By Marie Gilmore
Dr. W. Edward Gonzalez, Jr., moved to the Brandon area to open a pediatric dental practice that he could be proud of and in a community where he could raise his family. Staying on top of the advances in technology in his profession, teaching and sharing his passion for families, and dental care, Dr. Gonzalez, the owner of Pediatric Dental Center in Brandon, was recognized by his peers for his commitment and dedication to the dental community when he received the Dr. Richard L. Moore Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Orthodontic Society. The Lifetime award is the highest honor given by the Board of Directors of the American Orthodontics Society and is named for the founder of the association.
Dr. Gonzalez was recognized for his outstanding clinical skills and for building two of the largest pediatric practices in central Florida. Dr. Gonzalez and wife Mayling are parents and proud grandparents.
“I always knew I wanted to start my own business and came to Brandon because while at the time it was a small area, but it was a growing area,” he said.
Dr. Gonzalez teaches orthodontic courses throughout the country for the American Orthodontic Society. His professional qualifications include B.A. and D.M.D. degrees from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. Before establishing Pediatric Dental Center in 1975, Dr. Gonzalez was Chief Resident in Pediatric Dentistry at the Philadelphia Children’s Hospital.
He is a surgical staff member at Brandon Regional Hospital, an Associate Clinical Professor, and teaches future Pediatric Dentists at the University of Florida.
As national spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, his views and techniques are frequently featured by the nation’s media, who have identified him as a leader in his profession.
“To me, the ultimate compliment is that former patients like and trust me enough to let me do dental work on their children,” he said. “It means that I must have done something right and it makes me feel great.”
Pediatric Dental Center is located at 517 Corner Street, Brandon. Visit www.kidtooth.com or call 685-0804.
