Dr. Ryan Lepore
“Average” has never been good enough for Dr. Ryan Lepore, especially when it comes to his family and his patients. This philosophy stems from a phrase Dr. Lepore’s dad instilled in him as a young boy: “Maximize your potential.” These three simple words are an unbroken thread that weaves through every part of his life.
Dr. Lepore did his best to do so when playing youth hockey, studying in dental school, and now as an enthusiastic lifelong learner and educator in dentistry. Last and probably most important, he does not settle for average when it comes to being the best husband and father. Dr. Lepore applies these uncompromising principles to the care of his patients, too.
By developing close bonds within a concierge and boutique dental environment, Dr. Lepore truly gets to know you as a one-of-a-kind individual. He can then equip you with personalized guidance – empowering you to be the best parent, partner, and healthiest, happiest self! As a functional dental medicine specialist, Dr. Lepore also connects the dots between dental symptoms and their many root causes. You are more than your smile, and your oral health does not exist in isolation from the wellness of the rest of “you”.
The Journey To Concierge Dental Wellness
Dr. Lepore was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but grew up locally in Pinellas County. He attended Tarpon Springs High School before attaining undergraduate and dental school degrees from the University of Florida. Despite a rigorous course of study, Dr. Lepore held down a job throughout dental school.
While acquiring continuing education, Dr. Lepore took a step back from the traditional model learned in dental school: Identify a problem and simply fix that problem. Instead, Dr. Lepore, through going to doctors’ visits for both himself and his family, wondered why healthcare had become so impersonal and sterile. Enduring long wait times for doctors who took almost no time with patients inspired him to focus on the “whys” behind the problem and take a step back to apply the principle of “Begin with the End in Mind.” He embarked on creating a practice that was preventive versus reactive – that protected the tooth from breakage or the effects of gum disease rather than one that fixed the tooth after it was already broken or weakened. This approach has resulted in care that costs less and is more pleasant for the patient.
So, Dr. Lepore stays true to the “comprehensive dentistry” part of his practice’s name. He screens for indicators of health problems that go beyond the oral cavity. Furthermore, he works with other medical providers on diagnoses and multi-faceted treatments for acid reflux, diabetes, cardiac conditions, sleep apnea, and sleep-disordered breathing conditions. As Dr. Lepore likes to say, “We are not just looking at your teeth. We are looking at the whole you.”
More Than A Dentist
Similarly, Dr. Lepore is a “people person”. He gets up to meet patients and their families and enjoys getting to know the people behind the smile. Furthermore, he sets the tone for the rest of the practice. With Dr. Lepore’s leadership, our team will be there for you. We’ll put you at ease if you’re scared or apprehensive. Or, we’ll listen non-judgmentally to your concerns. We instill trust and safety at our office. You can leave us with confidence that your recommendations and treatments are in the best interests of your smile, health, and overall wellness.
When the lab coat comes off, you’ll find Dr. Lepore going out for dinner and drinks with his wife, goofing off with his two young children, Luca and Melina, attending church, watching and coaching hockey, and spending quality time with friends.
Formal Education
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) – University of Florida College of Dentistry – Gainesville, Florida
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) – University of Florida – Gainesville, Florida
Leadership
- Faculty Member at the Nash Institute of Dental Learning – a continuing education organization teaching dentists across the country about the latest in cosmetic and restorative dentistry.
- Co-Leader of Spear Education Study Club – an interdisciplinary team of general practitioners and specialists in the field of dentistry who meet to discuss complex dental needs in their patients while advancing their skills through extensive continuing education.
Continuing Education
Dr. Lepore acquired wide-ranging, specialized training in advanced rehabilitative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, dental sleep medicine, and oral-systemic medicine.
Since 2013, Dr. Lepore has been privileged to have attended nearly 1,700 hours of progressive continuing education. He values education and training and is committed to going far beyond the minimum requirement of 16 hours of CE per year. This dedication to the latest trends, technologies, and treatment planning supports the optimal care of patients. Not included in the 1,700 hours are the hundreds of hours he has spent teaching and lecturing fellow colleagues.
Memberships
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) – Member
- Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (FACD) – Member
- International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) – Fellow
- American Academy of Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH) – Member
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) – Member
- American Dental Association (ADA) – Member
- Florida Dental Association (FDA) – Member
- West Coast District Dental Association (WCDDA) – Member
Dr. Erin Dougherty
According to Dr. Erin Dougherty, the best dental care is delivered in an atmosphere of comfort, dignity, and safety. Dr. Dougherty believes that no one should ever feel scared or embarrassed about embarking on a process to improve their health. Making the choice to better your dental health is a positive decision that should be celebrated, not feared. Dr. Dougherty is an experienced and empathetic healthcare provider who values her patients’ trust and will empower you on your journey to achieving a healthier mouth and body.
The daughter of a career Air Force veteran, Dr. Dougherty was raised on deep-rooted principles of service, respect, and integrity. Prior to receiving her doctorate of dental medicine (DMD) from Midwestern University in 2012, Dr. Dougherty was awarded the National Health Service Corps Scholarship, which led her to a 9-year career in public health in Pinellas County. During this time, she saw firsthand the truth of the oral-systemic connection and how seriously poor oral health could affect the body and vice versa. Beginning her career in public health has shaped Dr. Dougherty’s vision that true, quality dental care starts with prevention and must be integrated with total body health.
Dr. Dougherty was born in England and has lived in many cities across the United States. She has lived in Pinellas County, Florida, with her husband, Shelby, since 2012. The couple fell in love with the area’s rich culture, history, geography, and food, and they are now proud to call the Sunshine State their forever home. Together they have a son, Noah, who was born in Saint Petersburg and is a Florida boy through and through. When she is not at the dental office, Dr. Dougherty enjoys exploring Florida’s natural beauty with her family, reading, doing DIY projects around the house, and cooking.
Dr. Dougherty is experienced in treating patients of all ages. She looks forward to welcoming new patients to the Lepore Comprehensive Dentistry family and is eager to guide you on your path to dental wellness.
Formal Education
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) – Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine – Glendale, Arizona
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) – University of Arizona – Tucson, Arizona
Memberships & Affiliations
- American Academy of Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH) – Member
- American Association for Women Dentists (AAWD) – Member
- American Dental Association (ADA) – Member
- Florida Dental Association (FDA) – Member
- West Coast District Dental Association (WCDDA) – Member
- Saint Petersburg College Dental Hygiene Advisory Committee – Member
- Ultimate Medical Academy, Dental Assistant Program Advisory Committee – Member
- Pinellas Technical College Dental Assistant Program Advisory Committee – Member
Continuing Education
Dr. Dougherty is a committed lifelong learner. She strives to stay current in dental technology and treatments and goes well above the state’s minimum requirement of 16 hours per year, in order to provide the highest level of care to her patients. Some topics that Dr. Dougherty’s continuing education portfolio includes are oral-systemic health, preventive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and treatment planning, sleep apnea, and prosthetics.
