Dr. Amanda Buscemi
Dr. Amanda Buscemi, is a board-certified pediatric dentist holding Diplomate status in the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is a recipient of the Richard C. Pugh award for scoring in the top 3% of examinees in the nation on her pediatric board examination. Dr. Buscemi was born in Long Island, NY and grew up in Coral Springs, FL. She attended the University of Central Florida where she received her Bachelors degree in Microbiology and Molecular Biology. She received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern College of Dental Medicine, where upon graduation she received the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Award. Immediately after, she completed her two year pediatric dental residency at Nova Southeastern University and Joe Dimaggio Children’s Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident.
During her journey doing her post-doctoral training at Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Buscemi received extensive training in behavioral management including advanced behavioral management techniques, including oral sedation and general anesthesia. She received an immense amount of training for special needs children. Dr. Buscemi trained at the Mailman Segal Center Baudhuin Preschool and developed a strong passion for treating children with sensory issues, ranging from children with mild hypersensitivities to children with severe autism. Dr. Buscemi and her staff are well educated on “ABA”, applied behavioral analysis, for dental procedures and strongly believe in the rights of all children to have a pleasant dental experience.
Dr. Buscemi also enjoys giving back to the community, organizing an event, which donates free dental exams and services for hundreds of children each year through the “Give Kids A Smile Day” program at Nova Southeastern University and Broward Hygiene College. She is also very involved in her local Dental Society where she organizes and runs community service events for children.
From the very beginning, Dr. Buscemi knew she was destined to be working with children. She has always enjoyed being around children and has the patience and outstanding skills to create the most comfortable and enjoyable dental experience for all her patients. She especially loves taking the time to care for and comfort her patients so that “visiting the dentist” is a rewarding, informative, and all-around-fun experience. Dr. Buscemi also enjoys helping younger anxious patients and enjoys transforming them into kids who are happy to see their dentist again and again. Dr. Buscemi’s primary goal is to make each dental visit positive and fun thus making dental appointments pleasant and relaxing for both patients and parents. She prides herself in educating and helping both children and parents in our community toward a lifetime of excellent dental health.
Dr. Joanna Theodorou
Dr. Joanna Theodorou is a pediatric dentist and member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry [AAPD]. She was born in Montreal, QC, Canada and grew up in sunny South Florida. Dr. Theodorou attended college at Nova Southeastern University [NSU], where she was a student athlete all four years and later received a bachelor’s of science degree in biology with a minor in business administration. She then continued her education at NSU College of Dental Medicine and received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Upon graduating, she received the Oral Medicine outstanding case presentation award as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Award.
After graduation, Dr. Theodorou remained in South Florida to complete her two-year residency training at NSU and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. There, she received extensive training in behavior management, treating patients with special health care needs, sedation, and hospital dentistry with general anesthesia. Dr. Theodorou loves connecting with her patients and instilling all the necessary oral health habits for children to develop as they transition into adolescence and adulthood. She makes sure her patients and their parents feel comfortable and at ease while in a dental setting. Giving back to the community is a passion of Dr. Theodorou. Whether it be local, serving as director for NSU’s Give Kids a Smile, or international, volunteering and providing treatment on mission trips. When she’s not providing care to patients, Dr. Theodorou enjoys going to the beach, reading a good book, and jamming out at concerts!
Dr. Courtny Patterson
Dr. Courtny Patterson is a highly respected and accomplished pediatric dentist and a diplomat of the pediatric board of dentistry. Born in South Carolina and raised in Maryland, she was inspired to pursue a career in dentistry from a young age by her aunt, who was a dentist.
Dr. Patterson attended dental school at The University of Maryland in Baltimore, where she received a comprehensive education in all aspects of dentistry. After completing her general practice residency, she worked as a general dentist in Maryland for four years, during which time she discovered her true calling in working with children. She realized the critical importance of good oral health and access to dental care for children and decided to pursue a career in pediatric dentistry.
To further her expertise in this specialized field, Dr. Patterson completed a Pediatric Dental Residency at Stony Brook University in New York, where she received advanced training in the treatment of children and individuals with special health care needs. She is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care to her patients and takes the time to build strong relationships with each child and their family.
In her free time, Dr. Patterson enjoys listening to Soca music and watching the movie “Moana.” She also loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, hiking, and relaxing at the beach. With her warm and caring personality, extensive knowledge, and unwavering commitment to providing the best possible care, Dr. Courtny Patterson is a pediatric dentist who truly makes a difference in the lives of her patients.
Dr. Ana Hernandez
Dr. Ana Hernandez was born in Venezuela, where she graduated as a “Dentist” in 2002, and then continued with the “Pediatric Dentistry Residency program”, which was successfully completed in 2007.
In Venezuela, Dr. Hernandez practiced as a Pediatric Dentist from 2007 until 2015, working at her private practice and in the hospital “Victorino Santaella”, where she provided outpatient dental care and Oral Rehabilitation under General Anesthesia to underserved population and Special Needs patients.
In 2016 she moved with her husband and two children to the United States, where she continued with her academic education at Nova Southeastern University, College of Dental Medicine, attending to the “Advanced Education in General Dentistry” program, where she had the opportunity to provide dental care to special needs patients, both in the Henry Schein Special Needs Clinic and in the Operating Room at Broward Health Medical Center. In recognition of her outstanding qualities, Dr. Hernandez was awarded with the “Resident of the Year 2020”, “Chief Resident 2021”, and “Chief O.R. 2021”.
She is an active member of the Venezuelan Society of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and Florida Dental Association.
In her spare time, Dr. Hernandez loves riding bikes, and watching movies with her family. She also likes camping, fishing and dancing. Her clinical skills, friendly and compassionate nature provide a comfortable environment for children and parents, making Dr. Hernandez the perfect choice for families in our community.
Dr. Sam Tover
Dr. Sam Tover is a proud native of south Florida, having been born and raised in Boca Raton, FL. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Syracuse University and later pursued his Doctorate of Dental Medicine at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. Following dental school, Dr. Tover furthered his education by completing a comprehensive general practice residency at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, New Jersey. After gaining valuable experience in private practice for a year, Dr. Tover’s dedication to pediatric dentistry led him to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where he pursued specialized training and obtained his license in pediatric dentistry. During his time at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, he had the privilege of serving as Chief Resident, showcasing his commitment to providing exceptional care. Dr. Tover firmly believes in delivering personalized care to each and every patient. He places great emphasis on actively listening to parents’ concerns and addressing any questions they may have regarding their child’s dental health. Creating a positive and enjoyable environment for children is a priority for Dr. Tover, as he wants them to look forward to their dental visits and leave with a bright smile. Outside of his professional life, Dr. Tover enjoys attending Miami Dolphin football games and spending time with his wife, family, and friends.
Dr. May
Dr. Dionne May is a pediatric dentist and member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She was born and raised in Connecticut, and remained in the Northeast for her higher education pursuits. Dr. May attended Lafayette College in Pennsylvania for undergraduate studies where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Environmental Science. After college, Dr. May completed a year of clinical research at Penn Medicine, followed by earning a Master of Science degree in Oral Health Sciences at Boston University. Dr. May went on to attend Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine. Through her involvement in community outreach and various clinical experiences as a dental student, Dr. May recognized the special opportunity to set the stage for lifelong health and wellbeing for children as a pediatric dentist. Upon graduating Magna Cum Laude from BU, Dr. May began her residency in pediatric dentistry at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Throughout residency, Dr. May was trained extensively in preventive oral health care as well as non-pharmacological and pharmacological behavior management and treatment modalities for both well children and those with medical complexities. Her clinical philosophy is geared towards oral health education, minimally invasive dentistry, and interventions based on current evidence in the literature. She values connecting with her patients and their families, such that each child has a plan of care that will suit their specific needs and optimize their oral health outcomes. Dr. May looks forward to continuing her involvement in community outreach, mentorship, and organized dentistry. Outside of work, Dr. May enjoys exploring new beaches, foods, and other fun experiences with family and friends in Florida and beyond.
Dr. Rivas
Dr. Yumi Rivas is a caring, compassionate, and highly skilled bilingual pediatric dentist, fluent in both English and Spanish. She is dedicated to creating personalized dental treatment plans that prioritize each child’s unique needs while ensuring positive dental experiences. Originally from Venezuela and raised in Weston, Florida, Dr. Rivas’s journey in dentistry has been driven by her desire to make a meaningful impact in her community. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Florida (UF), before continuing to the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (UPENN). There, she received her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD), graduating with Honors in Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health. Dr. Rivas was selected for the prestigious Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Fellowship Program at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, one of the top-ranked children’s hospitals in the U.S.
Her passion for pediatric dental care led her to complete a residency in pediatric dentistry at Nova Southeastern University, where she served as Chief Resident, showcasing her leadership and commitment to excellence in her field of pediatric dentistry. She also has extensive dental training in emergency room (ER) dental services and operating room (OR) while at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Dr. Rivas has gained invaluable experience treating children of all ages, including those with special needs, and excels in fostering a warm, positive, and friendly environment. Utilizing effective behavior management techniques, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), she builds trust and comfort with her young patients and their families.
Dedicated to being a lifelong learner, Dr. Rivas actively seeks to stay informed about the latest advancements in pediatric dentistry by completing multiple continuing education courses. She believes that teaching healthy dental habits from an early age is essential for promoting lifelong oral health and beautiful smiles. Additionally, she participates in multiple outreach initiatives, such as Give Kids A Smile (GKAS), focusing on improving oral health, especially in underserved children.
In her spare time, Dr. Rivas enjoys traveling, painting, dancing, watching Disney movies, coordinating matching outfits with family, and spending quality moments with family and friends. With her enthusiastic personality and love for dentistry, Dr. Yumi Rivas is committed to providing her patients with positive dental experiences, ensuring their oral health is in excellent hands. Her caring and energetic spirit brings joyful ambiance to her patients, as she shares stories, songs, and smiles, making each dental visit memorable.
Dr. Chaplin
Dr. Chaplin is a dedicated and compassionate pediatric dentist who remains committed to creating a positive comfortable dental environment for children on all ages. Born and raised in the vibrant community of Miami Beach, Florida, Dr. Chaplin developed a passion for helping others from an early age. She continues to strive for new ways to contribute to the well-being of children and remains a trusted and caring presence in the lives of her young patients.
Dr. Chaplin pursued her undergraduate education at the University of Florida, where she excelled in the Honors Program and earned a degree in Mathematics. Her academic journey continued at Columbia University, where she obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. During her time at Columbia, Dr. Chaplin was invited to join the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society, recognizing her outstanding academic achievements and dedication to dentistry.
Yearning to return to her sunny hometown and escape the cold winters, Dr. Chaplin moved back to Florida to further specialize in pediatric dentistry. She completed her pediatric dentistry residency at Nova Southeastern University and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident. During her residency, Dr. Chaplin focused on providing comprehensive oral health care to children, with a special emphasis on treating children with special needs, autism spectrum disorder, cleft lip and palate, and craniofacial disorders. She also honed her skills in advanced behavior guidance techniques, hospital dentistry, and sedation dentistry. During her residency, Dr. Chaplin also earned her Master of Science in Dentistry.
Yearning to return to her sunny hometown and escape the cold winters, Dr. Chaplin moved back to Florida to further specialize in pediatric dentistry. She completed her pediatric dentistry residency at Nova Southeastern University and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident. During her residency, Dr. Chaplin focused on providing comprehensive oral health care to children, with a special emphasis on treating children with special needs, autism spectrum disorder, cleft lip and palate, and craniofacial disorders. She also honed her skills in advanced behavior guidance techniques, hospital dentistry, and sedation dentistry. During her residency, Dr. Chaplin also earned her Master of Science in Dentistry.
Dr. Chaplin’s commitment to giving back to the community she grew up in is unwavering. Inspired by a mission trip to rural Panama during her undergraduate studies, she has dedicated her career to working with children and supporting those in need. She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (FAPD), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the Florida Dental Association (FDA).
In her spare time, Dr. Chaplin enjoys spending quality time with her husband, family, and her two beloved puppies, Don and Julio. She has a variety of hobbies, including cooking, crocheting, painting, and doing puzzles, which help her unwind and stay creative.
Dr. Ana Armenteros
Dr. Ana Lorena Armenteros, also known as "Dr. Lorena," was born in Cuba and graduated as a dentist in 2010. She moved to the United States with her husband and completed three years of the IDG (International Graduating Dentist) program at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. After obtaining her dental degree, she also pursued a Pediatric Dental Certification at NSU.
Dr. Armenteros is devoted to preventive dental care and aims to create a supportive environment for every child's oral health. She is passionate about providing children with positive and comfortable dental experiences with her warm and friendly demeanor. Her clinical skills and friendly nature contribute to her dedication to pediatric dentistry. In addition, she is an active member of professional organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Dental Association.
Outside of work, Dr. Armenteros enjoys spending time with her two children and
husband doing outdoor activities.
