If you’re looking for a change in your life, you’ve come to the right office! Dr. Kanter and his team of dental professionals are here to help you capitalize on your greatest asset, your smile.
We believe that the quality of your life can improve with the fine aesthetic and comprehensive dentistry we provide. Attention to detail, respect for the individual, and a true appreciation of the unique qualities of each patient are the hallmarks of our doctors personal care and of the healthy, beautiful smiles we create.
DENTISTS
Dr. Michael S. Kanter
Dr. Michael S. Kanter was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He began his dental career in the United States Army as a dental hygienist. After completing his tour of duty in the armed services, he began his formal training at the University of Florida where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1978. He graduated from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 1982. He then completed his residency training at the Jacksonville Health Education Programs in the Department of General Dentistry. Dr. Kanter then moved to Sarasota, FL., where most of his family lives, and opened his first dental practice in Sarasota at the Meadows in 1984.
In 1991, Dr. Kanter founded and established a second practice, Braden River Dental, in Bradenton, FL. After several years and the growth of the Lakewood Ranch Community, Dr. Kanter expanded his range of services in the area by developing his new office in Lakewood Ranch. This office is a state of the art facility with all the latest equipment and technology that modern dentistry has to offer.
Dr. Kanter has extensive training in bone grafting , dental implants and cosmetic restoration. He is a graduate of the prestigious Misch International Implant Institute and has earned his Diplomate Status with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, the West Coast Dental Association, the Manatee County Dental Society and the Sarasota County Dental Society.
When he isn’t working he enjoys spending time with his family (he has 5 children), boating, flying, riding his Harley, attending Gator football and life!
Dr. Peter N. Masterson
Dr. Masterson received his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Medicine degrees from the University of Pittsburgh (1976-1984). With his dental partner, Dr.Masterson built a prestigious practice in Pittsburgh until relocating to Lakewood Ranch in 2006. His Pittsburgh practice received numerous awards and was featured in “Mr. Roger’s Goes to the Dentist.” Dr.Masterson’s postgraduate education includes completion of the Misch International Implant Institute’s Prosthetic Continuum, The South Beach Dental Institute’s Cosmetic Dentistry Continuum, and the Seattle Study Club’s Discovery Club, of which he is a charter member. He has served as an adjunct faculty member at LECOM School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Masterson and his wife live in the Lakewood Ranch Community. Their 5 children are graduates of Lakewood Ranch High School. They maintain active roles in their church and their community and are involved in the promotion of the local arts. They are supporters of the Sarasota Opera and Sarasota Ballet, where Dr. Masterson is the dentist for the Ballet’s Doctors Circle. Dr. Masterson enjoys travel, running, biking and the Florida weather!
Dr. Violet Laurey
Dr.Violet Laurey was born in Rochester, NY and grew up in Sarasota, FL. She went to the University of Florida and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences. Dr.Laurey went on to complete her dental education at the University of Florida and received her D.M.D. degree in 2017.
Following graduation, Dr.Laurey moved back to her hometown of Sarasota, FL. Dr. Violet Laurey loves the sunshine state and being close to her family. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, yoga, and home interior design.
In practice, she holds herself to the highest standards. Patient comfort is top priority for Dr.Laurey, and she wants every patient to walk away satisfied.
Dr. Nathan Estrin
Dr. Nathan Estrin was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA before moving to Bloomington, IN where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Indiana University. Dr. Estrin then moved to Florida to earn his D.M.D. from LECOM school of Dental Medicine and furthered his education at Stony Brook University in New York where he received his training in Periodontics. During his dental studies, Dr. Estrin developed a passion for regenerative, implant, and laser surgery and has numerous publications in these areas of expertise. Dr. Estrin’s favorite aspects of dentistry are working with his hands and applying his knowledge of biological sciences to provide the utmost care for his patients and ultimately save teeth!
Outside of work you can find him spending time with his family, staying active, and exploringthe outdoors. Dr. Estrin enjoys watching and playing basketball, and spends his weekendsreading by the pool in the Florida weather.
Dr. Anna Auletta
Dr. Auletta completed her undergraduate education at Florida State University in 2009 and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Biology. She completed her dental education at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2013. Dr. Auletta returned to Florida to attend an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the University of Florida, where she had extensive training in restorative dentistry, dental implants, endodontics, periodontics and oral surgery. During her residency she completed a fellowship with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and completed the core curriculum with the Dawson Academy.
Being committed to conservative, preventative dentistry, as well as, staying current in the latest technology has enabled Dr.Auletta to provide the greatest health benefits to her patients. Her compassionate and gentle nature allows her to serve many patients with dental phobias. Dr. Auletta enjoys helping patients with dental anxiety have a relaxing experience and come to enjoy their dental visits.
Outside of the office, Dr. Auletta and her husband enjoy living in the Lakewood Ranch community. Dr. Auletta is an avid equestrian spending much of her free time riding and training her horse, Hans. Since childhood she has been involved with horses and has competed in hunter jumper shows throughout Florida. Dr. Auletta also enjoys spending time with family and friends, or a sunny afternoon at the dog beach with her chihuahua Gracie.
ADMINISTRATIVE
Kelley
Director of Operations and Treatment Coordinator
Kelley has had over 30 years of experience in the dental field. She started in 1987 working with Dr.Kanter. There probably isn’t a dental question you could ask that she won’t know the answer to. She is the heart and soul of our dental practice. Kelley believes that by getting to know the specific needs of each patient she is better able to add a much-appreciated “personal touch“ to their dental experience. For Kelley, only the “best” will do. Not only for herself, but also for the dentist she works for and the patients she is privileged to work with. Kelley kindly and supportively challenges patients to do what is “best” for them as well.
Rachelle
Heaven’s Angel (Former New Patient Services Coordinator)
Rachelle lost her battle to cancer on July 1, 2020. Rachelle was one in a million. She worked in the dental field for over 46years. She was a friend to each one of us always making everyone’s day better with her kindness and sense of humor. She built a relationship with each and every new patient she spoke with. In fact, the majority of new patients wanted to meet Rachelle. She was genuine and kind to the core. We are thankful for the many beautiful memories shared. Rachelle will always be loved, never forgotten and forever missed.
Kim
Hygiene Services Coordinator
Kim is our top-notched hygiene coordinator. With her sweet and caring personality, she helps our practice run smoothly. Her passion for her work has played an instrumental role in helping patients feel so welcomed. She may also be the friendly voice you hear to remind you of your upcoming dental appointments. Fun fact: Kim is also a certified dental assistant.
Jamie
New Patient Services Director / Treatment Coordinator
Jamie is our talented New Patient Services Director and Treatment Coordinator. Jamie enjoys working with patients to help them understand their treatment and their insurance benefits. She has a passion for dentistry. Countless hours of continuing education has given Jamie the knowledge she needs to help guide our patients in their care. Building relationships with our patients and keeping them happy and smiling is the best part of her job! She has worked for Dr. Kanter since 2006.
Meredith
New Patient Coordinator
Bio Coming Soon!
Katlen
Bio Coming Soon!
Sierra
Bio Coming Soon!
Jackie
Bio Coming Soon!
HYGIENE
Angie
CRDH
Angie was born and raised in Bradenton, FL. In 1998 she graduated with top honors from MTI of Dental Assisting. Angie started as Dr. Kanter’s Certified Dental Assistant in 1999. In 2001 she graduated with Honors from St. Petersburg College with her A.S. degree in Dental Hygiene. In 2005 she graduated Cum Laude from the State of Florida’s first graduating class to earn a Bachelor’s of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from St. Petersburg College. Her knowledge has created an enormous advantage for our patients. Angie’s gentle and artistic touch, acquired through her years of experience, endears her to her patients. She loves applying the latest and greatest in dental technology and techniques to help patients achieve the healthiest smile possible. Angie has been with Dr. Kanter since 1999.
Kimberly
CRDH
Kim has been in dentistry since 1998. She graduated from St. Petersburg College in 2001 with an associate in science degree in dental hygiene. Kimberly enjoys working with patients in the process of rejuvenating their smile by providing excellent and skilled treatment. Patients know they can rely on Kimberly to provide honest and relevant information regarding their dental care choices. She treats patients as if they were family. Patients can count on leaving a hygiene appointment with Kimberly with sparkling teeth and a smile on their face. Kimberly has been with Dr.Kanter since 2005.
Andrea
CRDH / Hygiene Coordinator
Andrea received her A.A degree in Health Science in 2004 and graduated from Hillsborough Community College with her degree in dental hygiene in 2006. Andrea has managed to blend kindness, thoroughness, and a gentle touch while providing treatment to our patients. She is an expert at teaching and preventing gum disease. She is like a “personal fitness trainer” for your teeth. She loves being able to encourage and teach others to do the things necessary to have a beautiful, healthy smile for a lifetime. We are all so happy that Andrea returned to Lakewood Ranch Dental after taking some time off to spend with her new baby of joy. Andrea has been with Lakewood Ranch Dental since 2007.
Monica
CRDH
Monica received her A.S in Dental Hygiene from State College of Florida. Monica has been working in the dental field for several years. Monica is gentle, warm and passionate about performing thorough cleanings. Her mission to treat each and every patient with the best care and concern. She has all of the latest technology and equipment at her disposal to provide the highest level of care. Monica believes in educating patients and helping patients by setting goals for overall health and appearance. She will teach, challenge, guide and provide tips and tools for your success. Monica has been with Dr.Kanter since 2013.
Maria
CRDH
Maria graduated from St. Petersburg School of Dental Hygiene in 2017 and has recently joined our team at Lakewood Ranch Dental. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and this helps our patients to feel at ease during their procedure. Maria loves meeting new people and is enjoying all her new friends and patients at LWRD. Maria takes patient education and preventative care very seriously. She stays up on the latest information to make our patients more comfortable and healthy. When not working, Maria likes spending time with her husband and son at the baseball fields as her son is an avid ball player. She is also involved with her church community and loves outdoor adventures. Maria has been with Dr.Kanter since 2018.
Rob
CRDH
Rob has been working in dentistry since 2000. He received his AS degree in Dental Hygiene from Palm Beach Florida State College. Rob is passionate about explaining to his patients the connection between oral health and overall health. He loves to kid around with his patients, while giving gentle, meticulous treatment. Rob’s cleanings are definitely something to smile about! Rob has been with Dr. Kanter since 2022
ASSISTANTS
Martha
Assistant/Clinical Supervisor
Martha is excellent with her hands and is extremely detail oriented. Martha is always happy to assist our German speaking patients in translation as well. She is known around the office for her untiring hard work and commitment to succeed. Always with a smile, Martha brings professionalism and care to the office. She strives to provide the highest quality of care and makes sure patients are comfortable and satisfied with the care they are receiving. Martha has been with Lakewood Ranch Dental since 2005.
Emily
Assistant
Emily brings so much positive energy to our office. Emily likes working for Lakewood Ranch Dental because “everyone is so fun and highly trained.” She has a “passion for dental assisting and loves to see how happy patients are when we give them a new smile.” Emily is truly amazing and constantly goes out of her way to provide all patients with the best dental experience. She has worked for Dr. Kanter since 2014.
Marvin
Assistant/Certified Phlebotomist
Marvin’s high experience level enables him to deliver superior chairside care to our patients. This helps our patients to feel at ease during their procedure. Marvin is always willing to help out any team member or patient. Marvin’s enthusiastic personality and compassionate care towards our patients has been a great addition to our team. Marvin has been with Lakewood Ranch Dental since 2017.
Scott
Assistant
Scott brings positive energy to his work that is very welcoming. With his gentle approach, Scott helps to ease our patients’ anxieties so that they feel as comfortable as possible in our care. He is truly gifted at making patients feel welcome and happy whenever they visit our office. A true team player, Scott is always on top of his duties. He thoroughly enjoys caring for patients. Scott is truly “one of a kind!”
Ruby
Assistant
Ruby finds it very inspiring to work in a dental office because it stimulates critical thinking, and every day brings new rewards and challenges. She started as an intern at Lakewood Ranch Dental and it was no surprise that she was hired! Ruby’s fun personality helps add to the friendly and fun atmosphere of the office. She loves being a helping hand and watching a patient’s smile transform right before her eyes.
Briana
Assistant
Briana has transitioned from her administrative role to our clinical team. She loves the treatment aspect of dentistry. Briana is passionate about meeting and greeting each and every patient with a smile, to ensure their visit is nothing short of first class. Briana’s daily goal is to “simply be happy because… why not.”
Eva
Assistant
Bio coming soon
RyAnn
Assistant
Bio coming soon
Jeanie
Assistant
Bio coming soon