How We Give Back

Rita Dargham, DMD Dentist

Dr. Dargham, a native of Miami, Florida, completed her undergraduate studies a the University of Miami, and then proceeded to the University of Florida where she earned her Doctorate in Medical Dentistry in May of 1997. Dr. Dargham later furthered her studies at the Veterans Administration Hospital, completing advanced training in Cosmetic, Implant and Reconstructive dentistry. In private practice for ten years, she continues to enjoy what has become a wonderful journey mastering the Art of Designing Beautiful and Healthy Smiles. Dr. Dargham’s knowledge base and experience also includes Invisalign Orthodontics, White Fillings, Bondings, Zoom Laser Teeth Whitening. Through Operation Smile, a nonprofit organization, Dr. Dargham has discovered an invaluable way to see the world while simultaneously donating her time and expertise to treat children and young adults suffering from the ill-effects of cleft lip and palate. Visiting numerous underdeveloped countries, she has offered education, treatment and support to these underprivileged societies.

Lorena Corzo, D.D.S. Periodontal Surgery & Implantology

Dr. Lorena Corzo has been helping people to put their best smile forward for the past 10 years. As an active dentist and adjunct faculty at NOVA Southeastern University, she spends time encouraging the importance of periodontal health prevention and treatment to her patients and her students. Her motivation to enter the field started in her Junior year of high school, when she realized that this is a field where she could help and serve back to her community. Dr. Corzo completed her dental degree in Caracas Venezuela at the Universidad Central de Venezuela. After practicing for almost 3 years, she moved to the USA. There she got accepted at the University of Florida Advance Education for the General Dentist program where she obtained her Florida Dental License. For Dr. Corzo, it was a paramount to continue learning and a specialty/master program was her next step to follow. She then completed her residency on Periodontology and a Master of Science degree in Periodontology at Boston University. She was awarded with the Morris P. Ruben Award Scholarship for Academic Excellency and the Richard E. Stallard Award for her research with implants and Piezocision. Her residency gave her the specific skills that she needed to help patients affected by gum and bone disease. Dr. Corzo can develop a comprehensive plan that can help to address patient’s individual situation and unique needs. She uses state of the art techniques and technology to improve her patient’s oral health and restore their smiles. She is part of the Miami Dade Dental Society, Florida Dental Association, American Dental Association and American Academy of Periodontology.

Oscar Reyes, D.D.S. Dentist

Dr. Reyes has over 25 years’ experience in the dental field. His formal education started in Cuba where he graduated from the Higher Institute of Medical Sciences in 1992. After practicing for several years, he immigrated to Costa Rica where he had to revalidate his license from the University of Costa Rica in 1998. He lived and practiced dentistry in there for seven years during which time he fell in love and married his current wife. Their dream to live in the United States was realized in 2005 when he immigrated to the U.S. and soon after had their first daughter. While studying for his dental boards, Dr. Reyes held several odd jobs to help support his family. In May 2012, he was finally accepted into the University of Florida Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program. He graduated in 2014 with his third degree in general dentistry. Having been an outstanding student, Dr. Reyes was asked to return to the AEGD program after graduation as an attending faculty. He currently holds this part-time position teaching foreign-trained dental students in the latest dental materials and procedures. Dr. Reyes is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Florida Dental Association (FDA), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), and International Team for Implantology (ITI). He prides himself in meticulous work and maintains his continuing education in all areas of dentistry which allows him to offer his patients comprehensive dental treatment. Dr. Reyes has beautiful daughters, the oldest of which is following in her father’s footsteps and is in dental school abroad. He looks forward to the day he can be her teacher at the AEGD program with the hopes of one day practicing dentistry together.

Stephanie Sommer, R.D.H. Dental Hygienist

I have been in the dental field for over 30 years. My experiences have included Office Manager, Chair Side Assistant, Patient Coordinator, Patient Liaison and Hygienist. I have worked in Perio. Offices, Ortho. Offices, group practices, solo practices and mobile dental practices. In six offices, I set up the original hygiene department, helping with design, function, instrument and equipment selection. My education includes an A.S. from B.C.C. in Mass. and a Bachelor’s from Barry University. I also attended Western Michigan University and Macomb College. For the past three years, I have been an adjunct professor at Miami Dade, teaching radiology, technology, Freshman and Senior clinic. I am a member of the American Dental Hygiene Association and the secretary elect of the South Florida Dental Hygiene Association. I have participated in the South Florida Dental Society, the Florida Dental Association as well as the West Dade Dental Society. I am a volunteer for the Special Olympics Special Smiles and have organized and implemented volunteer dental screenings at local schools. I was trained in the use of the Yag laser for perio scaling and desensitization, and also ultrasound therapy for TMJD. I have accumulated over 400 hrs of continuing ed. I believe that the smile has to be healthy and happy before it can be beautiful. Each person achieves this in his or her own way and time. I am here to facilitate that movement, customizing each appointment to the individual’s specific needs. A dental visit should be as pleasant as possible and my goal is to get everyone to look forward to the hygiene appointment.

Jorge Linares Medical Aesthetician

Jorge was born in Bogota, Colombia and immigrated to the US in 1980. He received his medical aesthetician degree at the Florida Medical College in 2005. Training at this school gave him extensive knowledge in both general health, wellness, and skin care treatments allowing him to provide his clients with an integrated approach to address their skin concerns. Jorge has over 20 years’ experience in the skin care field which started as an esthetician at Canyon Ranch. After receiving specialized training in Venezuela on advanced dermatologic procedures and equipment, Jorge became president and director of international sales at Theramedic, a dermatology equipment company. During this time, he also organized medical training courses for the esteemed, Dr. Alyman El-Attar, for the American Esthetic Association of which he is still an active member. In 2013, Jorge realized his dream of opening his own business and created the Advanced Esthetic Center. During this time, he trained extensively with Image Skin Care which sponsored the Miss Universe Pageant. This gave him national and international exposure allowing him access to an exclusive client list including international beauty queens, top models, celebrities and TV personalities. This recognition earned him the “Spa of the Year” award in 2017. Jorge has maintained his strong Colombian roots by participating in the Carnival of Barranquilla the last five years. In 2018 he was given the honorary title of Rey Momo USA and in 2019 became the Cultural Ambassador for the Colombian museum in Miami. Jorge’s passion and extensive knowledge make him unique in his field. Furthermore, his international recognition and exclusive client list speaks to his quality of work and outstanding results. Combining his unique expertise with his years of experience, Jorge provides his clients customized skin care treatments that are unique to their needs.

Jany Castillo Exec. Manager

Our wonderful and devoted office manager, Jany has been with our office since the beginning. She was the first employee hired to run the front desk back in 1999. With 7 years of prior experience under her belt she quickly moved from front desk to office manager position. Her quick wit and fearless dedication make her an invaluable asset to our office. Jany is married and has two teenage kids.

Diana Serna Head Dental Assistant

Our head dental assistant Diana has been with our company since 2006. She graduated dental school in Cali, Colombia in 2005 and immigrated the same year to the US. Diana’s calm demeanor and excellent organizational skills along with her thorough knowledge of the dental field give her unique qualifications not found with other dental assistants. Diana is married and is the proud mother of Dante, her 4-year-old boy and is currently expecting her second child.