When you step into Sutton Dentistry, you'll be greeted by an atmosphere filled with laughter and infectious enthusiasm, where you feel comfortable and valued. Our diverse personalities contribute to a positive and uplifting environment, and our passion for dentistry and our patients’ well-being is evident in everything we do.
At Sutton Dentistry, we take immense pride in the trust our patients place in us. We strive to earn your respect every day, and the thousands of happy patients who refer their friends and family to us are a testament to our commitment to exceptional dental care. We value your trust and never take it for granted, always working to make every visit a positive and comfortable experience.
Dr. Lawrence Sutton, Dr. Mallory Garshnick, and our team of hygienists, assistants, and front office staff are excited to welcome you to our dental office in Ocala, FL. Until then, please take a moment to read through our bios and get to know the amazing people who will be serving you.
Lawrence J. Sutton, DDS, MAGD
Dr. Sutton grew up in Ocala and remains dedicated to the community he is now privileged to serve. He graduated from Ocala's Forest High School before attending Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, for his Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1995, he received his dental degree from Creighton University Dental School in Omaha, Nebraska. To gain more experience and expertise, Dr. Sutton completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Florida/VAMC in Gainesville, Florida, before returning home and starting his practice in Ocala, specializing in dental implants and cosmetic dentistry.
Continuing Education and Professional Development
Although Dr. Sutton has been in private practice for many years now, he continues to seek advanced education to improve his expertise and learn the latest techniques and materials available to dentistry, enabling him to provide the best possible care and choices for his patients. He is a graduate of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute, the world's leading institute of cosmetic dentistry. His completion of the Full Mouth Restoration Continuum puts Dr. Sutton in an elite group of less than 500 dentists worldwide. Dr. Sutton was awarded a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry after completing over 800 hours of continuing education. He is also a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Professional Affiliations and Community Involvement
Because Dr. Sutton feels strongly about supporting his profession and his community, he is a member of the American Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association. He is a past President of the Marion County Dental Association (2005-2006). He was elected as an officer of the Central Florida District Dental Association for 2006–2007 and President of the Central District Dental Association of the FDA (2010–2011). Dr Sutton supports the local college, College of Central Florida, by sitting on the Dental Assistant Advisory Board. Dr. Sutton is a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, an international dental honor organization. He is a current transcript reviewer for the peer-reviewed periodical General Dentistry.
Recognition and Honors
Dr Sutton has earned a Mastership of the Academy of General Dentistry. This is the academic pinnacle of the Academy, as there are approximately only 200 MAGD dentists in Florida. In 2010, Dr Sutton was selected as a Fellow in the American College of Dentists. The American College of Dentists comprises dentists who have exemplified leadership and contributed to dentistry and society.
In October 2012, Dr. Sutton was inducted as a Fellow in the International College of Dentists at the ADA Annual Meeting. It was a true honor to be selected for his contributions to the Dental Profession.
He is a Board Member of the Ocala Kiwanis Club and a graduate of Leadership Ocala. He has served on the Board of Trustees of Trinity Catholic High School.
Personal Life
Dr. Sutton enjoys spending time with his wife, Valerie, and their three girls. He also makes time for many outdoor activities, including fishing and golf.
Mallory Garshnick, DMD
Dr. Garshnick is an Ocala native and third-generation dentist. She is thrilled to be serving the community she grew up knowing and loving. In her opinion, Ocala is the very best place to raise a family!
She graduated from Belleview High School before attending the University of Florida, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Medicine degrees in 2007 and 2011, respectively. After graduating, Dr. Garshnick explored the rest of the country, living in Seattle, Sarasota, Nashville, and Montana before returning to her hometown and settling in beautiful Ocala.
Dr. Garshnick, voted “Social Butterfly” by her dental school classmates, makes patients feel welcomed and at ease immediately and enjoys connecting with and meeting new people every day
A big supporter of giving back and helping others, Dr. Garshnick has been to the Dominican Republic for dental mission trips and volunteers locally where she can.
However, Dr. Garshnick’s greatest accomplishment and favorite title is “Mom.” She has two beautiful children and is married to Jarad, her best friend. They have a “mini farm” near the dental office - home to their dog, Maverick, rabbit Wilbur, and 17 chickens!
In her spare time, Dr Garshnick volunteers with her church, plays tennis, reads, and enjoys travelling with her family.
Carin
Registered Dental Hygienist
Carin Biondi has been a cornerstone of Sutton Dentistry for 21 years, with a total of 32 years of experience in the dental field. Her comprehensive education from Santa Fe Community College laid the foundation for a career focused on promoting dental health and enhancing patient well-being.
At Sutton Dentistry, Carin’s responsibilities involve ensuring patient comfort, promoting dental health, and fostering a collaborative atmosphere among her team members. Her approach is deeply rooted in the belief that dental care is not just about treating teeth but also about impacting overall health and boosting confidence. Carin excels at making meaningful connections with her patients, which allows her to positively impact their health and well-being.
Carin’s favorite aspect of her job is the satisfaction of collaborating with both her team and our patients. She values the team’s shared goals, emphasizing the best possible patient care and creating a cohesive and enjoyable work environment.
Outside the office, Carin enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring local shops and restaurants, tackling challenging puzzle games, and playing with her three cats.
Heather
Dental Hygienist
Heather brings nearly four decades of dental experience to our team, including 34 years as a dental hygienist since graduating from Santa Fe State College in 1992. Her passion for dentistry began in high school while working for her childhood dentist, laying the foundation for her long and dedicated career in dental care.
Heather's enthusiasm for helping patients maintain healthy smiles is matched by her dedication to building long-lasting relationships. She takes pride in working alongside our exceptional team to provide comprehensive dental care focused on patient comfort and education.
When not helping patients achieve optimal oral health, Heather enjoys traveling with her partner and spending time with her Jack Russell mix, Scout. She expresses her creativity through cooking and singing and shares a special bond with her twin sister, Heidi. She is also the proud mother of twin daughters, Savannah and Sydney, who are currently college seniors.
Denise
Dental Hygienist
Denise has been a dedicated dental hygienist since 1997 and joined the Sutton Dentistry team in 2019. She received her training and education at Tallahassee Community College and has built a career based on a deep commitment to patient care and oral health.
Denise strives to make each patient's visit as enjoyable as possible. She prides herself on creating a welcoming and friendly environment and treating patients like family. This approach enhances patient experiences and fosters a positive workplace culture for the team.
Inspired to join the dental field by her sister, also a hygienist, Denise has found her calling in a profession that runs in her family. She brings a personal touch to her work, ensuring patients feel cared for and valued during their appointments.
Outside of her professional life, Denise is deeply devoted to her family, which remains her primary focus and joy during her spare time.
Karina
Dental Hygienist
Karina's journey at Sutton Dentistry began in 2023 as a dental assistant, and she recently transitioned to her role as a dental hygienist after completing her education at Santa Fe College. Her advancement within our practice reflects her dedication to oral healthcare and her commitment to helping patients achieve their best smiles.
As a hygienist, Karina provides comprehensive oral health evaluations, professional cleanings, and radiographs while focusing on patient education and preventive care. She has a special gift for helping anxious patients feel comfortable and confident, taking time to provide clear guidance and compassionate care.
Karina values strong team communication and collaboration, contributing to a positive and efficient work environment that benefits both patients and staff. She believes that maintaining a respectful atmosphere where the team can have fun while delivering high-quality care creates the best experience for everyone.
Outside the office, Karina channels her creativity through sewing and crafting, and she loves attending concerts whenever possible. She's currently learning Italian, enjoying the opportunity to explore a new language and culture.
Ashley
Dental Assistant
Ashley's path to dentistry began in middle school when her experience with braces showed her the confidence-boosting power of a beautiful smile. This personal transformation inspired her career choice, leading her to complete her training at Greater Orlando Dental Assistant School, where she also earned her Expanded Function certification.
Since joining Sutton Dentistry in 2020, Ashley has been instrumental in creating a positive, welcoming environment for our patients. She takes pride in ensuring patient comfort while providing comprehensive chairside assistance, from capturing diagnostic X-rays to recording detailed medical histories. Her commitment to teamwork and going above and beyond for patient care makes her an invaluable member of our dental family.
Beyond the office, Ashley cherishes her role as a full-time mother, making memories with her family through beach trips, game nights, and relaxing time together at home. Her natural warmth and dedication to helping others feel confident in their smiles continue to enhance our patients' dental experience.
Kay
Dental Assistant
Kay joined the Sutton Dentistry team in October 2024, bringing five years of dental experience since graduating from Dental Assistant Training School in Ocala. Her understanding of the connection between oral health and overall health motivates her to provide high-quality, comprehensive patient care that considers both.
Kay's focus extends beyond routine dental procedures to help patients understand the impact that the state of their oral health has on bodily health and wellness. She particularly enjoys building relationships with patients and supporting them in achieving their dental goals through education and personalized care.
Outside the office, Kay likes spending time with her dogs and tending to her chickens. She claims to be an awesome bagel-maker and loves to unwind listening to audiobooks.
Jovita
Office Manager
Jovita brings a unique blend of clinical and administrative expertise to her role at Sutton Dentistry. She began her dental career in 2008 after completing the Dental Assisting Program at the College of Central Florida. She joined Sutton Dentistry in 2009 as a dental assistant and advanced to the position of office manager in 2021.
As a child, Jovita enjoyed dental visits and found her calling in helping others overcome their dental anxieties to achieve healthy, confident smiles. Her background in dental assisting provides valuable insight into patient care. At the same time, her management role allows her to foster a collaborative environment where team members work together to find innovative solutions for practice and patient needs.
When she is not managing the daily operations of Sutton Dentistry, Jovita enjoys spending time outdoors fishing and boating with her family. She nurtures her creative side through gardening and various crafting projects and maintains a sense of humor through her appreciation for "cheesy" dad jokes.
Bridget
Patient Care Specialist
Bridget has been in the dental field since the late 1980s and joined our team in 2021. Her belief in lifelong education and dedication to staying current with dental advances allow her to educate patients about their dental needs and treatment options effectively.
At Sutton Dentistry, Bridget is committed to helping patients achieve healthy smiles and especially enjoys watching how their progress builds confidence. She excels at putting patients at ease while ensuring they understand their dental care. Her commitment to serving others extends beyond dentistry through her work with Equine Therapeutic Riding Programs and Marion County Hospice.
Outside the office, Bridget enjoys spending time with her three children and grandchildren, tending to her garden, and working with horses. She approaches life with a positive attitude, guided by the 4:8 Principle.
Amie
Patient Care Specialist
Amie joined our team in 2022, bringing over 15 years of dental experience since graduating from the College of Central Florida's dental assisting program in 2008. Her commitment to professional development and patient education ensures that everyone who visits our practice receives the latest, most comprehensive care.
At Sutton Dentistry, Amie's compassionate nature and strong work ethic contribute to creating positive patient experiences. She takes pride in helping others understand their dental care and ensuring they feel comfortable throughout their visits.
When not caring for patients, Amie enjoys relaxing at home with her dogs, creating diamond paintings, and unwinding with podcasts and murder mystery books.
Valerie
Business Administrator
Valerie has been an integral part of Sutton Dentistry for 24 years, serving as the Business Administrator since the practice's inception. Her strong educational foundation includes a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Business Administration from Creighton University, providing her with the analytical and organizational skills essential to managing the practice's operations.
Behind the scenes, Valerie handles the bookkeeping and administrative responsibilities that ensure the office runs efficiently. Her work allows the clinical team to focus on delivering exceptional dental care while maintaining smooth business operations. What she values most about Sutton Dentistry is the comprehensive, individualized approach to patient care—from preventative maintenance to complete smile transformations.
Valerie takes particular pride in the positive atmosphere that characterizes the practice. She considers the Sutton Dentistry team "the best in Ocala," noting how well everyone works together. Laughter often fills the office as team members deliver exceptional patient care while enjoying their work.
When not overseeing practice operations, Valerie enjoys traveling and cherishes time with her three daughters and amazing dog.