We speak 7 languages fluently among us - English, Spanish, French, Russian, Hungarian, Hindi, and Punjabi. Every team member is hand-picked with customer service in mind. Our pediatric team is specifically trained to take care of all children, from the young and healthy to those with special needs and severe anxiety.
Hometown: Sarasota, FL Favorite food: Thai and Indian Favorite movie: Oceans Eleven Hidden talent: Practicing bikram yoga and playing violin Favorite Disney character: Maui (from Moana) Favorite sports team: Miami Hurricanes Favorite place to travel: Thailand If I could have any superpower it would be: Flying I love my job because: I have the opportunity to lead and work alongside an incredibly talented team to help transform childrens' perception of dentistry into something fun and positive at every visit. No better reward than hearing a parent tell us how much their child loves going to the dentist. Describe yourself in one word: Innovative
Hometown: Kazan, Russia Favorite food: Bagels Favorite movie: A Beautiful Mind Hidden talent: Grooming poodles Favorite Disney character: Winnie the Pooh (and Tigger) Favorite sports team: Michigan Wolverines Favorite place to travel: Israel and the UK If I could have any superpower it would be: X-ray vision :) I love my job because: of patients like you! Every day is an adventure and its never boring! Describe yourself in one word: Trusting
Hometown: Houston, Texas Favorite food: That is a loaded question - anything rich and flavorful - desserts, Thai food, Indian food, Mexican food Favorite movie: The Usual Suspects Hidden talent: Cooking - in another life, I would be a chef! Favorite Disney character: The Incredibles Family Favorite sports team: Houston Rockets, NY Giants Favorite place to travel: Thailand, New York City If I could have any superpower it would be: Being in multiple places at one time I love my job because: I get to help and support others every day and be a part of something greater than myself a practice that is a prestigious cornerstone of childrens dental health in our community Describe yourself in one word: Versatile
Hometown: Sarasota, FL Favorite food: Seafood Favorite movie: The Princess Bride Hidden talent: I can hold my breath for over 2 minutes Favorite Disney character: Sebastian (Little Mermaid) Favorite sports team: Tampa Bay Lightning Favorite place to travel: Blue Ridge Mountains If I could have any superpower it would be: Flight I love my job because: I love being part of a team that is a family inclusive and welcoming to everyone who comes through the door. Describe yourself in one word: Resourceful
Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela Favorite food: I can eat a traditional Venezuelan dish, Arepas, every single day. Favorite movie: I am a movie and TV junkie so picking one would be too complicated but I am a sucker for romantic comedies, action moves, reality TV, anything Disney Hidden talent: I love event planning Favorite Disney character: Top 2 are Belle and Moana Favorite sports team: I grew up in a baseball family with family members playing in the MLB so naturally became a Yankees fan. I am a Patriots supporter! Favorite place to travel: Cayman Islands or Bali If I could have any superpower it would be: I would take peoples pain away I love my job because: Being a part of the SmileWorks family makes me so happy because every single day not only do I get to work with amazing people but I get to meet super sweet kids every day and help them gain knowledge about their oral health & succeed at it! Describe yourself in one word: Passionate
Hometown: Washington D.C Favorite food: Ravioli any kind. I have a deep appreciation for stuffed pasta Favorite movie: Forrest Gump Hidden talent: I can make homemade pasta! Favorite Disney character: Belle Favorite sports team: Washington Capitals Favorite place to travel: Charlotte, NC If I could have any superpower it would be: Being able to talk to animals! I love my job because: I have the opportunity to assist kids of all ages to feel more comfortable at the dentist! Describe yourself in one word: Genuine
Hometown: Portland, ME Favorite food: Eggplant parmigiana Favorite movie: Bring It On Hidden talent: I can back flip :) Favorite Disney character: Tinkerbell Favorite sports team: New England Patriots Favorite place to travel: Somewhere Tropical If I could have any superpower it would be: Teleporting I love my job because: I am making an impact on kids everyday lives and they always can put a smile on your face without even trying Describe yourself in one word: Outgoing
Hometown: Orlando, FL Favorite food: Spanish food! Favorite movie: The Goonies Hidden talent: Touching my tongue to my nose and beat boxing Favorite Disney character: Hercules Favorite sports team: Orlando Magic Favorite place to travel: Central America If I could have any superpower it would be: Super speed! I love my job because: I can have fun and make a difference at the same time Describe yourself in one word: Authentic
Hometown: Sarasota, FL Favorite food: Asian and Latin Food Favorite movie: The Mummy Hidden talent: I love singing any chance I get! Favorite Disney character: Tiana Favorite sports team: Arsenal FC Favorite place to travel: New York City or Houston, Texas If I could have any superpower it would be: Shapeshifting I love my job because: I love working with a team that feels like family and theres always something new every day! Describe yourself in one word: Dynamic
Hometown: Bradenton, Florida Favorite food: Tamales Favorite movie: Coco Hidden talent: I am a cat whisperer :) Favorite Disney character: Mulan Favorite sports team: Dont have one :( Favorite place to travel: Georgia If I could have any superpower it would be: to be able to see things before they happen I love my job because: I love not only being a impact on kids lives but experiencing the impact kids make on me and being able to learn something new everyday whether it be from patients or from team members! Describe yourself in one word: Gentle
Hometown: Budapest, Hungary Favorite food: Hungarian goulash soup Favorite movie: The Ugly Truth Hidden talent: My hidden talent is so perfectly hidden that I havent found it yet Favorite Disney character: Minnie Mouse Favorite sports team: Barcelona FC Favorite place to travel: Barcelona, Spain If I could have any superpower it would be: Time-travel I love my job because: I love spending time with kids and taking great care of them Describe yourself in one word: Entertaining
Dr. Malik ('Dr. M&M' as children call him) grew up in Sarasota and comes from a family of dentists, his father practiced general dentistry in Sarasota for over 35 years and his sister practices orthodontics in Houston. He is fluent in Spanish, Punjabi, Hindi and English.
Dr. Malik attended Temple Emanuel, Julie Rohr Academy, and Pine View School in Sarasota before embarking on his dream to become a pediatric dentist. In his freshman year of college, while volunteering at Miami Children's Hospital, Dr. Malik realized he loved working with children. After completing undergraduate studies at the University of Miami, Dr. Malik left for gator country to attend dental school. Dr. Malik graduated dental school from the University of Florida College of Dentistry at the top of his class as a decorated scholar.
After dental school, Dr. Malik completed his pediatric dental residency at one of the nation's top programs - the Baylor College of Dentistry in association with Children's Medical Center of Dallas and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. He then went beyond residency to complete his board certification in pediatric dentistry - certifying him as Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
After working in the Dallas/Fort Worth and East Texas area for several years, Dr. Malik moved back to his hometown and opened up a one-of-a-kind pediatric dental practice. From office layout and interior design to marketing and operational systems, Dr. Malik personally created his dream practice for children and parents to enjoy SmileWorks Kids Dentistry. Today, the practice strives to provide every child with the highest quality of pediatric dental care in a fun, safe, and engaging environment.
True to his nature, Dr. Malik is actively involved in community and professional organizations while managing his growing private practice. Dr. Malik has served on the Board of Trustees for Forty Carrots Family Center, a local non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, and he currently serves on the Pine View Association (PVA) Board as the schools Alumni Representative.
Dr. Malik, his wife, and three children (ages 9, 6, 3) live in Sarasota. In his free time, Dr. Malik enjoys spending time with his family and friends. His other interests include aviation, travel planning, home improvement projects, fishing, cycling, watching NBA and NFL, and family trips
Dr. Elena feels fortunate to have received an outstanding education that instills confidence in her patients and their families. She graduated from the best dental school in the country, University of Michigan, and was inducted in the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society which includes top 10% of dentists in the US. She completed her pediatric specialty training at University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, where she served as chief resident.
Dr. Elena has published several articles in the Pediatric Academys journal as a primary investigator and has received multiple prestigious awards from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (Award for Outstanding Promise in the Field of Pediatric Dentistry) and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (Richard C. Pugh Achievement Award).
Dr. Elena is fluent in Russian and English. Dr. Elena, her husband Mike, and their dog Maxie moved to Sarasota in 2016. When not practicing dentistry, you can find Dr Elena watching a movie, enjoying a good read, or spending time on Siesta beach!