Meet Dr. Mario Polanco
A native of Guatemala, Dr. Mario Polanco earned his Bachelor’s Degree and Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University Francisco Marroquin. After graduating in 2000, he completed three post-graduate programs at the University of Connecticut; an Implant Fellowship, an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency, and an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Fellowship. Dr. Polanco has also undergone advanced training in facial aesthetics and is certified to administer cosmetic injectables and dermal fillers.
With nearly 20 years in practice, Dr. Polanco remains passionate about bringing the latest techniques and materials to his patients. He stays up-to-date with the latest developments and expands services offerings through his commitment to continuing education. In January 2021, he completed 30 hours of advanced, hands-on clinical training in complex implant procedures with a concentration on sinus lifting and augmentation through the International Dental Implant Association.
Dr. Polanco approaches his patients with the highest level of skill, integrity and a strong commitment to helping them achieve their dental goals. He is well-known for his compassion, ability to calm anxious patients, and his willingness to customize treatment plans based on his patient’s goals and budgets.
Since leaving the Connecticut chill for Florida’s sunny climate, Dr. Polanco has lived in Tampa and Sarasota. He now resides in Fort Myers with his wife and two children, a son and a daughter. When he is not busy treating patients, he gives back to the community by doing charity dental work at every opportunity. Most recently, Dr. Polanco participated in a charity mission to the Dominican Republic where he provided free dental care to the needy. In his free time, Dr. Polanco enjoys traveling with his family. He is fluent in Spanish and English.
Meet Dr. Michelle Felix
Dr. Felix has been in practice since 2008, first as a Dental Hygienist and then as a Dentist. She holds Doctorate in Dental Medicine degrees from Universidade Vale do Rio Doce in her native country of Brazil and from Nova Southeastern University. After she relocated to Southwest Florida, Dr. Felix became a Registered Dental Hygienist in 2008 and practiced as a Dental Hygienist for 11 years while she continued working toward her DMD.
Over the course of her dental education, she completed advanced training in prosthodontics, cosmetic procedures, occlusion, implants and endodontics. Dedicated to staying abreast of the latest techniques and tools available, she is certified in the use of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology in dental restorations. She is implant certified.
Driven by a desire to expand the services she can offer her patients, Dr. Felix completed advanced training in facial aesthetics. She is board certified to administer cosmetic injectables to her patients.
Along with her extensive education and training, Dr. Felix brings a caring, empathetic, respectful approach to her patients. She appreciates being on the front line of wellness and disease prevention. She enjoys working with her patients to educate them on strategies for achieving and maintaining optimal oral health.
Dr. Felix is especially effective with patients who have dental anxiety based on previous bad experiences. Working with those patients to build trust and a comfort level, she helps them overcome their fear so they can have their best oral health. She takes great satisfaction in using her expertise to help her patients have a smile they feel good about which will help improve their self-esteem.
Dr. Felix lives in Naples with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys time with her family, especially baking with her girls, watching TV, and traveling. She has contributed her time to Give Kids a Smile and Dentistry from the Heart. She is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Meet Dr. Daniella Rothberg
Dr. Daniella Rothberg started her career in dentistry in her native Brazil, earning a DDS from the Universidad do Porto in 1997. She practiced in Brazil and Portugal for many years before bringing her passion for dentistry to the US. Her career in dentistry has included experience working in all clinical roles. When she first came to the US, she worked as a Dental Assistant while pursuing a Registered Dental Hygienist license. She then practiced as a Dental Hygienist for several years as she pursued her Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. Most recently, Dr. Rothberg spent two years delighting patients at our sister practice, Lee Dental Care, before joining our team in 2024.
As a teenager, Dr. Rothberg fell in love with dentistry as she made numerous trips to the dental office for orthodontic treatments. Her experience across all clinical roles, and as a patient who has experienced ongoing treatment gives her a uniquely comprehensive understanding of dental practice operations and the patient experience.
Compassionate, funny, and warm, Dr. Rothberg is very effective in helping anxious patients manage their fear of dental treatments. She is committed to transforming patients’ lives by restoring their smiles, and with it, their self-confidence. In addition to her academic and clinical training, Dr. Rothberg is has completed advanced training in cosmetic dentistry and prosthodontics.
After leaving her native Brazil, Dr. Rothberg lived in California, Washington, and Miami before settling here on the beautiful Gulf Coast with her husband. In her free time she enjoys reading, biking, going to the beach, and travelling. Her hobbies include oil painting and photography. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
