My mission in dentistry is to provide my patients with the care and education to enjoy lifelong oral health. I enjoy providing the best quality of care I can and building relationships based on honesty, empathy, and compassion. I love serving my community by treating my patients with the most up-to-date techniques and technology in dental medicine. I also love to make others laugh and ensure that everyone has a pleasant time during their visit to our office.
Dr. Cruz was born in Havana, Cuba and at age 5 her family moved to Miami, Florida. As a small child she showed interest in dentistry. While attending Florida International University she was a member of Pre-Dental Society, the organization Alternative Breaks, Center for Community Engagement and Operation Smiles. Her passion in dentistry was reinforced in her undergraduate years where she volunteered at Community Smiles in Miami where dentistry is provided to the underserved. She traveled to Nicaragua on a mission trip to educate children in an orphanage on computer skills and maintaining oral health. Dr. Cruz graduated with a major in Biology and minor in Chemistry which prepared her with the scientific basis for her dental profession. She pursued her dental career at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Sarasota, Florida. Dr. Cruz was proposed to be a simulation lab tutor by her professors to help dental students who struggled in competencies. Today, when Dr. Cruz is not in the office, she volunteers at the local HANDS Clinic providing free dental care. She enjoys spending time with her fianc, family, and friends. She loves to go fishing, boating, and continuing her education through various courses and on-going training.
Dr. Gehrig has taken numerous continuing education courses over the years through the Pankey Institute and Dawson Academy. He has attained Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry and hopes to attain Mastership in the coming year. In addition to the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Gehrig is also a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, serving as the South Florida Ethics Chair. Membership in the American College of Dentistry is by invitation-only. Fewer than 4% of all dentists are members of this highly selective and prestigious professional organization.
Dr. Gehrig is an active member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Association, Treasure Coast Dental Society, American College of Dentists, Academy of General Dentistry, and the Florida Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Gehrig has held several offices within these associations, including President of the Treasure Coast Dental Society and the Florida Academy of General Dentistry. He has acted as Chair of the Academy of General Dentistry and served as Director of Region 20 and sat on the Academys Membership Council. He was also Chair of the Compensation Committee, Dental Practice Council Board Liaison, Member of the 2018-2021 Strategic Planning Task Force, and Governance Review Task Force.
For over 20 years, Dr. Gehrig was a volunteer Little League Umpire. He is a member and former President of the Downtown Kiwanis Club and the Exchange Club of Fort Pierce. Boy Scout Troop 471 was an important organization in his life, and he served as Scoutmaster. He continues to participate in Scouting as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 475 with his grandsons. He is a member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church and a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, serving as Chancellor of Council #15429. He regularly volunteers at the HANDS Clinic of St. Lucie County, providing dental care to residents who may not be able to afford treatment.
Robert 'Bob' D. Gehrig, DMD, FAGD, FACD has been practicing dentistry in Fort Pierce, Florida, since 1981. He is married to Grisel Perez-Gehrig, and together, they have two children: R. Anthony Gehrig and Audrey Franklyn. Audrey and her husband, Kevin, have five boys. Tony and his wife, Isabel, have three girls and one boy. They are all the greatest grandchildren ever!
With his wife and family, Dr. Gehrig enjoys the RV lifestyle, astronomy, fishing, and gardening. He is an avid reader, preferring historical fiction, science fiction, westerns, and the occasional detective novel.