Sage Dental of
East Fort Lauderdale

Introducing Dr. Christel Torres, a dedicated dental professional whose journey in dentistry is marked by a commitment to serving others and a passion for creating beautiful smiles. Dr. Torres's educational path began with achieving an undergraduate degree at the University of Havana, Cuba, in 2011. Her early experiences in dentistry led her to Venezuela, where she participated in a humanitarian mission, providing dental care to those in need. Dr. Torres's pursuit of excellence continued when she arrived in the United States. She embarked on a transformative educational journey, earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from NYU Langone Health as part of an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program. This program honed her skills and deepened her commitment to the field. As a proud member of the American Dental Association, she stays connected to the dental community and remains at the forefront of dental advancements. Dentistry is a source of pride for Dr. Torres and her way of contributing to society. Her giving nature is evident in her dedication to improving the lives of her patients, one smile at a time. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Christel ensures effective communication with her patients, creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for all. Beyond her professional life, Christel finds true joy in spending quality time with her family and friends. She is an avid traveler who thrives on discovering new places, capturing memories through photography, and creating lasting bonds with those she meets along the way.

Introducing Dr. Timmy Howard, a fresh graduate from the esteemed NYU College of Dentistry, class of 2021, ready to embark on a fulfilling journey in the world of dentistry. Outside the dental world, Dr. Howard finds joy and relaxation in various hobbies. A culinary enthusiast, he takes delight in cooking, exploring new recipes, and savoring delicious flavors. His green thumb leads him to the garden, where he nurtures plants and cultivates a thriving outdoor sanctuary. Additionally, Dr. Howard maintains a healthy and active lifestyle through regular workouts, recognizing the importance of physical well-being. Dr. Howard is not only skilled in the language of dentistry but proficient in both English and Chinese, enhancing his ability to connect with a diverse range of patients. As he begins his professional journey, Dr. Howard combines his passion for dentistry with his diverse interests, promising a well-rounded approach to patient care and a dedication to the well-being of the community he serves.

Introducing Dr. Doris Basali, a distinguished endodontist making a significant impact in the vibrant landscape of south Florida's dental care. With a dedicated focus on endodontics, Dr. Basali's expertise encompasses the intricate realm of root canals, retreatments, and a comprehensive range of endodontic procedures on all teeth. Hailing from the Cleveland, Ohio area, her journey into dentistry began at New York University College of Dentistry, where she earned her dental degree in 2016. Driven by a commitment to excellence, Dr. Basali's postgraduate journey was marked by a General Practice Residency at The Ohio State University. Building on this foundation, she pursued advanced training with an Endodontics Residency and Master's in Oral Sciences at the prestigious University of Illinois in Chicago. Having honed her skills, Dr. Basali has left her mark in both Chicago and New York City, contributing her expertise to private dental practices. Her ability to seamlessly integrate technical prowess with patient comfort showcases her dedication to providing exceptional care. Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Basali thrives on the thrill of exploring her new home in south Florida alongside her family. Supporting Cleveland sports and immersing herself in the local community's vibrant spirit are additional sources of joy. A proud member of the American Association of Endodontists, Dr. Doris Basali epitomizes the essence of modern dentistry – a perfect blend of clinical mastery, compassionate patient care, and a fervent dedication to advancing oral health.

Dr. Karen Ben-Elazar is a board-certified pediatric dentist born and raised in New Jersey. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in psychology at Rutgers University. During her undergraduate career, Dr. Ben-Elazar presented and published multiple research works through the honors program and graduated Cum Laude. After making South Florida her new home, Dr. Ben-Elazar earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in 2019. Throughout her dental training, Dr. Ben-Elazar has always loved public health, research, and volunteer work to instill good oral health practices in pediatric and adolescent populations. After completing her DMD degree, Dr. Ben-Elazar attended an advanced training residency program at the University of Florida, Naples campus. During her post-doctoral training at UF, Dr. Ben-Elazar focused her practice on establishing a conservative approach to dental care for patients of all ages through evidence-based treatments and patient education for prevention. Through her residency, Dr. Ben-Elazar also received advanced training in behavioral management techniques, including oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Although she enjoyed watching beautiful Naples sunsets, she always knew she would return home to the east coast of Florida to give back to her local community. Dr. Ben-Elaza is fluent in Hebrew, proficient in American Sign Language Finger Spell, and has a basic understanding of Spanish.