Dr. Leslie Ferrara is a native Floridian and grew up in the Tampa Bay area. She attended the University of Florida, where she received a Bachelors of Science in Human Nutrition before pursuing her Dental Medicine Doctorate at Boston Universitys School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Ferrara then moved back to Florida to complete an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency at the Bay Pines Veterans Hospital, where she had the privilege of treating our Nations Veterans while receiving advanced clinical training. She stayed on with the VA part-time for a year after Residency, while working in private practice in Tampa Palms and Citrus Park. In 2013, Dr. Ferrara met Dr. Upshaw and they decided to work together, with Dr. Ferrara as the Associate Dentist until she purchased the practice from Dr. Upshaw in 2015. Dr. Ferrara is a member of the Spears Study Club, where she and Dr. Upshaw receive top-notch continuing dental education, and cultivate working relationships with some of Tampas best specialists. Dr. Ferraras #1 goal is to deliver high quality dental treatment in the most comfortable and gentle way possible. She strives to ensure that every patient fully understands treatment recommendations so that they can take charge of their own oral and systemic health.
Dr. Ferrara loves living in downtown Tampa, and enjoys spending time with her husband and their rambunctious but adorable daughter, family, and friends. She enjoys going to the beach, traveling, and taking part in the activities of Tampas growing downtown.
Dr. Maria A. Upshaw was born in Venezuela where she spent most of her early years and earned her first dental degree, graduating with top honors in her Dental Class. In 1995, she moved to the US where she has lived ever since.
In 2000, Dr. Upshaw obtained her dental degree from The University of Florida. After living in South Florida for a couple of years, Dr. Upshaw moved to the Tampa Bay area in 2002, where she had the honor to practice under the mentorship and guidance of Dr. Daniel Bertoch for many years. There, she broadened her knowledge and skills in Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Upshaw acquired her own dental practice in 2009 and the sold it to Dr. Ferrara in 2015. They have been working together since 2013 and make a superb team. Dr. Upshaw and Dr. Ferrara have created an exceptional environment providing the best dental care for their patients and our community.
Dr. Upshaw is currently an active member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, and both, West Coast and Hillsborough County Dental Associations. Dr. Upshaw is an active member of the Spears Dental Club along with Dr. Ferrara.
Family is very important to Dr. Upshaw. Her husband Nate, who was born and raised in Gainesville, is also a physician in the Tampa Bay area. Dr. Upshaw loves spending time with her three children and her husband, she also enjoys participating in communities activities and challenging outdoor sports.
Reviews
Rating 4.7 out of 5 based on 112 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJoe Contreras
a year ago
Exceptional service!!
Michele Kriz
a year ago
Sue is a great hygienist!
behnoosh vasigh
a year ago
Pleasant customer service.
Yeager Baine
2 years ago
Love this practice!
David Canonigo
2 years ago
You arrive 20 min late they cancel your appointment and only let you reschedule it months after. Terrible. Never coming back again
joseph myrda
2 years ago
Dr Leslie Ferrara and her Team of Professionals continue to raise the bar - this time during my son's multiple visits to her Dental Practice for cavity treatment. My son was stiff as a board (always fearful in the dentist's chair) and in tears when Dr F came to me in the waiting room. Her recommendation to use nitrous/laughing gas and her cool as a Cucumber demeanor with my son was the difference between extensive drama and a happy 13/year old! She and her Staff know how to take care of patients!!
Brent Baltzer
2 years ago
I absolutely love this dental practice. All of it- the courteous/helpful staff, the thorough/friendly hygienists, the modern office approach/aesthetics and most of all the extremely skilled/personable doctors. Highly recommended
Samantha Martin
2 years ago
I have very high levels of dental anxiety but both visits to this office I have been put completely at ease by the whole staff, from the front desk, to the dental technician, to the dentist. The electronic communication is also very clear, and the office is beautiful. I do not have enough good things to say! Best dentist I have ever been to.
Seneca Gray-Robinson
2 years ago
Everyone here took really great care of me during my visit. I'm now switching my entire family over to your office!
Erin Leslie
2 years ago
I liked this place when I first went but then I got a cleaning shortly after the Covid restrictions were lifted and I should be $0 copay but they charged me a $20 "Covid fee" without disclosing this to me before my appointment so I decided that I won't be going back there.
Samantha Martin
3 years ago
I have very high levels of dental anxiety but both visits to this office I have been put completely at ease by the whole staff, from the front desk, to the dental technician, to the dentist. The electronic communication is also very clear, and the office is beautiful. I do not have enough good things to say! Best dentist I have ever been to.
Seneca Gray-Robinson
3 years ago
Everyone here took really great care of me during my visit. I'm now switching my entire family over to your office!
Erin Leslie
3 years ago
I liked this place when I first went but then I got a cleaning shortly after the Covid restrictions were lifted and I should be $0 copay but they charged me a $20 "Covid fee" without disclosing this to me before my appointment so I decided that I won't be going back there.
Brent Baltzer
3 years ago
I absolutely love this dental practice. All of it- the courteous/helpful staff, the thorough/friendly hygienists, the modern office approach/aesthetics and most of all the extremely skilled/personable doctors. Highly recommended
joseph myrda
3 years ago
Dr Leslie Ferrara and her Team of Professionals continue to raise the bar - this time during my son's multiple visits to her Dental Practice for cavity treatment. My son was stiff as a board (always fearful in the dentist's chair) and in tears when Dr F came to me in the waiting room. Her recommendation to use nitrous/laughing gas and her cool as a Cucumber demeanor with my son was the difference between extensive drama and a happy 13/year old! She and her Staff know how to take care of patients!!
Jason Leanos
3 years ago
Ive been lucky and throughout my life always had great dentists. Ferrara Dental's entire team is at the top of my list. Kesha Rose (hygienist) and Maria Upshaw (dentist) are the best. I highly recommend this team!!
J Krapfl
3 years ago
I've been coming here since 1996 and have always had an excellent experience and level of service since. People have come and gone throughout the years however I'll single out Kesha as my favorite hygienist of all time. She's great at what she does and she's got a great personality which is a winning combination.
Douglas Madden
3 years ago
Great dental office. Friendly and professional staff. Especially like having Kesha as a hygienist she is awesome!
Nurellys
3 years ago
Kesha makes going to the dentist a pleasant experience!
Mariah Foster
3 years ago
Kesha was fantastic as always.
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