The ExerScience Center Had A Baby! — Zen Powerhouse: A Visionary Creation! 

Doctor of Physical Therapy Lauren Leiva of The ExerScience Center & the adjacent new Zen Powerhouse hot yoga studio off S.R. 54 in Lutz has been a featured speaker at multiple international conferences regarding not just physical therapy, but many other traditional and holistic medical practices. (Photos provided by Dr. Lauren Leiva) 

The ExerScience Center, a revolutionary hub for fitness and physical rehabilitation off S.R. 54 in Lutz, has become a place of hope and transformation under the guidance of its visionary creator, Dr. Lauren Leiva, DPT. 

This state-of-the-art facility has recently expanded to include Zen Powerhouse, a hot yoga and meditation studio next door. With a combined space of more than 3,000 square feet, the center offers a range of innovative therapies, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, infrared sauna, ice plunges, vibration plates and decompression for the spine, alongside its specialized gait training programs. In addition to all of these amazing technologies, the Center has talented therapists for bodywork including cupping, Graston Technique, Dry Needling, Sound Bath, Detoxifying Lymphatic Drainage, Joint Mobilization and so much more! 

Dr. Leiva (right) and her patient Molly at the Spastic Paraplegia conference.

You may know Dr. Leiva if you attended yoga classes in at the Crunch or EōS Fitness gyms in Land O’Lakes. She is a highly accomplished individual with a diverse range of qualifications and expertise in the field of health and wellness. She is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a National Academy of Sports Medicine-certified personal trainer. In addition to these certifications, Lauren also is a master dry needler, fitness nutrition specialist, Graston Technique-certified practitioner, yoga instructor, sound healer, and Neubie practitioner with a focus on Muscular Sclerosis, among other accomplishments. Her extensive list of qualifications and certifications reflects her dedication to providing comprehensive care and support to her clients. Just hear what her clients have to say — and go to Google for many more!!! 

Hear from her clients: “Six months ago, I had the pleasure of visiting the ExerScience Center and I was blown away by the atmosphere and dedication to wellness that Dr. Lauren has created. She uses a combination of healing modalities that best suit her patients’ needs, from traditional physical therapy to personal training, yoga, sauna, cold immersion therapy, weight training and advanced technology — she leaves no stone unturned when it comes to care. I highly recommend The ExerScience Center for anyone looking for health, wellness and healing.” — Patrick Alonso 

Dr. Leiva founded The ExerScience Center in honor of her mother, who was a victim of medical malpractice. 

Patient Patricia Sullivan’s 5-star review says, “The ExerScience center has been life- changing. After four traumatic life events in 2022, I couldn’t sleep. Dr. Lauren Leiva and Kristina are brilliant and the brain tap device helped me get back to REM sleep. They have such love, kindness and compassion. I would highly recommend this center for physical therapy, nutrition, weight loss and other natural methods to help reduce stress. So fortunate to be a part of this center!” 

Founded on the belief to do no harm first after Dr. Leiva lost her own mother to medical malpractice in 2019., The ExerScience Center was established with a vision to combine the passions of exercise and science to utilized evidence-based research. Being a physical therapist and a personal trainer, Dr. Leiva has recognized how these two fields were not only similar but also held immense potential when used in combination. “We believe that achieving one’s best potential required a holistic approach that encompassed both the mind and body,” she says. 

The name “ExerScience” perfectly encapsulated Dr. Leiva’s philosophy. It represented the fusion of exercise and science, highlighting the importance of both in optimizing one’s health and well-being. Her goal is not just to help people recover from injuries or get better physically, but to assist them in reaching their ultimate potential. 

A Focus On Education 

“At The ExerScience Center,” Dr. Leiva says, “we host an internship program and embrace continuing education, understanding the significance of scientific research and the need for continuous advancements in the field. While technology, such as our iPhones, constantly evolves, so do treatment options, therapeutic approaches, recovery techniques, and strengthening methods.” 

Dr. Leiva works hard to stay at the forefront of these advancements, ensuring that her clients have access to the latest research and technology available. 

One of those interns, Izzy D, says this about her experience working with Dr. Leiva: 

Dr. Lauren Leiva & her current crew of interns at The ExerScience Center.

“I have enjoyed my time at The ExerScience Center and learning under the tutelage of Dr. Leiva. I had incredible hands-on experience and eye-opening exposure to physical therapy modalities. The clinic focuses on integrative practices to create individualized treatment (plans) and the best possible outcomes for patients. Dr. Leiva is wonderful mentor who values educational experiences. She exudes altruism, which makes her an exceptional one-of-a kind physical therapy practitioner.” 

Recently filmed for a documentary on Amazon Prime, Dr. Leiva has earned the nickname “The Queen of Biohacking,” thanks to her expertise in utilizing cutting-edge techniques and technologies to optimize human performance. Called “Biohack Yourself,” the documentary is set to be released on Amazon Prime this December and will provide a platform to showcase her top Biohackers, including Robert F. Kennedy, Dave Asprey, Jim Kwik and so many in this discipline to inspire others. 

“Check out the cast on IMDB,” she says. “It’s amazing!!!” 

Dr. Leiva at the IMDB Film Festival, where her documentary film “Biohack Yourself” was premiered. 

Dr. Leiva has traveled the world and is now speaking at conferences to bridge the gap between traditional medicine, plant medicine and the latest technologies. 

Being one of the first medical marijuana card recipients in Florida, she is paving the way through science — researching the effects of ayahuasca (the South American psychoactive typically used by indigenous cultures and folk healers in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins) and other plant medicines on brain waves. 

One of the center’s standout features is a comprehensive program that caters to individuals relearning to walk after various challenges. Whether it’s a stroke survivor, someone recovering from surgery, Parkinson’s disease, or an individual adjusting to a new prosthetic, etc., the gait-training program at The ExerScience Center provides personalized support and guidance. By optimizing energy and movement patterns, Dr. Leiva and her staff enable individuals to regain their mobility with confidence and efficiency. 

Zen Powerhouse 

However, The ExerScience Center isn’t limited to rehabilitation services alone. 

“From pain to performance, we take people through their span of care,” she says, “as I believe it’s never a destination, but a lifestyle of longevity and wellness.” 

Dr. Leiva invites you to experience holistic healing at her Zen Powerhouse hot yoga & meditation studio. 

The addition of Zen Powerhouse, the Center’s new hot yoga and meditation studio, is a testament to our commitment after rehabilitation goals are met. 

“Visitors can now experience the benefits of hot yoga and meditation, both of which promote mental clarity, flexibility and inner peace. The integration of these practices complements the Center’s rehabilitation services, creating a comprehensive approach to optimal body and mind performance.” 

The expanded facility offers a range of other advanced practices designed to support spiritual recovery, physical mobility and overall wellness. The hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber provides a healing environment where individuals can experience increased oxygen levels, which helps promote tissue repair and regeneration. The Center’s infrared sauna aids in detoxification, relaxation and pain relief, while ice plunges offer therapeutic benefits such as reducing inflammation and improving circulation. Vibration plates and decompression for the spine further contribute to the center’s commitment to providing innovative solutions for physical well-being. 

People from all walks of life are drawn to The ExerScience Center’s unique approach. 

Shameless Plug 

“I also recommend stopping in to my husband Jonathan’s store — Leiva’s Jewelry on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (in the New Tampa Center shopping plaza). Let him know I sent you. He has been a part of the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel community for the past ten years and continues to provide beautiful, custom-designed jewelry, as well as jewelry repair services.” 

The ExerScience Center and Zen Powerhouse Yoga & Meditation Studio are located at 24706 S.R. 54 in Lutz. For more information, visit TheExerScienceCenter.com, call (813) 803-7070.

Dr. Lauren & her husband Jonathan Leiva of Leiva’s Jewelry in New Tampa, with their sons Elijah (standing) and Alexander Joseph. 

For Help With Estate Planning & Family Law, Call Cela Webster Of Chapel Legal! 

Attorney Cela Webster (left) and firm administrator Krista Creech of Chapel Legal in the Tampa Palms Professional Center are happy to help you and your family with wills, estate planning, probate and other family law matters. (Photos by Charmaine George)

When Luis Perez was going through an acrimonious separation from his wife, he hired a divorce lawyer who sounded great — a guy who advertised that he helps men in Luis’ situation. Quickly, though, Luis realized that the lawyer was not going to be a good fit for him. 

“He was young and arrogant and didn’t give me the attention I needed,” Luis says. “I had a lot of questions and I was trying to figure out my life, and it took this guy two or three days to return a phone call. He was always in court. He was always too busy.” 

Luis was traveling home from a business conference when he met attorney Cela Webster of Chapel Legal, in the Tampa Palms Professional Center (off Commerce Palms Blvd.) on a plane. She was friendly and introduced herself as a family law attorney. She handed him a business card and told him to be in touch if he ever needed anything. He says it was a moment of fate, with her knowing nothing about his personal issues. 

But, a couple months after that flight, Luis remembered how kind she was on the plane. He had decided to fire his unresponsive attorney, so he reached out to Cela. 

He says that’s when everything changed. 

“She cared enough to listen to me for a half an hour while I told her everything that was going on,” says Luis. “She was very professional and knowledgeable. I was afraid I was going to lose everything, but she made me feel so comfortable and confident. She gave me a vision.” 

He says it took nine months for the divorce to be finalized. During that time, he says Cela became his adviser, his counselor and an amazing friend. “Every question I had, she would answer,” he says. “She really cares.” 

Luis says she didn’t always tell him what he wanted to hear, but, “she predicted almost to the T exactly how it was all going to play out.” 

Cela’s expertise helped him get what was most important to him out of the divorce. He says the law changed and allowed him to have joint custody of his son. He says if he would have filed for divorce before the law changed, he would have lost his rights. That’s information Cela knew, but his previous attorney somehow never mentioned. 

Cela says she treats all of her clients with that kind of “white glove” service. 

“I’m going to call you back, respond to you and know you by your first and last name,” says Cela. “You’re not just a number to me. I don’t take every client because I like to serve my clients with excellence.” 

She opened Chapel Legal nearly two years ago, after two decades of work as an attorney in both Florida and New York. 

First, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of South Florida and her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the Syracuse University College of Law in Syracuse, NY, in 2000. 

She started in family law, working for legal aid and serving as an attorney in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York. She also served as Chief of Staff for a judge within that district, learning the ins and outs behind the scenes and writing legal opinions. 

In 2015, she and her husband, Matt, moved their family to Wesley Chapel, near Cela’s hometown of Temple Terrace. Their son Jack graduated from Wiregrass Ranch High in 2023 and now attends the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY. Their daughter Eliana is 17 and their son Nathan is 13. 

Upon her return to the Tampa Bay area, Cela went to work for Bay Area Legal Services. Looking for a change of pace, she then served as general counsel for Hernando County for three years. With her wide variety of experience, she says, “I’ve worked on every kind of case on the planet.” 

These days, she is focused on helping families with custody arrangements for children, or modifying arrangements that have already been made. She helps with divorces, adoptions and other family matters, as well. 

Wills, Estate & Probate Services 

Chapel Legal also helps people create a will, designate a healthcare surrogate, set up a power of attorney or guardianship and other important areas of estate planning. 

She has recently added probate to the services available to her clients. This is a court-supervised process for identifying and gathering the assets of a deceased person, paying off their debts and distributing assets to their beneficiaries. 

If you hire Chapel Legal to handle your family law matters, attorney Cela Webster will be certain to review every document and will know all of the case law that could affect your situation.

“One of the key things people don’t know or appreciate is that their estate planning documents are living documents that move with you through life,” she says. “You have to keep updating them.” 

For example, she says you need to change them when you get married, when you get a new job, when you leave a job, if someone in your family passes away, or anytime there’s an important change in your life situation. 

And, Cela says, it’s also important to do it before you actually need to do it. 

“It’s never too early,” she says. 

As the mom of a West Point cadet, she also offers her support to members of the military and first responders. She will prepare estate planning documents for any student at any miliary academy for free. 

“I’ll take care of you,” she says. “I donate my time and my paralegal donates her time.” 

She says for cadets, who are typically right out of high school, these documents are essential — just like for everyone their age. 

Many parents don’t realize that once their child turns 18, they no longer have the right to help them if something happens to that adult child, unless that child has listed them on a power of attorney document. 

So, for example, if an 18-year-old becomes incapacitated in a car accident, their parents have no right to make medical decisions for them, unless the appropriate documents are in place. 

She can help families determine what documents they need to protect them in many different situations. 

Cela also donates her time to the Hillsborough County Bar Association “Wills for Heroes” program, offering free wills, health care advance directives and durable powers of attorney to local first responders. 

She also is a board member with the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association and is excited to give back to students as part of the committee that raises money for scholarships. 

“My number one goal is to help people,” Cela says. “Whether I’m working in public service or federal court, it’s always about serving people.” 

Cela is licensed to practice in both New York and Florida, but she is fully focused on serving families and individuals in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas. 

While many attorneys don’t offer a free consultation, Cela says it’s important to her that people have an opportunity to ask her questions before they determine whether or not to hire her. 

And, as a native Spanish speaker, Cela is happy to work with people who only speak Spanish or who prefer to communicate about the sometimes complicated issues of family law in their native language. 

Her client Luis says that after working with Cela, he’s convinced she’s the best attorney in Tampa and may be the best attorney you’ll find anywhere. 

“I had to experience a terrible attorney to really appreciate her,” he says. “But, her dedication, attention to detail and her love for her craft is undeniable.” 

Chapel Legal is located at 17425 Bridge Hill Ct., Suite 202. If you need help with family law, estate planning or probate, Chapel Legal attorney Cela Webster offers a free phone consultation. For more information, visit ChapelLegal.com or call (813) 524- 6393.

Coffee Latitudes Café & Wine Bar Opens On County Line Rd.! 

James & Olga Frank of Coffee Latitudes Café. (Photos by Charmaine George)

We told you in our June issue that the owners of the Coffee Latitudes kiosk in the Shops at Wiregrass were planning to open the Coffee Latitudes Coffee Café & Wine Bar in the former location of Juice Factory (at 6431 E. County Line Rd., Suite 110, next to Max’s Pets). 

Well, owners James and Olga Frank of Coffee Latitudes opened the brick-&-mortar location earlier this month and not only do they feature the all-organic, house-roasted, delicious coffee you grew to love at the mall (and at events like the monthly Market Elaine at The Grove), but also fresh sandwiches, baked goods and more — and the early reviews have been excellent. 

Coffee Latitudes’ Deluxe Egg Sandwich.

James, who has culinary training and has previously owned other restaurants (including the Café Liberty on N. Dale Mabry Hwy. and Caffe Connection in Spring Hill), has brought those skills to this super-cute new café with delicious “Deluxe” bacon (or ham), egg & cheese breakfast sandwiches, as well as house-baked bagels imported from New York, flaky fresh-baked croissants and mini-waffles with syrup for breakfast. 

For lunch, try “The Giacomo” Italian sub, chicken Caesar wrap or salad, “Not Your Mama’s Tuna” and “Turkey Do.” sandwich (with turkey breast, bacon, avocado and James’ own spicy Spartacus sauce) or grilled cheese (with bacon, ham or tomato), plus rotating fresh soups — Jannah recommends the creamy tomato bisque when it’s available. 

Save room for dessert, as items like NY crumb cake, cinnamon rolls and bread pudding are house-made. Or, try a delicious fresh fruit cup with homemade marscapone cannoli cream (the cream also is served with crisp cannoli chips) and so much more. 

But, considering that James has been home-roasting that delicious Coffee Latitudes coffee for 30 + years, you definitely need to try a cup. 

“Ask what country we are brewing today when you do,” James says, with Guatemalan, Nicaraguan and Indonesian roasts served the days we’ve visited. There’s also cappuccino, hot or iced lattes and Chai lattes, Matcha green and other assorted teas, as well as tasty flavored hot chocolate (right). And, Olga and James say they should also be selling wine in 6-8 weeks. 

“Once we get the cafe menu perfect, we’ll be adding unique wines,” James says. 

Visit CoffeeLatitudes.com or call (813) 575-8000 for more info. Or, just stop in and please tell James and Olga I sent you.— GN


The “Turkey Do” sandwich has sliced turkey, avocado & a kick.
Hhouse-made NY crumb cake (left), bread pudding & fresh fruit cup.

Las Palmas Latin Grill Adds New Entrées, Cerveza & Sangria! 

The new whole, fried red snapper at Las Palmas Latin Grill on County Line Rd. is crispy outside, tender & flaky inside. (Photos by Charmaine George)

I have been a fan of Ramses Garcia’s authentic Cuban and Latin cuisine since he first took over the original Las Palmas in the Pebble Creek Collection more than a decade ago. 

Like so many of their loyal customers, Jannah and I followed Ramses and his wife Ana to the relocated Las Palmas in the plaza at the intersection of County Line Rd. and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. that also includes LA Fitness and Five Guys Burgers & Fries. 

And yes, we also frequently took out from the Las Palmas food truck in the same parking lot after the restaurant had to close following a major kitchen fire three years ago. 

You can now have a Presidente cerveza or house-made sangria with your meal at Las Palmas. 

But now, ten months after Ramses and Ana sold the food truck and reopened the new Las Palmas Latin Grill in the same space in the plaza last October, they are happy to announce that they are now also able to serve cerveza (beer) and homemade sangria and Ramses and many of his loyal customers couldn’t be more excited about it. 

“People have been asking me, ‘When are you going to serve alcohol?’ from the day we first opened,” Ramses says. “We would love to be able to sell full liquor, but we’re happy to have cerveza and sangria and believe it will help business.” 

The long-time local mom-&-pop favorite — which has consistently finished in the top three Favorite Latin Restaurants in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel in our annual Reader Dining Survey & Contest — should definitely get a boost from beer and wine. 

“Right now, we have Corona, Presidente, Coors Light and Heineken beer,” Ramses says, “but we will add more in the future. And, our customers tell me our sangria is pretty awesome, too.” 

And yes, yours truly agrees. 

New Entrées, Too! 

Although I still have some old favorites that I will order forever at Las Palmas (see below), Ramses has added a couple of new entrées that will now be in my regular rotation whenever we visit (or take out from) the restaurant. 

Although I know a lot of people (including Jannah) won’t eat anything that’s looking back at you, if you’re already a fan of whole snapper, you honestly can’t beat the crispy outside, flaky inside whole snapper at Las Palmas. 

The new churrasco steak entree at Las Palmas. 

I’m also a big fan of the recently re-added churrasco steak, served with Ramses’ homemade chimichurri sauce. The flank steak is tender, with just the right amount of garlic and the tangy chimichurri is a perfect complement. 

“We had to take the churrasco off the menu until I found the right supplier with the right steak,” Ramses says. “The new churrasco is fire.” 

And, like all of the entrées at Las Palmas, the whole snapper and churrasco are served with your choice of two delicious sides, from black or red beans, yellow or white rice, boiled yuca, French fries, sweet or savory plantains, green beans or salad with Las Palmas’ signature creamy herbal dressing. 

You can’t go wrong starting your meal with some empanadas. 

Start your meal with beef or chicken empanadas, deviled crab, ham croquettes, savory tostones bites (crispy green plantain bites stuffed with your choice of beef picadillo or mojo pork) or the “Fan Favorite” golden brown fried yuca sticks served with creamy, tangy cilantro sauce. 

Many of Ramses’ customers still come in for his award-winning pressed Tampa Cuban sandwich, with ham, Swiss cheese, roasted pork, salami, mustard-mayo sauce and pickles. Or, try the Miami Cubano (with no salami and mustard only), or the slow-roasted pork sandwich cooked with onions and garlic-lime mojo. 

My favorite entrées are still the merluza a la Rusa — a tender basa filet in panko-spiced blend and served with the traditional “Russian-style” sauce — and the vaca frita (tender beef, marinated in garlic and lime and “grilled-fried” until crispy). 

The new whole snapper is awesome, but so is Ramses’ merluza a la Rusa, shown here with a side of perfect black beans.

There’s also ropa vieja (Spanish for “old clothes), with shredded beef slow-cooked with tomatoes, bell peppers and onions; roasted chicken on rice (arroz con pollo), grilled pork chops (chuletas) and fried pork bites (masitas). Jannah also loved the huge “crumbed” pan-fried chicken breast coated with a seasoned panko-crumb mixture. and topped with sautéed onions (called pechuga empanizada). There’s also a golden seared chicken fillet with fresh herbs and spices if you’re looking for a delicious chicken dish that’s grilled. 

I also should not forget to mention to the slow-roasted “lechon asado” mojo pork. Yum! 

And, although I still can’t eat shrimp, Charmaine flipped for the shrimp in garlic sauce (gambas al ajillo) in a fragrant garlic-lime and butter sauce, with a touch of white wine and fresh herbs. 

The zesty shrimp with garlic sauce (shown with yellow rice and sweet plantains).

Your kids will love the chicken nuggets and fries, which are served with ketchup and savory dipping sauces. 

I also recommend saving room for coffee and dessert at Las Palmas. Try any of the flaky guava or guava and cheese pastries in the display case by the cash register. And, don’t forget to try the Cuban-style vanilla flan and Ana’s homemade tres leches cake — a delicious, light and airy sponge cake soaked in a luxurious blend of three milks. And, definitely enjoy any of these desserts with an authentic café con leché. 

Catering also is available from Las Palmas, which has an extensive catering menu, with many more available options than what’s on the restaurant menu, including a gourmet mixed seafood paella (minimum of 20 servings per order). 

Las Palmas Latin Grill (6431 E. County Line Rd., Suite 104) is open every day except Sunday for lunch and dinner. The hours are Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. on Friday & Saturday. For more info, visit LasPalmasLatinGrill.com, or follow them on Facebook or Instagram and please tell Ramses, Ana and their crew I sent you!


The award-winning Tampa Cuban. 

The “crumbed” pan-fried chicken fillet. All entrées at Las Palmas are served with your choice of two sides. 

When you taste his food, you’ll be smiling along with Las Palmas owner & chef Ramses Garcia. 

Dr. Nicole Mitchell-Toth Of Blue Water Dental Wants To Be Your Family’s Dentist! 

Dr. Nicole Mitchell-Toth of Blue Water Dental in the Pebble Creek Collection is an experienced family, implant and cosmetic dentist who has been practicing in New Tampa for 18 years. (Photos by Charmaine George) 

Dr. Nicole Mitchell-Toth, a highly skilled, caring and dedicated dentist, has been practicing in the New Tampa area since 2006. She offers family, implant and cosmetic dentistry, with an extensive array of dental services — and has the experience and background to match. 

Dr. Mitchell (which is what she says her staff and patients call her, despite her recent married name) graduated from the University of South Florida in Tampa, where she received her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Chemistry. She earned her Doctor of Medical Dentistry (D.M.D.) degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in Gainesville. 

After graduation, Dr. Mitchell served in the United States Army, where she was stationed at Ft. Benning, GA, and completed her residency in AEGD (Advanced Education in General Dentistry), as well as the “Spear Curriculum” in advanced comprehensive dentistry. She earned the rank of Major before leaving the Army. 

Dr. Mitchell has received implant training from implant educators and has averaged about 100 hours of continuing education per year for the last 20 years. She also completed the Executive Practice Management Curriculum through the University of Florida. 

She opened her first private practice office 18 years ago in The Walk at Highwoods Preserve plaza before moving to her current location in the Pebble Creek Collection in New Tampa in 2020. 

Having moved just before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Dr. Mitchell calls the move, “perfect timing. We were able to complete everything before building materials became scarce,” she says. “I was very fortunate to be a dentist in Florida, since the relatively lenient restrictions here allowed us to resume seeing patients after only six weeks,” which was a small amount of time compared to the six months some states shut down their dental offices. 

Using AI Technology 

During the pandemic, Dr. Mitchell says she was introduced to new technologies that continue to benefit her patients, including both hardware and software that utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI). For example, she has a device that attaches to a smartphone camera, enabling patients to take and then transmit pictures of their teeth to the office for evaluation, eliminating the need for some (but not all) in-person visits. 

“It’s not just what we see but also what the AI technology analyzes.” Dr. Mitchell explains. 

In the office, she adds, AI technology enhances dental care by identifying problem areas in photos and X-rays. “The AI can detect early signs of cavities, allowing me to prescribe medication before they become serious,” she says. This tech also allows her to create 3D models of a patient’s teeth, which can reveal changes over time, such as gum recession or wear and tear. 

Dr. Mitchell uses AI technology to show patients where they have problems with their teeth. 

“We can use these images overlaid to show the patient how and why things have changed and what they can do to improve.” 

For more than a year, Dr. Mitchell also has been using AI software to analyze X-rays. 

“The software highlights problem areas in different colors (see photo left), making it easier to explain to patients what they need,” she says. “This visual aid helps patients understand their dental health and the necessary treatments.” 

Dr. Mitchell’s approach to dentistry is grounded in honesty and openness. She ensures that each patient is fully informed about treatment options and costs, empowering them to make the best decisions for their dental health. 

She also emphasizes the importance of education in maintaining oral health. New patients fill out detailed questionnaires about diet and lifestyle to identify potential causes of dental issues. 

“You may not realize it, but what you eat or drink can affect your teeth,” she says. 

The Blue Water Dental team includes three dental hygienists, four dental assistants, three administrative staff members and therapy dogs Max and Mandi. 

“In January of 2016,” says Dr. Mitchell, “we welcomed to the office these two nine-week-old Maltese-Shih Tzu mix pups, who we named after the Maxillary and Mandibular jaws. These therapy dogs were trained for the purpose of providing comfort and kindness to our patients.” 

The hypoallergenic pups enjoy roaming the office, “but mostly they enjoy sitting on the laps of patients and getting a good belly rub” says Dr. Mitchell, who adds that most patients find Max and Mandy to be very calming and comforting. 

Implant & Cosmetic Services 

In addition to general/family dentistry, Dr. Mitchell specializes in cosmetic dentistry and dental implants. 

“Creating new smiles is a favorite part of my job,” she says. Her practice offers a number of cosmetic procedures, including veneers, crowns and teeth whitening. She provides comprehensive assessments and multiple treatment options, ensuring that patients can choose the best solutions for their individual needs. 

When it comes to implants, Dr. Mitchell handles everything from individual teeth to complete replacements. 

“Replacing teeth can significantly improve a person’s appearance and confidence,” she says. “Depending upon what the patient wants or needs, the implant process can take from four months to a year.” 

Mandi is one of two hypoallergenic therapy dogs in Dr. Mitchell’s office. 

Cosmetic services include single-visit permanent crowns, customized cosmetic veneers, specialty orthodontic care with virtual checkups, dental implants and same-day emergency appointments. 

Giving back to the community also is important to Dr. Mitchell. She volunteers with Missions Smiles, a program of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Mission Tampa that provides dental care via a mobile unit to underserved areas. 

“We offer care once or twice a month, and sometimes we see patients in the office as well,” she says. “This program also assists survivors of human trafficking.” 

Another volunteer effort is with “Operation Stand Down,” presented by the Chapters Health Valor Program of HPH Hospice in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. This annual event provides comprehensive services to veterans, “many of whom are homeless and haven’t had dental care in years,” Dr. Mitchell explains. The event offers a range of services and accommodations, creating a supportive environment for these veterans in need. 

Dr. Mitchell has built long-term relationships with her patients, some of whom she has cared for since they were school aged and are now married with children. She takes pride in building these relationships and doing her absolute best to cater to every patient’s needs 

For more info about Blue Water Dental, the Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry office of Dr. Nicole Mitchell-Toth (19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite A-1), call (813) 957-5887 or visit NicoleMitchellDMD.com to request an appointment. The office is open Mon.- Thur., 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Fri.