Meet Elly!

Our very own Elly was born in Panama and is fluent in English, Spanish and Greek.

In 1986, Elly graduated from Concord Dental School as a dental assistant and began working as Dr. Andy’s in 1989, at a time when Downtown Dental Associates had only one other assistant, Kim.

In 1995, Elly left us to be a stay-at-home mom. After her four boys were in school, Elly decided to take her education to a new level by going back to school. This time she went to FCCJ to become a dental hygienist. In 2003, she returned to Downtown Dental Associates and with just one short break, she’s been here ever since, working only on Fridays.

Of her 21-year marriage, Elly credits the success on not taking things too seriously and laughing!

Elly’s patients drive her by watching their dental health improve.

“Through education and understanding, it’s rewarding to see the patients turning their dental health around. It’s so good to see improvements and advancements,” said Elly.

By the way, Elly’s favorite toothpaste is Colgate Optical White!

Are Your Insurance Benefits Changing?

One of the biggest challenges that the staff of Downtown Dental Associates’ staff faces at the end of the year is changes in insurance.

We work hard to make sure you receive all the benefits offered by your carrier and to do so is an enormous job. Our patients represent over 1,660 different employers and plans, each one being different than the other. We call each carrier and go through an entire checklist to safeguard against any unforeseen problems prior to your appointment.

Also, if you don’t use all your benefits for this year, they will be lost since benefits don’t accrue or add up.

Even if you have existing coverage, and your benefits may have changed slightly, we need to follow up with your carrier. Also, if you or your employer is changing carriers in the New Year, please call our office immediately to ensure that you receive the benefits due to you! Don’t wait until your appointment! Call today at (904) 356-0072.

Meet Jena

Meet Jena, our new hygiene coordinator!
At one time or another, you’ll come into contact with Jena, who will help you set an appointment or help you with your statement. Having worked in the industry for 6 years, Jena is efficient at getting your information and setting an appointment quickly.
When she’s not in the office, Jena likes to run. She’s been a runner for years, but took a hiatus returning just 3 years ago. In that time, she run in the Gate River Run and several 5Ks. Her running highlight was running in and finishing the inaugural Reindeer Run Half Marathon in Fernandina Beach.
“I try to find runs that are for a cause,” said Jena. “My favorite is Don’s Friends in St. Augustine.” Don’s Friends is a 5K dedicated to the memory of Don Wauldron, who lost his life at the age of 22. Proceeds go to a foundation in his name.
Originally from the Stockton, California area, Jena came to Florida via Maine, where she spent 12 years. At first, she moved to St. Augustine to be closer to her mom, but has settled in the Riverside area, which she loves.
Jena has a 26-year old son, Paul, who works as a manager of a Darwin’s in Harvard Square in Boston.
Jena also enjoys stained glass and has sold her pieces to art studios in the areas where she was living.
If there is one thing that Jena believes in regarding dentistry, it’s flossing.
“Just floss. I’m a big flosser!”

Dr. Laura Milles joins Downtown Dental Associates

Laura Milles, DMD has joined the staff of Downtown Dental Associates, allowing the practice to extend its Friday hours.

Dr. Milles was raised in Mandarin and immediately after high school graduation she went to the University of Florida where she earned her undergraduate degree.

“I wanted to go into some type of healthcare, but didn’t really know what.”

For two summers, Dr. Milles worked for Downtown Dental Associates, mainly helping out at the front desk, but also observing Dr. Paul and Dr. Andy at work. It increased her interest in dentistry. She also volunteered at the dental school.

Finally, she applied and was accepted into the University of Florida School of Dentistry. During the first two years, she was one of 83 students who spent time in the classroom and labs. Studying was demanding and took most of her time. It was during the third and fourth years that she started seeing patients.

“The whole time I was in dental school, it was really tough, but worth every minute.”

Dr. Milles is engaged and is planning a March 9^th wedding. She met her fiancé, Robert, during the first year of dental school. Robert is also a dentist.

In her spare time, Dr. Milles enjoys running, sewing and her two dogs, a toy poodle named Baby Girl and Penny, a lab mix. And of course, she’s a Gator fan.

Dr. Milles will be seeing patients on Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Does she miss the college experience?

“I’ll miss those Gator season tickets I held for eight years!”

After completing 8 years of college, Dr. Milles is glad to be back home and practicing in Jacksonville.

Call to schedule an appointment today at (904) 356-0072.

Meet Lilly!

One would recognize Lilly from the front desk. Most likely, she’s either delivered good news, or sometimes bad news. That’s because she works with patients helping them understand treatment and the financial costs, including their insurance. She’s been in dentistry for 11 years, 2-1/2 with Downtown Dental Associates.

Originally from Baldwin, Lilly is a busy married, mother of three—two 5-year old boys and an 11-year old daughter. In between working and taking care of her family, Lilly finds time to go the gym. She enjoys reading mysteries and biographies. She and her husband enjoy “mudding,” that is 4-wheeling through giant mud puddles.

If she had one piece of advice for patients, what would it be?

“Don’t neglect coming to the dentist…even if it’s a long drive!”

Meet Suzanna!

Suzanna has been working as a dental assistant with Downtown Dental Associates since 2006. Working in the dental arena, this has been her only job.

This Jacksonville native studied Radiology/Dental Assistant Expanded Duties at the University of Florida.

While the rest of us were busy with Christmas planning, Suzanna was diligently preparing for the Jacksonville Bank marathon. She completed the December 26.2 mile run, and when the Gate River Run came along, that 9.3 mile run was a breeze.

She also enjoys long walks with her 2-year old Australian Shepherd, Drake. They also enjoy spending time together at dog parks.

Suzanna believes in and likes educating her patients in the importance of dental care.

Stop by and say hello to Suzanna!

Meet Star!

Setareh, or as we like to call her, Star, was born in Tehran, Iran and has lived in the Jacksonville area for the past 27 years. Prior to joining Downtown Dental Associates, she was an orthodontics assistant at Dr. Weaver and Dr. Stratton in Orange Park for 16 years.

Because of her love for dentistry and oral health of her patients, she pursued and received her degree as a Registered Dental Hygienist from Florida State College in 2003. Star graduated at the top of her class and received the “Golden Scaler” award upon graduation.

During her spare time, Star loves spending time with her husband, daughter and visiting with family and friends. During football seasons, you can catch her cheering for the Jaguars and the Florida Gators.