Meet Dr. Abufaris
Michael Abufaris, DDS, PA
After growing up in South Florida, Dr. Michael Abufaris graduated from FTU (now UCF) with a B.S. degree in Mathematics and Science. He attended Emory University School of Dentistry for both his Doctorate of Dental Surgery and specialty training in Periodontology/Dental Implants. With emphasis on grafting and regenerative procedures to replace problem tissue with healthy tissue, Dr. Abufaris blends the latest treatment ideas with extensive knowledge and years of professional experience. His chairside manner and attention to detail motivates him to provide ideal and realistic treatment for each and every patient.
He, his wife Patrice, and daughter Caroline, have been residents of Winter Park since 1983, where he also established his periodontal practice. Prior to this, Dr. Abufaris had a general dentistry practice in the Central Florida area. This provided a good basis to understand the important relationship between periodontal, implant and restorative dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontology, Southern Academy of Periodontology, Florida Academy of Periodontology, as well as many local dental and community organizations.
When Dr. Abufaris is not in the office, you can find him at the beach, either surfing or reading a good book. He also enjoys all outdoor activities to include running, swimming, biking, snow skiing and golf.
Itaf Hilal
Front Office
I am the first smiling face that greets you and welcomes you to the practice. I have been in the dental profession for over 19 years and continue to enjoy and learn about it. I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Abufaris for over 12 years. As a business administrator, my responsibility is to make your experience in our office as pleasant and smooth as possible. I handle your business transactions with efficiency, and appoint your dental procedures with great care. I was born and raised in Bethlehem, and moved to the United States in 1981. I have been happily married for over 27 years and blessed with two wonderful children. I feel very fortunate to have a happy and stable life both at home and at my workplace.
Doreen Turnas
Dental & Front Office Assistant
I have been working in dentistry for over 20 years. I am originally from Connecticut and have lived in Florida for the past 16 years. My dental career started out as an assistant in an orthodontic practice and then moved on to a general dentistry practice as an assistant. After moving to Florida in 1993 I worked as a financial coordinator and moved up to an office manager in a general dental practice. This is my first job in a periodontal practice and it has really broadened my horizons in dentistry. I have been with Dr. Abufaris for over 7 years. My job here enables me to have contact with the patients up front as well as in the back when assisting. This truly allows me to utilize all of my skills. I have been very blessed to be married to the same man for over 32 years. We have two beautiful children whom are both married and we are also blessed with two precious grandchildren. All have brought great joy to our lives.
Roberta Pedicone
Surgical Assistant
I began my Dental Assisting career 17 years ago in New Jersey at the suggestion of a very dear friend and dentist. I can truly say at the end of each day it was a decision well made. While in New Jersey I worked for a periodontist for six years and also worked part time in Philadelphia as an orthodontic assistant. Upon moving to Florida in 1998 I took the position as Dr. Abufaris’s Dental Assistant where I continue caring, educating and working with patients, something I find both rewarding and enjoyable. Enjoyable also is my wonderful family, a husband of 26 years with whom I raised three great sons.
Gina Cichon
Dental Hygienist
Since I have been employed in the dental field for more than half my life, I consider the dental office my “home away from home.” My roots began in Upstate New York where I attended Mohawk Valley Community College to obtain my dental assistant certification. When I moved to Florida, I decided to follow my passion and further my education in dentistry. I attended Valencia Community College and graduated with an A.S. degree in Dental Hygiene in 1985, I have worked in both General dentistry and Periodontics, and have worked with Dr. Abufaris for the past 15 satisfying years. I really love my profession and consider myself a “people person” with a “nurturing nature”. I am dedicated to educating our patients in optimum oral health, and treating them the same way I would treat my family. Speaking of family, I am a proud mother of two beautiful daughters. They are both full-time college students and live at home with me. I continue to be blessed with the joys of motherhood and blessed to enjoy a career in a profession that I truly love!
