
Meet Our Dental Providers
Dr. Naman Rao, D.M.D.
Dental Director
CHCFC Dental Sites
Sohail Vyas, LLD
Dentist
Orange Dental Office
Bashaer Abo Salem, LLD
Dentist
Greenfield & Orange Dental Offices
Read Dr. Rao's Bio
Dr. Rao earned his B.D.S. in India, followed by a D.M.D. from Boston University and a M.M.Sc. from Harvard Medical School. He is also a distinguished Fellow of the International College of Dentists (FICD), U.S. Chapter, a prestigious recognition awarded for outstanding professional achievements and contributions to the field. Committed to excellence, Dr. Rao stays at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and procedures, ensuring his patients receive the most comprehensive and personalized care. His meticulous attention to detail, combined with a strong focus on patient education and preventive care, empowers patients to take an active role in their oral health. Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Rao is deeply involved in community health initiatives, regularly volunteering his expertise to serve underprivileged populations. His unwavering dedication to ethical and compassionate dentistry has made him a respected and valued member of the dental community. Outside of his professional life, Dr. Rao enjoys playing sports and spending quality time with his family.
Read Dr. Vyas's Bio
A California native, Dr. Sohail Vyas went abroad for dental school and graduated from the University of Glasgow - one of the UK’s best dental schools in 2022. After doing his training in rural and urban settings throughout the West of Scotland, he moved to London to work in a mixed dental practice that allowed him to also focus on his passion for esthetic medicine. Dr Vyas eventually started his own medical esthetic clinic while practicing dentistry and due to demand, had to start splitting his time between multiple clinics across London, Bedford, and Northampton. Known for his patient-centered approach and compassionate manner, Dr. Vyas is an aspiring Oral Surgeon who emphasizes wellness and mindfulness in both his dental and medical aesthetic careers. Despite having never stepped foot in the East Coast before, Dr. Vyas is very excited to have joined the amazing team at CHCFC Orange, and looks forward to creating an open and comfortable environment for all of his patients. When not treating patients, Dr. Vyas enjoys traveling, going to the gym (and avoiding cardio), roadtripping to National Parks, and playing tennis. On his bucket list, he wants to be fluent in Spanish within 5 years.
Read Dr Abo Salem's Bio
Dr. Bashaer Abosalem earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Surgery from Damascus University, Syria, in 2015. She obtained the Saudi National Board in Dentistry in 2016 and began practicing general dentistry that same year. In 2018, Dr. Bashaer Abosalem moved to Boston, Massachusetts, before settling in Orange, where she successfully passed the United States National Board Dental Examination. With a passion for restorative and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Bashaer Abosalem is committed to helping patients look and feel their best through personalized, high-quality care. She has been part of the CHCFC (Community Health Center of Franklin County) team in Orange for the past year, where she continues to provide comprehensive dental care with a focus on both function and aesthetics. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Bashaer Abosalem is married and a proud mother of two daughters. She has a love for travel and is a naturally creative individual—spending her free time drawing and sculpting, especially in pottery.
Mahima Thakkar, LLD
Dentist
Greenfield Dental Office
Read Dr. Thakkar's Bio
Dr. Thakkar is a dedicated dental professional with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree, earned in 2019. She began her career in private practice, providing quality oral healthcare, before advancing her education and broadening her expertise pursuing a Master’s in Public Health. In addition to her clinical and academic pursuits, Dr. Thakkar is passionately committed to community service. She volunteers with the Hope and Helping Hands Foundation and actively contributes as a tobacco cessation counselor, supporting individuals on their journey to better health. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys exploring life through comedy shows, music festivals, and hiking adventures.
Justin Ward, RDH
Dental Hygienist
Greenfield Dental Office
Read Justin's Bio
Justin is a lifelong Franklin County resident, graduating from Mohawk Trail Regional High School and currently residing in Buckland. Justin earned his dental hygiene degree from Mount Wachusett Community College in 2021. He is certified in both CPR and local anesthesia. Joining the Community Health Center in 2022, Justin works primarily in the Greenfield office, making dental education and patient well-being his priorities. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.
Celeste Chickering, RDH
Dental Hygienist
Greenfield Dental Office
Read Celeste's Bio
Celeste is a lifelong resident of Franklin County, graduating from Greenfield High School and Greenfield Community College, thereafter obtaining her dental hygiene degree at Quinsigamond in Worcester, MA in 1998. She is CPR and anesthesia certified. She has been a part of the Community Health Center since August 2002. Celeste considers patient comfort her priority while focusing on preventive dental therapy and her passion for patient education. She enjoys working with patients of all ages and backgrounds. In her spare time, Celeste enjoys time with family, friends, and pets, traveling as much as she can, She also enjoys music, nature and photography.
Jennifer Mullaney, RDH
Dental Hygienist
Orange Dental Office
Read Jennifer's Bio
Jennifer Mullaney is a 2014 graduate of Mount Wachusett Community College with an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. Since graduating, Jennifer has been passionate about providing dental hygiene appointments tailored to each patients’ needs. Jennifer has experience with special needs, pediatric and periodontal patients. On her down time, Jennifer enjoys spending as much time as possible with her son and spending time outside running.