Family: Married, with two daughters and a son. Joel is proud to follow in the same vocation as his father, D.J. Scalera, Jr., D.D.S.

Formal Education: Brevard Community College, University of Florida and Emory University School of Dentistry, Class of ’85.

Member of Prince of Peace Anglican Church.

Professional Involvement: Member of the Brevard County Dental Society, and served as President, Treasurer, Secretary, Program Chairman, Newsletter Editor, and Children’s Dental Health Chairman.

Other Professional Involvement: American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Central District Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

The hygienists employed in our office are licensed by the Florida State Board of Dentistry. They each participate in continuing education every year and have received advanced training and certification in preventive care and periodontal treatment. Each of our hygienists is dedicated to increasing their knowledge and clinical skills, which results in a high level of professional services not routinely delivered by dental hygienists.

Our preventive team coordinates recare appointments. This involves maintaining a master schedule for the entire year. In order to provide optimum service & convenience we attempt to appoint in advance through the use of reminder cards and letters. This service includes telephone contact to remind you of these important maintenance appointments.

Dental Assistants

The clinical assistants are an integral part of our team. Each of them has come to us because they share our beliefs and values. They too participate in continuing education and help us deliver the highest quality of technical care possible.

In our office the assistants help us make your visits pleasant, before (by completely informing you of what will be done at each appointment), during (by assuring that any pre-medications, or other discomfort reducing procedures are planned with your restorative procedures), and after, (by ensuring that you are comfortable once procedures are completed).

Donna R. Scalera, Front Desk

Donna has been working the front desk since 1999. She graduated from Cocoa High School and the University of Florida with a B.A. degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology in 1981. Donna chose to be a stay at home mom until she came to work at the office part time. She is very active in her church and children’s school.

Shelly Carroll, CDA

Shelly moved to Brevard County in June of 1997. At that time she became a member of our team. She has been a dental assistant since 1992 and has participated in continuing education classes. She loves working with her patients. She has two sons, Justin and Jason, and a daughter Lindsey. Shelly and her kids spend a lot of time out in their boat fishing.

Karen Buck, Registered Dental Hygienist

Karen moved to Brevard County in June 1987. She has been working here since December, 1987. She graduated from St. Petersburg Junior College in May, 1987. Karen has two children, Ashley - 15 and Kohl - 10. Karen's professional orientation is towards preventive treatment, periodontal maintenance and patient education. She is dedicated to providing optimum dental care enthusiastically and professionally.

Glady Gurtner, EDA

Glady has over 30 years in the dental field, she has been a member of our staff for twenty of those years. She has worked as a dental assistant before becoming an insurance expert at our front desk, ready to help all of our patients with insurance benefits.

She resides on Merritt Island with her husband Jim. She enjoys spending time with her two sons who live nearby. Her greatest joy is her two grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Owen.

Faye Philman, CDA, EDA

Faye has 35 years of dental experience in all aspects relating to dentistry and can answer all of your dental questions. She takes great pride in her care and attention to our patients, and strives for excellence in all she does.

She was born and grew up in Brevard County and has witnessed the growth and many changes in her hometown. Her hobbies include horseback riding, boating, teaching Sunday School to pre-schoolers in her church, and spending time with her family.

*CDA = Certified Dental Assistant
*EDA = Expanded Dental Assistant