Dentistry Deja Vu? Telling A $6 Billion Tale Of Two Identical New Heartland Dental Offices

The under-construction Heartland Dental office located south of County Line Rd. and west of BBD Blvd. (Photo by Joel Provenzano)

What we first thought was just another routine addition to Wesley Chapel’s growing commercial landscape has turned into something far more intriguing. 

While reporting our last cover story — “Olive Garden & Seasons 52 Coming to WC Blvd. at Gateway Blvd.!”—we briefly noted a standalone dental office planned for the same development, although we didn’t honestly know the office’s name at that time, but now know that it is Heartland Dental. Whatever it was to be called, the dental office barely registered with us. 

Until we saw it again. A second, nearly identical building — same size, same name — quietly rising on the south side of County Line Rd., and west of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., in the LA Fitness/Aldi plaza (photo above) in New Tampa. No signage yet, just a shell. But the plans we saw online confirmed that it is another Heartland Dental. 

Two brand-new, 4,260-square-foot dental offices, each large enough for up to 12 exam rooms. Same operator. Same footprint. Same timing. That’s when curiosity turned into a deeper investigation. 

Copy-&-Paste Dentistry? 

At first glance, two identical dental offices might seem unusual, but in today’s New Tampa and Wesley Chapel — and world — honestly, maybe it shouldn’t be. 

Multiple locations of the same brand popping up in a concentrated area can actually be a lagging indicator of that area’s economic strength. In simple terms: chains don’t plant roots unless the data says the area is “ready.” 

And, while New Tampa has already “arrived,” Wesley Chapel is clearly arriving. 

But, the dentistry scene? That’s always felt different. More local. More personal. Less
 corporate. Hmmm. 

The Quiet Giant: Heartland Dental 

Heartland Dental isn’t just another dental company — it’s apparently the largest “dental support organization” in the U.S. 

Founded in 1997 in Effingham, IL, Heartland Dental operates in 39 states and Washington, D.C., and supports 1,900+ offices and 3,000+ dentists. 

Rather than owning these practices outright in the traditional sense, Heartland usually operates behind the scenes — handling administration, staffing, billing, supplies and logistics — while the dentists the company serves retain clinical control. 

Think of it as a hybrid model where dentists focus on patients and Heartland handles everything else. But, that’s really just scratching the surface. 

The Billionaire Dentist Behind It 

At the center of this operation is Rick Workman, D.M.D., the founder and executive chairman of Heartland Dental — and, according to a recent Forbes magazine feature, the architect of a $6-billion empire. 

The March 26, 2026, article — entitled “Meet The Billionaire Dentist That Other Docs Want To Punch In The Teeth” — paints a picture of a controversial but undeniably effective industry “disruptor.” 

Dr. Workman (photo, right), who lives in the Orlando area, is an avid rare car collector, AND part owner of the Tampa Bay Rays. He built Heartland Dental on a simple but powerful idea: 

Let dentists be dentists — and treat everything else like a scalable business. And scale it, he has. 

Controlling Every Aspect 

Here’s where things get especially interesting — and particularly relevant to our area. 

Workman didn’t stop at managing dental practices. Early on, he created a separate real estate arm: WMG Development. 

WMG has developed $1.4 billion in real estate across 30+ states. The firm buys land, builds the buildings, and leases them to Heartland-supported practices. 

Sound familiar? That’s because we realized through a simple search that WMG is the site developer and land owner behind Wesley Chapel’s Gateway Plaza Retail Center project, which includes the future Heartland Dental office, Olive Garden and Seasons 52, all under a shell entity called Shoppes at Gateway, LLC. 

And, no big surprise here, WMG also is the developer of the upcoming New Tampa Heartland Dental location. That site’s land is owned by Southeast QSR, but the development ties back to the same network. 

In other words, this isn’t just expansion. It’s sheer vertical integration. 

An improved version of the map of the Gateway Plaza Retail Center that appeared in our last issue, still showing Olive Garden (OG) and Seasons 52 (S52), but also adding the Heartland Dental (HD) office, (Two maps provided by Pasco County were modified into one map by NN). 
“The Founder” Playbook 

If this model feels familiar, it should. 

Anyone who’s seen the movie “The Founder” (which is great, by the way) — the story of McDonald’s rise — knows that the global chain’s real money wasn’t really made in hamburgers. It actually was all about the real estate. 

Heartland is applying a similar strategy in its dental operations by controlling the real estate, standardizing the dental business’ operations and scaling rapidly. 

For an industry once dominated by small, independent practices — some even in home-based offices — this approach has been nothing short of revolutionary, and it was all Dr. Workman’s idea. 

Raising Eyebrows 

Not everyone is celebrating, however. According to the Forbes article, Heartland’s structured systems include standardized clinical protocols, performance tracking across patient diagnostics and revenue-based compensation models. 

Heartland dentists typically earn a base salary, and begin earning about 25% of revenue after hitting certain production thresholds. The good news is that they average around $318,000 annually (vs. the dental industry average of about $208,000 per year). 

To supporters, this is efficiency and opportunity. To critics, of which there are apparently many, it raises important questions: Does standardization also influence treatment decisions and can corporate metrics coexist with personalized care? 

The debate is ongoing — and some dentists in our area are already part of it, similarly to what’s happened with other medical groups in other specialties. 

Already Here & Growing Fast! 

Heartland Dental already has a presence nearby, through supported practices like Somerset Dental Care in Tampa Palms, Watergrass Dental Care (on Curley Rd.), Dental Care at Quail Hollow and others. But these two upcoming Heartland locations definitely seem to be different. 

The “Heartland Dental” name apparently will appear directly on both of these new buildings. If that’s indeed what ends up happening, it could signal a shift toward more visible branding for Workman’s expanding company. 

In other words, this might mark a notable evolution in Heartland’s strategy. 

What This Means For New Tampa & Wesley Chapel 

So, here’s the big question: 

Is our area truly ready for corporate dentistry at scale? 

On the one hand, we have strong population growth, rising household incomes and increasing national brand presence (especially in Wesley Chapel), where all signs point to “yes.” 

On the other hand, this could lead to higher base commercial rents, more competition and greater pressure on independent dental providers. Chains like Heartland could benefit from economies of scale, access to capital (including backing from firms like KKR, nĂ©e Kohlberg, Kravis & Roberts) and control over both operations and real estate. 

For smaller, single-location dentists, that can be a tough playing field to navigate. 

Disruption, Or Just the Next Phase? 

In fact, it may simply reflect the next phase of growth for the Wesley Chapel area as a whole. The arrival of chains — whether in dining, retail, or now healthcare — does often signal maturity of a market. 

But, it also changes the landscape. 

The question isn’t whether Heartland Dental will succeed here. The real question is will — or how will — the local dental industry ecosystem adapt? 

Because what’s being built isn’t just two dental offices. It’s a new model — one that could reshape how dentistry is delivered in our community for years to come. 

Clean Freak Car Wash’s 2nd Location & Deep Roots Dental Cut Chamber Ribbons

We previously told you about the new Clean Freak Car Wash that opened its first Florida location, at 32359 Overpass Rd., behind the new Chick-fil-A, on May 1. Well, on June 5, Clean Freak opened its second Florida — and Wesley Chapel — location, at 31373 S.R. 54, adjacent to a new Circle K, also with an NTBC ribbon-cutting event. As we told you last issue, Clean Freak’s parent company was purchased by Circle K’s parent company, so the car wash locations are often paired with a Circle K gas station & convenience store. For info, call (813) 701-9884 or visit CleanFreakCarWash.com. 

Deep Roots Dental & Facial Aesthetics

Then, on June 25, Deep Roots Dental & Facial Aesthetics, the office of cosmetic & sedation dentist Marnie Bauer, D.M.D. (with scissors in photo) celebrated the Grand Opening of her second office (the other is in South Tampa) with an NTBC ribbon-cutting event.

According to DeepRootsFlorida.com, “[Deep Roots] redefines the traditional dental experience by seamlessly blending state-of-the-art dental services with the calming ambiance of a luxury wellness center.” 

The new office, located at 3013 Allegra Way, in the Cypress Bend Professional Park (off Wesley Chapel Blvd.), is definitely beautiful and calming, with several exam and treatment rooms and room to add more practitioners, in addition to Dr. Bauer, who also helps those with sleep apnea who have difficulty dealing with CPAP devices. 

For more info, call (813) 667-9300 or visit DeepRootsFlorida.com — and please tell Dr. Bauer and staff we sent you! — GN

Dr. JosĂ© Matos’ BBD Dental Care — Bridging Cultures & Creating Happy Smiles 

Photos by Charmaine George

General dentist JosĂ© Matos, D.D.S., of BBD Dental Care, which is located at the corner of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and E. Bearss Ave. (in the Oakmont Professional Park), is making a lasting impact, not just through his dental expertise, but with his ability to connect with a diverse and growing community. As one of the few Spanish-speaking dentists in the area, Dr. Matos offers more than just dental care, he provides comfort, understanding and a sense of belonging to patients who might otherwise feel overlooked. 

Born and raised in Venezuela, Dr. Matos’ journey to becoming a respected dentist in the U.S. is a story of resilience and determination. The dental degree process in his native country is a bit different from the U.S. Dr. Matos attended the University of Carabobo College of Dentistry in Valencia, Venezuela, for five years and obtained his degree in 2004 as “Dentist” (which is equivalent to a D.D.S., or Doctor of Dental Surgery degree here). He then attended the same school for an additional two years to obtain his specialization in Endodontics in 2010. For four years after graduating, he dedicated his practice to doing root canals in Venezuela. 

Dr. Matos says that transitioning to dentistry in the U.S. wasn’t easy. “Florida requires internationally trained dentists to complete [at least] a rigorous two-year residency program to receive their D.D.S. degree,” says Dr. Matos. “It was a challenge that I embraced head-on.” 

He secured a spot at the Orange Blossom Health Center in Orlando, which is run by Larkin Community Hospital, a highly competitive program with its main office in Miami that trains dentists in comprehensive general dentistry. After years of specializing in endodontics, he described the experience as “like riding a bike” — the general dentist skills came back naturally. After completing his residency, Dr. Matos worked in Winter Haven for three years while living in Tampa, but says the long commute took a toll on his family. His wife Rebeca encouraged him to open his own practice closer to home. 

“Bruce B. Downs holds a very special place for us because it always seemed that wherever we lived or the kids went to school, it was always near Bruce B. Downs,” Dr. Matos shares. It was only fitting that Rebeca, a RealtorÂź, found a location right off this familiar road, inspiring the name BBD Dental Care. And, in Dec. 2024, the practice officially opened its doors. 

Great Tech & Greater Compassion 
Dr. Matos also uses dental microscopes to get an even closer look inside his patients’ mouths. (Photo provided by BBD Dental Care)

Dr. Matos takes pride in offering advanced technology to enhance patient care. BBD Dental Care features the DEXIS CBCT imaging machine, which provides high-resolution 3D images. This cutting-edge equipment offers both conventional X-rays and detailed scans, all with reduced radiation exposure. The high-resolution X-rays and scans are seamlessly transferred into a computer system, which Dr. Matos says helps him make accurate diagnoses. 

“I also use dental microscopes,” he says, “which I used in my specialty of endodontics in Venezuela.” In the past, these microscopes were reserved primarily for doing root canals to help endodontists enhance precision. Dr. Matos positions the microscope right above the patient’s mouth area (photo on next page). “This technology,” he explains, “allows me to see the smallest of things so I can perform minimally invasive treatments, reducing the need for exploratory procedures and ensuring a faster, more comfortable recovery for my patients.” 

Dr. Matos is a general practitioner but has years of experience doing root canals and can perform them if a patient needs it. In the state of Florida, a general dentist can only advertise as a general dentist but can perform other procedures if he/she is trained to do them. A dentist who is a “specialist” (endodontist, orthodontist, etc.) can only advertise that specialty and only perform that specialty. So, even though he is not an endodontist, Dr. Matos can perform root canals as a general dentist. 

While the technology he uses is impressive, what truly sets Dr. Matos apart is his ability to connect with his patients. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he ensures that language is never a barrier to quality care. 

“For many patients, it’s not just about comfort, it’s about trust,” Dr. Matos explains. “Being able to speak their language makes them feel more understood and cared for.” 

He says his Spanish-speaking patients often express relief and gratitude when they realize they can communicate openly about their dental health in their native tongue. 

“At many practices, you have ‘someone’ who speaks Spanish, who will translate,” he says. “But, I can speak directly to my (Latin) patients.” 

Happy Patients With Happy Smiles 

At BBD Dental Care, your entire family is welcome. Dr. Matos is happy to see children as well as adults. Although his practice has only been open since Dec. 2024, BBD Dental has an overall Google rating of 5 stars out of 5 on nearly 40 reviews. In her 5-star review, patient Maria Jose Espinosa wrote: “Amazing experience! The staff is super friendly, very professional and make you feel super comfortable. They also provide assistance in Spanish. Thank you.” 

(L.-r.) Dental assistant Josemig Chavez, Dr. JosĂ© Matos and front desk attendant Zoila Gonzalez are the happy faces you’ll meet when you visit the aptly-named BBD Dental Care in the Oakmont Professional Park at the corner of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. & E. Bearss Ave. in Tampa.

Family is a cornerstone of Dr. Matos’ life. He and Rebeca have been married for nearly 20 years and have three children — Francisco, 

17, Diego, 15, and Julieta, 9, as well as the family’s beloved Goldendoodle, Coco. Weekends are often spent enjoying Florida’s natural beauty, whether boating near Tarpon Springs or camping at Hillsborough River State Park. 

Dr. Matos and Rebeca met at a gym in their hometown of Valencia when they were young. Rebeca’s family had already settled in Tampa, and she moved to the U.S. to finish her last year of high school while Dr. Matos was on his way to dental school, so they ended up breaking up. A year later, she decided to return to Venezuela, since she had been accepted to law school. They met up and rekindled their relationship, which led to them getting married. Frequent visits to Tampa to visit Rebeca’s family made it clear they wanted to build their future together here. 

Today, their family is deeply rooted in the New Tampa community. They are parishioners at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church and Rebeca and Dr. Matos actively participate as facilitators for matrimony preparation for Spanish-speaking couples, and also coordinate the Hispanic “Liturgy of the Word” Ministry. Their children attend local schools, and Diego has even expressed interest in becoming a dentist, like his father. 

For Dr. Matos, New Tampa isn’t just where he works, it’s his home. His wife’s family has lived in the area for more than 25 years, and his brother also resides nearby. Opening his practice on BBD, the main artery of the community, felt like a natural extension of his family’s life here. It’s more than just a convenient location; it’s a statement of commitment to the people and the place they love. 

As he looks to the future, Dr. Matos remains dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care. Although he is trained in many areas, he also collaborates with a network of dental specialists he can recommend if needed. 

“I believe in educating my patients,” he says. “Dental care should be a partnership, where patients feel informed and empowered to make decisions about their own oral health.” 

Speaking of education, in her 5-star review, patient Isabela Hernandez says: “Excellent. They educate you in everything, they are patient and Dr. Jose Matos is very good. 100% recommended.” 

Dr. Matos’ advice to aspiring dentists, especially those from international backgrounds, is rooted in his own journey: 

“Take it one day at a time,” he says. “There will be obstacles, and some doors may close. But, if you stay focused and consistent, new doors will open. The key is to never give up.” 

Dr. Matos knows first-hand how challenging the road to success can be. From navigating a new country and a new language to enduring the rigorous process of re-establishing his career. 

“I hope my story inspires others to pursue their dreams,” he says, “no matter how daunting the path may seem.” 

You can follow Dr. Matos of BBD Dental Care on Instagram @bbddentalcare. To schedule an appointment, call the office at (813) 515-5995 or email info@bbddentalcare.com. BBD Dental is located at 3232 Cove Bend Dr., Tampa,. The office is open Mon.-Thur., 8 a.m.- 6 p.m., as well as two Saturdays each month.

Dr. Lou Cerillo Proudly Welcomes Dr. Danielle Jones To Somerset Dental Care! 

General dentists Dr. Louis Cerillo (left) and Dr. Danielle Jones are accepting new patients at Somerset Dental Care, located in the Somerset Professional Park in Tampa Palms. (Photos by Charmaine George) 

Helping patients smile is a priority for the dentists and staff at Somerset Dental Care, located in the Somerset Professional Park in Tampa Palms. The long-time practice of general dentist Louis Cerillo, D.D.S (it was previously known as Cerillo Family Dentistry), has expanded and now includes Dr. Cerillo, Danielle Jones, D.D.S., and Tamara Tavakoli, D.M.D. The trio has nearly 60 years of combined experience and offers a wide array of services that includes corrective, restorative and emergency dental services, as well as professional teeth whitening and cleaning. Whether you need a regular check-up, a crown, InvisalignÂź aligners, dentures, oral surgery or cosmetic dental services, Somerset Dental Care can help. 

Dr. Cerillo earned his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology from Creighton University in Omaha, NE, and his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from the Creighton University School of Dentistry. He then did a general practice, hospital-based residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Lincoln. Dr. Cerillo’s first job out of dental school was in New York City, but in 1988, he decided to move to Florida for the sun and warmth. 

He opened his first private practice office in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center in 1993, which means he has been taking care of some of his patients for more than 30 years. But, it is not just patients who have stuck around with him. Dr. Cerillo has several employees who have been working with him for 10-25 years, and several that retired after working their entire careers with the practice. That longevity has helped foster what Dr. Cerillo describes as a “relationship-based” versus a “transactional” practice. 

That long-term connection to the community, and his love for the work, were top of mind for Dr. Cerillo as he looked to add to his team. 

“I always want to make sure I have the right people in here to address the patients and care for them like I care for them,” explains Dr. Cerillo. 

A shared philosophy towards patient care, and her 15 years of experience, makes Danielle Jones, D.D.S., a terrific recent addition to Somerset Dental Care. During her time as a practice owner for Affordable Dentures & Implants in Clearwater, she provided services to veterans and the unhoused and gained valuable implant dentistry experience. She then transitioned to Heartland Dental, where she gained recognition for her outstanding veneer work. 

Throughout her career, Dr. Jones also made time to volunteer to provide dental care to underserved communities. Putting her skills to work in the service of others, and potentially changing their lives, is a huge motivator for Dr. Jones. “My goal is to always provide long-lasting, quality care for patients, make them comfortable and to serve and impact as many people as I can,” she says. 

After earning her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Health Science from Truman State University in Kirksville, M), she earned her D.D.S. degree from the Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in Nashville, TN. She completed her General Practice Residency at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, before starting her career in public health. For five years, Dr. Jones worked for a Medicaid office serving the Florida panhandle communities of Fort Walton Beach and Crestview. Her experience working in public health showed her first-hand the rampant decay that can happen when dental issues go untreated. 

“Because of dental anxiety and financial strain, [many] people unfortunately neglect their teeth,” explains Dr. Jones. 

Both Dr. Cerillo and Dr. Jones see helping patients through that fear and anxiety as an important part of their role as dentists. They know that many people strongly dislike and avoid going to the dentist and, for that reason, they both put in extra effort to make their patients feel comfortable. 

After nearly four decades of private practice, Dr. Cerillo has seen his fair share of nervous patients. “I’ve dealt with a lot of phobic patients,” he says. “A lot of times they think they are going to come in and have a train wreck but it wasn’t as bad as they thought it would be.” 

Working over so many years has given Dr. Cerillo the opportunity to see patients move from that fear to finally being comfortable with dental visits. He encourages people who have been avoiding the dentist to take the initiative and meet the people providing their care. He hopes that stepping into the welcoming environment at Somerset Dental Care and working with the office’s friendly and caring staff will help put them at ease. 

Both dentists see humor and fun as a way to help put patients at ease and minimize their stress. They understand that laughing and joking with them can help ease their tension and keep the atmosphere fun and inviting. 

“I’m literally cracking jokes all day long,” Dr. Jones says, “because I’m trying to take you away from focusing on something that is, for one, outside of your control. A lot of anxiety is driven by trying to control something that you can’t. If I can make you more relaxed and kinda laugh through a dental appointment, then I have done my job for the day.” 

While they utilize humor to ease patients’ fears, Dr. Cerillo and Dr. Jones take their work very seriously. Smiles can influence first impressions, success, relationship satisfaction and even our own moods and confidence. Dental health also plays a bigger part in our overall health than most patients realize. 

“The mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body,” says Dr. Cerillo. “So obviously, the healthier your mouth is, the healthier the rest of your body will be, too.” 

Dr. Jones adds that there are multiple benefits to consistent dental visits and maintaining oral health. “A lot of people think it’s just the aesthetics,” she says, “but everything is intertwined. I think educating patients on the impact of your overall dental health and how it impacts your body is extremely important.” 

For example, she says, people who have issues with blood sugar and diabetes are more prone to gum disease and, in some instances, these problems have even been linked to stroke. 

“When patients don’t take care of their mouths,” Dr. Cerillo adds, “that bacteria can actually cause systematic [health] problems.” 

Advances in technology also are making visits to the dentist more efficient and patient-friendly and Dr. Cerillo says the practice has been highly technology-driven from the beginning. 

For example, Somerset Dental Care uses three-dimensional X-ray technology that utilizes a high-speed video scanning camera to take digital impressions of the mouth. This means that patients can receive crowns or Invisalign¼ aligners without the trays and goopy material that tastes terrible and can make some patients gag — and with better precision. It also enables dentists and patients to see how the teeth are oriented in the jaw. With this information, the dentists can plan out implant surgeries ahead of time and show their patients where the implant will be placed preoperatively. 

“We can virtually do a surgery before we even touch a patient,” explains Dr. Cerillo. “As the technology advances, it helps create a new standard of care.” 

That is key for Dr. Cerillo, who also leads San Antonio Dental Care north of Wesley Chapel, and who says he personally had to undergo a lot of dental work himself. He adds that not all dental issues are a matter of care and upkeep — some are hereditary. There are people whose teeth are skeletally not a good match. If the upper and lower jaw are incongruent sizes, that can create issues over time from constant wear and tear. 

Then, by the time these patients reach their 40s and beyond, the problem may require corrective surgery. Dr. Cerillo was one of those patients. He had to have corrective surgery at age 39 and braces to fix his bite, because it was so far off that it was causing him extreme jaw pain. 

“I’ve actually had more dental work done than ninety percent of my patients,” he says. 

Whether it is a regular check-up and cleaning or something more intensive, Somerset Dental Care is there to take care of patients’ overall dental health with compassion and a smile. And, as Dr. Jones says, “It just feels like family here.” 

Somerset Dental Care is located at 15277 Amberly Dr. and is open Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday. For more information, visit SomersetDentalCareFL.com, call (813) 971-1688 or see the ad below. Dr. Cerillo’s San Antonio Dental Care is located at 11938 Curley St., off C.R. 52. For more info, call (352) 668-4819, or visit SanAntonioDentalCareFL.com. 

Dr. Sam Jureyda Will Make You Smile At Radiance Orthodontics 

Dr. Sam Jureyda of Radiance Orthodontics, located in the Tampa Palms Professional center, combines his outstanding expertise and experience with the latest technology to keep his patients smiling beautifully. (Photos on these pages provided by Radiance Orthodontics)

The world of orthodontics is changing at lightning speed. 

Emerging from the recent fad of do-it-yourself aligners that have oversimplified the process of moving teeth to a newer trend where large corporations are buying independent orthodontic practices, the idea of a neighborhood orthodontist may seem a bit old-fashioned. 

That’s just fine with Sam Jureyda, DMD, who considers his relationships with patients to be his top priority and understands the value that his decades of experience as an orthodontic specialist brings to them. 

“In this environment,” he says, “we focus on what we do best – offering our expertise in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, and providing the best possible customer service to our patients.” 

That includes treating patients like family, Dr. Jureyda explains. “When you’re here,” he says, “you’re a neighbor and a friend.” 

Dr. J, as his patients call him, opened Radiance Orthodontics more than seven years ago to serve patients of all ages, including kids, teens and adults. The practice is located in the Tampa Palms Professional Center off of Commerce Park Blvd. near the New Tampa Recreation Center. 

Before moving into private practice in 2006, and subsequently opening Radiance Orthodontics in 2016, he taught graduate-level orthodontics at the University of Buffalo. Prior to that, he earned a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, a Certificate of Specialty in Orthodontics from the Howard University College of Dentistry, and completed a clinical fellowship in Orthodontics from University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, Department of Orthodontics. 

His education includes years of studying facial biology and growth dynamics, and his practice has includes decades of treating patients with sophisticated cases. 

Patients at Radiance Orthodontics are offered both traditional braces and Invisalign, along with Dr. J’s expert opinion on which option would be better for a particular case, and why. 

“There are so many factors that go into a decision about an appliance that you may wear for 18 months or more,” says Dr. J. “I am happy to go over all of that information so that you can make the right choice about the treatment plan that is best for you.” 

These days, general dentists are more frequently offering tooth movement and aligners. Radiance Orthodontics offers a deeper understanding of the dentofacial orthopedics involved in aligning teeth and jaws over a lifetime, whether it’s during the early years of childhood growth or even in older adults. 

Christy Schnell is a local mom who chose Radiance Orthodontics when her dentist suggested it was time for her daughter to get an evaluation for orthodontic treatment. 

“Dr. Jureyda is such a huge supporter of our local schools,” she explains, saying that she is so impressed by the way Radiance Orthodontics shows up for kids in our community that she decided to visit his office first. 

“After that initial visit, I could tell it was a really good fit,” Christy says, “so I didn’t even look anywhere else.” 

Whether they choose traditional braces or Invisalign Radiance Orthodontics’ immaculate, comfortable office offers patients a serene setting for their orthodontic treatments.

Christy appreciates how Dr. Jureyda includes her daughter Lyla in the conversation about her treatment, explaining the equipment and processes, and giving her the opportunity to ask questions. 

“Lyla had a lot more questions than I thought she would,” Christy says, “We were all so comfortable when we left (Radiance).” 

Since that initial consultation, not only has Lyla has started treatment — so has Christy. 

“My teeth were shifting because I didn’t wear my retainer from when I was little,” she says. “So, I figured while I’m here with my kids, I might as well get my teeth straightened as well.” 

She says Dr. J made it both easy and affordable to start treatment. 

He says that’s an important part of the way he serves his patients. 

“We’re seeing so much inflation right now, which is stretching families,” says Dr. Jureyda. “Radiance Orthodontics is a small business and we are in touch with what’s happening in our community. We try to walk that fine line between meeting the demands of running a business and keeping our fees affordable and payments flexible for our patients.” 

He promises reasonable fees that avoid the need for coupons or complex payment structures. Initial consultations are always completely free, as are consultations for those seeking a second opinion from Dr. J, where he may be able to provide additional avenues for treatment or a lower cost than other options. Radiance patients can rest assured that they will be given a fair price. 

That’s another reason Christy says she chose Radiance Orthodontics. 

“Friends had told me that Invisalign was much more expensive than braces, but at Radiance, the prices were actually similar,” she says. “It was so nice to be able to make the decision based on what was best for my daughter and me, without having to make a choice based on cost.” 

Never Too Young… 

Christy’s younger kids are already seeing Dr. Jureyda, too, although they’re not ready for treatment. The dentist suggested her son needed an evaluation, but Christy appreciates that Dr. J is watching his growth with appointments every six months, but not pushing treatment. 

Dr. J explains that treatment is always unique to the individual. 

“We often recommend ‘phase one’ treatment, which is for children as young as seven – and in some cases even younger – so that we can do early intervention that will make treatment easier down the road,” says Dr. Jureyda. “We follow the concept that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” 

However, that doesn’t mean that every child will need early treatment. It just means that all children can take advantage of Dr. Jureyda’s free consultations to get an expert opinion on what kind of treatment may be needed at an early stage, or somewhere down the road. 

And, speaking of kids, as a former educator, Dr. Jureyda makes it a high priority to support students and educators in our community. 

Not only is Radiance Orthodontics a business partner at all of New Tampa’s public schools and some Wesley Chapel schools, too, he also awards scholarships each spring to a senior at both Wharton and Freedom high schools. These scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated a commitment to serve the community through volunteering. This year, he also will offer a scholarship to a senior at Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School, too. 

Radiance Orthodontics offers Invisalign and braces for kids, teens and adults of all ages. To schedule a free consultation, text or call Radiance Orthodontics at (813) 972- 1100. For more information about the practice, located at 17427 Bridge Hill Ct., Suite A, in the Tampa Palms Professional Center, search for Radiance Orthodontics on Facebook, visit www.MyRadianceBraces.com.