Meet the Team
Gary Michaelson, DMD
Dr. Michaelson was born and raised outside of Boston, Massachusetts. He completed his undergraduate studies in 1982 at Brandeis University. He then went on to study dentistry at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and graduated in 1986.
Dr. Michaelson has dedicated himself to the art and science of cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry in Orlando since 1990. Over the past 15 years, he has traveled the country and spent thousands of hours in seminars, study clubs, and other continuing education courses to stay current on advances in his field. Dr. Michaelson completed advanced courses at the following prestigious academies:
- Las Vegas Institute
- Pacific Aesthetic Continuum Live
- Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Steven Perelmuter, DMD
Dr. Perelmuter earned his dental degree from the University of Florida in 1989. He completed his periodontics residency at the University of Florida in 1991 and then attended the annual Periodontics Association Convention for Continuing Education.
Dr. Perelmuter is an active member of the following associations:
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Florida Dental association (FDA)
- Central Florida Dental Society
Christina Michaelson, Dental Hygienist/Practice Manager
“I’m excited to make a difference in patients’ lives!”
Part of the practice since the beginning, Christina works with her husband, Dr. Michaelson, to renew patients’ confidence through smile reconstruction. In addition to her management responsibilities, she holds a degree from dental hygiene school so she can work directly with patients. Christina comes to work smiling every day, thanks to the incredible team she works with.
When she isn’t busy at the office, Christina likes to shop, travel, and spend time with her husband and their two daughters.
Deanna Halluska, Dental Hygienist
“Our practice is ‘cutting-edge,’ which allows me to be part of an elite team.”
Deanna has been a dental hygienist with us for 5 years. She earned her associates degree in dental hygiene from Valencia Community College. She went on to achieve a BS in dental hygiene from St. Petersburg College, graduating magna cum laude. She is a first-place recipient of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) Table Clinic and a member of the ADHA and the Florida Dental Hygienists’ Association. Deanna loves getting to know patients and considers her role in helping them attain oral health extremely rewarding.
Deanna and her family, participate in church activities. She loves to shop (especially for purses), work out, and spend quality time with her husband Chris and her two children.
Emma Figueora, Clinical Dental Assistant
"Beautiful office; great team!"
With 14 years of experience, 10 with Dr. Michaelson, Emma appreciates the priority that Alafaya Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry places on patient education. She believes that a healthy smile takes teamwork between dental healthcare professionals and the patient. Chairside, Emma helps Dr. Michaelson with many important procedures, and she also trains patients in effective, efficient, and easy oral healthcare procedures.
Watching patients' lives change with increased confidence and a more aesthteic appearance brings a smile to Emma's face every time. At home, Emma enjoys spending time with her family and dancing.
Ivette Franco, Clinical Dental Assistant/Receptionist
“I enjoy the people I work with; they are all professionals!”
Always ready to greet you with a smile, Ivette brings 18 years of experience to her position. She loves working with our outstanding team of caring professionals and making patients smile.
In her spare time, Ivette enjoys painting, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Ralph McMiller, Dental Technician
“I love the sincere, down-to-earth approach of this practice.”
Ralph brings 30 years of professional experience to his current position, 15 of those years with this practice. He attended dental technician training and earned a neuromuscular excellence award.
In his free time, Ralph likes to study foreign languages, including Arabic, Spanish, Mandarin, and Japanese.
