Our team truly cares. We treat you as we treat our own families. We don’t want to just tell you what services are right for you—we want to be your dental partners.
Our Doctors
James Alexander, DMD
Owner/Dentist
James Alexander, DMD
After serving, he attended Jacksonville University, graduating summa cum laude with a 4.0 and a bachelor’s degree in biology. Following that, he earned his DMD from the University of Florida College of Dentistry.
In the years since, he has continued to learn, amassing an amazing 343 hours of continuing education in his first year after dental school alone. He has trained in endodontics, attended the Nash Institute, and completed the prestigious Implant Maxicourse in New York City. Dr. Alexander is currently a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Today, Dr. Alexander lives in the community with his beautiful wife and three wonderful kids. In the time he has been in practice, he has developed a truly unique perspective on caring for patients. Everyone is treated equally, regardless of age, background, or particular insurance plan. He strives to provide old-fashioned customer service, with special attention provided to each patient. Dr. Alexander practices with a single motto in mind: “Do what is right for the patient, and everything else will follow.”
Dawit Adugna, DMD
Associate Dentist
Dawit Adugna, DWD
Dr. Adugna is committed to providing his patients compassionate, knowledgable and exemplary service that not only meets but rather exceeds each patient’s expectations. Dr. Adugna provides
Dr. Adugna and his wife have two children. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, hiking, organizing and participate in local and international mission trips providing much needed dental and medical services to underserved areas.
Chelsea Derbaum, DMD
Associate Dentist
Chelsea Derbaum, DWD
Dr. Derbaum is from Clearwater, FL, but she now resides right here in World Golf Village! She earned her Bachelors in Microbiology & Molecular Biology from UCF & then went on to receive her DMD from the UF College of Dentistry. After finishing school, she completed a 1-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry program & has since received advanced training in Esthetics & Invisalign treatment. Dr Derbaum says, “It’s obvious from the way our team interacts with one another & with patients that this is truly a practice where doing the right thing is prioritized.” She goes on to say, “It’s great to have a state-of-the-art practice, with excellent materials & technology to allow me to do what I love most.” Dr. Derbaum enjoys getting to know her patients & working with them to achieve healthy & beautiful smiles. When not at work, she loves being creative by crafting & baking. She stays active by kickboxing & hiking & taking day trips with her husband to visit friends & family.
Ruchi Patel, DMD
Associate Dentist
Dr. Ruchi, DMD
Dr. Ruchi is a native Floridian, born and raised in Lakeland, Fl. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition and then went on to receive her DMD through a competitive accelerated seven year program at the University of Florida (UF). Dr. Ruchi then completed a one year Advanced Education in General Residency program at the UF St.PetersburgDental Clinic where she completed training on various surgical procedures, such as surgical extractions, socket preservation, planning and placing implants, etc. Dr. Ruchi enjoys both surgical and esthetic dentistry and finds Dentistry to be the perfect mix of both science and art!
Dr. Ruchi and her husband enjoy traveling and hope to hike most of the US National Parks. In her free time, she enjoys hosting friends and family, cooking, and working out.
Tyler Woodling, DMD, MD
Oral Surgeon
Tyler Woodling, DMD, MD
Dr. Woodling lived in Louisville Kentucky for almost all of his life. He attended the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville School of Dentistry where he received his DMD. Following graduation, he completed an oral surgery internship at The Ohio State University. Dr. Woodling then started his six years of dual residency at the University of Louisville Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. During this residency, he spent a year in general surgery and obtained his MD as well as his oral surgery specialty degree. He also received BLS, ACLS, ATLS, PALS training.
Dr. Woodling’s core practice philosophy is to treat every patient like a member of his family. “Every patient is unique and every problem is special and deserves my undivided attention. I would expect nothing less when seeking care for myself or my family”, says Tyler Woodling DMD.
Dr. Woodling’s greatest joy in life is being a husband and father! His wife, Dr. Jennifer Woodling, is also a general dentist who practices in the Jacksonville area. They met in dental school and got married in the summer of 2015. In 2018 they had their first child, Cole, and in late 2020 they welcomed their daughter, Olivia. They have fallen in love with the north Florida area and are excited to call it their “forever home”. Dr. Woodling’s time out of the office is usually spent having fun with his wife and kids! He also loves to rock climb and spend time outdoors – running, swimming, and playing fetch with their dog Leon!
Our Team
Jessica Alexander
Vice President
Jessica Alexander, Vice President
Jessica is Dr. Alexander’s wife and was born and raised in New York. She studied Musical Theatre at Jacksonville University and then worked in advertising for 5 years before joining her husband at his dental practice in February of 2013. As our Vice President, she handles many of the office’s business operations: which include marketing, bookkeeping, productivity, ordering, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. Jessica loves our team and our office and does all that she can to allow Dr. Alexander to spend his time doing what he loves: taking care of patients. When not at work, Jessica enjoys the outdoors, performing in local theatre, and spending time with her husband, three children, and puppy Zoey.
Kayla Alexander
Call Center Supervisor
Kayla Alexander, Call Center Supervisor
Kayla is Dr. Alexander’s daughter & is so proud to be working for her family’s business! She is one of the first smiling faces that you see when you enter our office, & her face just lights up the room. She started at our office in 2020, & Kayla says, “One of my favorite things is making people smile. I am excited to provide a welcoming face to make our patients feel cared for & comfortable.” Kayla loves the compassionate & understanding atmosphere of our office & its staff & how we work as a team to solve problems in the most efficient ways possible. When not at work, Kayla enjoys singing, adventuring in nature, & practicing her calligraphy.
Zoey Alexander
Patient Calmer
Zoey Alexander, Patient Calmer
Kim Houk
Practice Manager
Kim Houk, Practice Manager
As our office manager, we rely on Kim to keep both our team and our patients organized every day, and she really does a great job! She has over 22 years of experience and is friendly, outgoing, hardworking, and dedicated to helping every patient maximize their insurance so they can achieve their dental health goals while staying on budget. A native of Livermore, CA, Kim says, “I look forward to coming to work every day because our patients and staff are such great people. I love my work family!” On most weekends, you’ll find her walking along the beach, hiking mountains, going fishing, or camping with her husband, daughters, and son.
Marissa Stilwell
Lead Dental Assistant
Marissa Stilwell, Lead Dental Assistant
Marissa has been working in the dental field for well over two decades now, and she enjoys being able to care for patients alongside Dr. Alexander, Dr. Awad, and the rest of her talented coworkers here in St. Augustine. She has a genuine love for making people smile! Whenever she’s not busy at the office, she spends her free time hanging out with her kids and baking.
Lisa Owens
Dental Assistant
Lisa Owens, Dental Assistant
Lisa joins our team with 30+ years in the dental field. Lisa is great at her job because she loves helping people & she says, “I love the great care that we provide for our patients, as well as the family-oriented feeling we all have for each other.” Lisa has been married to her high school sweetheart for 37 years. Together they have 2 children & 2 grandsons that they adore. Outside of work, Lisa loves quilting, spending time with her family, & everything Disney!
Our State of the Art Office Includes the Latest in Dental Technology
Tour Our Office
Office Groundbreaking
What Our Patients Say
EXCELLENT
Based on 509 reviews
Posted on Google
Tom TwinemEveryone was so welcoming and explained everything so thoroughly. I really felt appreciated.Posted on GoogleP. ChristineKelly is a great hygienist. Very patient & careful. Dr. Dearbaum is my favorite dentist. She’s very compassionate and my crowns didn’t hurt when she did them. She’s very patient with me as I get very nervous.Posted on GoogleJames CurtisVery professional! I was pleasantly impressed! Great facility! Lisa was a very accomplished tech! Dr Dearbaum , my neighbor, is such a pleasant person!Posted on GoogleChristine WeisenauerFriendly staff on time appointments no complaintsPosted on GoogleJudy FryVery friendly and courteous staff. Beautiful dental office. My cleaning has never been so thorough. They accept my dental insurance. I would give them 10 stars.Posted on GoogleJames TurngrenThis was my first visit to this dentist everyone was pleasant, my dental technician was very knowledgeable and gave me a great cleaning experience! I am very pleased with Alexander Dental and look forward to having all my dental work done by them.Posted on GoogleDeborah FryeSuch a great experience. Everyone was welcoming . The office is up to date in every way. My hygienist Kelly was thorough and knowledgeable and took great care of me . Dr Adugna was friendly , thorough and caring as well.Posted on GoogleRob GangiThe Staff makes you feel right at home when you walk in. Professional, Courteous, and Friendly Staff. Thank You for your Professional Knowledge James Alexander, DMD Alexander Dental is Highly Recommended 👌
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