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PROFILE Dr. Alexander Oscar Lopez honors his family Through excellence in dentistry, Smiles for Miles Words by Andrea Gallego At a young age, Dr. Alexander Oscar Lopez knew that he wanted to follow in his father's foot steps and become a dentist. Raised in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, where his family affectionately calls him "Oscarcito," Dr. Lopez recalls spending his summers working in the dental lab and assisting at his father's dental practice. "I was in the sixth grade and for a science project I did a real denture for a patient," he shares proudly. "I believe that working in my father's lab helped me become pretty advanced in dental school, so much that when my peers needed help, they would ask me and not the professor. Then again, those professors were pretty cut throat." Dr. Lopez, who shares his father's name, Oscar, admires how far his father has come. His father's struggles and successes are an inspiration for his work today. As a Cuban exile, his father had to overcome many hurdles in achieving his dream to become a dentist. "He and many other dentists in exile were given the heartbreaking news that the U.S. would not honor their degrees or their education that they had already gained from their homeland of Cuba. After many years of continued efforts, the ADA approved an exam that qualified foreign dentists to be granted a degree through continued education programs in various dental schools across the United States. Fifty-four Cuban Dentists were chosen to participate. Only twelve of those fifty-four passed the ADA exam and my father was one of those twelve." His father was then sent to the University of Pittsburg, where he continued his education and eventually received his Dental Degree in 1966, where he opened his first dental practice known today as Astoria Dental in New York. His father demonstrated that the American dream is possible by becoming a well-respected dentist, which inspired him. To carry on the family legacy, Dr. Lopez attended Upsala College, where he achieved his Bachelor of Science degree in 1985. He continued his education at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. During his studies, he received the highest honors award of Clinical Restorative Dentistry in his class. In 1989, he graduated as a Doctor of Medicine Dentistry. During that time, his father retired from dentistry and upon graduation; Dr. Lopez took over his father's practice Astoria Dental in Astoria, New York. In 1993, due to a high demand for his services, he opened a second practice, Grand Dental in Englewood, New Jersey. In 2000, he decided to relocate to South Florida and brought his New York practice to the beach. "I am extremely grateful for everything he has done for me. I am proud to be the son of Dr. Oscar Lopez and I will continue his legacy as best I can through my achievements in dentistry," he shared. Dr. Lopez, who is a recipient of the "Best of the Best Award" awarded by his 1989 Dentistry class, was proud to honor his father on the Day of Dentistry in 2007 with a "Best of the Best" plaque. Today, Astoria Dental at the Beach provides Miami residents with two locations to choose from one in North Miami Beach and the other in Miami Beach, where they used to be off of Lincoln Road for the past ten years. Dr. Lopez plans to open another location soon to accommodate to his patient's demands. Dedicated to the enhancement of health, beauty, and function of his patient's smiles, he takes pride and pleasure in ensuring that his patients achieve their goals of optimal dental health and beauty. In addition to dental procedures, Dr. Lopez is certified to perform Botox treatments and also offers salon and spa treatments. He has recently partnered up with Chez Bardo, a salon and spa within his building in the Miami Beach office. Dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest in dentistry to provide patients with the best and most advanced treatments, his practice provides clients with procedures such as bleaching, bondings, bridges, cosmetics, crowns, fillings, implants, inlays, veneers, invisalign, and hygiene care. Astoria Dental accepts most insurance plans and his offices provide financing plans at low and affordable rates in order to assist patients in achieving their perfect smile. Dr. Lopez also provides his patients with emergency treatments and evening appointments, and is fluent in Spanish. Have Dr. Alexander Oscar Lopez and his staff help you achieve your perfect smile. For more information, visit oscarlopezdmd.com. ML MIAMI LIVING 95