Born in Venezuela, I grew up and finished high school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I returned to Venezuela and graduated from the Central University of Venezuela in 1998. It’s the best in the country where medical and dental students study much of their educational years together. It’s a cross training that allows me to see the whole person’s well-being. Coming to the United States with my wife, I achieved my Florida certification by graduating from the University of Southern California’s prestigious Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists with a full US DDS degree. I was recognized for the USC’s Outstanding Achievement Award as having the best academic record in my class.
Community activities have been an important part of my life. Between 2004 and 2006, I volunteered with Latinos for Dental Careers encouraging high school students in the Los Angeles, California area to stay in school and go on to college as well as being active in USC’s Community Health programs. In South Florida since 1998, I volunteer monthly with my church’s free clinics for low income families where I can use my dental training for those in need.
Besides continuously training in the most advanced dental techniques and equipment such as Cerec 3D with Patterson Dental and Dr. Mark Morin, I have maintained a strong interest in esthetics. Courses with renowned experts such as Dr. Gordon J. Christensen for esthetics and Dr. Andrew Kelly for implants, as well as assiduously attending continuing education courses and dental conventions in Florida, Arizona, North Carolina and California, further my professional development. I have also completed advanced Invisalign courses with Dr. Ben Miraglia and Dr. Adam Goodman.
My professional life and vision is an extension of an intense family life with my wife and our two boys. Athletics is an important part of our lives and we are regularly participating in sports competitions. I have been a champion bodyboarder, surfer, soccer and tennis player and excelled in other sports, among them track and field. Since 2006, my family has taken to marathon and triathlons as our principle sports. I have become a competitive Ironman Triathlete, including the Ironman World Championship in Kailua – Kona, Hawaii. Our athletic focus provides the motivation for our practice that seeks to support total health and esthetics in our patients.
As a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association and the Academy of Sports Dentistry I seek to improve our profession’s ethical and professional standards. I am completely fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish which allows me to embody the best of our South Florida style of living. I look forward to serving you and your family.