Michelle Afonso, D.M.D.
Dr. Afonso’s journey with our practice began long before she became a dentist. She first joined the practice as a shadowing student in the summer of 2018, eager to deepen her understanding of dentistry. Recognizing her enthusiasm and commitment to excellence, the team welcomed her as a dental assistant the following year, allowing her to gain valuable clinical experience and build meaningful relationships with patients. In 2019, she began her dental education at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, where she built a strong foundation in comprehensive patient care. While in dental school, during her summers and extended school breaks, she chose to spend her time learning from Dr. Saylor and his team, immersing herself in the daily rhymes of the practice known for clinical excellence and compassion.
Upon graduating from dental school in 2023, Dr. Afonso proudly returned to our office – this time as a practicing dentist – bringing with her not only the knowledge and training she gained at UFCD but also years of firsthand experience learning within the practice. This natural progression from student to colleague reflects her deep connection to the team, the patients, and the shared philosophy of delivering dentistry at the highest level.
Throughout her training, Dr. Saylor has served as a trusted mentor and teacher. Learning directly from an accomplished dentist with decades of advanced training in restorative and cosmetic dentistry has profoundly influenced Dr. Afonsos’ professional development. Under his mentorship, Dr. Afonso has gained not only a deep respect for precision and attention to detail but also an appreciation for how exceptional dentistry can transform patients’ lives.
Dr. Afonso is committed to continuing her education and pursuing advanced post-graduate training to achieve the same high level of skill and clinical excellence as her mentor. Her goal is to follow in his footsteps – providing dentistry at the highest standard, rooted in evidence-based comprehensive care, artistry, and long-term oral health. She is passionate about helping patients maintain healthy, beautiful smiles, and supporting the practice’s philosophy of maintaining natural teeth and achieving a healthy dentition to the age of 100.
As a bilingual provider fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Afonso is proud to serve a diverse community of patients. She looks forward to growing alongside our team, honoring the foundation laid by Dr. Saylor and Dr. Price before him, and continuing to help patients achieve healthy, confident smiles that last a lifetime.
Credentials
● Graduated with honors from the University of South Florida in 2017 with a degree in Cell and Molecular Biology
● Graduated from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 2023
● Member of the American Dental Association since 2023
● Member of the Florida Academy of General Dentistry 2024
A passion for community service
Dr. Afonso is deeply passionate about giving back and making a meaningful impact in the community she calls home. As a proud member of the Junior League of Tampa, she is excited to connect with like-minded individuals who share a commitment to service, leadership, and creating positive change. Through this organization, Dr. Afonso looks forward to contributing her time and skills to local initiatives, strengthening community ties, and continuing to grow within the vibrant city of Tampa.
Her dedication to service has been a defining part of her journey, beginning well before she became a practicing dentist. While at the University of Florida, Dr. Afonso received the Outstanding Student Award from the Dental Lifeline Network in recognition of her commitment to volunteerism and community outreach. She spent countless hours volunteering with FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA, a mobile dental clinic providing free, high-quality dental care to uninsured and underinsured residents of Marion County. There, she assisted in performing extractions, fillings, and endodontic therapy, helping to restore not just smiles but dignity and confidence to those in need.
From 2022 to 2023, Dr. Afonso also served as the Student Liaison for FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA, where she played a key leadership role – organizing volunteers, coordinating with clinic staff and providers, and helping run the clinic twice a month. This hands-on experience deeply shaped her perspective as a clinician and reinforced her belief that dentistry is not just about treating teeth but about serving people.
Her ongoing involvement in the Junior League of Tampa allows Dr. Afonso continued this mission on a broader scale, extending her impact beyond the dental chair and into the heart of the community. It reflects the same values that guide her approach to dentistry: compassion, service, and a commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.
She is currently accepting new patients, to schedule a dental consultation, call (813) 689-4226 or click here to request an appointment online.
