Karissa – Practice Administrator
Karissa is the Practice Administrator at Dentistry of North Port. With more than 10 years of experience as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant, Karissa holds an Associate’s Degree from Florida Southwestern University and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. She is also a member of the American Association of Dental Office Management.
Karissa enjoys educating patients the most about their dental health. Patients love interacting with Karissa because she takes the time to get to know them and form genuine bonds and friendships.
Karissa loves working for Dentistry of North Port because Dr. Hernandez embodies the philosophy of creating a dental family where patients are well taken care of. It brings her joy to serve their patients and improve their quality of life by giving them a reason and the confidence to smile. Karissa’s dedication to her role and passion for patient care make her an invaluable member of the team at Dentistry of North Port.
Outside of work, Karissa is a loving mother to her two sons, Santiago and Rodrigo. She speaks both English and Spanish and enjoys anything active and outdoors. She is particularly fond of fixed-gear bikes, painting, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Samantha – EFDA
Samantha is an experienced Dental Assistant with 6 years of hands-on practice in the field. She holds Expanded Functions and Radiograph certifications, showcasing her dedication toward continuing education and professional growth. Samantha’s top priority is patient care, and she thoroughly enjoys working closely with her patients to ensure their comfort and well-being. She believes in building genuine relationships with her patients and taking the time to get to know them on a personal level. In addition to her dental career, Samantha is a proud mother who loves spending time outdoors with her pets and children.
Lana – Administrative Receptionist
Lana is a highly skilled administrative receptionist with extensive experience in the dental field. She received her training from Spokane Skills Center as a Dental Assistant and went on to obtain her degree from Spokane Falls Community College. With over seven years of experience as a dental assistant and one year in the front office, Lana has a comprehensive understanding of dental operations.
Lana finds joy in meeting new people, getting to know them, and helping them schedule appointments. She brings warm, welcoming energy to our office, making every patient feel comfortable and at ease. As a Russian native, Lana enjoys spending time with her family and going boating. Lana values the positive, supportive culture at our practice, where everyone feels like friends. She loves helping patients and is committed to making our office a happy, fun, and pleasant environment.
Oksana – EFDA / CLDA
Oksana is an experienced dental professional at Dentistry of North Port, serving as an EFDA and CLDA. With her A.A.S. Degree and certification, she brings extensive knowledge to her role. Oksana finds joy in witnessing the transformation of patients’ smiles and helping them achieve dental health and confidence. Patients appreciate Oksana’s genuine care, compassion, and respect for their time, leaving a lasting impression.
Beyond dentistry, Oksana’s creative side shines through event planning and coordination for friends and family. Working at Dentistry of North Port, especially after recent remodeling, brings Oksana delight and an enjoyable work experience. With her dedication to patient care and passion for creating beautiful smiles, Oksana is an invaluable member of the team.
Imma – RDH
Imma is an RDH (Registered Dental Hygienist) at Dentistry of North Port. With a background in dentistry and orthodontics from ISCM Camaguey, Cuba, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Immigrating to the USA in 2016, she obtained her hygienist license in FL in January 2023.
Imma is passionate about educating patients on oral health and prevention. Her kind nature and personalized care make her a favorite among patients. Outside of work, she enjoys an active lifestyle with her family, including library visits, beach trips, and participating in races. Imma loves working at Dentistry of North Port due to the friendly and hardworking staff.
Dawn – RDH
Dawn is a Certified Registered Dental Hygienist at Dentistry of North Port. With many years of experience in dental hygiene, Dawn brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. She received her Dental Assistant Certifications from Charlotte Vo-Tech in 1993 and went on to complete her Dental Hygiene program at Edison State College in 2004. In 2015, she obtained her Certification for Local Anesthetic at St. Petersburg College.
Dawn takes great pride in her work and enjoys the technical aspects of dental hygiene, providing precise and thorough treatment to her patients. Her attention to detail ensures that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs. Patients appreciate Dawn’s dedication to creating a positive and comfortable dental experience.
Outside of work, Dawn cherishes spending time with her family, including her granddaughter. She has a passion for travel and enjoys going on cruises to explore new destinations.
Dawn finds great fulfillment in working for Dentistry of North Port because of the empathetic nature of Dr. Hernandez, the practice’s dentist. Dr. Hernandez prioritizes understanding her patients’ needs and actively listens to their concerns. Dawn and Dr. Hernandez collaborate seamlessly to deliver exceptional care to their patients.
With Dawn’s devotion to excellence and genuine care for her patients, she continues to make a positive impact, committing to providing exceptional dental care to all patients at Dentistry of North Port.