Editor’s Note: We spoke with Dr. Scott Thompson, one of the owners of Tarpon Shores Dental with offices in Venice, Sarasota and Englewood. He also manages the Venice office at 1314 East Venice Ave. Please call 941-488-7910 for an appointment. Learn more at TarponShoresDental.com.

What’s the history of Tarpon Shores Dental?
The creation of Tarpon Shores Dental in 2013 was a project with my partners to develop a better way to manage the challenges of delivering high-quality dental care in a group practice. I had been in practice in Venice since 1990. We combined our individual practices into a more effective group and have expanded with offices on St Armand’s Circle and Englewood. We recently opened Shore Dental in North Port that offers extended hours, weekend appointments, and emergency walk-in care.

What’s your formal education and credentials?
I earned a degree in chemistry from the University of South Florida as a Presidential Scholar. I completed my dental education at Emory University as a Robert Woodruff Fellow. I’ve earned Fellowship status with the International College of Dentists and the International College of Oral Implantologists. For 10 years, I’ve been a Clinical Associate Professor at the UF College of Dentistry. I graduated from Fort Myers High School as valedictorian in 1980.

What are some of the newer techniques for restoring dental implants?
I’ve been restoring dental implants for over 30 years. The newest innovations are based on stronger materials, digital imaging and better integration with living bone tissue. Being able to recreate lost tissue and function can have a dramatic effect on people’s lives.

What do you enjoy most about being a dentist?
I enjoy challenging cases and interacting with patients that care about their health. I’ve always been an early adopter of technology, and in particular digital x-rays and digital dentistry, such as the CEREC system, which allows us to create a finished porcelain crown in a single appointment. 

What would you like to share about your family and other interests away from work?
My wife Tatiana and I have been married 27 years. Her family is of Ukrainian descent, and she has been a physical therapist for 32 years. Our daughter Kalynna, 23, earned a public relations degree from UF and is currently the communication coordinator for Plymouth Harbor Retirement community and a freelance photographer. Our son Jeffrey, 21, is a third year engineering student at UF and a gifted jazz saxophone player. He sometimes performs at Allegro Bistro in Venice on Tuesday evenings. As for me, if you want to talk about fly fishing, shotguns, old cars, and Florida history I’ll supply the beverages. You can also bring your dog!