Meet The Team

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Administrative Team

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DR. PAUL ULIASZ

PRESIDENT

GET TO KNOW DR. PAUL

Dr. Uliasz founded Blue Sea Dental in 2018 to positively influence the future of dentistry. Blue Sea Dental’s vision is to build the best dental group by always striving to exceed patient expectations and offering the best work environments in the industry. The Blue Sea Dental family currently includes six practices in Southwest Florida with a seventh planned for late 2022. In addition to his executive duties as President, Dr. Uliasz personally mentors every Blue Sea dentist ensuring a consistently superior experience for every patient. Click to watch Dr. Uliasz tell you about Blue Sea Dental.

As a leader, Dr. Uliasz believes that placing people before profits is a key to long-term success. That applies not only to patients but also to team members. At a Blue Sea Dental practice, everyone is valued and respected. At every level, team members have an opportunity to learn new skills, become better leaders and grow professionally and personally. Dr. Uliasz leads by example to create and preserve a positive, warm, friendly professional atmosphere that team members and patients alike feel good about being in. He wants every team member to feel like they matter and what they do makes a difference in their and someone else's life.

By investing in his teams, building trusting relationships with patients, and fostering a positive workplace, Dr. Uliasz has built a group of thriving community dental practices.

Dr.Uliasz attended Oakland University's biology program in Rochester, Michigan, before graduating from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry. In 2004, he graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, where he obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery. Dr. Uliasz is committed to continuous education on a world-class level to bring his patients the best and the latest available state-of-the-art procedures and dental advancements.

A firm believer that professional growth means continually building on your knowledge and skill base, Dr. Uliasz regularly attends training, workshops, conferences, and other educational activities that enable him to strengthen and expand upon his skills and knowledge. His goal is to direct all acquired skills and knowledge throughout his career as a dentist into providing the best quality of care for patients of all ages. This mindset extends to the teams in the Blue Sea Dental group – training, team building events, and opportunities for personal and professional development are an integral part of the business model.

Dr. Paul Uliasz has been committed to using his skill as a dentist to give back to the community, and the world, since he started in dentistry. Over the course of his career Dr. Paul has not only volunteered his own time but he has encouraged his teams to do the same. Dr. Paul and his teams have donated their time and talents to charitable dental organizations such as FLA-MOM, Project Dentists Care, Missionary Trips to South America, and five Dentistry from the Heart days of free dentistry events.

In 2022, Dr. Paul founded Smiles for the Community to provide the Blue Sea Dental teams, along with other volunteers from the Southwest Florida area, the opportunity to offer free dental care days to people who don't otherwise have access to dental care. In this way, our teams consistently give back to the communities we serve.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

  • icon American Dental Association
  • icon Michigan Dental Association
  • icon Florida Dental Association
  • icon West Coast Dental District Association
  • icon American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • icon International Congress of Oral Implantologists
  • icon International Dental Implant Association
  • icon International Association of Dentists
  • icon Lee County Dental Society

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Dr. Uliasz was born in Krakow, Poland, and moved to Detroit when he was 14 years old. He lived most of his life in Michigan until he moved to Fort Myers in 2008.

Dr. Uliasz and his wife Erica have two young children — daughter Avery and son Gavin — as well as three spoiled dogs – 2 Frenchies and a Puggle. Erica is a biologist who works as an environmental consultant and recently completed the 2017 Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Despite spending 70 hours a week in the dental field, Dr. Uliasz manages to spend quality time with his family, stay active, and maintain diverse interests. He enjoys music, reading, swimming, skiing, running, and traveling. His attraction to water-related activities has led him to become an advanced open-water scuba diver.

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RONALDO DE LA CRUZ

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

GET TO KNOW RONALDO

Ron began his career in dentistry by earning his Doctorate of Dental Medicine in his native country of the Dominican Republic. After moving to the Fort Myers area, Ron joined Lee Dental Care in 2014. His expertise, along with his superior patient relations skills, led to quickly to his promotion to Head Dental Assistant.

When Blue Sea Dental was founded in 2018, Ron was the obvious choice for the role of Clinical Coordinator. As Clinical Coordinator, Ron helped establish consistent excellence across our practices by mentoring the Dental Assisting Teams.

In 2021, Ron was promoted to Director of Operations. In this role, Ron oversees practice operations to ensure that our practices operate smoothly and profitably while remaining great places for our teams to work. Ron’s combination of hands-on clinical and management experience makes him uniquely effective in helping to bring the Blue Sea Dental vision to life at each location. 

Click to watch Ron tell you about his experience at Blue Sea Dental.

In his free time, Ron enjoys spending time with his family. He stays active by working out and playing pickleball. Spending time at our beautiful area beaches and travelling are also favorite leisure activities. Ron is fluent in Spanish and English.

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MICHAEL MANSFIELD

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

GET TO KNOW MICHAEL

Mike started his career in dentistry in 2014, working as a Dental Assistant at Lee Dental Care. A Certified Dental Assistant and an Advanced Functions Dental Assistant, his enthusiasm, work ethic, and ability to quickly learn new skills enabled him to quickly become one of the top Dental Assistants on the team. In 2019, Mike moved to Smile Cape Coral where his contributions to managing patient flow and scheduling helped that location reach its full patient service potential.

After his time at Smile Cape Coral, Mike joined the Blue Sea Dental Transition Team as Clinical Trainer, Mike is part of our Transition Team. In that role, he ensured clinical processes at Blue Sea Practices meet the company's exacting standards

In 2021, Mike moved into his current role as Director of Business Growth & Development.
Mike helps our practices reach their full operational potential while maintaining the high standards of care and positive working environments that are the hallmarks of a Blue Sea practice. A natural leader, Mike’s easygoing self-assurance and professionalism are contagious. He helps our teams build confidence and provides training on patient management, retention, and acquisition strategies to ensure our teams are poised for success.

In addition to his role on our leadership team, Mike is a partner in Estero Bay Dental. Click to watch Mike tell you about his experience at Blue Sea Dental.

Mike is a native of Boston but has lived most of his life here in Southwest Florida. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family. Mike is an avid fisherman. Other favorite leisure activities include boating and travel.

LeAnna, Hygiene Director, a young, blonde woman smiling

LEANNA GAHAFER, CRDH

DENTAL HYGIENE DIRECTOR

GET TO KNOW LEANNA

LeAnna joined the Blue Sea Dental family in 2017 as a Dental Hygienist at Lee Dental Care. Her superior clinical ability, excellent chairside manner, and natural leadership qualities quickly led to her promotion to Lead Hygienist. When Blue Sea Dental was founded in 2018, LeAnna was the natural choice to lead the Hygiene function across our practices.

LeAnna holds an AS degree in Dental Hygiene from Edison State College and is currently working on her Bachelor’s degree at American Public University. She started her Dental Hygiene practice in 2014 and has worked at several practices over the course of her career. With this breadth of experience, LeAnna brings the best practices she’s learned to our Hygiene Teams. Click to watch LeAnna tell you about his experience at Blue Sea Dental.

As Dental Hygiene Director LeAnna mentors the Dental Hygienists at our practices, ensuring a consistent, superior patient experience at every location. LeAnna’s down-to-Earth, friendly, fun approach enables her to connect with patients and team members alike. LeAnna leads our Hygiene Teams in their mission to show that Dental Hygienists do so much more than clean teeth. They are charged with educating their patients on how to maintain the best possible dental health at home as well as often being the first to detect potentially serious oral health issues.

Born in Louisiana, LeAnna has lived in Southwest Florida since 2011. She is an avid Saints and LSU fan. In her free time, LeAnna enjoys spending time with her fiance and daughter along with her beloved dogs. LeAnna has a deep affection for dogs and donates her time to animal charities and causes. She also gives back to our local dental community by donating her time teaching clinical skills to our area's future dental professionals at Cape Coral Techncial College.

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JENNIFER MABEE

MARKETING DIRECTOR

GET TO KNOW JENNIFER

Jennifer joined the Blue Sea Dental family in 2018 as the Social Media Marketer for Lee Dental Care. As our dental group has grown, so has her role and she is now Marketing Director for our group of dental offices. Jennifer oversees all marketing activities for our group including digital, print, and other types of advertising, website development, marketing communications, and social media marketing.

Jennifer holds a BA in Psychology from Widener University. Prior to joining the Blue Sea Team, she worked in the marketing research field for 30 years. Her specialization was in project management and research design/analytics. Over the course of her career, she worked at a variety of different firms in roles with increasing responsibility, including being a partner in a data processing firm.

Jennifer brings a varied set of competencies to her role, including writing, graphic design, and data analytics. As our brand ambassador to the public, Jennifer uses those skills to communicate the benefits of our practices to our current and future patients. Beyond her role in marketing, Jennifer is always willing to jump in and help fellow team members in any area where she is knowledgeable. She is passionate about her job and genuinely enjoys doing everything she can to make to help make our practices successful and show our teams they are appreciated.

Jennifer works out of Pennsylvania and enjoys visiting Blue Sea Dental in Florida when it’s not too hot. She lives in the suburban Philadelphia area with her husband, two sons, and one very spoiled, very cute mutt. In her free time, she enjoys singing with her husband and musical friends. She also enjoys cooking, reading, gardening, and being in the woods. Jennifer gives back to the Southwest Florida community by serving on the Board of Smiles for the Community and managing Marketing and Publuc Relations for the Free Dental Care Days our teams hold.

Smiling young woman in black dress and blue jacket, Ashley, HR Director

ASHLEY LEMUS

HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR

GET TO KNOW ASHLEY

Ashley embodies a unique blend of kindness, compassion, and unwavering professionalism in her capacity as the Human Resources Director at Blue Sea Dental. She plays a pivotal role in advancing our organization's mission of fostering exceptional work environments for our dedicated teams.

With remarkable finesse, she adeptly orchestrates the intricate intricacies of staffing, ensuring our offices are consistently well-staffed. Moreover, she ensures that our team members are thoroughly informed about their benefits, all the while demonstrating remarkable composure in addressing any challenges that may arise.

Ashley's level-headed approach is a testament to her exceptional skill in navigating the complexities of HR management, making her an invaluable asset to our company.

Ashley started her journey with Blue Sea Dental in 2018 as a Patient Care Coordinator at Lee Dental Care. Her excellent manner with patients and initiative in suggesting new approaches to improve process quickly made her stand out and led to her promotion to Assistant Manager in 2019.

Ashley interned with fellow Human Resources Director Evelyn while completing her education and, upon graduation in 2022 advanced to Human Resources Coordinator. In 2023, thanks to her exceptional performance, she was promoted to Human Resources Director.

Among the many strengths Ashley brings to her role is her calm, kind, optimistic demeanor which helps set the tone of positivity that is the hallmark of the Blue Sea Dental approach. Energetic and enthusiastic, Ashley is constantly looking for new ways to make Blue Sea Dental a great place to work. Click to watch Ashley tell you about his experience at Blue Sea Dental.

Ashley holds a Bachelor's Degree in Health Care Administration with a minor in Human Resources from St. Petersburg College. She is currently pursuing her Master's Degree. She is a proud member of SHRM (the Society of Human Resource Managers) and is pursuing certifications to further advance her knowledge of Human Resources.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her young family, working out, dancing, and going to the beach.

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RICHARD FECHTER

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

GET TO KNOW RICHARD

With several years working as an Accountant and different types of firms, Richard joined the Blue Sea Dental team in 2021. He holds two BS degrees from Florida Gulf University, in Accounting and Finance.

Richard is tasked with managing the finances of our growing dental group. Detail-oriented and self-motivated, Richard excels at staying on top of the many functions and tasks involved in managing accounting for our offices. Richard is responsive and responsible – you never have to ask him to do something twice. A positive, friendly person, Richard approaches his teammates with understanding and compassion.

Richard values and contributes to the accepting, family-like environment at Blue Sea Dental headquarters. He appreciates the integrity of our group and the value we place on authenticity.

Richard was born and raised in Naples and currently lives in Lehigh Acres with his partner and their dog Bailey. Favorite leisure activities include being outdoors swimming, enjoying the sun, or doing yardwork and cooking.

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JESSICA HARMON

CALL SUPPORT SPECIALIST/TRAINER

GET TO KNOW JESSICA

Jessica has been in dentistry since 2006. Jessica joined our flagship office, Lee Dental Care, as a Patient Care Coordinator in 2018. Her exemplary customer service skills quickly distinguished her as a model for other Patient Care Coordinators. Her phone manner is so exceptional that her recorded calls are a training tool for Front Desk team members. In person or on the phone, Jessica's warm and friendly attitude sets a tone of relaxed comfort for our patients.

When the Blue Sea Dental group was founded, Jessica was the natural choice to oversee telephone operations. As Call Support Specialist/Trainer, Jessica manages the Call Center that supports all Blue Sea Dental locations.

In this role she not only manages patient calls to all locations but mentors our Front Desk Teams. Jessica is responsible for call quality control. She coaches our Patient Care Coordinators to ensure that when patients call a Blue Sea Dental location, they reach a warm, helpful, professional who is ready to assist them. 

In her younger years she lived in England and Germany for a time before returning to her native Florida. Jessica and her husband are the proud parents of two sons. In free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, and watching movies.

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JACKIE TORRES

TRANSITION MANAGER

GET TO KNOW JACKIE

Jackie brings over a decade of invaluable experience to our dental group, having embarked on her journey in the field of dentistry in 2020 and joining our team in 2012. Her commitment and dedication have been evident from the very beginning when she started as an Insurance Coordinator at our flagship location, Lee Dental Care.

As our dental group expanded, Jackie's role evolved along with it. She took on the pivotal role of Office Manager for both Elite Dental Care and Punta Gorda Dental Care when they were in their infancy stages, showcasing her exceptional ability to establish and maintain efficient operations. She was so effective in these roles that the position of Transition Manager was created specifically for her.

Jackie's influence doesn't stop at the individual office level. With each new Blue Sea Dental location, she is there from the ground up, meticulously crafting and fine-tuning administrative systems to ensure seamless operations. She mentors our Front Desk teams, nurturing them until they are fully comfortable with the Blue Sea Dental model. Moreover, she plays a crucial role in laying the groundwork for well-organized offices, imparting her expertise to train Office Managers in our standard operating procedures.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jackie is a devoted mother who cherishes spending quality time with her son, and her fluency in Spanish is an asset that allows us to serve a broader and more diverse patient base.

Clinical Team

Dr. Polanco is a partner in Community Dental Care in North Fort Myers

DR. MARIO POLANCO

PARTNER DENTIST

GET TO KNOW DR. POLANCO

Dr. Mario Polanco embarked on his journey with Blue Sea Dental in 2017 when he joined the team at Lee Dental Care. Recognizing his dedication and leadership, he was chosen to partner with Blue Sea Dental in 2018 to acquire our second location, Community Dental Care Under his visionary leadership, the office has undergone a major transformation, expanding from its original 6 operatory space into a state-of-the-art facility with 12 operatories. Today, Community Dental Care stands as a thriving, high-volume practice with a large, dedicated team of dental professionals, delivering exceptional dental care to the community.

Dr. Polanco earned his Bachelor’s Degree and Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the prestigious University Francisco Marroquin. After graduating in 2000, he pursued advanced education at the University of Connecticut, where he completed three post-graduate programs: an Implant Fellowship, an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency, and an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Fellowship. His commitment to continuous learning ensures that he stays at the forefront of modern dentistry, offering his patients cutting-edge treatment options and the highest standards of care.

As a clinician, Dr. Polanco is renowned for his exceptional skill, integrity, and unwavering dedication to helping patients achieve their dental goals. His compassionate approach and ability to calm even the most anxious patients have earned him a stellar reputation among both colleagues and patients alike. He takes pride in tailoring treatment plans to suit each patient’s unique needs and budgets, ensuring they receive the best possible care. Dr. Polanco leads by example, mentoring his team to deliver excellence in every patient interaction and fostering a culture of trust and quality within his practice.

Originally from Guatemala, Dr. Polanco is a devoted family man who now calls Fort Myers home, where he lives with his wife and children. Outside of his professional commitments, he is deeply passionate about giving back to the community through charitable dental initiatives. He and his team actively participate in Smiles for the Community’s annual Free Dental Care Day, and he has traveled internationally to provide free dental care to underserved populations, most recently in the Dominican Republic. When he’s not in the office or serving those in need, Dr. Polanco enjoys traveling the world with his children and embracing new cultures.

DR. YASSAMIN LENZI

PARTNER DENTIST

GET TO KNOW DR. LENZI

Dr. Yassamin Lenzi has been dedicated to transforming smiles and improving lives through dentistry since 2012. Her passion for dentistry began early, inspired by watching her mother’s work and the profound impact it had on patients. This deep-rooted commitment to patient care ultimately led Dr. Lenzi to follow in her mother’s footsteps, embarking on a career devoted to providing compassionate, high-quality dental care. In 2023, she achieved a significant milestone by partnering with Blue Sea Dental to establish Sunset Harbor Dental, a thriving practice that has experienced remarkable success from the very start under her leadership.

Dr. Lenzi earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Universidade Federal de Pelotas in 2012. She began her professional career at Rastegary Oral Rehabilitation Center, honing her skills as a general dentist before moving to Chicago in 2015. She then pursued further education through the Advanced Standing Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago, earning her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2017. Immediately after graduation, she joined Lee Dental Care, where her exceptional clinical skills and warm chairside manner quickly helped her build a loyal patient following. Dr. Lenzi’s leadership qualities became evident when she stepped into the role of Senior Dentist, mentoring new clinicians and upholding Blue Sea Dental’s core values and commitment to excellence.

As a clinician, Dr. Lenzi is known for her compassionate, non-judgmental approach that puts patients at ease. She takes the time to thoroughly explain treatment options, ensuring that each patient feels informed and confident in their care. Dr. Lenzi specializes in working with anxious patients and those returning to dental care after a long absence, always striving to create a comfortable and positive experience. Understanding that every patient has unique goals and financial considerations, she personalizes treatment plans to help them achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they desire.

Committed to continuous growth, Dr. Lenzi actively pursues ongoing education to stay at the forefront of dental advancements. In addition to her dedication to general dentistry, she has undergone advanced training in facial aesthetics, expanding the range of services she offers to her patients. She and her team are also passionate about giving back to the community, volunteering their time and skills at Smiles for the Community’s (link to www.smilesforthecommunity.org) annual Free Dental Care Day in Fort Myers.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Lenzi leads a vibrant and active lifestyle. She enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children, staying fit through regular exercise, and exploring diverse cuisines as an avid foodie. Her passion for maintaining a healthy lifestyle aligns with her professional mission—helping others achieve their best smiles and overall well-being.

Dr. Klamut is a partner in Smile Cape Coral

DR. JACOB KLAMUT

PARTNER DENTIST

GET TO KNOW DR. KLAMUT

Dr. Jacob Klamut’s passion for dentistry is rooted in his unwavering dedication to patient health and well-being. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Kent State University, he pursued his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at The Ohio State University, graduating in 2017. During his time at OSU, Dr. Klamut distinguished himself through leadership and service, serving on the executive board of the Psi Omega Dental Fraternity. His commitment to excellence and patient-centered care has been the driving force behind his success in the field of dentistry.

Dr. Klamut joined Blue Sea Dental in 2019 when Smile Cape Coral became part of our dental group. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in transforming the practice into one of the most sought-after dental offices in Cape Coral. Under his leadership, Smile Cape Coral has flourished into a thriving, high-performing practice known for its exceptional patient care, innovation, and outstanding results. Dr. Klamut leads his team with a focus on continuous improvement, teamwork, and setting the highest standards of clinical excellence—making the office a hub for top-tier dental services.  

A lifelong learner, Dr. Klamut is dedicated to staying at the forefront of dental advancements, constantly expanding his skill set to offer the latest treatment options to his patients. He has completed extensive specialized training in implant placement, bone grafting, all-on-x procedures, oral sedation, and dental printing technology. This commitment to cutting-edge dentistry allows him to provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art solutions that help his patients achieve optimal oral health and confident smiles.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Klamut is a devoted family man who enjoys an active lifestyle with his wife Jackie, their children, and their two family dogs. Whether spending time on the water or traveling to new destinations, the Klamut family embraces life to the fullest. Dr. Klamut is also deeply committed to giving back to the community, donating his time each year to provide free dental care to underserved residents of Lee County during the annual Smiles for the Community event.

Dr. Klamut’s blend of exceptional clinical expertise, compassionate approach, and leadership has been the cornerstone of Smile Cape Coral’s success, ensuring that every patient receives outstanding care in a warm and welcoming environment.

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DR. MICHELLE FELIX

SENIOR DENTIST

GET TO KNOW DR. FELIX

Dr. Felix is has been providing exceptional care to patients since 2008, first as a Registered Dental Hygienist and later as a Dentist. She holds Doctor of Dental Medicine degrees from both Universidade Vale do Rio Doce in her native Brazil and Nova Southeastern University in Florida. After relocating to Southwest Florida, Dr. Felix became a Registered Dental Hygienist and practiced for 11 years while diligently working toward her dental degree. In 2019, she joined the Blue Sea Dental family, initially serving patients at both Lee Dental Care and Community Dental Care, eventually making Community Dental Care her home base. Today, she plays a vital role in the practice's continued growth and success.

Dr. Felix works closely alongside Dr. Mario Polanco, collaborating to bring his vision of a flourishing practice to life—one that provides exceptional patient care in an environment where both patients and team members feel valued and supported. Her leadership and dedication contribute to fostering a positive, welcoming atmosphere that makes Community Dental Care a place where patients receive top-tier treatment and the team thrives in a culture of mutual respect and continuous improvement.

Throughout her career, Dr. Felix has pursued advanced training in prosthodontics, cosmetic procedures, occlusion, implants, and endodontics, ensuring her patients receive the highest quality of comprehensive dental care. Her commitment to innovation and excellence is evident in her certification in computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology for dental restorations, as well as her implant certification. Driven by a desire to offer a full spectrum of services, Dr. Felix has also completed advanced training in facial aesthetics and is board certified to administer cosmetic injectables, helping patients achieve not only optimal oral health but also enhanced facial harmony.

Known for her empathetic and respectful approach, Dr. Felix is passionate about patient education and preventative care. She takes pride in empowering her patients with the knowledge and strategies needed to achieve and maintain lifelong oral health. She has a special talent for working with patients who experience dental anxiety, taking the time to build trust and create a comfortable, stress-free environment. By helping them overcome their fears, she ensures they receive the care they need to achieve a healthy, confident smile.

Outside of the office, Dr. Felix enjoys life in Naples with her husband and two daughters. She cherishes time spent with her family, whether baking with her girls, watching their favorite shows, or traveling to new destinations. Committed to giving back, Dr. Felix has volunteered her time and skills to organizations such as Give Kids a Smile and Smiles for the Community, providing essential dental services to those in need.

Dr. Chavez is a senior dentist. She practices at Sunset Harbor Dental in CApe Coral, FL

DR. ELIZABETH CHAVEZ

SENIOR DENTIST

GET TO KNOW DR. CHAVEZ

Dr. Elizabeth Chavez has been an integral part of the Blue Sea Dental family since 2019. Over the years, she has contributed her expertise to several locations, including Lee Dental Care, Punta Gorda Dental Care, and Estero Bay Dental,before joining the team at Sunset Harbor Dental. Dr. Chavez has been an asset to every practice she has served, consistently bringing her deep understanding of Blue Sea Dental’s core values and operational standards. At Sunset Harbor Dental, she plays a critical role in fostering a practice that not only delivers exceptional dentistry but is also a great place for both patients and team members alike. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Chavez leads annual Emergency Preparedness Training for each practice in our group, ensuring that our teams are equipped to handle patient health emergencies with confidence and professionalism.

Dr. Chavez earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Universidad Iberoamericana in the Dominican Republic before advancing her studies at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, where she completed a prestigious two-year residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry. Her extensive training has provided her with a well-rounded skill set and the ability to offer comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Known for her warm and approachable demeanor, Dr. Chavez has a unique ability to put patients at ease with empathy, kindness, and a touch of humor. She is passionate about building strong relationships with her patients, guiding them through their treatment journeys, and witnessing their self-confidence grow alongside their improved oral health. Dr. Chavez takes pride in providing honest, personalized treatment recommendations that prioritize her patients’ best interests and financial considerations, ensuring they feel valued and well cared for at every visit.

Originally from the Dominican Republic and raised in Cape Coral, FL, Dr. Chavez has also lived in Santo Domingo, Sarasota, and New York City, giving her a well-rounded perspective and appreciation for diverse communities. Outside of the office, she enjoys staying active by jogging and taking long walks, as well as traveling and spending quality time with her family and friends. Deeply committed to giving back, Dr. Chavez regularly participates in community outreach initiatives, including free dentistry events that provide much-needed care to underserved populations.

Dark haired woman in black jacket with logo, Dr. Marino of Punta Gorda Dental Care

DR. MELISSA MARINO

SENIOR DENTIST

GET TO KNOW DR. MARINO

Dr. Melissa Marino is a highly skilled dentist who brings a wealth of experience and a passion for excellence as Senior Dentist at Punta Gorda Dental Care. She joined Blue Sea Dental in 2020 when Punta Gorda Dental Care became part of the dental group, seamlessly integrating into the team and contributing to the practice’s growth and success. Prior to joining our group, Dr. Marino served as Lead Dentist at a high-volume dental office in the area, where she honed her clinical expertise and leadership skills. She is committed to providing her patients with the highest level of care by utilizing the latest advancements in dental techniques and technology. Her dedication to continuing education ensures that she remains at the forefront of modern dentistry, delivering innovative solutions tailored to each patient’s needs.

Dr. Marino earned her undergraduate degree from Florida International University before pursuing her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, graduating in 2017. Her drive for professional growth has led her to complete advanced training in Invisalign®, nitrous oxide sedation, and implant technology—enabling her to offer a comprehensive range of services to her patients. Further expanding her skill set, Dr. Marino is board certified to administer cosmetic injectables, providing patients with enhanced facial aesthetics alongside their dental care.

Dr. Marino is known not only for her clinical excellence but also for her exceptional leadership in the office. She leads her team with a strong focus on delivering superior patient care while fostering a positive, welcoming environment where both patients and staff feel valued and supported. Her leadership style encourages collaboration, continuous improvement, and a patient-first approach, ensuring every individual who walks through the doors receives compassionate and comprehensive care tailored to their needs.

Originally from Cuba, Dr. Marino moved to Miami with her family and later fell in love with Florida’s Gulf Coast while attending dental school in Bradenton. She now calls Venice home, where she resides with her husband, son, and their two beloved dogs. Outside of the office, she enjoys reading, staying active through fitness, and traveling to explore new places.

Dr. Marino is passionate about giving back to the community and has actively participated in several charitable initiatives, including Florida Mission of Mercy, Remote Area Medical, and Give Kids a Smile events. Together with her team, she participates in the annual Smiles for the Community. Free Dental Care Day in Fort Myers. Through these efforts, she continues to make a meaningful impact by providing essential dental care to underserved populations.