Welcome to Gators Tooth Team

Our Crew

Oscar Arevalo, DDS, ScD, MBA, MS - Pediatric Dentist
Suheily Aponte Rodriguez, DMD - Pediatric Dentist
Jennifer Shamsian, DDS – Pediatric Dentist
Samantha Nolte, DMD – Pediatric Dentist

Team Member


oscar arevalo
DDS, ScD, MBA, MS

Dr. Arevalo is a highly respected pediatric dentist with a rich and diverse background. He started his dental journey at Javeriana University in Bogotá, Colombia, and went on to deepen his expertise through additional training at Boston University, Temple University, and the University of Puerto Rico.

He’s uniquely trained in both pediatric dentistry and public health, and he holds Diplomate status with both the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Board of Dental Public Health. His skills and knowledge make him a leading figure in his field, combining hands-on care with a deep understanding of public health. 

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Arevalo is also a passionate educator. He’s held leadership roles at respected institutions like the Kornberg School of Dentistry, the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, and now at the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program. Dr. Arevalo is actively involved in important dental organizations, such as the American Association of Public Health Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He has published extensively on topics like health disparities and dental care, always striving to make a positive impact both in the dental office and in the broader community.

Dr. Arevalo is a strong advocate for children’s health, working on dental policy and advocacy at the state level. He has been involved with groups like Oral Health Florida and the Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, helping to improve access to care and influence policy decisions. His work is supported by agencies like the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of his efforts. 

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Arevalo, or “Dr. A” as his patients affectionately call him, enjoys the arts, reading, and finding creative ways to teach his young patients about math. He makes it a point to connect with them personally, creating a welcoming and fun atmosphere at every visit.

Team Member


Suheily Aponte Rodriguez
DMD

Dr. Aponte is a compassionate pediatric dentist who earned her dental degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Aponte’s clinical interests focus on treating patients with developmental disabilities and special needs, utilizing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological behavior management techniques. Her bilingual fluency in English and Spanish allows her to connect with a diverse range of patients and families.

In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Aponte is known for her warm, patient-centered approach. During consultations, you may hear her singing to her patients—an enjoyable and comforting part of her routine that helps ease anxiety and build trust with children.

Team Member


Jennifer Shamsian
DDS

Dr. Shamsian is a skilled pediatric dentist trained to provide specialized oral healthcare to children, adolescents, and patients with special needs. She completed her dental education at New York University, where she built a solid foundation in general dentistry before pursuing further specialization in pediatric dentistry.

Dr. Shamsian honed her skills during her residency at both New York Methodist Hospital and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she gained extensive experience in managing a diverse range of pediatric cases, including those requiring complex care.  

A fun fact about Dr. Shamsian is that she played soccer for her college team, where she excelled, demonstrating the teamwork and performance that she brings to her dental practice in creating a positive and collaborative environment for her patients and their families.

Team Member


Samantha Nolte
DMD

Dr. Nolte is a compassionate and sweet pediatric dentist with extensive experience providing oral healthcare to children, adolescents, and patients with special needs.

She graduated from the Université de Montréal School of Dentistry in Montreal, Quebec, and completed her pediatric dental residency at the Montefiore Health System/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. Known for her gentle and thoughtful approach, Dr. Nolte is dedicated to making her young patients feel at ease.

She takes the time to explain procedures in a way that is clear and simple, ensuring both children and parents fully understand the treatment process.

During consultations, you might even hear Dr. Nolte softly counting from 1 to 20 in a sweet and soothing voice—helping children feel relaxed and allowing them to focus on her calming words, which in turn reduces tension and anxiety.

She is committed to ensuring that children are not uncomfortable by avoiding prolonged treatment times and creating a swift and positive experience for every child. Dr. Nolte, who is multilingual in French, English, Creole, and Spanish, works to make all families feel comfortable and understood.