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Enrique Acosta, DDS, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Enrique Acosta, the Visionary Founder of Pediatric Dental Centers is a Distinguished Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist with an Illustrious Career Dedicated to Pediatric Oral Health.
Dr. Acosta earned his dental degree in 1986 from Javeriana University in Bogota, Colombia, laying the foundation for his passion in dentistry. His commitment to excellence led him to pursue a Pediatric Dentistry residency at the University of Puerto Rico in 1990, followed by a prestigious Fellowship in Advanced Pediatric Dentistry at Columbia University in New York in 1991.
Continuing his quest for knowledge, Dr. Acosta attained an MBA from the University of Miami in 2001, blending clinical expertise with business acumen to elevate the standard of pediatric dental care.
Dr. Acosta served as an assistant professor at Temple University in Philadelphia from 2002 to 2005, contributing to the education and mentorship of future dental professionals. His commitment to academia and training reached new heights as he assumed the role of assistant director and co-founder of the Pediatric Dentistry Residency program at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami from 2006 to 2012.
Dr. Erik Scheifele, DMD
Chief Dental Officer.
Erik Scheifele, DMD, is a distinguished pediatric dentist and educator renowned for his expertise and commitment to providing exceptional oral health care to children of all ages.
Dr. Scheifele earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia Pennsylvania and followed his passion for pediatric dentistry where he completed his pediatric dental residency at The Children’s Hospital of Colorado.
Dr. Scheifele has dedicated his career to providing comprehensive oral healthcare to infants, children and patients with special health care needs and training pediatric dentists and general dentists. In addition to private practice, Dr. Scheifele has served as a leader in several academic institutions a few of which include the Director of Pediatric Dentistry at Temple University School of Dentistry from 2002 – 2006, the Director of the Advanced Pediatric Dentistry Program and Director of the Center for Patients with Special Needs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine 2007 – 2009, and most recently as the Chief of Dentistry at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC from 2012 – 2024.
An esteemed member of several professional dental associations, Dr. Scheifele stays at the forefront of pediatric dentistry through continuous education and evidence-based dentistry. He is an advocate for children’s oral health, actively participating in community outreach programs and providing care to underserved populations.
Dr. Scheifele’s compassionate approach, combined with his clinical excellence, has earned him the trust and respect of his patients, their families, and his peers. He is truly dedicated to making a difference in children’s lives by ensuring they have a positive and healthy start to their oral health journey.
Dr. Maria I. Trujillo
Dr. Trujillo is a highly experienced pediatric dentist with over 13 years of practice in the field. She received her dental degree from the University of Texas at Houston Dental Branch, where she developed a strong foundation in dentistry. Following her dental degree, Dr. Trujillo pursued specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at Miami Children’s Hospital, which provided her with advanced knowledge and skills in the specialized care of infants, children, and adolescents. As a testament to her commitment to providing the highest quality care to her young patients, Dr. Trujillo is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Trujillo’s extensive training and experience allow her to provide compassionate, personalized care to children of all ages, with a focus on creating positive experiences and instilling good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.
Dr. Leslie Pence
Dr. Leslie Pence was born and raised in North Carolina, where she received her dental degree at the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine. She completed her pediatric dental residency with NYU-Langone Health in Tampa, Florida, where she held the position of Chief Resident.
Dr. Leslie loves working with children of all ages, including those with special needs, to make sure they have a comfortable and enjoyable experience at the dentist. She understands that every child is different so she takes the time to talk to her patients and listen to their concerns so she can better serve their unique needs. With her calm and lighthearted spirit, she strives to bring a smile to her patients’ faces with every appointment!
Dr. Isabel Cruz
Dr. Isabel Rossetti Cruz, D.D.S, was born and raised in Brazil. She received her dental Surgery Degree in 2000 at the University of Sao Francisco, Sao Paulo.
After graduating, she worked as a General Dentist dedicating her time between private practice and community-based dentistry. A few years later she furthered her education in Prosthetics and Pediatric Dentistry.
When she moved to the United States, she continued to pursue her passion in Dentistry and completed her residency program in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the University of Florida in 2020.
Dr. Cruz sets her goals to provide high quality treatment. She is caring and compassionate and her patients always come first.
Dr. Nicole Buzzi
Dr. Buzzi is a pediatric dentist and Miami native, having received her bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Miami. She went on to earn her dental degree from Boston University where she graduated with the highest honors and subsequently completed a general practice residency at the Manhattan VA. After working in private practice for a year she decided to dedicate her career to pediatrics and returned to Boston University to complete her pediatric dentistry residency. Dr. Buzzi specializes in treating children, adolescents and children with special health care needs. She is thrilled to be delivering oral health care to the pediatric community in her hometown and strives to make coming to the dentist a positive experience for all!
Dr. Azin Haghighi
Dr. Haghighi, fulfilled her dream of becoming a dentist at Nova Southeastern University . After completing an orthodontics internship at the University of Florida, she now practices as a General Dentist, focusing on the dental needs of young adults and pediatric patients. Drawing from her positive childhood dental experiences, she strives to create rewarding and informative visits for every patient. Dr. Haghighi prioritizes empathy, actively listening to patient needs, and advocates for integrating oral health into daily lives through education. Committed to community service, she volunteers for projects such as “Give Kids a Smile” and the “Special Olympics.” Continuously enhancing her skills, she stays updated on the latest industry techniques through ongoing education.
Dr. Nicole Erazo
Dr. Erazo is a pediatric dentist that strives to create a fun, safe, and trusting environment for children and their families. She earned her doctorate in dental surgery (DDS) from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York City. Dr. Erazo then followed with a specialized two-year residency training at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for Pediatric Dentistry. She is board certified in Pediatric Dentistry by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) and holds hospital privileges at local children’s hospitals.
Dr. Sandra Perla Ivanier
Dr. Perla studied dentistry at Facultad de Odontología/ UDELAR in Montevideo, Uruguay where she was born and raised.
She moved to the US in 1988, where she got her dental license and began practicing in South Florida as a general dentist.
Dr. Sandra Perla Ivanier is devoted to her patients, treating each with the utmost compassion and respect. Her kindness, passion and dedication to personal care for children, adults and patients with special needs, has made her stand out and keep her patients smiling during her 30 years of service to the South Florida community.
She also enjoys learning through study groups and seminars in order to offer the best treatment options for her patients.
Dr. Carolina Borgenicht-Lopez
Carolina was born in Cali, Colombia, she completed her dental school at the Universidad Autonoma de Manizales were she graduated Summa Cum Laude in the year 2001. She was recognized for her thesis graduation project in Pediatric Dentistry and for whom she achieved recognition from the Latinamerican Dental Association. After graduating, she practice in different Children’s Hospitals in Colombia, providing pediatric dental care. Her passion for care to pediatric patients has been her source of motivation and she keeps this same passion up to this date. Carolina is a general dentist that has limited her profession to pediatric dentistry, which she enjoys!.
Carolina completed her residency program at the University of Florida, where she graduated from an Advanced Education in General Dentistry. Such program provided her the opportunity to expand her knowledge in general and pediatric dentistry, and provided her licensure in the State of Florida.
Dr. Ana Norena
Dr. Ana Maria Norena is a highly skilled dentist specializing in orthodontics, dedicated to exceptional dental care and creating beautiful smiles. With a passion for optimal oral health and confidence, she graduated at the top of her class from Nova Southeastern University with a DMD degree. Dr. Norena pursued advanced orthodontic training and completed a rigorous residency program. Her expertise includes traditional braces, clear aligner systems, and innovative orthodontic approaches. Actively participating in continuing education, she stays updated on the latest advancements in orthodontic technology.
Dr. Francesca Duluc Ovalles
Dr. Francesca Duluc is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist. She grew up in Dominican Republic and moved to the US at the age of 18. She attended Cornell University for her Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology. She then moved to Boston to complete her dental school degree in Boston University. She completed her pediatric dentistry residency in Montefiore Hospital in NYC. She loves creating positive experiences for children at the dentist and enjoys her profession to the fullest.
Dr. Gaby Slement
Dr. Gaby Slement lived in Minnesota and Chicago before moving to Florida. In 2005, she attended the University of Florida where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and her D.M.D. Dentist Degree. Dr. Gaby is a General Dentist and her greatest passion is Pediatric Dentistry. She loves helping people, especially kids and teenagers. She makes sure that the children patients in her office leave smiling and that they know how to take great care of their teeth. Her practice philosophy is centered on the values of ethics and professionalism.
Dr. Ivonne Vasquez
Dr. Ivonne Vasquez is a General dentist in Florida. She provides advice on proper brushing, flossing, cleaning, healthy gums and other dental care for children.
Dr. Anne Castera
Dr. Anne Castera is a pediatric dentist in Florida. She provides advice on proper brushing, flossing, cleaning, healthy gums and other dental care for children.
Dr. Andrea Terris
Dr. Andrea Terris is a pediatric dentist in Florida. She provides advice on proper brushing, flossing, cleaning, healthy gums and other dental care for children.
Dr. Fergie Molina
Dr. Fergie A. Molina is a pediatric dentist in Florida. She provides advice on proper brushing, flossing, cleaning, healthy gums and other dental care for children.