About Dr. Verwest

Dr. Tim Verwest grew up in Sioux Falls and relocated to Florida as a child, where he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors and water. A dedicated swimmer, he competed at the state level and learned early on the value of discipline, perseverance, and commitment. These qualities were further shaped through his achievement of becoming an Eagle Scout, fostering a strong sense of leadership and service.

Dr. Verwest was introduced to dentistry at an early age, as his father was the first pediatric dentist in Fort Myers. Years later, this early exposure grew into a genuine passion for dentistry and caring for children. He attended the University of Florida, where he proudly became a Gator and remains a loyal Florida Gators fan, and went on to pursue a career dedicated to helping children feel safe, confident, and comfortable during their dental visits.

Family is central to Dr. Verwest’s life. He is happily married and a proud father of three. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with his family and their dogs, as well as boating and fishing.

Guided by his Christian faith and personal values, Dr. Verwest is committed to treating every child and family with kindness, integrity, and compassion. His faith shapes his daily interactions with the people he encounters, influencing both his professional care and personal life.

About Dr. Walia

Dr. Riya Walia is a Pediatric Dentist who brings a diverse background and a passion for children’s oral health to her practice. Born in India and raised in Canada from the age of eight, she later moved to Florida in 2019 to further her education and career.

Dr. Walia earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Detroit Mercy. She then completed both her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree and her Pediatric Dentistry residency at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale.

She is dual trained in both the United States and Canada. Her professional affiliations include the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Walia enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, discovering new coffee shops, visiting the beach, and staying active through pilates, yoga, and weight training.

Dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality care, Dr. Walia strives to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for every child. She believes that a lifetime of clean, healthy and confident smiles begins with exceptional pediatric dental care from a trusted specialist.

About Dr. Whitesides

Dr. Whitesides is an experienced and accomplished orthodontist with over a decade of experience. It is his privilege to make a positive difference in his patients’ lives by creating a healthy and beautiful smile through orthodontic treatment.

His philosophy is to treat each person and his or her family the way we would want to be treated: with compassion and respect. He understands that each person presents a unique set of clinical needs and goals, so he works with them to determine the best orthodontic plan that will straighten their teeth and create a confident, beautiful smile.

About Dr. Torre

Dr. Yusleimys M. Torres is a compassionate and highly trained General Dentist dedicated to helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles.

Originally from Cuba, Dr. Torres earned her dental degree at the Institute of Medical Sciences of Havana and brings an international perspective and years of hands-on experience to her care.

After beginning her career as a General Dentist in Havana, Dr. Torres moved to the United States, where she continued developing her skills within modern dental practices. She completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency program at NYU Langone Hospital, further strengthening her expertise in comprehensive, restorative, and preventive dental care.

Dr. Torres is known for her gentle approach, clear communication, and commitment to making every patient feel comfortable and understood. She takes the time to listen, explain treatment options, and create personalized care plans focused on long-term oral health.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Torres is proud to serve a diverse patient community and looks forward to welcoming you and your family with warmth, professionalism, and exceptional care.