committed to serving her community by providing compassionate and high-quality oral health care. Her top priority is helping patients feel comfortable and confident while addressing any concerns or goals to help achieve a healthy smile.

Dr. Caitlin Hewitt received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and a minor in English Textual Studies from Syracuse University. She continued her education at the University at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine where she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She then returned home to Rochester to complete a General Practice Residency at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health.

Dr. Caitlin Hewitt has experience in Hospital Dentistry and treating medically compromised patients. She is passionate about serving her home community and is a member of the American Dental Association, American Association for Women Dentists and more.