America’s Best in Medicine Profiles Veteran Dentist Ric SanPedro, DDS: Transforming Lives Through Compassionate, Comprehensive Dental Care Across Florida
Accomplished General Dentist Brings More Than Four Decades of Clinical Excellence, Advanced Training, and Patient-Centered Care to Locum Tenens Assignments Throughout the State
With more than four decades of experience in dentistry and an unwavering passion for helping patients achieve healthier, more confident smiles, Dr. Ric SanPedro, DDS, continues to provide exceptional dental care through locum tenens assignments across Florida. Having practiced since 1982, Dr. SanPedro remains actively engaged in clinical dentistry, driven by a lifelong commitment to improving lives through compassionate treatment, advanced techniques, and comprehensive oral healthcare.
A highly skilled general dentist, Dr. SanPedro offers expertise across a broad spectrum of dental disciplines, including oral surgery, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, restorative dentistry, and cosmetic procedures. His extensive clinical knowledge, combined with a meticulous attention to detail, has earned him a reputation as a trusted and respected provider among both patients and colleagues.
Dr. SanPedro began his academic journey at West Virginia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, graduating cum laude. He then completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at the West Virginia University School of Dentistry in approximately three and a half years, demonstrating both academic excellence and dedication to the profession. Seeking advanced clinical training, he completed a General Practice Residency in Advanced General Dentistry at the University of Florida and the Gainesville VA Medical Center, where he refined his skills in comprehensive patient care and complex dental procedures.
Early in his career, Dr. SanPedro established a successful private dental practice on Siesta Key in Sarasota, Florida. For 25 years, he built a thriving practice known for quality care and patient satisfaction. In 2005, he sold the practice to focus less on administrative responsibilities and more on what he enjoys most—working directly with patients and delivering exceptional dental treatment.
Since then, Dr. SanPedro has worked extensively with Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) and private practices in locum tenens and long-term associate positions. Many of these assignments have evolved into multi-year relationships, reflecting the confidence that practices place in his clinical expertise, professionalism, and ability to integrate seamlessly into diverse healthcare environments.
Known affectionately by colleagues as “Picky Ricky,” Dr. SanPedro embraces the nickname as a reflection of his commitment to precision and quality. He continually incorporates modern dental technologies and advanced materials into patient care, believing that innovation plays a vital role in achieving optimal outcomes.
Among the most rewarding aspects of his profession, Dr. SanPedro says, is witnessing the profound impact that dentistry can have on a person’s self-esteem and quality of life.
“Dentistry is a wonderful profession where you can change people’s lives,” he says. “When you help someone regain confidence in their smile, it often transforms the way they see themselves and interact with the world. That transformation is incredibly rewarding.”
His dedication to excellence has earned numerous recognitions throughout his career, including being named one of Orlando’s Top Dentists by Style Magazine in 2019 and being selected among the Best 20 Dentists in Winter Haven, Florida, in 2022.
Dr. SanPedro remains actively involved in the dental community through memberships in the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, and Central Florida Dental Association. His professional contributions also include presenting educational table clinics on TMJ reciprocal clicking at both the Florida Academy of Dentistry Dental Meeting and the Cuban American Dental Association Meeting in Miami.
Beyond clinical practice, he has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to community service. His volunteer efforts have included providing dental examinations for Armed Forces personnel, performing charitable dental work, serving as Chairman of the Dental Division for Sarasota County United Way, acting as a trustee for the John and Mable Ringling Museum in Sarasota, and representing the Sarasota County Dental Association during Dentist Day on the Hill. He was also selected for appointment to the Florida Board of Dentistry, an honor he ultimately declined due to professional commitments.
Today, Dr. SanPedro continues to embrace dentistry with the same enthusiasm that inspired him decades ago. By combining advanced clinical expertise, innovative technology, and genuine compassion, he remains dedicated to helping patients throughout Florida achieve healthier smiles and greater confidence in their daily lives.
Learn more about Ric SanPedro:
Through his America’s Best in Medicine profile, https://americasbestinmedicine.com/connect/ricardo-SanPedro
America’s Best in Medicine
America’s Best in Medicine is a specialist online platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of leading healthcare professionals across the United States. They bring together top healthcare providers from all specialties and cities to share expert-driven articles, research, commentary, and clinical insight. Their core purposes are to showcase excellence in healthcare, build trust between providers and the public, and ensure that expert voices are elevated and heard in shaping medicine. Through their platform, users can access a community of leaders, opportunities for providers to share expertise, and trusted guidance for patients and peers alike.