Ramsi Dental’s Dr. Navid Ramsi Also Cuts A North Tampa Bay Chamber Ribbon

Sure, we already have a lot of dentists in Wesley Chapel, but the super-personable Dr. Navid Ramsi and his Ramsi Dental is proud to be the latest general/family dentist to open an office in our community, at 26851 Tanic Dr., Suite 101, in the Cypress Glen Professional Park north of S.R. 56 near I-75. 

Dr. Ramsi and his staff hosted a well-attended North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon-cutting event on Sept. 16, which introduced the local community to the new office. The practice offers “Comprehensive Dental Care for Every Stage of Life.” Dr. Ramsi told us that he sees patients of all ages, from children through senior citizens. 

According to the practice’s website, Dr. Ramsi earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, where, “he was selected as a Hinman Scholar in recognition of his clinical ability, leadership and commitment to patient care.” 

Dr. Ramsi offers all general dental services, such as cleanings, extractions, root canals, oral cancer screenings, emergency, periodontal (gum) and fluoride treatments, sports mouthguards and night guards, as well as restorative treatments, including fillings, bridges and dental implants. 

Cosmetic services include ceramic crowns, veneers, ZOOM! whitening, ClearCorrectÂź aligners and even facial BotoxÂź treatments. The modern office features digital impressions, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT, which captures high-resolution 3D views of teeth, jaws and adjacent anatomy) and more. 

For more info about Ramsi Dental, visit RamsiDental.com or call (813) 651-8357. — GN; photos by Charmaine George 

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. Jasthi’s Family & Cosmetic Dentistry — Quality Dental Care For Ages 4+ 

The friendly, professional staff of Family & Cosmetic Dentistry (on BBD Blvd., in front of Live Oak Preserve in New Tampa), is led by Dr. Neeraja Jasthi (far left) & Dr. Linda Park (far right). (Photo provided by Dr. Jasthi ) 

At Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, located on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., in the small plaza next to MidFlorida Credit Union in front of the Live Oak Preserve community in New Tampa, Neeraja Jasthi, DMD, says her practice offers family-oriented, comprehensive care for patients ages four and older. 

“We are a place that takes care of all of your dental needs,” explains Dr. Jasthi. “We are friendly, safe and give quality treatment.” 

Dr. Jasthi moved her practice to its current location in 2005 after opening in a smaller office in the Highwoods Preserve area of New Tampa in 2002. She has been practicing in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area since 1998, after earning her DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) degree from the Tufts Dental School in Boston, MA, in 1996. 

Linda Park, DDS, joined the practice in 2018. Dr. Park earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2005 from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Loma Linda, CA. 

With two doctors and five hygienists in the practice, Dr. Jasthi says appointments are almost always available quickly. If someone is in pain, they usually can be seen right away. And, new patients can often be scheduled within a couple of weeks, and Dr. Jasthi’s attentive administrative staff can often get patients in sooner, especially if another patient cancels an appointment and opens a spot for those who want to be seen quickly to be accommodated. 

New patients also are happy to learn that, unlike some dental practices that require an exam first, before scheduling a cleaning, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry always provides an exam and cleaning at the first appointment. If treatment is required, however, the patient may need to come back for another appointment to complete that treatment. 

Dr. Jasthi says Family & Cosmetic Dentistry feels like a family, and she always wants her patients to be able to bring the whole family to them. While she and Dr. Park typically see all family members ages four and up, they do sometimes see younger children, as well. 

“For established patients of record who have children younger than four,” Dr. Jasthi says, “we will see them if they are cooperative.” 

Beyond cleanings and exams of the teeth, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers fillings, bridges, crowns and many other necessary dental treatments. 

As the practice’s name states, the team also offers cosmetic dentistry to help everyone achieve their best possible smile. This includes services such as teeth whitening, veneers and InvisalignÂź aligners to straighten the teeth. 

“We are doing more Invisalign these days,” says Dr. Jasthi, “helping people with the aesthetics and functionality of their teeth.” 

She adds that she also provides dental implants in-house, as well as restorative treatments, and that she is often able to use a veneer instead of porcelain for some cosmetic procedures, which allows her to not cut into the tooth structure. 

“For example,” she says, “if someone has a peg-shaped tooth and wants to make it more of an ideal form, we do chair-side composites with injection molding. It’s good for the health of the tooth and it’s very economical, compared to the cost of porcelain.” 

Dr. Jasthi says her practice continues to grow “by leaps and bounds,” thanks to many people in the community who support her. 

Like Dr. Jasthi, Dr. Park (above) provides personalized service to her patients. 
(Photo by Charmaine George) 

That includes patients such as Wesley Chapel resident Karina Fernandez, who says she has been a patient of Dr. Jasthi’s since she moved to Florida in 2015. 

“They always have appointments available and are very flexible with their schedule,” Karina says. 

She also appreciates that she never feels like she’s being sold something she doesn’t need. “They’re not trying to take your money,” Karina says, adding that she is absolutely thrilled with the Invisalign treatment she recently completed. 

“I had no idea it would be so effective,” she says. “I thought I would need braces because my bottom teeth were so crooked. I didn’t think it could be fixed with a plastic aligner, but after a year and half, my teeth are straight.” 

In fact, she adds, “what I like the best is that I can feel the difference in my bite. I used to have trouble chewing, but now I don’t. I’m really amazed by the difference.” 

Karina says every member of her family is now a Family & Cosmetic Dentistry patient and she highly recommends the practice. 

Another happy patient is Veronica Givens, a New Tampa resident who says she drove by the office many times on her travels up BBD and one day decided to make an appointment. 

As a busy mom, she says she had put off going to the dentist herself, even though she had some concerns about her teeth. 

“When I took the time to go in and see Dr. Jasthi and her team, they were open and friendly, and they listened to me,” Veronica says. 

One of her concerns was that her teeth were crooked, so Dr. Jasthi suggested Invisalign. “She really transformed my teeth to completely straight,” she says. 

“It’s really helped boost my confidence,” she adds. “I talk with a lot of people all day, whether it’s in person or on video, and Invisalign has made me feel more comfortable. I’m no longer wondering if someone is noticing my crooked teeth now. I’m just smiling, laughing and talking.” 

Veronica says that, throughout the process, she was impressed with the professionalism of the staff, and how caring everyone in the office seemed to be. 

“I always recommend Dr. Jasthi because she’s definitely the best doctor I’ve ever seen in my whole life,” Veronica says. “My teeth are straight and white, and I have healthy gums and no cavities. I’m really grateful for her and her team.” 

Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, the office of Dr. Neeraja Jasthi, is located at 20441 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa. Office hours are available Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; and 8 a.m.–4 p.m. on Friday. For more information about the practice, visit DrJasthi.com or call (813) 866- 9913.

You Can Trust Your Smile To The Caring Dentists At San Antonio Dental Care! 

The friendly, professional staff at San Antonio Dental Care is led by dentists Dr. Kim Tran-Nguyen (above center & photo below) and Dr. Lou Cerillo (to her right above), on Curley St. in San Antonio, just north of Wesley Chapel. (Photos by Charmaine George)

San Antonio Dental Care has been keeping patients in the Wesley Chapel/San Antonio area smiling with incredible care and skilled dentists for the past 15 years. Currently located on Curley St., off C.R. 52, just north of Wesley Chapel, the practice was started by local general dentist Louis Cerillo, D.D.S., who has had a practice in the Tampa Palms community of New Tampa for more than 30 years. 

A year ago, Kim Tran-Nguyen, D.M.D., joined the team and, together with their team, the dentists take care of patients’ various dental needs, including corrective, restorative and emergency dental care. San Antonio Dental Care can help whether you need a regular check-up, teeth whitening, a crown, InvisalignÂź aligners, dentures, oral surgery or cosmetic dental services. 

As the first dental practice located in San Antonio, Dr. Cerillo says that opening his second office in that community was actually due to a patient’s persistence and determination. 

“We had our original practice in Tampa Palms, and we had patients and team members that lived in [San Antonio],” explains Dr. Cerillo. “We started having patients come to us from this area and one patient told me that I needed to set up a practice there.” He says that even though it all started as something of a joke, since the patient was just hoping she wouldn’t have to drive as far to see him. 

However, when Dr. Cerillo told her he’d do it if she could find a place where that office could be located, the patient took him up on that offer. and got back to him a few months later to let him know she had found an office for him. Less less than six months after that, the San Antonio office was up and running. 

“We opened in 2009,” Dr. Cerillo says. “There was no dentist up here, other than in Dade City,. We were originally in a small office up the road, it was a home that a veterinarian had converted to their vet practice. But then, [the vet practice] outgrew the building and built a new office. We moved in and put a dental office in there.” 

Dr. Cerillo’s practice was located in that small, three-bedroom house until 2018, when it also had outgrown that original space. The current location, which previously was a Wells Fargo Bank, provided the room needed for Dr. Cerillo’s growing clientele. 

Dr. Tran-Nguyen was excited to join San Antonio Dental Care a year ago, in large part due to the reputation of Dr. Cerillo, along with seeing the positive environment he had built at the practice. 

“He has been working here for a long time,” Dr. Tran-Nguyen shares. “And, when I first came here, I felt like the team had nothing but good things to say about what he has done for the community. He has built the practice. It was important for me to work with someone who has the same amount of care that I want to give to people.” 

And, it’s not just the dentists that are involved in helping patients, it is a team effort — from the dental assistants and hygienists, to all the people who work in the front office. 

“It is something that has to be built and takes time,” she says. Dr. Cerillo adds that her experience, training, conscientiousness, meticulousness and focus have made her a great addition to the practice. 

Originally from Miami, Dr. Tran-Nguyen knew she wanted to explore other cities after graduating from high school. She attended the University of Florida in Gainesville for her undergraduate and graduate studies. After receiving her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology, she completed her Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree from the school’s College of Dentistry. She then completed a General Practice Residency at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, located in Brooklyn, NY, and has been practicing dentistry for almost eight years. 

Cosmetic dentistry and surgical dental implants are two of Dr. Tran-Nguyen’s specialties and she says she enjoys how dentistry utilizes her varied skills. “I get to use my creative side, because I get to do cosmetics,” she explains. “I’m making people healthier, but I am also helping them have a prettier smile. I feel like it is a good balance of both science and art.” 

Dr. Tran-Nguyen’s love of the work, desire to go above and beyond and her obvious passion for lifelong learning were additional factors that made it clear to Dr. Cerillo that she would be a good fit for the practice. For example, she completed more than 100 hours of continuing education, which was more than three times the State of Florida’s requirement. “I’m always learning,” she says. “I take a lot of continuing education, more than what is required by the state. I’m always trying to better myself so that I can provide better quality care for the patients.” 

Dr. Tran-Nguyen also says that her initial decision to pursue the field of dentistry was inspired by both her older sister being a dentist as well as her positive experiences with her family dentist. 

“I had a really good relationship with my dentist when I was younger,” she shares. “He always knew the ins and outs with me and my family, and was very personable. I felt like there was actually a solid connection and I found that to be really important to me. I want to be able to connect with people and I would like to break down the barriers for people who are afraid to come to the dentist.” 

That sense of connection, and service to the community, comes across in the approach of both dentists in their work, as well as their interactions with clients and the neighborhood. And, the practice’s patients are appreciative of the excellent service they provide. 

“This has by far been the best dental office I have ever visited,” says patient Julie Crocker. “The staff is warm and friendly and genuinely cares for their patients. Even though they are professional, they also are so very personable. Walking in the door feels like visiting family. I actually cried when I saw my new smile.” 

Patient Kathy Marino also shares her recommendations for San Antonio Dental Care: “They are the greatest team. They always make me feel very comfortable and confident.” 

For all the staff at San Antonio Dental Care, maintaining rapport and positive relationships with clients and the community is a priority. 

“As you look at the growth of the [local] community, we’ve grown at the same rate,” says Dr. Cerillo. “So, it’s been really good to be here, and I’m proud we were the first dental office here.” 

San Antonio Dental Care is located at 11938 Curley St., and is open Mon. & Wed., 7a.m.- 3 p.m.; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Tues. and Thur.; and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Fri. For more info, visit SanAntonioDentalCareFL.com or call (352) 668- 4819. Dr. Cerillo’s Somerset Dental Care is located at 15277 Amberly Dr. For more info, visit SomersetDentalCareFL.com, or call (813) 971-1688. 

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.Â