Alafaya Family Dentistry
by Kevin Fritz
After serving the people of the Oviedo-Winter Springs area and beyond for more than 35 years, Alafaya Family Dentistry’s Dr. Karen Schmitt retired at the end of July. Her retirement marks the end of a successful dental career with her husband, Dr. David Ross, that spanned five decades.
Dr. Ross will continue to practice at Alafaya Family Dentistry on Alexandria Boulevard in Oviedo. In Karen’s stead, Dr. Ross is now working with Dr. Peter Farag, while Dr. Schmitt takes time for herself and two grandchildren, with another one on the way.
“I remember when we first started out in Oviedo,” she recalls. “We rented out half a building. The other half was unfinished where we had a couch that served as a place for staff to bring their kids to work if needed.”
There were only two or three dentists in town when the couple opened their practice in 1988. Alafaya Trail was just a two-lane road at the time.
Dr. Ross and Dr. Schmitt met while attending the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in Kentucky, and they both graduated in 1985, the year they married. After completing their respective residencies at the University of Kentucky, they moved to Lake Mary to pursue their dream of opening a practice.
In 2007, Alafaya Family Dentistry moved to its present office, designed by Dr. Schmitt’s brother.
The husband-and-wife team both share a zeal for knowledge taking numerous courses at the Dawson Academy, the Pankey Institute, and the Shuster Center – the latter which Dr. Schmitt credits with teaching her the finer aspects of dental management. They both attended the Spear Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona, to fine-tune their clinical skills. Their passion for excellence culminated in the study of bioesthetic dentistry, which focuses on health and not disease.
“Bioesthetics put everything together that we had learned,” says Dr. Schmitt. “I do love the whole process of dentistry. It makes you a whole person. All areas of yourself personally develop. I am going to miss that.”
Stability Amid Change
Although Dr. Schmitt has bid adieu, the practice is still open for business as usual, offering the same dental services and quality care that patients have grown to love. That includes an array of cosmetic offerings such as porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, dental bonding, and Dr. Ross’s extensive experience as a dental implant practitioner. He holds a Mastership from the American Dental Implant Association and has been performing the procedure for more than 25 years.
In addition, the practice offers general dentistry cleanings and dental exams. As always, Alafaya Family Dentistry’s professional, courteous staff continues working toward the ultimate goal of ensuring the patient’s overall good health.
“I look forward to retirement,” adds Dr. Schmitt. “I have worked since I was 16 years old. I am going to take a break, take some time for myself, and then give back to the dental world in some way.
“I will miss the relationships with my patients, though,” she adds. “They have been my family and that’s going to be the hardest part.”
Meet Peter Farag, DMD
Dr. Farag is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, earning his degree in biomedical sciences. He attended dental school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where he received the prestigious Leon Schneyer Award upon graduation. With a passion for crafting radiant smiles and a commitment to personalized care, while utilizing advanced techniques with a tender touch, Dr. Farag works closely with each patient to design tailored treatment plans that reflect their unique goals and preferences.