Meet the Chestnut/Herndon Team

Dr. Kunal Bhakta, DDS (Dr. K) is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist. He was born and raised in Southern California where he completed his undergraduate studies in Biological Sciences at The University of Southern California (USC). Following his passion for dentistry, he furthered his education by attending dental school at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC in Los Angeles, CA. While attending dental school, Dr. K had the privilege of providing dental care to children via mobile clinics and during dental mission trips to Mexico. His growing love for making dental care an enjoyable experience for children led him to pursue advanced specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. K completed his two year pediatric dental residency at NYU Langone Dental Medicine – Maryland site in Princess Anne, MD.

In addition to being a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, he is an active member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the California Dental Association (CDA). He is certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Dr. Bhakta takes pride in continually furthering his education and knowledge in Pediatric Dentistry to provide the best possible dental experience for every child.

Dr. K is married and enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter. He enjoys trying new cuisines and is always open to new recommendations. Dr. K loves spending his weekends reading, watching his favorite sports teams, and traveling.

Dr. Andrew Carranco, DMD, MS is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist. He was born and raised in Southern California where he attended Loyola Marymount University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Dr. Andrew traded in the sunshine for the cold New England winters when he attended Harvard School of Dental Medicine. After obtaining his dental degree from Harvard, he decided it was time for yet another move, this time to the Midwest. Dr. Andrew completed his training in Pediatric Dentistry at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry/ Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He has spent the last three years working and building connections with the families of Central Ohio at a practice outside of Columbus. In addition, he was asked to return to his alma mater as a Part-time Faculty to help train the new Pediatric Dental Residents.

Dr. Andrew loves working with children of all ages, and it shows. His warm smile and fun-loving spirit will have you smiling at the dental office! Dr. Andrew has a passion for empowering patients and family with the knowledge to maintain healthy oral hygiene. He was recognized by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for his research aimed at improving health literacy of an at-risk population. Although he has received awards and honors throughout his educational career, Dr. Andrew is most proud of and honored by his opportunity to care for children and make them love coming to the dentist.

When not working, Dr. Andrew loves living life with his wife and “high school sweetheart,” Beatriz. And although they have no human children, their fur-baby, Cooper has an Instagram page that makes you think otherwise. Dr. Andrew loves to stay active and is known to have already completed a workout before others are awake. Dr. Andrew is excited to be returning to California and be part of the Powell Pediatric Dentistry family!