About Your Dentist

Tara Griffin, DMD

"Dentistry is more than fixing teeth. A beautiful, healthy smile is a reflection of how you feel, and dentistry allows me to enhance the overall quality of life for my patients."

My Mission

"I strive to provide exceptional, comprehensive care for my patients by focusing not only on their oral health, but also their total health and wellness. My commitment to excellence shows my passion for providing the best care to my patients. Emphasis on patient comfort, as well as keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry, enables me to provide my patients with exceptional care in a compassionate environment."

Education

Millikin University, Bachelor of Science – Decatur, IL (1994)

University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, Doctorate of Dental Medicine – Lexington, KY (1998)

Continuing Education & Professional Memberships

In 2000, Dr. Griffin successfully completed a General Practice Residency through the Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center and began her private practice career. As a general dentist, she has maintained a private group practice with an in-house laboratory, providing comprehensive cosmetic, restorative, preventative and sedation dentistry, as well as treatment of TMJ disorders, snoring and sleep apnea.

Dr. Griffin has dedicated many hours to postgraduate education, as she feels it is imperative to continue the learning process throughout her career in order to stay current on materials and procedures in dentistry to provide the best treatment for her patients. She received her Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry in 2007, and she's also completed advanced training in cosmetics, occlusion, TMD and dental sleep medicine through a variety of distinguished organizations, including Dawson Academy and the Pankey Institute.

Dr. Griffin maintains memberships in many professional organizations, such as the American Academy of Oral and Systemic Health, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Orofacial Pain, Florida Dental Association, and American Dental Association.

Life & Hobbies

Dr. Griffin was raised in a small town in Southern Illinois. Family is extremely important to Dr. Griffin, and she cherishes spending quality time with her two children, Alexa and Logan. Together, they enjoy going to the beach, snorkeling, swimming, Disney, and everything else that Florida life has to offer. Dr. Griffin enjoys being active, and her hobbies include exercising, biking and playing tennis in her spare time.

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Thomas Lane, DMD

“A smile is the universal welcome.” – Max Eastman

My Mission

“My goal is to provide my patients with the highest quality of dental care in a comfortable, welcoming environment.”

Education & Continuing Education

Doctor of Dental Medicine - University of Florida College of Dentistry – Gainesville, Florida

Bachelor of Science - Tulane University – New Orleans, Louisiana

Dr. Lane completed a Medical and Surgical Practice Residency at the Jackson Memorial Hospital and Veterans Administration in Miami, Florida.

Professional Memberships

Dr. Lane serves as a Board Member of the National Foundation for Dentistry for the Handicapped/Dental Lifeline Network. Dr. Lane is also an active member of the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Atlantic Coast Dental Association, Sigma XI, Delta Tau Delta, the Broward County Dental Association, the Academy of Osseointegration, and the Seattle Study Club.

Life & Hobbies

Dr. Lane began his interest in Dentistry at age 8 when he met Dr Peter Dawson, one of America’s foremost clinicians and educators. Dr. Dawson’s enthusiasm and kindness sparked an interest and goal for Dr. Lane that never wavered. Dr. Lane was also fortunate to meet Dr. Richard Saal in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Saal was a Pankey trained dentist who transitioned his practice over to Dr. Lane. Dr. Lane has also given back to his community through philanthropy and community service. His family has always emphasized that being in service to others was the highest role an individual should aspire to. His compassion and honor for everyone carries through to his commitment with patient care. Healthcare for Dr. Lane is about relationships, trust, knowledge, and education.