Dr. Michael Gmitruk started this practice in Sarasota in 1986 and ran it until May of 2023, when he decided to transition into retirement. He had a remarkable journey – blessed by the engagement and support of so many patients and of the staff. He spent more than a year trying to find the right person with the best set of skills possible to take over the practice. He crossed path with Dr. Mario Romero and was convinced that Dr. Mario shared the same values and dedication and would be the ideal doctor and person to follow his footsteps.

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Born in Ecuador, Dr. Mario completed his foundational dental training at the University of Guayaquil in 1995. He followed that with a two- year advance education in the general dentistry program at the University of Rochester, Eastman Institute for Oral Health in Rochester NY, graduating as recipient of the Handelman Award for excellence. This award distinguishes the resident for outstanding dental skills, for demonstrated communication and leadership skills, and for a commitment to the highest ethical standards. Beyond his impressive education, he is a recognized scholar, combining his private practice with an academic career for the past 28 years. In recent years he served as the program director for the advanced education in general dentistry program at the prestigious Dental College of Georgia in Augusta, where he trained young dentists in complex restorative and esthetic dental procedures. While in this role, Dr. Romero received the Augusta University and the American College of Dentist Outstanding Faculty Award for his achievements in scholarity, research and service and the Teaching Excellence Award from the Dental College of Georgia, the highest recognition for a faculty member within the dental school. He has lectured extensively in over 20 countries on topics related to esthetics, restorative and minimally invasive dentistry and has published over 40 research papers in peer reviewed journals. 

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When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Mario enjoys cooking, following his favorite soccer team, and collecting soccer team jerseys from all over the world. He and his wife, Joanna, have been married 33 years. You will get to know Joanna, as she is the office manager. Together they have four children, Mario 33, Joanna 28, Sonia 24, Alejandro 18; and three grandchildren, Lucciana, Catalyna and Alana (expected September 2023); and a lovely 4-year-old dachshund named Mocha.