About Us
Meet Our Dentists
Why Choose Us?
At Palm Ridge Dental, we are committed to providing exceptional dental care in a warm and welcoming environment. Our experienced team uses the latest technology and techniques to ensure your treatments are efficient, effective, and comfortable. From preventive care to advanced restorative and cosmetic procedures, we tailor every service to meet your unique needs. With a focus on patient education and personalized care, we strive to build lasting relationships and give you the confidence of a healthy, beautiful smile. Experience the difference at Palm Ridge Dental, where your oral health is our top priority.
To learn more, please call our office at
(352) 391-9930.
Recognized as a Neighborhood Favorite for Consecutive Years
Meet Our Dental Team
Compassionate Experts Supporting Healthy, Confident Smiles
Reem Jaber, D.M.D.
Dr. Jaber, is an experienced practitioner focused on providing individualized and compassionate care for all of her patients. She completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida, majoring in Molecular and Microbiology, before receiving her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree (D.M.D.) from the University of Florida. It was years ago in dental school where Dr. Williams and Dr. Jaber first met, as they were classmates. Before joining Palm Ridge Dental, Dr. Jaber practiced dentistry in the Orlando area.
Dr. Jaber is committed to keeping up with the newest advances in dental research and technology and frequently attends dental continuing education courses. As a result, she can provide her patients with gentle yet comprehensive dental care as well as educate her patients on maintaining their oral health. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, and the Central Florida Dental Association.
Following her belief in giving back to the community, Dr. Jaber has provided dental care through the Give Kids a Smile program, community practices, and participated in several international humanitarian relief efforts providing dental care to those in impoverished areas
Joana Halilaj, D.M.D.
Dr. Halilaj vividly remembers what it was like to be on "the other side of the chair." When she was in high school, she developed a severe underbite, which required dental treatment, and later on, jaw surgery, all of which impacted her life in a very positive way. Having spent so much time under the care of such great providers, she was inspired to pursue an education in dentistry as well as follow in her mother's footsteps, who was a general dentist in Albania for 20 years before relocating to the United States.
Dr. Halilaj earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences at the University of North Florida where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and then went on to receive her Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry where she was on the dean's list for high academic and practical capabilities.
Dr. Halilaj is committed to providing her patients with the quality of care they deserve. She does so by remaining current on the latest techniques and innovations in dentistry, and she believes that educating patients and building relationships with them is important to achieving long term success in their treatment.
When Dr. Halilaj is not in the dental office, she most likely is spending time with her family and Winston, her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She also dedicates time to volunteering locally and abroad on dental mission trips.
Elizabeth Patino, DMD
Dr. Elizabeth Patino brings a unique global perspective with deep local roots to Palm Ridge Dental. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, and raised across Vermont and Miami, she ultimately made Gainesville her home in 1996. These diverse experiences, paired with her long-standing ties to the community, have shaped her lifelong commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centered dental care.
A dedicated University of Florida alumna, Dr. Patino earned both her Bachelor’s and Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (D.M.D.) degrees from the UF College of Dentistry. Since graduating, alongside her esteemed classmates, Dr. Jaber and Dr. Williams, she successfully operated her own private practice in Gainesville for nearly two decades. Throughout those 20 years, she became known for her clinical precision and a gentle touch that makes every patient feel like family.
Now a key member of the team at Palm Ridge Dental, Dr. Patino is thrilled to continue her tradition of thorough, high-quality oral healthcare. She stays at the leading edge of her field through advanced continuing education, ensuring her patients benefit from the latest techniques and technology. Her passion for service also extends beyond the office, as she frequently participates in local and international humanitarian dental outreach.
Guided by her faith, Dr. Patino treasures her time outside of the office with her husband, their three children, and their dog, Thor. Whether she is relaxing at the beach, enjoying the Florida outdoors, or tending to her beehives, her life reflects a focus on wellness, balance, and the joy of family.