Dr. Alvarez was born in Miami, Florida; however, her family is from Cuba. She received her B.S. degree in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Miami in 1991, and her dental degree from the University of Florida in 1995. Dr. Alvarez received her certificate in Pediatric Dentistry in May 1997 from the Medical College of Georgia.Dr. Alvarez is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Upon completion of her certificate, Dr. Alvarez moved to the rural valleys of Las Matas, Dominican Republic for six months to set up a non-profit dental clinic. Funded entirely by donations, her organization, Instruments of Peace, employed a Dominican dentist in an office with two dental chairs, a generator, water distillers and an autoclave. Instruments of Peace continued to provide care for the children of Las Matas for ten years.
In November of 1997, Dr. Alvarez moved to Jacksonville and practiced pediatric dentistry in several local offices. Dr. Alvarez opened her own office in December 1999. She is currently a member of the Cleft Palate Board at Wolfsons Childrens Hospital. She is an ABPD Diplomat and a member of ADA, ABPD, AAPD, JDS, and the FDA.
Dr. Alvarez enjoys reading, running, spending time with her daughters, and cycling with her husband. She also loves to dance and wishes that she could have more time for it. She and her family are very active in their church, First Baptist Church of Baldwin. Her passion for children extends outside of the office as demonstrated by her support of local non- profit organizations such as Seamark Ranch, East Coast Ballet, Autism Speaks, and Americas Most Wanted DNA-Lifeprint Safety Events.
Our dental assistants are instrumental in ensuring that your childs experience in their dental home is safe, supportive and loving. They are highly trained in our procedures as well as in infection control, emergency protocols, and HIPAA.
In addition to her normal every-day tasks, the pediatric dental hygienist encourages oral hygiene, teaches proper dental care, and is instrumental in establishing and maintaining a healthy smile into adulthood.
Reviews
Rating 4.7 out of 5 based on 166 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestAAF 01
a year ago
amazing experience. Dr. Alvarez was amazing with my son. he is 3 and walked out saying that he wants to be a dentist. She got him very comfortable very quickly and even though we where having difficulty brushing his teeth at home, she was able to do a full cleaning and exam in her office, as well as give us helpful pointers to make bushing his teeth more fun. Cannot say enough good things about this 1st rate patient experience.
Warner Family
a year ago
Great staff & Dr. Alvarez has keen knowledge of Dentistry & her compassion for her clients soars above all! Very prompt service & excellent care!
Mequel Connolly
a year ago
We love Safari of Smiles! Dr. Alvarez is a wonderful dentist but more importantly she's invested in children. She puts them at ease, is interested in them, and treats them with respect.
Matty Gomez
2 years ago
(Translated by Google) As a first appointment I felt calm, the doctor is excellent, she was able to reassure my son at a time when I thought he would not allow himself to be examined. (Original) Como primera cita me senti tranquila la doctora es excelente pudo tranquilizar ami hijo en un momento en el que pense que no se dejaria revisar .
Julia Scott
2 years ago
I absolutely loved the experience with Dr. Alvarez and the entire staff at safari of smiles! Everyone was so patient and kind and my son was at ease receiving his dental care. Thank you so much.
James Ivey
2 years ago
Dr. Alvarez and team are the best.
Rick G
2 years ago
My son loves Doctor Alvarez, what else can I say. This place is so beautiful and they people who works there is amazing. My son is the most happy kid every time that he needs to go.
Margaret Chambers
2 years ago
The team here is so wonderful. My special needs son is treated with such love and care.
Cathy Perry
2 years ago
Dr Alvarez always provides an exceptional dental experience for my daughter. She is gentle, kind,, personable, thorough and knowledgeable. When meeting with her after the examination, she gives very in-depth information about my child's dental health. We have been going to Dr Alvarez for 7+ years and we wouldn't think of going anywhere else.
Joseph DelGuidice
2 years ago
Works well with Kids and is always up front
Anastasiia Kulik
2 years ago
Great place with really professional doctor Ivis Alvarez! Our child's experiance was full of careness, attentiveness and love! Amazing interior and greetful staff!
Toochie Boo
2 years ago
This by far is the best experience I have ever had with any health care provider at an initial appointment. Dr. Alvarez and her team were so genuine and loving and patient and gentle, I could go on and on!! But as a special needs parent with a very limited income, I could not be more grateful for the care they provided to my baby girl!! And BTW this was her first ever dental appointment and she did great. Dr Alverez loves our special needs kids and is very attentive to their behaviors and responses to the dental experience. I will tell EVERYONE that I know with a child that #SafariOfSmiles is the place to be. And the office is fun and full of Safari animals and its clean and smells like bath and body works!! Lol I can't thank you all enough for the experience
Rick G
2 years ago
Stefano loves Doctor Alvarez, what else can I say. This place is so beautiful and they people who works there is amazing. My son is the most happy kid every time that he needs to go.
Esined Willis
2 years ago
Amazing care as always.
Kari DeFilippo
2 years ago
Dr. Alvarez and her staff are wonderful and so nice. It was my 18 month old daughter's first time visiting a dentist. Dr. Alvarez was patient and made the appointment fun by singing songs while giving the exam. She answered all of our questions and showed us techniques for brushing our daughter's teeth.
Daniela Jaramillo
2 years ago
It was a truly great experience for my son and myself.
Mirela Malli
2 years ago
I can't thank Dr. Alvarez enough for being an amazing Dentist! She is the GOLD standard that ALL dentists should adhere to. She will take time with your child and not force things. Honestly, I've never met a doctor more passionate towards kids. My son left the office talking about becoming a dentist too. Dr. Alvarez, thank you so much for your compassion and for your friendly staff!
AAF 01
2 years ago
amazing experience. Dr. Alvarez was amazing with my son. he is 3 and walked out saying that he wants to be a dentist. She got him very comfortable very quickly and even though we where having difficulty brushing his teeth at home, she was able to do a full cleaning and exam in her office, as well as give us helpful pointers to make bushing his teeth more fun. Cannot say enough good things about this 1st rate patient experience.
Cjardae Lee
2 years ago
This was the best or should I say most perfect dental experience ever! Dr Alvarez came and greeted me and my daughter who had been screaming all day because of her tooth and my daughter instantly felt her passion for what she does and followed her straight to the back without a problem. This was our first time here and it won't be the last. I think I called every pediatric dentist on google looking for a doctor to help and we were squeezed in at she saved the day. My daughter is only 4 and her last experience at the dentist had her terrified of anyone in scrubs lol. She's the best. You won't regret it.
Joseph DelGuidice
2 years ago
The employee's at this office are friendly and very helpful.
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