VERO BEACH — Doris Ferres, DMD, has spent decades in dentistry, but her philosophy remains simple: Oral health is personal — and it can be life-changing.
“I tell my patients I can change your life if you let me,” Ferres said. “A smile can change people’s lives.”
Ferres, who describes her approach as holistic and wellness-focused, began her dental career in the Dominican Republic, graduating from dental school in 1986. After moving to the United States, she lived in New Jersey before relocating to Florida for warmer weather.
At the time, she said, foreign-trained dentists had limited pathways to practice in the U.S. She enrolled at a community college to study dental hygiene, both to strengthen her English and stay connected to the field.
After graduating, she worked locally as a dental hygienist for about a year, then applied for an opening to teach at Indian River State College.
“A position opened at the college for a teacher,” Ferres said. “I applied and I got it.”
Ferres became a full-time professor, teaching dental hygiene and dental assisting for about nine to 10 years. After earning tenure, she took a sabbatical when the University of Florida launched a program for foreign-trained dentists. Ferres completed it and received her American dental certificate in 2000.
After returning to teaching for several more years, she said she was ready for private practice.
“I always have to be learning and growing,” she said. “I wanted to do more.”
She opened her own office more than 20 years ago.
Ferres said her practice is guided by a mission focused on consistent, high-quality, patient-centered care delivered safely and efficiently. She emphasizes what she calls biological or holistic dentistry, viewing oral health as connected to overall health.
“The body is connected. The mouth is connected to the body,” Ferres said.
Her office prioritizes prevention and screening, including oral cancer checks, while also offering cosmetic dentistry. “A beautiful smile is what everybody wants,” she said. “But we have to have beauty and health.”
A growing focus of Ferres’ practice is airway health, including screening for sleep apnea and other breathing disorders.
“There are a lot of patients that have sleep apnea and they don’t know,” she said.
For patients who cannot tolerate CPAP machines, Ferres said her office can provide oral appliances designed to support breathing during sleep. Airway evaluations may include CT imaging and airflow measurements.
Ferres said the practice is seeing more children as families look for early intervention. She pointed to myofunctional therapy — exercises to improve tongue and airway function — as one tool that can help.
Ferres also said easing dental anxiety is key. Building rapport comes first, she said, and sedation options are available for some patients.
“Once they come in and they meet us,” Ferres said, “we have an art to helping people feel comfortable.”
Dr. Ferres may be reached at 772-567-1011 and found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dorisferres.