ORLANDO MAGAZINE – WOMEN WHO MOVE THE CITY
Dr. Elena C. Puig is committed to each individual patient that she sees. She provides a personalized and caring atmosphere that you can feel the moment you meet with her. She knows the importance of education and even though she is at the top of her field knows that learning is important.
Dr. Puig received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Florida. She then earned her Doctor of Medical Dentistry from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Her Postgraduate studies took place at The Dawson Academy.
She attends over 100 hours of continued education courses every year which is three times the requirement needed. Some of that training includes the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Studies and the Las Vegas Institute (LVI), the world’s premier postgraduate center for cosmetic dentistry training. Dr. Puig is a member of the Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and through this regularly attends dentistry meetings and seminars. Because of this desire of learning Dr. Puig is able to offer patients the latest advances in cosmetic, general, and restorative dentistry.
Because of her outstanding work in aesthetic restorative dentistry she has been recognized in several areas at the Annual Smile Showdown Competition. She received the only Gold Medal awarded for the category of Four or More Porcelain Restorations. The Member’s Choice Award for a separate submission in the same category of Four or More Porcelain restorations was also something she was recognized for.
Because Orlando is such a diverse and growing area Dr. Puig knows the importance of staying current with the latest practices and researching and learning the most she can about helping her patients mouths stay healthy and beautiful. She has spent the last 18 years creating patient-centered experiences in her dental practice. These are considered innovations because years ago she broke out of the traditional mold and began treating patients differently. She would schedule herself to see only one patient at a time so the focus could be placed back on the patient and the care that they needed so much.
Dr. Puig knows the importance of charitable work and giving back. She is an AACD Give Back a Smile provider who helps victims of domestic violence. She is also an Orlando Dental Research Clinic volunteer dentist helping people in the community.
By designing her ideal practice and seeing it come to life Dr. Puig has accomplished her greatest professional achievements to date. She states that “Our beautiful, state-of-the-art facility is filled with patients who love and support our practice and my incredible team supports my vision. I feel so grateful and fortunate to be able to practice my lifelong passion this way.” You can see that Dr. Puig truly treasures those that she works with both in her staff and with her patients.
Some personal achievements Dr. Puig has accomplished include experiences both in and out of her practice. She says that having a 55 year old patient tell her that because of her new smile, she first time in her life was so rewarding. This is why she does what she does.
Another personal achievement includes experiences she has had with her family. She says “When I was very young, my family and I emigrated from Cuba to the U.S. to start a new life. My father taught me that perseverance and dedication were the foundation for success, and because of his inspiration, I have been able to live my lifelong dream.” The dream that she once had, that she is now living and practicing every day is helping and blessing the lives of so many.