Meet Our Ocala Dentists
Lawrence J. Sutton, DDS, MAGD
Alexia J. Patel, DDS
Dr. Sutton grew up in Ocala and remains dedicated to the community he is now privileged to serve. He graduated from Ocala's Forest High School before attending Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida for his Bachelor of Arts degree. He then received his dental degree from Creighton University Dental School in Omaha, Nebraska in 1995. To gain more experience and expertise, Dr. Sutton completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Florida/VAMC in Gainesville, Florida before returning home and starting his practice in Ocala, FL where he specializes in dental implants and cosmetic dentistry.
Although Dr. Sutton has been in private practice for many years now, he continues to seek advanced education to improve his expertise and learn the latest techniques and materials available to dentistry which enables him to provide the best possible care and choices for his patients. He is a graduate of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute, the world's leading institute of cosmetic dentistry. His completion of the Full Mouth Restoration Continuum puts Dr. Sutton in an elite group, less than 500 dentists worldwide. Dr. Sutton was awarded a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry after completing over 800 hours of continuing education. He is also a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Because Dr. Sutton feels strongly about supporting his profession and his community, he is a member of the American Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association. He is the past President of the Marion County Dental Association (2005-2006). He was elected as an officer of the Central Florida District Dental Association in 2006-2007 and is a President of the Central District Dental Association of the FDA (2010-2011). Dr Sutton supports the local college, College of Central Florida, by sitting on the Dental Assistant Advisory Board. Dr. Sutton is a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, an international dental honor organization. He is a current transcript reviewer for the peer reviewed Periodical, General Dentistry.
Dr Sutton has recently earned a Mastership of the Academy of General Dentistry. This is the academic pinnacle of the Academy as there are approximately only 200 dentists in the state of Florida that are MAGD's. In 2010, Dr Sutton was selected as a Fellow in the American College of Dentists. The American College of Dentists is comprised of dentists who have exemplified leadership and contributed to dentistry and society.
In October, 2012, Dr Sutton was inducted as a Fellow in the International College of Dentists at the ADA Annual meeting. For Dr Sutton it was a true honor to be selected for his contributions to the Dental Profession.
He is Board Member of the Ocala Kiwanis Club and a graduate of Leadership Ocala. He has served on the Board of Trustees of Trinity Catholic High School.
Dr. Sutton enjoys spending time with his wife, Valerie, and their three girls. He also makes time for many outdoor activities including fishing and golf.
Alexia J. Patel, DDS
Dr. Patel moved to Ocala in July 2023 to join Sutton Dentistry. She brings a fresh face to a well-established practice that has served the Ocala community for nearly 30 years.
Dr. Patel graduated from Creighton University Dental School in Omaha, Nebraska, along with Dr. Sutton. Creighton is one of the top dental schools in the country. While attending Creighton, Dr. Patel worked as a teacher’s assistant, mentoring students on their journey through dentistry. She received her Bachelor's of Science degree in Psychology and Chemistry from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with distinction. She holds certifications in Botox injections for cosmetic and TMJ concerns.
Giving back to the community is a core value for Dr. Patel. When she is not providing dental care to patients, Dr. Patel volunteers her time to help those less fortunate with her professional expertise. New to the community, she looks forward to getting involved in the La Guadalupana Dental Clinic in Ocala, offering free dental care for those in need.
Growing up in the Midwest, Dr. Patel was raised in the small town of Brainerd, Minnesota where she grew up with her parents, sister and two parakeets. As a young girl, Dr. Patel has always had a passion for animals and recently has rescued a puppy, Nala.
A former Miss Teen Minnesota and near black-belt in Taekwondo, Dr. Patel now spends her free-time traveling, exercising and exploring Ocala. As a new resident of Ocala, she looks forward to expanding her dental clientele by becoming an active member of the community both personally and professionally.
If you would like to schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Lawrence J. Sutton and his experienced team, contact us today!
CALL US: (352) 620-0094 REQUEST APPOINTMENT