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. Shanaka L. Weerasooriya
Sarasota Location
Searching for a “cosmetic dentist in Sarasota, FL?” Then, your search is over. A proud part of the Tarpon Shores Dental team, Dr. Shanaka Weerasooriya is committed to creating long-term relationships with patients by designing individualized treatment plans that meet each of their needs, values, and desires. He believes that the health of the entire oral system, including the teeth, gums, supporting bone, jaw joint, and muscles of the head and neck, all play an integral part in the overall health of a patient.
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. 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 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. 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.
Dr. Juan Valdes
Venice Location
Dr. Juan Valdes brings over four decades of clinical excellence, precision, and passion to our practice. A graduate of New York University College of Dentistry, Dr. Valdes distinguished himself early on—ranking #1 clinically in his class and graduating #6 overall out of 263 students.With more than 40 years of experience in private practice, Dr. Valdes offers a comprehensive approach to dentistry.
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His expertise spans general dentistry, implant placement and restoration (his true passion), bridges, full-mouth prosthetics, endodontics, and surgical procedures. Patients appreciate his ability to handle even complex cases with confidence, skill, and a steady hand.
Dr. Valdes has called Florida home for the past 22 years, where he has built not only a successful career but also a full and vibrant family life. He is married and the proud father of five adult children, with his youngest currently finishing college. Outside of the office, Dr. Valdes enjoys the simple pleasures done well—starting his day with a rich espresso and ending it with a perfectly cooked ribeye steak paired with a glass of Chianti.
Dr. Erick Rivera
Englewood Location
Dr. Erick Rivera is a skilled general dentist with years of experience, dedicated to helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles. Patients under his care can expect personalized attention, high-quality treatment, and a strong emphasis on comfort.
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As a valued member of the team at Tarpon Shores Dental, Dr. Rivera takes pride in building genuine connections with his patients and helping them achieve their best smiles. Dr. Rivera believes in preventive, personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Rochester in New York, where he received comprehensive training across all areas of dentistry. Committed to continual growth, he stays current with the latest techniques and technology to make dental care more comfortable and accessible. He enjoys practicing all aspects of general dentistry—from enhancing smiles to restoring function and relieving pain—with a particular interest in prosthodontics and oral surgery. Outside the office, Dr. Rivera is a passionate foodie who also enjoys playing basketball and pickleball.
Dr. Prashansa Gautam
Englewood Location
Dr. Prashansa Gautam is a compassionate, detail-oriented dentist dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. A native of Nepal, she came to the United States for her undergraduate studies and chose to build her career here, driven by a lifelong passion for dentistry.
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She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, where she received thorough training in restorative, prosthodontic, surgical, cosmetic, CAD/CAM, and digital dentistry. Dr. Gautam went on to complete her General Practice Residency at the VA Boston Healthcare System, affiliated with Harvard School of Dental Medicine. There, she cared for medically complex patients and developed advanced skills in implant dentistry, surgical extractions, endodontics, and full-mouth rehabilitation.
Her approach to care is rooted in patient comfort and a genuine commitment to helping each person achieve optimal oral health. She is actively working toward her Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry and regularly engages in continuing education to stay at the forefront of digital dentistry, esthetic techniques, and implant care.
Outside the office, Dr. Gautam enjoys discovering new restaurants, staying active, knitting, and tending to her plants and cat. She is fluent in both English and Nepali and takes pride in fostering a warm, welcoming environment for patients of all backgrounds.
Dr. Hayat Masood
Sarasota Location
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Originally trained internationally before continuing her education in the United States, Dr. Masood earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and completed her Master of Dental Sciences with a focus in Orthodontics through the Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester. She also holds an MBA in healthcare leadership and management.
Dr. Masood provides comprehensive dental care for adults and children, with experience in restorative dentistry, cosmetic smile enhancements, clear aligner therapy, root canal treatment, extractions, and full-mouth treatment planning. She is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable, informed, and confident throughout their dental experience.
Patients appreciate Dr. Masood for her gentle chair-side manner, attention to detail, and ability to make dentistry feel approachable and personalized. She believes the best dentistry comes from building genuine relationships with patients and creating a welcoming environment where patients feel heard, cared for, and never rushed.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Masood enjoys wellness, aesthetics, traveling, and learning about the latest innovations in modern dentistry and facial harmony. She values lifelong learning and loves combining science, artistry, and technology to help patients look and feel their best.
Dr. Masood is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. She also serves on the Editorial Advisory Board for the Journal of Dental Education.
With professional experience across New York, Florida, and the Middle East, Dr. Masood brings a global perspective to comprehensive modern dentistry and is committed to delivering exceptional care with warmth, precision, and integrity.