Our Doctors

The specialists behind the smiles

Six doctors — board-certified pediatric dentists, orthodontic specialists, and general dentistry — who chose to spend their careers making kids (and parents) smile.

Pediatric Dentistry

Board-certified pediatric dentists, specialty-trained in treating infants, children, and teens.

Dr. Safiya Smith, DDS, MPH

Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Safiya Smith has dedicated her career to one thing: making sure every child who sits in her chair feels safe, heard, and proud of their smile. A board-certified pediatric dentist with over a decade of experience, she believes a great dental visit can shape a child's relationship with their health for life — and she loves being the one to make that first impression a positive one.

Dr. Smith earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Florida before heading to New York, where she completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery and a Master of Public Health at Columbia University. She then completed her pediatric dentistry residency at Albert Einstein/Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, gaining extensive experience caring for children with special needs and medically complex conditions — a passion she carries into her practice today. She is especially skilled at helping anxious young patients feel at ease, using gentle behavior management and desensitization techniques to turn nervous visits into fun ones.

Her commitment to children's health reaches beyond the operatory: she has organized oral health education events at schools and community centers, volunteered with Missions of Mercy in both Florida and New York, and conducted public health research on children's access to care. Her Spanish proficiency helps her connect with families from all backgrounds.

Dr. Smith is board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Florida Dental Association.

Dr. Gabriela Asensi, DMD, MPH

Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Gabriela Asensi is a board-certified pediatric dentist with a passion for creating healthy, confident smiles in children of all ages. With over two decades of experience, she has earned a reputation for her gentle approach, clinical excellence, and dedication to the well-being of every child she treats.

Dr. Asensi began her dental journey at the prestigious Universidad Central de Venezuela, graduating in the top ten of her class. After relocating to the United States, she completed a General Practice Residency at Miami Children's Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident, and continued her advanced pediatric training through a dual residency program with Miami Children's Hospital and the University of Florida — specializing in the comprehensive dental care of infants, children, and adolescents.

She went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University and a Master of Public Health from Florida International University, equipping her with a deep understanding of both clinical care and the broader health challenges facing children today. Dr. Asensi also served as Chief of the Department of Dentistry at Nicklaus Children's Health System in Miami, overseeing the clinical direction and supervision of pediatric dental care in one of the nation's leading pediatric health systems. After running a successful pediatric dental practice in Coral Gables, she moved to Tallahassee, where she now provides high-quality, personalized dental care to children in a diverse and growing community.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Asensi enjoys traveling, crochet knitting, reading, and cheering on her favorite teams in the Spanish soccer league. She is proudly married and the mother of a Florida State University student.

Orthodontics

Three orthodontic specialists, all residency-trained in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.

Dr. Brion Long, DMD, MS

Orthodontic Specialist

Dr. Brion Long graduated with honors from Oregon Health and Science University and began his career as Dental Director of La Clinica del Valle, Southern Oregon's largest public healthcare facility — managing multiple dental clinics, performing more than 6,000 procedures on pediatric patients, and serving as Co-President of the Northwest Regional Primary Care Association and a Steering Committee member of the California Primary Care Association.

He completed his three-year orthodontic residency at the University of Florida in 2009, where he conducted benchmark mixed-dentition research for Align Technology, the makers of Invisalign. He has served as adjunct faculty at Oregon Health and Science University and the Oregon Institute of Technology, is currently an adjunct clinical professor at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, and serves on the advisory board — and as adjunct faculty — for Tallahassee State College's hygiene program.

Dr. Long has published and lectured on pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, and served as lead pediatric dental chair for the Florida Mission of Mercy when it was held in Tallahassee. An Oregon native who moved to Florida in 2014, he built SmileWorks around two convictions: transforming smiles can truly change lives, and technology plus a highly trained, passionate team is what makes exceptional care possible.

Away from the office he's traveling, exploring the springs and beaches of north Florida, cheering on college sports, and joining dental mission trips.

Dr. Dan Nguyen, DMD, MS

Orthodontic Specialist

For Dr. Nguyen (pronounced "Win"), the best part of orthodontics is the moment a patient sees their new smile and stands a little taller. Watching that quiet shift in confidence, one smile at a time, is what keeps him passionate about the work.

A Florida native, Dr. Nguyen earned both his bachelor's and dental degrees from the University of Florida, graduating #2 in his dental class, then completed UF's three-year orthodontic program, earning his orthodontic and master's degrees. He was chosen as the sole University of Florida resident to compete in the Charley Schultz Resident Scholar Award Competition at the 2009 American Association of Orthodontists annual meeting in Boston, placing 3rd in the basic science category against leading residents from across the country and abroad. His award-winning master's research investigated how bite changes affect the development of the jaw's closing muscles.

Dr. Nguyen has practiced as an orthodontic specialist since 2009 and is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, and Florida Association of Orthodontists.

He speaks English and Vietnamese, with a few words of Spanish and German for good measure. Away from the office, he's happiest spending time with his wife and three kids — ideally over a good meal, since he'll be the first to admit he loves food in just about every form.

Dr. Shefali “Sharon” Savarirayan, DMD, MS

Orthodontic Specialist

Dr. Sharon Savarirayan earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and completed her orthodontic residency at Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics, graduating with both a certificate in orthodontics and a Master of Science in Dentistry. Her master's research focused on temporary anchorage devices and why they succeed or fail. Her residency emphasized clinical efficiency across the full range of modern orthodontic care: traditional and clear braces, Invisalign, temporary anchorage devices, and soft tissue laser therapy. She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Florida Association of Orthodontists, and the American Dental Association, and she speaks Hindi and conversational Spanish.

Dr. Sharon knows what it's like to be the kid in the chair. Braces changed how she saw herself as a teenager, and that's why she chose orthodontics — she wants every child who walks into our Tallahassee office to leave a little more confident than when they came in. She has volunteered in dental clinics for children with special needs through Special Olympics and provided care at Remote Area Medical clinics for families without regular access to dentistry.

Outside the office, she's usually playing pickleball, trying a new restaurant, or curled up with a book or a knitting project.

General Dentistry

General dentistry for kids and teens, working alongside our specialists under one roof.

Dr. Toni Collins, DMD

General Dentist

Dr. Toni Collins loves nothing more than helping children feel comfortable, confident, and even excited about visiting the dentist. For her, the best part of every day is watching a nervous first-time patient leave with a big smile — and building relationships with kids and families that last for years.

Originally from Sofia, Bulgaria, Dr. Collins moved to Florida at age six. She earned a Biology degree with a Chemistry minor from Florida State University and her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her heart for children extends well beyond the office — she has participated in mission trips across Latin America, providing dental care to kids in underserved communities, and her fluency in Spanish and Bulgarian helps her connect with young patients and parents from all backgrounds.

Dr. Collins is a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, and Academy of General Dentistry. Outside the office, she enjoys cheering for the Seminoles, gardening, and playing tennis and pickleball with her husband, Frazer.

Find the right doctor for your family

Call us and we'll match your child with the specialist who best fits their needs and schedule.

Request an Appointment Call (850) 765-3748