Common dentist José Matos, D.D.S., of BBD Dental Care, which is positioned on the nook of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and E. Bearss Ave. (within the Oakmont Skilled Park), is making an enduring impression, not simply by his dental experience, however together with his capability to attach with a various and rising group. As one of many few Spanish-speaking dentists within the space, Dr. Matos provides extra than simply dental care, he gives consolation, understanding and a way of belonging to sufferers who may in any other case really feel neglected.
Born and raised in Venezuela, Dr. Matos’ journey to changing into a revered dentist within the U.S. is a narrative of resilience and dedication. The dental diploma course of in his native nation is a bit completely different from the U.S. Dr. Matos attended the College of Carabobo School of Dentistry in Valencia, Venezuela, for 5 years and obtained his diploma in 2004 as “Dentist” (which is equal to a D.D.S., or Physician of Dental Surgical procedure diploma right here). He then attended the identical college for a further two years to acquire his specialization in Endodontics in 2010. For 4 years after graduating, he devoted his apply to doing root canals in Venezuela.
Dr. Matos says that transitioning to dentistry within the U.S. wasn’t straightforward. “Florida requires internationally educated dentists to finish [at least] a rigorous two-year residency program to obtain their D.D.S. diploma,” says Dr. Matos. “It was a problem that I embraced head-on.”
He secured a spot on the Orange Blossom Well being Middle in Orlando, which is run by Larkin Neighborhood Hospital, a extremely aggressive program with its most important workplace in Miami that trains dentists in complete normal dentistry. After years of specializing in endodontics, he described the expertise as “like using a motorbike” — the final dentist abilities got here again naturally. After finishing his residency, Dr. Matos labored in Winter Haven for 3 years whereas dwelling in Tampa, however says the lengthy commute took a toll on his household. His spouse Rebeca inspired him to open his personal apply nearer to residence.
“Bruce B. Downs holds a really particular place for us as a result of it all the time appeared that wherever we lived or the youngsters went to highschool, it was all the time close to Bruce B. Downs,” Dr. Matos shares. It was solely becoming that Rebeca, a Realtor®, discovered a location proper off this acquainted street, inspiring the identify BBD Dental Care. And, in Dec. 2024, the apply formally opened its doorways.
Nice Tech & Larger Compassion
Dr. Matos takes pleasure in providing superior know-how to reinforce affected person care. BBD Dental Care options the DEXIS CBCT imaging machine, which gives high-resolution 3D pictures. This cutting-edge tools provides each typical X-rays and detailed scans, all with diminished radiation publicity. The high-resolution X-rays and scans are seamlessly transferred into a pc system, which Dr. Matos says helps him make correct diagnoses.
“I additionally use dental microscopes,” he says, “which I utilized in my specialty of endodontics in Venezuela.” Up to now, these microscopes have been reserved primarily for doing root canals to assist endodontists improve precision. Dr. Matos positions the microscope proper above the affected person’s mouth space (photograph on subsequent web page). “This know-how,” he explains, “permits me to see the smallest of issues so I can carry out minimally invasive remedies, lowering the necessity for exploratory procedures and making certain a sooner, extra comfy restoration for my sufferers.”
Dr. Matos is a normal practitioner however has years of expertise doing root canals and might carry out them if a affected person wants it. Within the state of Florida, a normal dentist can solely promote as a normal dentist however can carry out different procedures if he/she is educated to do them. A dentist who’s a “specialist” (endodontist, orthodontist, and so forth.) can solely promote that specialty and solely carry out that specialty. So, though he’s not an endodontist, Dr. Matos can carry out root canals as a normal dentist.
Whereas the know-how he makes use of is spectacular, what really units Dr. Matos aside is his capability to attach together with his sufferers. Fluent in each English and Spanish, he ensures that language isn’t a barrier to high quality care.
“For a lot of sufferers, it’s not nearly consolation, it’s about belief,” Dr. Matos explains. “Having the ability to converse their language makes them really feel extra understood and cared for.”
He says his Spanish-speaking sufferers typically specific aid and gratitude after they understand they’ll talk overtly about their dental well being of their native tongue.
“At many practices, you could have ‘somebody’ who speaks Spanish, who will translate,” he says. “However, I can converse on to my (Latin) sufferers.”
Completely happy Sufferers With Completely happy Smiles
At BBD Dental Care, your complete household is welcome. Dr. Matos is joyful to see kids in addition to adults. Though his apply has solely been open since Dec. 2024, BBD Dental has an total Google ranking of 5 stars out of 5 on almost 40 critiques. In her 5-star evaluation, affected person Maria Jose Espinosa wrote: “Superb expertise! The workers is tremendous pleasant, very skilled and make you’re feeling tremendous comfy. In addition they present help in Spanish. Thanks.”
Household is a cornerstone of Dr. Matos’ life. He and Rebeca have been married for almost 20 years and have three kids — Francisco,
17, Diego, 15, and Julieta, 9, in addition to the household’s beloved Goldendoodle, Coco. Weekends are sometimes spent having fun with Florida’s pure magnificence, whether or not boating close to Tarpon Springs or tenting at Hillsborough River State Park.
Dr. Matos and Rebeca met at a health club of their hometown of Valencia after they have been younger. Rebeca’s household had already settled in Tampa, and he or she moved to the U.S. to complete her final 12 months of highschool whereas Dr. Matos was on his solution to dental college, so that they ended up breaking apart. A 12 months later, she determined to return to Venezuela, since she had been accepted to regulation college. They met up and rekindled their relationship, which led to them getting married. Frequent visits to Tampa to go to Rebeca’s household made it clear they wished to construct their future collectively right here.
In the present day, their household is deeply rooted within the New Tampa group. They’re parishioners at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church and Rebeca and Dr. Matos actively take part as facilitators for matrimony preparation for Spanish-speaking {couples}, and in addition coordinate the Hispanic “Liturgy of the Phrase” Ministry. Their kids attend native colleges, and Diego has even expressed curiosity in changing into a dentist, like his father.
For Dr. Matos, New Tampa isn’t simply the place he works, it’s his residence. His spouse’s household has lived within the space for greater than 25 years, and his brother additionally resides close by. Opening his apply on BBD, the principle artery of the group, felt like a pure extension of his household’s life right here. It’s greater than only a handy location; it’s a press release of dedication to the individuals and the place they love.
As he appears to the long run, Dr. Matos stays devoted to offering compassionate, complete dental care. Though he’s educated in lots of areas, he additionally collaborates with a community of dental specialists he can suggest if wanted.
“I consider in educating my sufferers,” he says. “Dental care needs to be a partnership, the place sufferers really feel knowledgeable and empowered to make selections about their very own oral well being.”
Talking of training, in her 5-star evaluation, affected person Isabela Hernandez says: “Wonderful. They educate you in every thing, they’re affected person and Dr. Jose Matos is superb. 100% really useful.”
Dr. Matos’ recommendation to aspiring dentists, particularly these from worldwide backgrounds, is rooted in his personal journey:
“Take it sooner or later at a time,” he says. “There will probably be obstacles, and a few doorways might shut. However, for those who keep centered and constant, new doorways will open. The hot button is to by no means hand over.”
Dr. Matos is aware of first-hand how difficult the street to success could be. From navigating a brand new nation and a brand new language to enduring the rigorous technique of re-establishing his profession.
“I hope my story evokes others to pursue their desires,” he says, “regardless of how daunting the trail could appear.”
You’ll be able to observe Dr. Matos of BBD Dental Care on Instagram @bbddentalcare. To schedule an appointment, name the workplace at (813) 515-5995 or e-mail data@bbddentalcare.com. BBD Dental is positioned at 3232 Cove Bend Dr., Tampa,. The workplace is open Mon.-Thur., 8 a.m.- 6 p.m., in addition to two Saturdays every month.
