Meet the Doctors

Dr. Natasha Yest, formerly known as (Gates), completed her undergraduate education at Wayne State University in Detroit and earned her dental degree from the University of Maryland Dental School in 2004. She has received numerous honors for her scholastic achievements and multiple awards. Her office is currently the only general dentistry office to reach “Gold” Invisalign status for their territory. She remains dedicated to education and attends various continuing education courses, ensuring that she is providing her patients with the best dental care possible. Throughout her career, Dr. Natasha Yest has practiced dentistry in Southeastern Michigan. She is a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, and Chamber of Commerce. She is a diplomat of the American Academy of Clear Aligners. 

Dr. Natasha Yest lives on the edge of South Lyon and loves being part of the South Lyon community. She loves supporting small businesses and looks forward to the yearly Pumpkinfest in South Lyon. She and her family love traveling and have set a goal to visit all 50 states together. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, swimming, biking, and hiking. Since taking over the practice in 2018, Dr. Natasha Yest has provided the highest quality of dental care in a family atmosphere while advancing the office with state-of-the-art technology. She prides herself on practicing dentistry with care and compassion. Dr. Natasha Yest truly enjoys caring for patients of all ages, taking the time to listen and understand her patients. She strives to make all her patients feel comfortable while giving them the smile they deserve.

Gentle Family Dentistry

Dr. Crystal A. Schafer was born and raised in Plymouth, Michigan. She graduated Cum Laude from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Biology and Chemistry. She received a Doctorate of Dental Surgery Degree from the University of Detroit Mercy. Dr. Schafer is committed to providing quality care to her patients and enjoys working with patients of all ages. She strives to help patients understand their oral health by walking them through the process and helping them achieve and maintain a healthy smile. Dr. Schafer strives to keep up-to-date on her continuing education courses, specifically in the area of cosmetic dentistry. She has successfully completed the Aesthetic Excellence course at Dental Ceramics Inc in Ohio. Dr. Schafer is also certified in Invisalign.

She is involved and is an active member of the following associations: American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, Livingston District Dental Society. Aside from dentistry being her passion, Dr. Schafer enjoys spending time with family and close friends. She loves water skiing up north, yoga, traveling, baking, and scrapbooking. She also loves watching her favorite sports team the Detroit Red Wings.

Providing the most advanced dental care in a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere are the priorities of Dr. Chelsey Rakas (formerly known as Dr. Hyde). Dr Rakas completed her undergraduate education at Adrian College in 2014 and is a graduate from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 2018. She is diligent in providing the highest standard of dental care while staying current in the profession’s leading dental care procedures.

Dr Rakas is a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry. She is a certified Invisalign® provider which involves extensive Invisalign training, ongoing education and keeping current on the latest cutting-edge technology to ensure outstanding results.  Dr Rakas has taken advanced courses in dental implants with Trinon College Practicum, where her compassion and dental experience crossed international borders to treat patients in need. She completed a week-long implant training course in the Dominican Republic.  She traveled to Jamaica with “International Health Care” an organization providing oral health care in places where it is rare or even non-existent.   Dr Rakas realizes that every great smile starts with a healthy foundation. She focuses on preventive, comprehensive and minimally invasive dentistry.  She believes helping her patients to develop healthy oral hygiene habits, will benefit them with a lifetime of health and wellness.

Dr Rakas and her husband welcomed their first baby this summer.  In her spare time, she loves to spend time outdoors, traveling, hiking and kayaking. 

Gentle Family Dentistry Specialty Group

We at Gentle Family Dentistry Specialty Group are proud to have respected, Endodontic Specialist, Dr. Aida Peterson, on our team, specializing in root canal treatments. Dr. Peterson graduated from the University of Michigan where she was also a clinical instructor for years. Growing up in Dearborn Heights, she is first generation Lithuanian, was involved with folk dancing school, and spent many Saturdays learning Lithuanian history and language. Dr. Peterson studied piano, and ballet and was valedictorian. Her chairside reputation has a huge patient following, she wants to make each procedure a relaxing and enjoyable experience. She creates an upbeat and happy environment.

She values each patient’s concerns and fears, and it is her absolute priority to provide thoughtful and respectful care. High-quality endodontic service and treatment is her goal and she does everything possible to make your dental visit a very pleasant one.

When not in the dental office treating patients, you can find her teaching dog agility, dock, diving, disc, and flyball at Ann Arbor Dog Training Club Whitmore Lake, MI.