meet our dedicated dental team
Dr. Mark Hermano
Dr. Mark was born in New York City and moved down to Orlando for high school, before his admission into the Honors Program at the University of Florida. At UF, he was selected as an official student ambassador and orientation leader for incoming freshmen. He received many awards including the UF Presidential Service Award and Anderson Scholarship with distinction, and was a LeaderShape Institute graduate, GatorShip Diversity Initiative graduate, and teaching assistant in microbiology and organic chemistry.
After college, Dr. Mark moved back to New York to earn his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) at Columbia University, where he received a Pierre Fauchard Academy Scholarship. He was elected as his class president for all four years of dental school, delivered the commencement speech at graduation, and was given the Columbia Student Leadership Award upon completing the program. He matched to a two-year specialty residency at Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he earned his Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Mark was inspired towards a career working with children after spending extensive time volunteering as a mentor in local schools and special needs camps, and even internationally on mission trips to Nicaragua and the Philippines. Dr Mark is proud of his Filipino heritage and will again be volunteering on a dental mission to the Philippines in February 2024 to work with underserved children.
In his free time, Dr. Mark enjoys listening to all kinds of music, exercising, and playing intramural basketball. His wife, Mara, grew up in Kissimmee and together they are loving parents to their four-year-old goldendoodle, Maui, their three-year-old son, Miles, and their two-year-old daughter, Milena.
Fun fact: Dr. Mark ran the 2023 NYC Marathon and runs 20-30 miles every week!
Dr. Belisa Howard
Dr. Belisa Howard is a gentle, caring pediatric dentist who is passionate about helping children grow up with healthy smiles and positive dental experiences. With over a decade of experience, she understands how to make every visit comfortable, fun, and stress-free for both kids and their parents.
Dr. Howard earned her dental degree from Nova Southeastern University, where she also completed specialized training in pediatric dentistry. She’s been proudly board-certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry since 2017. Before that, she studied Exercise Physiology at Florida State University, graduating magna cum laude.
Dr. Howard believes in the power of prevention and loves working closely with families to build healthy habits early on. She has a special interest in caring for children with unique healthcare needs and is trained in a variety of treatment options, including gentle sedation, to help even the most nervous little patients feel at ease.
Over the years, she’s cared for thousands of smiles across Central and North Florida, including in Winter Garden, Orlando, and Jacksonville. Today, she’s proud to be part of a community-focused practice where kids feel valued and supported every step of the way.
Outside of the office, Dr. Howard loves spending time with her family, enjoying the Florida sunshine, and giving back to the community she serves.
She can’t wait to meet you and your child and help make dental visits something to smile about!