A neighborhood practice that still takes its time
Since 2009, Brightside has grown from two chairs above a coffee shop into a friendly eight-room office with the same unhurried heart.
Our story
Dr. Maya Okafor opened Brightside because she kept hearing the same thing from patients: they did not hate dentistry, they hated feeling rushed, lectured and surprised by bills. So she built a practice around the opposite.
Appointments run longer than most. Every treatment plan comes with pictures, plain language and a written estimate. Kids get prizes, adults get headphones and warm blankets, and anyone who is nervous gets to set the pace.
Seventeen years later, we have four doctors, eight treatment rooms and patients who first came as toddlers now bringing their own kids. The address changed floors once. The philosophy never did.
"If you understand what is happening in your mouth, you get to make the decisions."
Dr. Maya Okafor, founder
What we believe
Four promises you can hold us to at every visit.
Time is part of the treatment
Hygiene visits are booked for a full hour so nobody feels hurried, including your hygienist.
Prices before procedures
You see a written estimate, with your insurance portion, before any planned care begins.
Kindness over lectures
Been years since your last visit? We are just glad you are here.
Families, together
Book the whole family in one block and leave with everyone done.
Seventeen years on North High Street
- 2009
Dr. Maya Okafor opens Brightside with two chairs above a North High Street coffee shop.
- 2014
Dr. Daniel Reyes joins and brings in-office implant surgery with 3D imaging.
- 2019
Dr. Priya Raman launches the kids program and the No-Cavity Club wall.
- 2021
Renovation doubles our space to eight rooms with ceiling TVs and a quiet room.
- 2026
More than 12,400 Columbus patients and a 4.9 star rating from 1,284 reviews.
The people behind the smiles
Four doctors, six hygienists and a front desk that knows your kids' names.
- Dr. Maya OkaforFounder and general dentist
Dr. Daniel ReyesImplant and restorative dentist
Dr. Priya RamanPediatric and family dentist
Dr. Ethan KowalczykCosmetic dentist and Invisalign provider
Kendra WallaceRegistered dental hygienist, 14 years
Luis OrtegaLead dental assistant
Hannah BrooksRegistered dental hygienist, 8 years
Amara JohnsonPatient care coordinator
Credentials and licenses
Training never stops here. Our doctors complete well over the continuing education Ohio requires every year.
- Licensed by the Ohio State Dental Board (license numbers on file, sample)
- Fellowship, Academy of General Dentistry (Dr. Okafor)
- Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (Dr. Reyes)
- Master of Science in Pediatric Dentistry (Dr. Raman)
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry member (Dr. Kowalczyk)
- CPR and medical emergency certified team, renewed yearly
- OSHA and CDC infection control compliant sterilization center
- 17
- Years caring for Columbus families
- 12,400+
- Patients who call Brightside home
- 1,284
- Patient reviews, 4.9 star average
- 94%
- Emergencies seen the same day