Local dentist Dr. Larry Saylor adds new associate to growing practice

BRANDON, Fla. - Oct. 23, 2023 - PRLog -- Dr. Larry Saylor has welcomed a new dental associate to his practice – Tampa native Dr. Michelle Afonso, DMD. Dr. Afonso recently graduated from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and was hired as a full-time dental associate in the Brandon dental office.

"We're excited to welcome Dr. Afonso to our practice and introduce her to our patients," said Dr. Saylor, DMD, MAGD. "For me, it's such a privilege to help someone enter this profession so it's a unique opportunity that she's joining me. Our patients trust me and my staff, and I'm confident she will earn that same level of trust and respect as she establishes herself in our office."

Dr. Afonso graduated from The UF College of Dentistry with her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) in May 2023. There, she received the Outstanding Student Award from the Dental Lifeline Network for her commitment to community service.

While UF, she volunteered at FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA, a mobile clinic that provides free dental care to uninsured and under-insured residents of Marion County. She served as the Student Liaison for FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA from 2022 to 2023. In this role, she organized volunteers, communicated with the clinic staff and providers, and helped run the clinic twice a month.

While in dental school, she also worked as an assistant in Dr. Saylor's Brandon dental office. She started by shadowing the veteran cosmetic dentist in the summer of 2018 and was later hired as an assistant in 2019. Dr. Afonso spent her summers and extended school breaks learning from Dr. Saylor and his staff.

"Joining the practice felt like coming home because I had already spent so much time with the staff and patients," said Dr. Afonso. "I love the family environment of the office and the practice philosophy of helping get patients to 100 with all their teeth. As a team, we are focused on what is best for the patient, which means we are doing good every day."

Dr. Afonso earned her bachelor's degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of South Florida. She is a lifelong Tampa resident and a graduate of Alonso High School.

She is currently accepting new patients in need of general dentistry, including crowns, dental bridges, fillings, root canals and extractions. To schedule a dental consultation, call (813) 689-4226.

About Dr. Larry Saylor
Larry Saylor, DMD., MAGD, is an award-winning Kois dentist in Brandon, Fla. who specializes in cosmetic and comprehensive dentistry. Services include Bioclear, porcelain and DURAthin veneers, reconstructive dentistry, same day crowns, Invisalign®, tooth whitening, dental bonding, silver filling replacement and sedation dentistry. www.doctorsaylor.com