Emilio Machado D.D.S.
Emilio Machado D.D.S was born in Cuba and migrated to the United States in 1971 along with his parents and sister. Following in his father’s footsteps Dr. Machado decided to study dentistry. He has been in the dental profession for 38 years, dedicating himself to his family and dental profession.
He graduated from the U.C.E. in the Dominican Republic and became accredited by University of Florida in 1983. This accomplishment at the young age of 23 makes Dr. Machado one of the youngest dentists in the United States during this time.
He began practicing with his father Emilio A. Machado D.D.S, and from there was able to elevate the practice into what is now known as Machado Dental Center.
At Machado Dental Center all forms of dental treatment, including specialization, are provided within the same facility. Dr. Machado now functions as head supervisor to a multifaceted team of dental professionals, including front desk operations, hygienist, dental specialists, and much more. This level of intricate oversight and care guarantees that all patients will continue to receive the excellent care that has come to be expected from our patients and community over a combined 87 years of family practice.
John Cabrera D.M.D.
Dr. Cabrera was born and raised in Miami, Florida and graduated from Belen Jesuit Prep School 2000. He then obtained a degree in psychology at the University of Florida in 2004, and went on to graduate from Tufts University of Dental Medicine in Boston, Ma. in 2008. Following the completion do dental school, he completed a one year residency in advanced general dentistry at the Providence VA hospital in Providence, RI.
Dr. Cabrera is skilled in all aspects of general dentistry, including endodontics, implant therapy, and CAD/CAM dentistry to fabricate and bond crowns in one visit. He is also a licensed Invisalign provider and a member of the Academy of general dentistry.
Rafael K. Rodriguez D.M.D.
Dr. Rodriguez is a Board Certified Periodontist, the field of dentistry focused on saving/maintaining teeth as well as surgical treatments including all aspects of dental implants. He attended the University of Florida for both College and Dental School. Then pursued an additional three-year specialty training in Periodontology at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV/VCU). During his time in Virginia, he was awarded a Masters degree for his research projects. Furthermore, he accomplished Board Certification and Diplomate status with the American Academy of Periodontology.
Professionally, he remains active in local and National Dental Organizations including:
- American Academy of Periodontology
- American Dental Association
- Florida Dental Association
- Florida Association of Periodontology
- Seaside Dental Study Club (local chapter of the Seattle Study Club)
Eddy J. Sedeño III. D.M.D.,M.S
Dr Sedeño was born and raised in Miami Lakes , Florida. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Florida, where he also obtained his dental training. As an undergraduate student, Dr. Sedeño was a member of Delta Chi Fraternity and served as the Risk Management Officer. In dental school he won the Orthodontics Clinical Achievement Award and was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon. He continued on the University of Florida for his orthodontic training and Masters in Dental Sciences. Dr. Sedeño is a specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, with a strong interest in technology and clear aligner treatment. While in residency his Master’s thesis focused on treatment with Invisalign, and he co-authored the Orthodontics chapter in the Dental Reference Manual. He was selected as an Emerging Leader of the AA and attended the AAO Political Advocacy Conference in Washington DC at Capitol Hill to lobby for positive changes to legislation to benefit orthodontic patients. He has earned several leadership and professionalism awards. He is also a member of the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce. His interests include working with computers, new technology, and developing more efficient systems for quality patient care. While not in the office, his hobbies include boating, fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as skiing and snowboarding (all of which he does not get do often enough) His family and the profession are what he values most of all.
Dr. Lizette Valiente
Dr. Lizette Valiente is a Board-Certified Pediatric dentist who is passionate about working with children. She loves helping her patients overcome the fear of going to the dentist and strives to make each visit an enjoyable experience. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree at Florida International University and then attended Nova Southeastern University for her Dental degree. She worked two years as a general dentist and was part of Machado Dental Center during that time. Dr. Valiente followed her dream of working with children and returned to Nova Southeastern University to do a two-year residency program in Pediatric Dentistry. Her residency training included treating special needs patients, conscious sedation, and complete oral rehabilitation under general anesthesia at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Broward General Hospital.
Pablo Ferrufino, DDS
Pablo Ferrufino, DDS, diagnoses and treats a myriad of oral health issues at Sharp Dentistry & Associates in Coconut Grove, Florida. Dr. Ferrufino is easy to talk to and enjoys communicating with his patients.
Dr. Ferrufino was born in Spain and raised in Brazil and Bolivia. He graduated from the Pontifical Catholic University in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as a general dentist. He also completed a fellowship in implantology at the same university.
After five years working in Brazil as an implantologist, Dr. Ferrufino decided to move to the United States. Once in the US, he received his advanced education in general dentistry at the University of Florida in Gainesville. In 2019, Dr. Ferrufino obtained his Florida dental license.
Adding to his experience, Dr. Ferrufino works in multiple offices as a general dentist focusing on oral surgeries, including implants, wisdom teeth extractions, and minor oral interventions. In his leisure time, Dr. Ferrufino enjoys motorcycles and outdoor activities.
Rosa L. Machado
Seeking a future in dentistry, I came across Dr. Emilio Machado’s dental office in 1985. I began my journey as a dental assistant and ended up being the office manager as well as part of the family.
It is with great enjoyment that I dedicate all my efforts addressing all of our patients needs and insuring our patients leave our office having received the top quality service our office has strived to achieve over the last 34 years.
Natalie Machado
After taking some years off to focus on her new family, Natalie was excited to put her talents back to work. She is thrilled to be working for the family business and is passionate about maintaining the high level of standard and customer service that Machado Dental Center has always been known for.
Emilio Machado Jr.
Emilio Machado Jr. Graduated with honors in 2006 from the University of Florida with a degree in English. From there he was awarded a scholarship to the Robert Stempel College of Public Health at Florida International University. Emilio graduated top of his class with a Masters degree in Public Health while specializing in Health Policy and Healthcare Administration in 2008. During his tenure at FIU he was also the president of the FIU Public Health Society which raised public health awareness throughout the campus.
Choosing not to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, both of whom practiced dentistry for a combined 50 years, Emilio focuses his efforts on spending time building patient relationships in a way he would not be able to if he was treating patients. What Emilio enjoys about our practice is the variety of ways in which he can help patients with every aspect of their dental treatment. Emilio specializes in everything from treatment planning to maximizing patient’s insurance benefits and everything in between.
Sonia Enriquez-Arauz C.R.D.H.
Sonia was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She has been employed at Machado Dental Center for over 15 years where she began her career in the dental field as a dental assistant. Her passion for helping patients inspired her to further her education and become a Dental Hygienist.
As a hygienist, she does more than just clean teeth. She educates patients about preventive oral health as well as total health. She is also certified to administer local anesthesia when needed. Her gentle, compassionate nature enables her to gain her patients’ trust whilst providing them with quality care. It is Sonia’s goal to help every patient feel at ease while in her care.
Maria I. Felipe
Mari is an integral part of Machado Dental Center practice and serves as the team leader for the dental assistants. She is a Certified Dental Assistant and has worked at Machado Dental center since 1986, which makes her one of the longest employed persons at the practice.
Since working here , Mari has enjoyed being involved with all new technologies as they have developed and become available. Meeting new patients is something that she enjoys as well as the lasting relationships she has developed with the existing patients. They have become like family to her.
Outside the practice she likes to spend time outdoors with friends and family.