Meet our Team
At the core of our dental practice is a friendly team of professionals that are dedicated to your utmost comfort and optimal oral health. We view each patient as a unique individual, and tailor each treatment to your specific needs. As part of our commitment to providing close, personalized attention to every patient, we want to encourage patient communication. Please know that we are here to provide outstanding patient care, and that we value the trust you have placed in us.
Doctors
AMY VESPA, DDS General Dentist
Dr. Amy Vespa graduated from The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry in 2008. She joined Gentle Dental of the Ozarks in Branson, MO as the third generation of dentist in her family, following in the footsteps of her uncle and grandfather. Dr Amy has acquired many hours of continuing education in areas including cosmetics, soft tissue laser, oral surgery and pediatric dentistry. She is a member of the ADA, FDA, and West Coast District Dental association, MDA, KDA, Academy of General Dentistry and American Association of Women Dentists. She also enjoys volunteering and giving back to the community and has been part of the Kansas City Oral Health Day, Give Kids a smile and [will attend or has attended] Dental Outreach Mission trip to Honduras. She is married to Donald Vespa. Together they enjoy boating, fishing, cycling, jogging and spending time with their families and their Sheltie puppy, Mickey. “Our mission at Pinellas Family Dental is to provide the highest quality care to our patients in a comfortable family friendly atmosphere creating beautiful healthy smiles.”
DONALD VESPA, DDS General Dentist
Dr. Don Vespa earned his DDS degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City and has continued his education over the last 40 years. Dr. Vespa is originally from Missouri where he practiced for over 30 years and owned Gentle Dental Center in West Branson, where he was known for his comprehensive approach to optimal oral health and use of the latest technology. In keeping with the goal of providing the best oral health care, Dr. Don Vespa has dedicated his career to developing his diagnostic and therapeutic skills in all aspects of dentistry, including clear orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, cosmetic dentistry, laser dentistry, implants and the doctor-patient relationship. He has been an Invisalign preferred provider for over 20 years. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association, University of Missouri Alumni Association, Florida Dental Association, American Straight Wire Orthodontic Association, American Orthodontic Society, Academy of General Dentistry, Midwest Sedation Dentistry, and American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Drs. Don and Amy Vespa fulfilled a lifelong dream of living in Florida in 2013 and love calling Clearwater Beach their home. They a have a son who is a pilot for a major airline, a daughter in Missouri who is a CPA, their youngest son is a student at Indian Rocks Christian, and 2 Shelties Mickey and Minnie. Dr. Don enjoys boating, scuba diving, golf, traveling and relaxing on the beach.
FANNY ROVIRA, DDS General Dentist
Dr. Fanny Rovira graduated from the Indiana University School of Dentistry and has been practicing in Florida for the over 30 years. She is originally from Puerto Rico and speak fluent Spanish. I love sports, the outdoors, bicycling and playing with my dogs. I know our patients deserve the best treatment and we strive to create an environment of trust and care.
Office Staff
LINDSAY Office Administrator
Lindsay was born and raised in Eastern North Carolina, where she studied massage therapy and business while working as a professional photographer. She made the big move in 2011 and now calls Florida her home. In 2013, she chose to take her knowledge of customer service and apply it to the amazing field of dentistry. Lindsay’s passion for helping others feel better about their smile and down to earth way of explaining dentistry help to take the worry out of dentistry. In her free time she loves to explore all the secret charm that Florida has to offer with her husband, Joe, their son, and their black lab.
HEIDI Hygienist
Heidi was born and raised in Largo, Florida. She graduated from Osceola High School in 1995 and continued with her education at St. Petersburg College, where she graduated in 2009 with an Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene. Heidi enjoys the opportunity to help make a difference in each patient’s oral health through oral hygiene education and encouragement. She loves spending time with her husband and two children. She is active in Cub Scouts and Brownies, and in her spare time, she likes to camp, ride bikes, and go to the beach. Customer service is very important to Merlina and she strives to impact people’s lives daily to make a positive difference. During her spare time Merlina enjoys staying fit and healthy and works out at the gym often, going to the beach, thrift store shopping, and spending time with her husband.
AMBER Front Desk
Amber was born at Morton Plant Hospital but grew up in Southern Illinois, she eventually migrated back to her birth place and started a career in dentistry when she was 20 years old as a dental assistant and treatment coordinator. She has now been in dentistry for over 20 years and enjoys every minute of it! She looks forward to helping patients accomplish there dental needs everyday. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, Coraline and her friends and family. She loves baseball, GO CUBS! and the WNBA #22! Please don't hesitate to let Amber help with your dental experience here at Pinellas Family Dental!
LAUREN Hygienist
Lauren was born and raised in Connecticut and has called Florida home since 2008. She completed her education through St. Petersburg College earning her Associates of Science in Dental Hygiene in 2018. She then went on to complete her Bachelors of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene in 2020. Lauren has worked as a hygienist full time in the Tampa Bay area since 2018. She specializes in oral hygiene disease prevention, periodontal disease maintenance, patients with special needs, geriatrics, and children. Lauren takes pride seeing patients of all levels of care and needs. When she’s not in the office she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling with friends, concerts, Disney and hikes with her rescue dog, Ellie.
KATHLEEN Hygienist
Kathleen grew up in the Clearwater area and graduated with her associate’s degree in dental Hygiene from St. Petersburg College in 2001. She went on to complete a Baccalaureate degree in Biology from the University of Tampa in 2005, and a Baccalaureate degree in Dental Hygiene in 2006. She was an adjunct faculty member in the dental hygiene program for 3 years at Northern Virginia Community College. Kathleen enjoys patient education and improving the dental health of her patients. In her free time, she enjoys various types of exercise and the beautiful beaches here in the west coast of Florida.
ESMI Dental Assisstant
Esmi was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to New York City when she was 7 years old. Her last 5 years in the big apple were spent working chairside as a dental assistant. Where she found her commitment to helping patients feel comfortable and relaxed while in the dental chair. She personally loves seeing our patients leave with a big smile. In 2022 , Esmi, her husband, and daughter made the big move to Florida , where they found love for the local beaches and enjoy the many trails Florida has to offer.
KATHY Dental Assisstant
Kathy has been a dental assistant for over 30 years. She has a college degree and an expanded duties certificate. She enjoys helping patients understand in layman terms any concerns they have about their treatment. Her favorite dental procedure is crown and bridge. She is a fan of the Tampa Bay Rays!
TERESS Dental Assisstant
Teress is a Pinellas County local who attended college in Tallahassee, Florida at Florida A&M University. She received her expanded functions certificate in Dental Assisting from Academy of Dental Assisting in St. Petersburg, Florida. During her free time she enjoys spending time with her 2 daughters and family.
JEAN Dental Assisstant
Jean has been a Expanded Function Dental Assistant since 1995, when she graduated from The Academy For Dental Assistants. She has utilitized her skills exclusively in Pinellas County for over 22 years. Jean and her husband raised their son here locally in Largo, Florida where they plan to retire. They like to travel, garden, cook, go boating, and fishing. Jean’s work ethic is to always treat the patient like she would treat her own mom or dad, with respect & care.
