Meet the Team

Your health. One connected team.

The VIKARA team at the Miami practice

Care that sees the whole person.

VIKARA is led by providers who treat your health as one connected system. Our dentists, specialists, nurse practitioner and estheticians work together across dentistry, vitality and esthetics, so your care is coordinated rather than handed between offices.

Dr. Julio E. Hernandez

Dr. Julio E. Hernandez, DMD

Founder, Dentist, Facial Esthetics Expert

Celebrated as the grand architect behind some of South Florida’s most brilliant smiles and beautiful faces, Dr. Julio E. Hernandez has over two decades of experience in cosmetic dentistry, orthodontic and prosthodontic services and a decade of experience in facial aesthetics. In addition to regularly appearing in the press as a leading authority on cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Hernandez is a frequent guest on a variety of syndicated and international television programs. Renowned for his work with Smile Lifts, a procedure in which a smile is specifically customized for a client using veneers and/or crowns, Dr. Hernandez’s expertise also extends to Orthodontics, Dental Implants, Laser Teeth Whitening, and Facial Aesthetics. Whether he is contouring and reshaping teeth or rejuvenating the face, Dr. Hernandez believes that beauty is achieved through a balance of art and science and that customization is a key ingredient to his success.

Dr. Hernandez is also the founder and developer of Dr. Julio’s SoBe Detox, a 2-week or 3-week cleanse program that is safe and effective. This holistic detoxification program helps to restore your natural well-being and to harness the power of healthier habits.

Dr. Hernandez is an esteemed member of the dental and facial aesthetic community, serving as an active associate of The American Dental Association, the International Association of Orthodontics, International Association of Facial Aesthetics, and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. He is a sustaining member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is also past president of the New Dentist Alliance and Miami Beach Dental Society.

Dr. Hernandez’s philanthropic efforts help support his community by volunteering his time with local and international charities bringing much needed dental health and education to children in need. He currently serves as the chairman of Angels for Humanity whose mission is to inspire, empower and support impoverished children in Haiti and around the world by providing them access to quality education and healthcare.

Dr. Hernandez earned his bachelor and Doctor of Medical Dentistry (D.M.D.) degrees from the University of Florida. He entered private practice with his father and expanded the practice to include four locations throughout South Florida: Hialeah Dental Group, Town & Country Family Dental, MIAMI Institute, and Biscayne Dental & Facial Aesthetics.

In addition to his passion for dentistry and his charity, Dr. Hernandez also sits on the medical advisory board of Veritas Farms, a full spectrum CBD oil company, and is a partner and inventor of patent-pending products at SilkPro USA, which creates laser and light handheld consumer devices and professional medical devices.

Dr. Sigal Dahan

Dr. Sigal Dahan, DMD

Dentist

Graduating at the top of her class at Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Sigal was well-prepared to excel in the field of dentistry. Her journey with our practice began when she worked alongside Dr. Julio as an assistant before pursuing dental school, leaving an indelible mark that led us to extend an invitation for her to join our office after graduation.

Beyond her academic achievements, Dr. Sigal’s background is as diverse as her skill set. Born in Chile to a Chilean mother and Moroccan father, she grew up immersed in various cultures and languages. This upbringing nurtured her fluency in four languages: Spanish, English, French, and Hebrew.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Sigal, along with her husband, cherishes the role of being parents to a beautiful baby boy. This loving family serves as a wellspring of motivation for her continued journey in dentistry. Her true passion lies in the art of transforming oral health into radiant smiles and helping patients rediscover their confidence.

Dr. Cesar Hernandez

Dr. Cesar Hernandez, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Cesar Hernandez comes from a long line of dentists. His grandfather, father, uncle, sister, and wife are all dentists. Dr. Cesar was thrilled to follow in his father’s footsteps and learn from him how to become a great dentist. Proving himself to be just that, Dr. Hernandez graduated top of his class from the UNPHU in the Dominican Republic. He later continued his studies completing a two-year residency at St. Vincent Charity Hospital in Ohio.

Dr. Cesar donates his time to help impoverished children in Haiti and Miami by providing free dental services including cleanings, fillings, and extractions through the Angels for Humanity organization.

Dr. Cesar believes in a patient personalized approach in dentistry. It is important to him to provide an excellent experience resulting in a healthy beautiful smile.

In his free time, Dr. Cesar enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and watching his favorite sports teams.

Dr. Yaneth Gerardi

Dr. Yaneth Gerardi, DMD

Dentist, Facial Esthetics

Dr. Yaneth Gerardi is a compassionate dentist dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. Originally trained as a dentist in Venezuela, she continued her dental education at Boston University, where she graduated at the top of her class, and is a licensed dentist in Florida.

Dr. Gerardi has advanced training in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, endodontics, Invisalign clear aligner therapy, and facial aesthetics. She believes in a comprehensive approach to care that considers both oral health and overall well-being.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Gerardi is passionate about weightlifting, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and caring for her plants. Her commitment to wellness has strengthened her appreciation for the connection between overall health, confidence, and oral health. Fluent in English and Spanish, she is proud to serve South Florida’s diverse community.

Dr. Francisco L. Oliver

Dr. Francisco L. Oliver, DMD

Periodontal Surgery & Implantology, Specialist

Dr. Francisco Oliver is a highly skilled periodontist dedicated to providing exceptional care with a focus on advanced techniques and patient comfort. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in periodontal health and implant dentistry, combining expertise with a commitment to excellence.

Dr. Oliver earned his dental degree from the University of Puerto Rico Dental School in 2004 and completed a General Practice Residency the following year. He pursued advanced education in general dentistry at Nova Southeastern University from 2005 to 2006, followed by the Periodontal Program from 2006 to 2009. His undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus.

Committed to lifelong learning, Dr. Oliver continues to expand his knowledge through biannual education programs. Practicing in the area since 2008, he is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of Periodontology, and the American Academy of Osseointegration.

Abeer Altarsha

Abeer Altarsha, RDH

Dental Hygienist

Abeer has been working in the dental industry for over 20 years. Born and raised in Damascus, Syria, where she also attended dental school and graduated in 2003. She started her career as a dentist in Damascus and worked there for almost 10 years. She later migrated to the United States with her family in 2012, where she continued her profession and received her dental assistant certification. After working as a dental assistant in a private practice she decided to continue her journey and education by obtaining her license in dental hygiene and certification to deliver local anesthetic. Abeer loves her career as a dental hygienist and enjoys helping our patients learn how to improve their oral health. She welcomes the patient with a warm heart and makes them leave with a big smile on their face because of her positive and happy attitude.

In her spare time, she loves being with her husband and their two kids and enjoys doing outdoor activities together like hiking, swimming, and traveling.

Angelica Gonzalez

Angelica Gonzalez, APRN

Nurse Practitioner

Angelica is a board-certified Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) who completed her education at Barry University. She has worked as an APRN (NP) Surgical and Nurse Injector at Leonard A. Roudner, M.D., F.A.C.S, P.A. in Coral Gables, FL. Before that, she served as an Intra-Op PACU Nurse and Operating Room Nurse Manager in the same organization.

In her free time, Angelica loves to travel and learn about new cultures. She also enjoys spending time with her family. Something fun about her is that she loves dogs and the ocean. Angelica’s personal goal is to be happy with what she has and to continue growing both professionally and personally.

Patricia Felizzola

Patricia Felizzola

Esthetician

Patricia is a fully licensed esthetician at VIKARA with a genuine passion for helping people look and truly feel their best. For Patricia, esthetics isn’t just about treatments. It’s about education, transformation, and empowering every client to live their most radiant, confident life.

She brings a gentle touch, meticulous attention to detail, and an intuitive read on exactly what each person needs. Ask anyone who’s sat in her chair: Patricia has a gift for creating an experience that feels less like a treatment and more like an escape that’s calm, unrushed, and quietly luxe from the moment it begins.

What sets her apart is the blend: real esthetic expertise paired with a warmth that puts people instantly at ease. She doesn’t just perform treatments; she educates, helping clients understand their skin, their bodies, and how to feel their best long after they leave.

Outside of VIKARA, you’ll find Patricia on the pickleball court, bringing that same energy and passion to her downtime.

The team behind them

Our clinical and administrative team keeps every visit running the way it should.

  • Dr. John ChildressDr. John ChildressMedical Director
  • Janet BetancourtJanet BetancourtDental Assistant
  • Militza RodriguezMilitza RodriguezDental Assistant
  • Maria MarquezMaria MarquezAdministrative Team
  • Carolina JaramilloCarolina JaramilloAdministrative Team
  • Migdaisa IrsulaMigdaisa IrsulaAdministrative Team
  • Eddy TrotterEddy TrotterCreative Director

Begin with a conversation.

Schedule a private consultation and discover a more complete standard of care in Miami.

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Or call 305-572-1600