Our Amazing Team

At Tower Dental Associates, we value our patient relationships and make it a priority to deliver the gentle, compassionate care you deserve from a dentist in Gainesville. We always strive to develop lifelong relationships with our clients and work hard to provide exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere for you.

“I enjoy being a cosmetic and family dentist because it provides me the opportunity to interact closely with patients and their families while improving their dental health. I am committed to making every patient feel comfortable and educated about their dental needs.”

Dr. John A. Samarkos,

DMD

Education

Dr. John A. Samarkos graduated from the University of Florida with Honors BS in Zoology in 1987. He received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) in 1991 from UF. He started a private practice with his wife Dr. Maria E.Rodriguez- Samarkos in 1993. Today, they have a successful dental practice in Gainesville, Florida.

Continuing Education

Dr. John A. Samarkos graduated from the University of Florida with Honors BS in Zoology in 1987. He received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) in 1991 from UF. He started a private practice with his wife Dr. Maria E.Rodriguez- Samarkos in 1993. Today, they have a successful dental practice in Gainesville, Florida.

Family Life​

Dr. Samarkos was born in Tarpon Springs, Florida and graduated from Tarpon Springs High School. He moved to Gainesville for his undergraduate studies and enjoyed it so much that he decided to stay. Dr. Samarkos and Rodriguez-Samarkos have two children, Andres and Nicolas, and a beautiful white Bichon called Rocco. Their family stays busy with their children’s activities like baseball and golf tournaments, but they also enjoy traveling and spending time with friends and visiting family in Tarpon Springs and Puerto Rico.

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“My primary goal is to provide every patient exceptional and individualized care and have them enjoy every visit to our office. Everyone in our team makes the journey to a new beautiful smile a positive and fun experience.

Dr. Maria Rodriquez-Samarkos,

DMD

Speaks Fluent Spanish

Education

Dr. Maria E. Samarkos graduated from the University of Florida with a BS in Microbiology in 1986. She received her Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) in 1991 from UF. She continued her dental education completing a General Practice Residency at the University of Maryland Hospital and the University of Maryland Dental School in 1991. She started working in private practice in 1991 in Dunnellon, Florida and started her private practice with her husband, John A. Samarkos, in 1993. Today, they have a successful dental practice in Gainesville, Florida.

Continuing Education

Dr. Rodriguez-Samarkos is a member of the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, and the Alachua Dental Association. In her commitment to excellence in the practice of dentistry, she has joined the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and has completed many continuing education courses in general, cosmetic, restorative, orthodontic and neuromuscular dentistry throughout the years.

Family Life​

Dr. Maria E. Rodriguez- Samarkos was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and graduated from Colegio Lourdes in 1981. She moved to Gainesville for her undergraduate studies and enjoyed it so much that she decided to stay and make it her family home. Dr. Rodriguez- Samarkos and Dr. Samarkos have two children, Andres and Nicolas, and a beautiful white Bichon called Rocco. Their family stays busy with their children’s activities like baseball and golf tournaments, but they also enjoy traveling, spending time with friends and visiting family in Tarpon Springs and Puerto Rico. Personally, Dr. Rodriguez-Samarkos enjoys cooking, reading and swimming aerobics.
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team-keri

Keri Carlton,

Dental Hygienist
When Keri's not in the office serving patients, you can find her spending time outdoors, hiking, wakeboarding, boating and watching her kids play sports!

team-tricia

Tricia Ferris,

Dental Hygienist
There are two keys to Tricia's heart: Disney and candy. Don't expect her to limit either of those in her daily life.

team-cindy

Cindy Tapp-Albrecht,

Office Manager
When Cindy isn't being a ray of sunshine to everyone in the office, she's loving on her fur babies, Daisy (her dog) and Bella (her cat).

Katlynn Vaughn,

Dental Assistant
Katlynn's favorite dental joke: "What does the Dentist of the year receive? A little Plaque!"

team-mickie

Mickie Parker,

Dental Assistant
Mickie will always greet you with a big smile! If she is not a work ,you will find her crafting and singing Bon Jovi.

Our Mission

Our dental office works together to realize a shared vision of uncompromising excellence in dentistry. Tower Dental Associates has been serving the dental needs of families in the Gainesville area for over 20 years. Through this time, Drs. John and Maria Samarkos have developed the experience and expertise that our dental patients expect and deserve.