Meet the Team

Jamie Rogers is in the right profession. For 10 years, she has been honing her skills as a dental assistant with a focus on cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry, while pursuing advanced courses at the Nash Institute for Dental Learning, the Dawson Academy, and the Beaches Implant Study Club. In her off hours, she volunteers with Operation Smile, a group of dentists, plastic surgeons, and medical personnel who repair cleft palettes in children worldwide. 

Yet the dental field wasn't where Jamie began her training. She was already in nursing school, she said, when she realized it wasn't for her.

"A friend who was learning to be a dental assistant said, 'Why don't you try this?'," Jamie said. "It was a perfect fit."

Jamie and Dr. Alexander are also a good match, she said, since they have similar preferences for how the practice should be run. Neither like factory-style offices where patient billing is more important than patient care.

"Dr. A is really focused on continuing education and cutting-edge dentistry, and I love that," Jamie said. "It's hands-on, a good environment. When you get to restore an entire mouth and it changes somebody's whole life...that's the best."

Jamie also loves what she calls the relaxed, neighborhood feel of the Murabella and World Golf Village communities.

"There are a lot of young families with young children, and it's always so rewarding to work with children," Jamie, who is the mother of two, said. "I'm excited to be here because the whole area is booming. I just like the vibe here."

In addition to raising their young son and daughter, Jamie and her husband recently adopted a Jack Russell Terrier from a rescue group that their son named "Bolt." She also volunteers with the Lance Armstrong Foundation and other cancer-related causes.

Earlier than most, Amanda Palazzola, RDH knew what she wanted to be, thanks to a perfect role model. Her dental hygienist always made going to the dentist a great experience that was secure and fun.

"She was a big influence," Amanda said. "I wanted to be just like her and I always stuck with it."

She also felt an affinity for the work. "I just like teeth," she said. "I am often complimented on my smile, and I know a smile is very important."

Amanda earned her associate in science degree in dental hygiene from Florida Community College, which included "residencies" in area dental offices.

"As a dental hygienist, I am awarded the privilege of interacting with every patient as an individual and developing a fun, trusting relationship with them," she said. "Creating and maintaining these relationships are so important to me, and makes the love for what I do that much stronger."

Working with children is a special delight, she said, adding that a big age difference with her younger sister probably contributed to her love for kids in general.

Born in Brooklyn but raised in Florida from the age of 5, Amanda is accustomed to contrasts. With family back in New York, she spends time in both places.

"In Brooklyn there's always something to do and life is so fast-paced," she said. "Here, it's much more relaxed and calm. You can go to the beach whenever you want to."

Amanda enjoys the atmosphere at Dr. A's office for similar reasons.

"It's soothing and laid-back, like a spa. There's no tension," she said. "It's nice for both the patients and the staff."

Megan Young, Alexander's Dental's patient coordinator and a University of Florida expanded duties certified dental assistant, handles everything from scheduling, billing, and filing insurance claims to attending with Dr. A to patients.

"Born and raised" in Jacksonville, Megan remembers when the area around her Pacetti Road home was quiet. "Now it's booming," she said, adding that she likes it that way.

In her off time, Megan enjoys playing volleyball and supports efforts to defeat breast cancer, including fundraising walks. She was inspired by a family friend who successfully battled the disease, and adds with a smile, "I like pink."

That's a preference she indulges with her new daughter. Despite the plea of Megan's husband, Bryan, who is in the irrigation business, to "add some camo" to their daughter's surroundings, her clothes and room and are all pink.

The family also has a new fourth member, a hound/labrador retriever mix named Sasha, adopted from a local shelter.

Megan says she is excited by the growth of Dr. A's practice, and the variety of patients she gets to meet.

"I like being busy and Dr. Alexander is easy to work with," she said. "He has a great personality, and he really connects with us on the staff, and all the patients, whether young or old."