Meet The Doctors
Tim Verwest, DMD
Fort Myers & Naples Pediatric Dentist
Fun Fact: Dr. Tim’s dad was Lee County’s very first pediatric dentist.
Prior to starting his own practice in 1992, Dr. Verwest was the Chief Resident in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He has the proud distinction of being the 12th pediatric dental resident to graduated from the University of Florida’s pediatric dental program in 1991 (as of October 2019 there are now over 165 graduates of the program).
Dr. Verwest patient-centric care and vision to truly create an environment that would positively change the perception of the dentist so children would look forward to their visits.
His professional affiliations include The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, West Coast Dental Association, the Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Lee County Dental Association. He is often a guest lecturer for various organizations and has college courses on dentistry.
He is a board-certified Diplomat of the National Board of Pediatric Dentistry – with professional interests in the areas of pediatric pharmacology, biomaterials, and pediatric anesthesia. He believes in lifelong learning and continues his education by taking courses in pediatric sedation, pediatric oncology, sealants, prosthetics, pediatric cosmetic dentistry, pediatric materials, childhood growth and development, and more.
Growing up in Southwest Florida his interest is naturally geared towards the outdoors. He enjoys boating and spending time with his wife, kids, and their two dogs.
Emily Ross, DDS
Fort Myers & Naples Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Emily Ross, D.D.S. is the latest board-eligible pediatric dentist to join our wonderful team!
She earned her bachelor’s in biology from North Carolina State University, Dr. Ross, then received her doctorate of dental surgery from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She then completed her residency at the NCEF Pediatric Dental Center in Naples as part of the University of Florida School of Dentistry.
Throughout dental school, she volunteered in numerous Give-Kids-a-Smile days which provides children with limited or no dental care access at no charge. Over her collegiate career, Dr. Ross held multiple prestigious committee appointments and elected positions during dental school. In addition, her professional affiliations include the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and the American Dental Association (ADA).
She loves to provide children with a wonderful experience when visiting the dentist and looks forward to meeting all the future smiles! When Dr. Emily isn’t working she loves spending time with her dachshund, Dash, and exploring all that Southwest Florida has to offer!
Joseph Whitesides, DDS, MS
Fort Myers Orthodontist
Dr. Joseph Whitesides, DDS is an experienced and accomplished orthodontist and it’s his privilege to make a positive difference in his patients’ lives by creating a healthy and beautiful smile through orthodontic treatment.
He has a philosophy of treating each patient and his or her family the way we would want to be treated: with compassion and respect. Dr. Whitesides 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.
Outside of work, he spends as much time as possible with his family. He also enjoys staying active, especially through sports, including racquetball, tennis, volleyball, golf, and swimming.
Dr. Whitesides is excited to invite you and your family to schedule a complimentary consultation at our practice and learn how we can make your dream smile a reality!
Learn more about orthodontics!
Ensuring kids are comfortable with the dentist and orthodontist early in their childhood sets the foundation for a lifetime of good dental health and perfectly confident smiles.