Dr. Hess attended the University of Florida College of Dentistry where he received his doctorate of Dental Medicine and graduated as the valedictorian of his class. He continued his education at the prestigious University of Michigan and earned his Masters degree in Orthodontics.

Dr. Hess is a member of the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, The West Coast Dental Association, The American Association of Orthodontics, The Southern Association of Orthodontics, and The Florida Association of Orthodontics, as well as other local and regional dental societies.

Orthodontics is a passion for Dr. Hess and he is committed to achieving the highest level of quality for his patients. Dr. Hess enjoys the difference that a beautiful smile can make in a persons life. In his spare time, he enjoys spending family time with Julianna and their son Jackson. Some of his other interests include traveling, playing piano and guitar, tennis, flying, scuba diving and skydiving.

Dr. Popat attended the Harvard School of Dental Medicine where she received her doctorate of Dental Medicine. She continued her education at the University of California, San Francisco where she earned aMasters degree in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences and Orthodontics.

Dr. Popat is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontics, and the Florida Association of Orthodontics. Dr. Popat loves the field of orthodontics where she gets to improve the beautiful smiles of her patients during the most transformative years of their lives.

Dr. Popat is excited to be back in her home state of Florida where she is closer to her two older brothers and twin sister. During her free time, Dr. Popat enjoys traveling with her husband Samik and son Raiyu, dancing, trying out vegetarian restaurants and attending soccer and basketball games.

Since 2006, Dr. Matthew S. Baker has been providing patients with exceptional orthodontic care! As a second-generation orthodontist, Dr. Baker was influenced by his father, who was a practicing orthodontist for over 30 years. Dr. Baker grew up watching his dad and held his own aspirations of becoming an orthodontist starting in grade school. As he got older, Dr. Baker was able to work in his fathers office, throughout high school and college, which helped fine-tune his career goals.

Highly educated and well trained, Dr. Baker attended Indiana University for his undergraduate education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He then earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Indiana University School of Dentistry, and completed his Master of Science in Orthodontics at the world-renowned St. Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education.

I am passionate about providing the best treatment possible to my patients, as well as making a positive impact in their lives. It truly is a wonderful feeling when a patient completes treatment and tells you that you are changing their life. There is no better job to get to do each day!

It is important to Dr. Baker to stay on the cutting-edge of orthodontics. Continuing education helps him stay updated on current technology and evidence-based practices. Annually, he completes various continuing education courses regarding orthodontic mechanics and practice management. In addition, he is a member of local dental study clubs where he reviews complex multifaceted dental cases with local dentists and specialists. Dr. Baker maintains memberships in many professional organizations. He is currently a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, Southern Association of Orthodontists, and Florida Association of Orthodontists.

Dr. Baker grew up in southern Indiana and has called Lakewood Ranch home since 2009. When he is not at the office, Dr. Baker enjoys swimming, golfing, sporting events and spending time at the beach with his wife, Brooke, and son, Cole. They are members of Bayside Community Church in Lakewood Ranch and enjoy participating in community outreach events with their church.