Welcome to Ave Maria Dentistry! Thank you for choosing to put your health in our hands.
Dr. Wisdom Akpaka
Dr. Wisdom Akpaka D.D.S. completed his Doctorate in Dental Surgery program at the New York University College of Dentistry. After initially practicing in Ohio, he opened Wisdom Dental in Coral Springs, Florida. Dr. Wisdom has demonstrated a commitment to postdoctoral studies by already completing advanced courses in endodontics (root canal treatment), restoration of dental implants, crown and bridge restorations, surgical dental extractions, bone grafting, and surgical placement of dental implants. He is a certified provider of Invisalign orthodontics and has expertise in veneers, cosmetic bonding, crowns to restore damaged teeth, and the replacement of missing teeth. He carefully designs smile makeovers with lasting results that are as conservative and affordable as possible.
Dr. Wisdom is a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He stays active by enjoying golfing and also dancing the bachata, salsa and merengue.
Dr. Steve Criscuolo
Born and raised in South Florida, Dr. Steve completed his undergraduate degree at Nova Southeastern University and then his Masters at Barry University. He then headed north for his Doctorate at Midwestern University in Chicago and then back down to sunny Florida where he spent his pediatric dental residency at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami.
He’s a proud father and husband to his beautiful and fearless daughter, Audrey, his son Ethan and wife, Jennifer. When he’s not helping kids at the clinic or hospital, he’s at the beach! His love for the water is demonstrated through surfing, diving, wake boarding…you name it.
You say ocean, he says YES!
Dr. Wale Akinwande
Dr. Wale is an orthodontist. He received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from New York University College of Dentistry. After completing a one year General Practice Residency at NYU-Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn New York, he went on to complete a specialty training in Orthodontics and Dento-facial Orthopedics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Here he earned a certificate in Orthodontics and a Masters of Science degree. Dr. Wale also earned a dental degree (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) and worked in private dental offices as a general dentist for a few years before moving to the United States.
Dr. Wale has won awards during his dental career. He is highly motivated and passionate about providing exceptional evidence-based orthodontic care using contemporary and innovative techniques to improve prognosis and treatment outcomes. He is committed to making a difference by improving every patient’s quality of life one smile at a time. Dr. Wale is a member of the American Dental Association and American Association of Orthodontists. In his spare time, he enjoys keeping fit by running early in the morning, skating, swimming and hiking. He also serves in the military as a Dental Corps officer in the Army Reserve National Guard. He also enjoys giving back to his local community.
Dr. Carolina Cortez
Dr. Cortez began her academic studies where she completed her undergraduate degree in Biology; followed by her Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences; and then her Doctorate in Dentistry degree all at Nova SouthEastern University in Florida.
Upon completion of her studies in 2011, Dr. Cortez provided care in General Dentistry in Florida from 2011 to 2013. Her calm demeanor and ability to bond with her patients allowed her to help people with complex dental conditions that required organized and detailed care. After caring for patients in private practice for two years,
Dr. Cortez made the decision to give back to this great country and served in the United States Military stationed in Bavaria, Germany as a Dental Officer in the Army Dental Core from January of 2013 through July of 2015. During her time here, Dr. Cortez also volunteered with the American Red Cross in Germany to train family members of military personnel to become dental assistants.
Dr. Cortez also has a strong commitment to lifelong professional education and training within the industry. Thus, she participated in the Infection Control Manager and Train the Trainer in Patient Safety courses offered through the U.S. Department of Defense.
Christina
Christina is our Office Manager and an expanded functions dental assistant. She has been with Ave Maria Dentistry since day 1! She attended JLW School and has been assisting for 22 years. In her spare time she enjoys boating with her family and reading. If you have any concerns please call or email her at Christina@avemariadentistry.com
Giselle
Giselle is a dental assistant. She attended Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology in 2010 where she received her certificate. Enjoys spending time with her daughter and family. She brings positive energy to our office . She’s also great with children.
Cierra
Cierra is a dental assistant. She attended Heritage Institute in 2015 where she received her certificate in expanded functions, and has been assisting for 2 years. She went to Immokalee High School and graduated in 2013.
She plans on continuing her education and becoming a Dental Hygienist in the future. She enjoys spending time with her son and family.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth is our licensed Dental Hygienist. She graduated Dental school in Colombia in 2005. She worked as a dental assistant from 2006-2011 and then became a Dental Hygienist in 2012 . Her goal is to best educate each patient about dental health. In her free time she enjoys traveling and reading.
Maria
Maria was born in Mexico and moved to Florida with her family when she was 9 years old . She graduated from Immokalee High school then attended The Institute of Medical and Dental Technology in Fort Myers (IMDT) and received her Expanded Functions certificate as Dental assistant . She enjoy helping others and being part of making a difference in someone’s smile . Maria is a mother of a sweet 3 year old girl . During her spare time you can find her enjoying the outdoors.
Jenny
Jenny is our front end coordinator and insurance specialist.