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 bhe 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. Putzeys
Dr. Putzeyscomes from a dental family – his father is a dentist also. In fact, Dr. Putzeys discovered his passion for dentistry early in life, watching his father restore his patients’ confidence by helping them to smile again. Dr. Putzeys joined the Community Dental care team in 2022.
Dr. Putzeys did his undergraduate work at the University of Florida and holds a Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University. His easygoing, attentive approach sets patients at ease. Compassionate and meticulous, patients trust Dr. Putzeys to provide superior care that reflects their unique needs. For Dr. Putzeys, the most satisfying parts of being a dentist are relieving a patient’s pain and restoring a patient’s smile.
A local boy through and through, Dr. Putzeys grew up in Fort Myers, with his two sisters, one older and one younger. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and staying active by playing sports, hiking, playing disc golf, and going to the gym. A music lover, he enjoys seeing live music performances and going to concerts. Cooking good food with loved ones is another favorite leisure activity. Dr. Putzeys is fluent in Spanish and English.
