About Us
We Are Tarpon Shores Dental
Meet the skilled and compassionate team at Tarpon Shores Dental, where expertise and empathy converge to create a welcoming environment for your dental care. Our staff is committed to delivering exceptional service, combining years of experience with a genuine passion for promoting your oral health. Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities, and we look forward to serving you with the highest standard of care.
We Are Tarpon Shores Dental
Meet the skilled and compassionate team at Tarpon Shores Dental, where expertise and empathy converge to create a welcoming environment for your dental care. Our staff is committed to delivering exceptional service, combining years of experience with a genuine passion for promoting your oral health. Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities, and we look forward to serving you with the highest standard of care.
Dr. C. Romesh Weerasooriya
Englewood Location
Dr. C. Romesh Weerasooriya (Dr. Mesh) is a native of Englewood with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida and a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, which he received in 1994.
Dr. Mesh is a skilled emergency dentist in Englewood, FL, and has completed over 1,000 hours of continuing education since graduating from dental school in a commitment to excellence. He focuses on comprehensively treating a patient’s entire oral system, including teeth and gums, as well as a patient’s bite, the associated jaw joint (TMJ), and the muscles of the head and neck.
An extensive part of his post-graduate education was completed at the prestigious Seattle Institute for Advanced Dental Education, where Dr. Mesh achieved Mastery Level status in studies under Dr. Frank Spear, one of the top dental educators in the country.
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Dr. Mesh has also studied extensively with Dr. Pete Dawson, another top educator in advanced dentistry, at the Dawson Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida, and studied the use of dental lasers for the treatment of periodontal disease with Dr. Sam Low at the University of Florida.
He is a graduate of the Schuster Center for Professional Development as well, having completed a rigorous 2-year program in leadership and practice management. With this dedication to learning and advanced technology, Dr. Mesh can deliver cutting-edge dentistry to his patients at Tarpon Shores Dental.
Additionally, Dr. Mesh holds memberships in the American Dental Association (ADA), Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), South Carolina Dental Association (SCDA), Florida Dental Association (FDA), Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (FACD), Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD), and the Dental Oral Conscious Sedation Association (DOCS).
His belief in a holistic approach to dentistry supports his belief in the importance of a patient’s overall, long-term health, and the delivery of personalized care as your dentist near you. Dental restorations are another important part of his practice, and Dr. Mesh works closely with his talented ceramist, Dave Matrisciano, to create customized restorations to serve each patient’s goals and desires.
Collaborating with the area’s top dental specialists, Dr. Mesh can meet the needs of patients who require more complex treatment as well.
He is a founding member of the Gulf Coast Interdisciplinary Network, a dental organization that discusses the latest aspects of treatment in all dental specialties. The group was begun by Dr. Mesh’s brother, Dr. Shanaka.
Dr. Mesh is proud to be a part of the Englewood Community and continue a legacy in delivering healthcare begun by his father, Dr. “Lucky” Weerasooriya, a longtime area physician. A member of the Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary Club, Dr. Mesh and is married and has one daughter. The family enjoys fishing, skiing, and travel.
Dr. Shanaka L. Weerasooriya
Sarasota Location
If you’re searching for a skilled dentist near you, Dr. Shanaka combines his artistic talents with state-of-the-art digital photography with his dental skills to create “natural” smiles for his mature patients and brighter smiles for aesthetically conscious patients.
With a life-long commitment to learning, Dr. Shanaka achieved Mastery Level status in both restorative and cosmetic dentistry from Dr. Frank Spear at the Seattle Institute for Advanced Dental Education (now the Spear Institute) and is a graduate of the Schuster Center for Professional Development, a leadership and practice management program. He is also a graduate of the prestigious Misch International Implant Institute, where he received training to surgically place dental implants. He is a member of CEREC®️ Doctors, the leading organization in CEREC®️ same-day crown technology.
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He also holds memberships in the American Dental Association (ADA), Florida Dental Association (FDA), Sarasota County Dental Association (SCDA), Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (FACD), and is a Fellow in the International College of Oral Implantologists (ICOI).
Dr. Shanaka is proud to be a part of the Englewood Community and our dental office near you. He is married with two daughters. He continues a family legacy in delivering healthcare begun by his father, Dr. “Lucky” Weerasooriya, a longtime area physician. He graduated from Florida Southern College with a B.A. in History and minors in both biology and chemistry and received his Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree from the University of Florida.
Although he played on both high school and college basketball teams, today Dr. Shanaka plays weekly games of tennis and enjoys fishing.
Dr. Shannon Gardner
Venice Location
Florida native, and three-time University of Florida Gator, Dr. Shannon Gardner is a dentist with a unique educational background. She earned two Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Nursing from the University of Florida before transitioning to the field of dentistry. Prior to becoming a dentist, Dr. Gardner worked as a pediatric RN at University of Florida Health Shand Children’s Hospital, where her interactions with patients fueled her passion for healthcare and sparked a desire to be more hands-on in developing treatment options.
Her journey into dentistry began as she shadowed in dental clinics during her spare time, quickly realizing her affinity for the field. Dr. Gardner graduated from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and furthered her education by completing a General Practice Residency at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center. Here, she had the privilege of serving our nation’s veterans, an experience she cherishes.
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Dr. Gardner’s approach to dentistry involves incorporating her artistry and love of science to enhance the oral health of her patients. She values providing restorative work and cosmetic procedures that improve health and function enhance patient’s smiles.
Dr. Gardner enjoys spending quality time with her husband and chocolate lab. Whether exploring local beaches, jogging with her pup, or admiring beautiful gulf coast sunsets, she embraces a vibrant lifestyle. Grateful to be part of the Tarpon Shores Dental team, Dr. Gardner looks forward to meeting new patients in Venice, FL, and continuing her journey in providing exceptional dental care.
Dr. Paul Stein
Englewood Location
Dr. Stein is currently a proud member of the Sarasota County Dental Association, West Coast District Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, and American Dental Association. Dr. Stein is a highly experienced dentist near you in Sarasota.
When he isn’t assisting his patients, Dr. Stein enjoys traveling and playing golf.
Dr. Michael Varley
Englewood Location
Meet Dr. Michael Varley! He is a highly skilled Endodontist who truly cares about his patients’ well-being. Dr. Varley is committed to providing compassionate care and excellent service. He is fluent in both English and Spanish and is happy to discuss treatment options with his patients.
Dr. Varley completed his undergraduate studies at Assumption College in Worchester, MA, and received his Dental Medicine Degree from Tufts School of Dental Medicine in 1989. He began his career as a clinical instructor in Tufts’s Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department before practicing general dentistry for five years with Randazzo Dental Associates in Pelham, NH.
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Dr. Varley then pursued his passion for endodontics and completed his residency at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH, followed by a Master’s Degree in Endodontics. He’s been practicing Endodontics in Florida for over 20 years.
Dr. Varley is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Association of Endodontics, American Dental Association, Florida Association of Endodontists, Florida Dental Association, Pan America Dental Society, and the Puerto Rico Dental Association.
On a personal note, Dr. Varley loves spending time with his family and enjoys riding his bike and being on the water as much as possible. We are delighted to have Dr. Varley as part of our team and look forward to serving you with his expertise and warm personality.
Dr. Matthew Dockus
Venice Location
Dr. Matthew Dockus, DMD is an esteemed general dentist with over nine years of professional experience complemented by more than five years as an expanded functions dental assistant. Dr. Dockus joins our team with a profound dedication to delivering unparalleled patient care and enhancing our collective expertise.
Embarking on his path to dental excellence, Dr. Dockus acquired a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Florida, followed by a Master of Biomedical Sciences from Barry University. This solid scientific foundation paved the way for his dental studies at the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, FL, where he was awarded his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2015.
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With valuable experience garnered in Tampa and St. Petersburg, FL, Dr. Dockus has fine-tuned his skills across a spectrum of dental procedures. He excels in restorative dentistry, crown and bridge work, veneers, molar endodontics, oral surgery, trauma care, removable prosthodontics, and the placement and restoration of implants. His expertise allows for the provision of personalized, comprehensive dental services to meet the unique needs of each patient.
Dr. Dockus is deeply invested in community well-being, actively participating in programs like Special Olympics Special Smiles and the Give Kids a Smile initiative. His commitment to service was sparked during dental mission trips to Nicaragua as a student, igniting a lifelong passion for aiding underserved populations—a passion that continues to drive his community service endeavors.
He is also an active member of the American Dental Association and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), demonstrating his dedication to continuous learning and staying at the forefront of dental medicine.
On a personal note, Dr. Dockus, along with his wife Sara, celebrated the arrival of twin boys last year, expanding their joyous family, which also includes two cherished dogs. Away from dentistry, he relishes quality time with his family, fishing adventures, and woodworking projects. These pursuits reflect his unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact, not only in dental care but in the broader community.
We are thrilled to have Dr. Dockus on board and look forward to the expertise and compassionate care he brings to our patients.
Dr. Sanket Rathod
Englewood Location
Dr. Sanket Rathod is a dedicated and compassionate dentist who is enthusiastic to delivering high-quality dental care to his patients. Originally from India, Dr. Rathod graduated from Manubhai Patel Dental College in 2007 and practiced as a general dentist and practice owner for six years. In 2013, he relocated to Florida and worked at Treasure Coast Community Health, where he gained valuable experience as a dental assistant and dental hygienist until 2017. Eager to advance his skills, Dr. Rathod completed a two-year residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at Nova Southeastern University.
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Dr. Rathod quickly grew his experience as a managing clinical director and managing general dentist in a variety of practices in Florida. He is an active member of several esteemed professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Association of Endodontists, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
Dr. Rathod is also deeply committed to community service. He has participated in dental mission trips to Nicaragua, Bolivia, and the Dominican Republic, providing care to underserved communities. Additionally, he has volunteered at the Florida Mission of Mercy and Special Olympics events, contributing his expertise to those in need.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Rathod enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and exploring diverse cuisines. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Gujarati, Dr. Rathod is excited to embark on a new chapter in his dental career in Englewood with Tarpon Shores Dental.
