When it comes to giving everyone in Pembroke Pines and Plantation, Florida a great smile – we’re your go-to practice. We offer comprehensive pediatric dental and orthodontic care for kids as young as 2 and as old as 18 in a caring, clean, and safe environment. We also see adult patients for their orthodontic needs, too. At Jacaranda Smiles, we’re on a mission to make you smile which is why we use the most advanced technology to care for our patients.
Dr. Milan Khakhria was born and raised in Kenya. Dr. Khakhria enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where upon graduation he was awarded the International Dentist of the Year Award and ranked first in his class. Dr. Milan Khakhria continued his education in the Master’s program at the University of Oklahoma Orthodontics Residency. When he is not busy creating beautiful smiles, he loves spending time with his lovely wife Priti, their two sons, and their doodle dog, Zeus.
Dr. Rene Landa was born and raised right here in South Florida as the only child of Cuban/Puerto Rican parents. After graduating from the University of Florida for dental school, he went to Boston University where he received his specialty training in pediatrics. For Dr. Landa, making kids smile is the best part of his day. He loves to challenge himself daily by competing in triathlons, marathons, and adventure races. He loves doing outdoor activities and singing along with his two beautiful kids and his wife and best friend, Andraisa.
Dr. Pamela Ortiz was born in Puerto Rico. Dr. Ortiz obtained her dental degree from Howard University College of Dentistry where she consistently ranked among the top of her class and was awarded the Department of Orthodontics Award. Upon graduation, she attended the orthodontics residency program at The State University of New York at Buffalo where she obtained her master’s degree and specialty training. Dr. Ortiz loves creating beautiful smiles for all of her patients. And believe it or not, she also loves salsa dancing, traveling, and a game of paddle ball at the beach with her two kids, Jaques and Penelope.
Dr. Rizwan Lalani was born and raised in India. He received his Bachelor of Dental Surgery in India before moving to the USA. Dr. Lalani received his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University and completed his Certificate of Pediatric Dentistry at Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Lalani believes that his education has provided him with a strong foundation of knowledge and experience. He regularly attends continuing education courses in order to stay up to date on the latest treatments. Dr. Lalani is a member of several professional associations that provide him with opportunities for continuing education. Dr. Lalani is passionate about the care he offers to his patients. He feels it is essential to get to know his patients and their families to provide them with the best care. During his free time, Dr. Lalani and his wife enjoy traveling and exploring new cities with their two curious, inquisitive, and energetic daughters. He is also an active member of his community, where he volunteers his time and skills.
Dr. Vanessa Matamoros was born and raised in Port St. Lucie, FL. After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree with a minor in Business from Nova Southeastern University (NSU), she went on to achieve her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at NSU College of Dental Medicine. She then attended an advanced training residency program at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she served as chief resident during her second year. Dr. Matamoros is passionate about educating her patients about the value of healthy oral hygiene habits and its impact on overall wellness. Outside of the office, she enjoys playing the piano to relax and will never ever say no to Mexican food! We are excited to welcome Dr. Vanessa to the Jacaranda Smiles team.
Dr. Hugo Calero is original from Cali, Colombia, The salsa capital of the world! He graduated with a Doctor in Dental surgery degree from the University of Valle in Colombia, after practicing for several years as a general dentist. He moved to the USA and received his American dental license from the University of Rochester, where he also completed fellowships in TMJ and orofacial pain, community dentistry and pediatric dentistry. Dr. Calero also received his postdoctoral degree in Orthodontics from the University of Rochester. Due to His passion for orthodontics, he did an extra year fellowship in Craniofacial orthodontics at Jacobi Medical Center in New York City where he was trained to treat patients with congenital and acquired dentofacial deformities. Dr. Calero resides in Miami with his wife and two kids and has even found time in his busy career for acting and was on an episode of Law and Order! Dr. Hugo is always on the hunt for new places to eat! So make sure to let him know your favorite spots.
Priti’s extensive education and business background make her a valuable part of the management team. She has specialized training in practice management, treatment coordinating, and administration to keep the entire staff on track and on their toes! From the moment she arrives, there is always a friendly smile and warm hello for patients and staff. Her ability to help us all achieve our goals both personally and professionally makes her someone to look up to in both offices.
Lorri is the Office Manager of the Plantation, Florida office. She is a native New Yorker. She started her career in the dental field 29 years ago. When Lorri is not working, she loves spending time with her husband, son, and daughter, and the ruler of the house – Tinkerbell, their Shih Tzu-Poodle mix. She loves to travel, listen to music, and cook.
Jaime is the Scheduling Coordinator in the Plantation, Florida office. Originally from Queens, New York, she has been living in Florida for 13 years. She loves spending time with her daughter, swimming, playing board games, and making people smile.
Anett was born and raised in Hialeah with native parents from Nicaragua. She has over 10 years of dental experience, she loves knowing that she is a part of perfecting someone’s smiles. On her free time, she enjoys to spend weekends at the beach, with her family and my two furry pets. And last but not least, she has a passion for makeup.
Karitza Del Valle Lacruz Arellano was born and raised in Venezuela. She graduated as a dental hygienist at the Central University of Venezuela. She also graduated as a Dentist from University of Zulia. During her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, watch movies, and spend time with her family.
Lexi works in our communications center and answers all inbound calls. She loves helping people. On the weekend, you can find her outdoors with her friends and family.
Lidia is a native Floridian. She is currently going to school to become a dental hygienist. She loves to spend time with her family and on her free time she enjoys going to the beach. She loves listening to music and spending time with her two younger siblings.
Martine was born in Brooklyn, New York as the youngest of Haitian parents, and moved to South Florida when she was 12. Originally, she wanted to be in the medical field, but wanted a career that allows her to be more with her kids. She decided to get into the dental field and fell in love with seeing the transformations and the confidence that builds in patients’ lives. Martine graduated as a Certified Dental Assistant from Broward College. When she’s not working, she loves spending time with her husband and 3 beautiful kids.
Melanie is from a small beach town in Guanabo, Cuba. She moved to Miami at a young age and has been a native Floridan ever since! She joined the Jacaranda Smiles family in 2019, and is happy to be a part of a team that can literally ” make smiles” for a living. When she’s notworking, she’s spends her time practicing yoga, traveling, or shopping with friends.
Ralph was born in Haiti, and move to south Florida when he was 9 years old. He has been in dentistry for 5 years. In his spare time Ralph likes to play basketball, watching movies and listening to music.
Arianna was born and raised in Ecuador and moved to Florida in 2014. She graduated high school and she is currently attending college. Arianna lives with her brother, her dad and her wonderful furry friend Duke who (of course) is the baby of the house. When she is not at work or doing classwork, Arianna loves to go for runs at the park, read books and watch her favorite shows on Netflix.
My name is Evelyn Ortiz. I was born and raised in Cali, Colombia. Since I was young my greatest passion has been the dental field and I have been an orthodontist assistant for the past 15 years. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the beach with my family and road biking.
Originally born in South Florida and spent her ten years in Philadelphia, before bringing her back to the Sunshine State. Michelle is a mom of two, a 5 year old boy and beautiful baby girl! When she is not helping patients get started on their bright smile journey, she enjoys family time and crafting projects. We are lucky to have Michelle on our team!
We believe every family is special just like every smile is special. That’s why everything we do for our patients is tailormade with the patient’s specific needs, goals, and budget in mind.
Our expert team combines the highest standards of care using the latest in orthodontic technology. We truly feel honored and privileged to care for our patients and their families with love, compassion, and respect.
We offer the convenience of pediatric dentistry and orthodontics throughout our three locations. Dr. Rene cares for all of our child patients’ dental health needs ranging in age from 1 to 18. And Dr. Khakhria and Dr. Ortiz care for the orthodontic needs of our patients ranging in age from 7 to 77+.
Whether you’re at our office for pediatric dentistry or orthodontics, you’ll see Dr. Rene, Dr. Ortiz, or Dr. Khakhria every time! We believe in consistency which is why when you visit us you’ll be treated by the same doctor every time you come to our office.
The Jacaranda Smiles team is proud of our community and participates in several events that support it. You will see our smiling faces outside our office.
It is important to us that we make you feel at home when you visit us. We are conveniently located in Plantation, East Pembroke Pines, and West Pembroke Pines.
Our doctors believe in an open line of communication to ensure that our patients are in the finest dental care.
We are proud of our highly accomplished and diverse team members. With a combined experience of over 100+ years, you are in good hands. A member of our staff is available to speak with you in the following languages to ensure your treatment is efficient and comfortable:
Join the Jacaranda Family. Join the fun.
Monday 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday By Appointment Only
