Sage Dental of
East Fort Lauderdale

Dr. Francesca Verratti (Dr. V) is originally from Caracas, Venezuela. She received her first Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the Central University of Venezuela, which she completed with honors. She then completed an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Internship in Caracas, followed by another year of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery training in Bogota, Colombia, at the Central Military Hospital, which is well known for pioneering techniques in osteogenesis, severe maxillofacial trauma, and orthognathic surgery. Dr. Verratti went on to train for three years at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida, working closely with many renowned oral and maxillofacial surgeons, focusing on major facial reconstruction techniques. Dr. Verratti obtained her second dental degree at New York University, College of Dentistry and completed her oral and maxillofacial surgery residency training at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where she helped care for a wide range of complex patients. During her time at NYU, she won the American Equilibration Society award for comprehensive care in occlusion and temporomandibular joint disorders. She also enjoys giving back to the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery and the community, and has been an instructor at NYU and a notable speaker at Bellevue Hospital and the Southern California Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. In her free time, Dr. Verratti likes to connect with nature and enjoys an active lifestyle full of camping trips and adventures with her husband, Victor, and their dogs, Choco & Gaia.

Dr. Luiz Alex Barbosa was born and raised in Brasilia, Brazil, and came to the US in 2009 for his Orthodontic residency. In 2012, he earned his Master's degree and specialty certification from the renowned Center for Advanced Dental Education at Saint Louis University in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Barbosa is passionate about changing smiles and uses the latest technology allied with decades of experience to treat with greater efficiency even the most challenging cases. Besides being an accomplished clinician, he is also an educator and devotes time to teaching Orthodontics to the University of Florida residents at the UF Hialeah Dental Center. Dr. Barbosa is highly skilled in various orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces, clear aligners, and other state-of-the-art techniques. He is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest advances in orthodontics and regularly attends continuing education courses to ensure that he provides his patients with the best possible care. Dr. Barbosa loves spending time with his family. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Liliane, and they have two beautiful daughters, Isabela and Giovana. His other passions include the piano, soccer, hiking, running, traveling, and being involved in his church and charity work. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists.

Dr. Adi Suta completed his undergraduate pre-dental training at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, where he received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. During his college years, he worked as a Nurse Tech at Scottish-Rite Children’s Hospital, where his passion and interest in Pediatric Healthcare began. He then moved to South Florida to attend Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and graduated with his DMD degree in 2012. While studying at Nova, he was involved in the American Student Dental Association as well as acting as the President of the Pre-Doctoral Pediatric Dentistry Club. After finishing his Dental School education, he moved to Miami for his Pediatric Dentistry Residency at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, which he completed in 2014. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He is raising a family with his wife, Dina, and in his spare time, he enjoys exploring nature, traveling, reading, and sharing his passion for health and well-being with others. His mission is to help families in his community optimize their oral health by cultivating good hygiene and nutrition-related habits.

Introducing Dr. Timmy Howard, a fresh graduate from the esteemed NYU College of Dentistry, class of 2021, ready to embark on a fulfilling journey in the world of dentistry. Outside the dental world, Dr. Howard finds joy and relaxation in various hobbies. A culinary enthusiast, he takes delight in cooking, exploring new recipes, and savoring delicious flavors. His green thumb leads him to the garden, where he nurtures plants and cultivates a thriving outdoor sanctuary. Additionally, Dr. Howard maintains a healthy and active lifestyle through regular workouts, recognizing the importance of physical well-being. Dr. Howard is not only skilled in the language of dentistry but proficient in both English and Chinese, enhancing his ability to connect with a diverse range of patients. As he begins his professional journey, Dr. Howard combines his passion for dentistry with his diverse interests, promising a well-rounded approach to patient care and a dedication to the well-being of the community he serves.

Dr. Juan Mendoza is a highly respected periodontist in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is known for his expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, as well as in placing dental implants. He is dedicated to providing his patients with the highest quality of care and takes a personalized approach to treatment, ensuring that each patient's unique needs and goals are met. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Mendoza is actively involved in continuing education and is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Periodontology and the Florida Dental Association. Outside of the office, Dr. Mendoza enjoys spending time with his family and staying active through outdoor activities like biking and hiking. He is also committed to giving back to the community and regularly volunteers his time and resources to local charities. Patients can trust that they will receive top-notch care and personalized treatment from Dr. Mendoza at Sage Dental.

Introducing Dr. Christel Torres, a dedicated dental professional whose journey in dentistry is marked by a commitment to serving others and a passion for creating beautiful smiles. Dr. Torres's educational path began with achieving an undergraduate degree at the University of Havana, Cuba, in 2011. Her early experiences in dentistry led her to Venezuela, where she participated in a humanitarian mission, providing dental care to those in need. Dr. Torres's pursuit of excellence continued when she arrived in the United States. She embarked on a transformative educational journey, earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from NYU Langone Health as part of an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program. This program honed her skills and deepened her commitment to the field. As a proud member of the American Dental Association, she stays connected to the dental community and remains at the forefront of dental advancements. Dentistry is a source of pride for Dr. Torres and her way of contributing to society. Her giving nature is evident in her dedication to improving the lives of her patients, one smile at a time. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Christel ensures effective communication with her patients, creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for all. Beyond her professional life, Christel finds true joy in spending quality time with her family and friends. She is an avid traveler who thrives on discovering new places, capturing memories through photography, and creating lasting bonds with those she meets along the way.