Our Doctors

Mili Patel, DMD
Dr. Mili is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Prior to that she did her undergraduate degree at Tulane University where she received her Bachelor in Science degree in Cell and Molecular Biology. Dr. Mili's gentle and caring approach to dentistry is what her patients have come to appreciate and admire.

To stay current with the latest advances in dentistry, Dr. Mili attends many lectures , hands-on workshops, and continuing education courses across the country. She takes pride in achieving excellence in her professional endeavors.

Dr. Mili has been married since 2002 and has two beautiful children. She loves to spend her free time reading, watching movies, traveling, and most important relaxing with her family.

Gaurang "Gary" Nanavati, DDS
Dr. Gary is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University. Prior to that he did his undergraduate degree at the University of South Florida. Dr. Gary believes in providing comprehensive dental care for the patients. Over the past 8 years, Dr. Gary has taken over 500 hours of Continuing Education Credits ranging in specialties from Endodontics, Orthodontics, Cosmetic Dentistry, Implants, etc.

Dr. Gary strongly believes that by being trained in different fields of dentistry he can make a better treatment decision for the patient and perform better and longer lasting dentistry.

Currently Dr. Gary lives in Land-0-Lakes with his wife and two young daughters. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his daughters, traveling and playing golf.


Shawn Douglas, DDS
Dr. Shawn Douglas is a longtime resident of Florida. He graduated from the prestigious University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. Following his training at UNC, Dr. Dogulas was selected for an Advanced General Dentistry Residency at the University of South Florida, where he received the J. Frank Collins Award for most outstanding resident.

In addition to his formal education, Dr. Douglas has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education. His advanced training includes cosmetic and implant dentistry.

Dr. Douglas volunteers for medical and dental missions internationally. In his personal life, he and his wife, Jamie, enjoy waterskiing, biking, traveling, and playing with their dogs, Bella and Cassie. They are also members of the Idlewild Baptist Church.


Jim Buckley, DMD
Dr. Buckley is originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He received a BSEd in Biology from West Chester University in 1992, moved to Florida in 1995, and graduated from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Dr. Buckley's passion for dentistry includes all aspects of General Dentistry with an emphasis on the esthetic outcomes. Dr. Buckley believes that even "single tooth dentistry" should be beautiful and functional. Dr. Buckley is comfortable with all the lastest aspects of adhesive dentistry that include, metal free crowns and bridges, porcelain veneers, inlays and onlays, as well as tooth colored fillings. Dr. Buckley is an INVISILIGN certified provider and trained in the restoration of dental implants. His emphasis on total health and education results in healthy mouths with beautiful smiles that last a lifetime.

When not in the office, Dr. Buckley is a "foodie", loves to try cooking new foods, and can be seen running or lifting weights at Lifestyles Family Fitness trying to burn off the calories he's consumed in those foods. Dr. Buckley is very "hands on" and also known to knock down a few walls when bored and undertake large home remodeling projects. Dr. Buckley looks forward to meeting you as well as your friends and family.


Liz Cristofano, DDS
Dr. Liz Cristofano was raised in Northern Virginia, about 20 miles south of Washington D.C. She completed her undergraduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University and then , in 1995, she graduated from the Medical College of Virginia with her DDS degree. After dental schools, Dr. Cristofano established a solo private dental practice. After 11 years, she sold that practice and relocated to Florida. She is now a Tampa resident and loves it!

To stay current on the latest advancements in the field of dentistry, Dr. Cristofano attends may lectures, hands-on dental training workshops, and continuing education courses all around the country.

Dr. Cristofano and her husband, Tony, have been married for 20 years. They enjoy spending time with their two children Ashley and Steven, dirt bilking, jet-skiing, and photography.


Leslie Little, DMD
Dr. Leslie is a native Floridian and grew up in the Tampa Bay area. She attended the University of Florida, where she received a Bachelor's of Science in Human Nutrition before pursuing her Dental Medicine Doctorate at Boston University's School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Leslie then moved back to Florida to complete an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency at the Bay Pines Veterans Hospital, where she had the privilege of treating our Nation's Veterans while receiving advanced clinical training. Dr. Leslie is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association, and is passionate about providing oral health care in underserved countries through dental mission trips.

Dr. Leslie loves living in downtown Tampa, and enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, family, and friends. She enjoys going to the beach, traveling, and exploring the area's parks with her dog, Bailey.


Karina Munoz D.D.S.
Dr. Munoz attended Nova Southeastern University where she received her Bachelors degree in Biology and Psychology. She then continued her education and earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree at Virginia Commonwealth University.

After graduating from dental school, she participated in an AdvancedEducation in General Dentistry (AEGD) in Jacksonville where she had extensive training on Dental Implants.

Dr. Munoz is a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. When she is away from the office she enjoys exercising, traveling and spending time at the beach.

Dr. Munoz is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Loryn Merrill, DDS
Born and raised in New York State, Dr. Merrill received her BA in Psychology/Biology at SUNY Buffalo. She was then selected to attend State University of New York, School of Dental Medicine where she received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery.

After a one-year comprehensive General Dentistry residency at the VA Hospital in Buffalo, Dr. Merrill decided to pursue her dream of living in Florida and practicing dentistry. She completed an Endodontic Externship and a comprehensive course in Esthetic Dentistry/Full Mouth Rehabilitation. Her philosophy of dentistry includes providing the highest quality and gentlest dentistry possible while caring for the entire patient.