Meet Our Team

Here to Guide, Inspire and Support

Every day, our teachers create opportunities for exploration and learning by establishing engaging environments where students feel safe, comfortable, and confident.

We have amazing instructors who are caring, enthusiastic, and dedicated to helping students exceed their every expectation.

Miss Marina Clark, CDA & EFDA

(Instructor & Director of Education)

Ms. Marina is tri-Lingual and began her career in dental assisting in a dental practice in 2000 receiving her Radiology Certification in Massachusetts 2001. With her experience, it qualified her to become a (CDA) Certified Dental Assistant in 2009. During her 15-year tenor in the same dental practice, she received extended OSHA knowledge, taking continued education courses yearly to broaden her skills and knowledge.

During her career in general dentistry she had the opportunity to work alongside a Periodontist and an Endodontist for 5 years enhancing her skills. Her family relocated to Florida from Massachusetts and she completed the requirements of the State of Florida to receive her (EFDA) Expanded Functions Dental Assisting certification along with Radiology and CPR. She has joined our team of instructors here at Dental Assisting Academy of the Palm Beaches.
Teaching students the art of dental assisting is a passion with her and it shows in the student’s success. She prides herself in keeping current in the field as well as continuing to educate herself in new techniques so she can always be in step with the latest trends in the field. The majority of her students are hired even before they complete the course. We are delighted to have her on staff.

Miss Kennedy, B.S & EFDA

(Education Coordinator & Admissions Committee)

Miss Kennedy started her journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant, back in high school, completing clinical hours at a local hospital. From her experience as a CNA she quickly realized that nursing was not her dream, but dentistry was. Miss Kennedy started her career in dentistry at Palm Beach Atlantic University achieving her Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology with her Minor in Physics.

She was fortunate enough to be recommended into a program where she could expand her knowledge of all aspects of dentistry at the Dental Assisting Academy of the Palm Beaches. She then continued through the Academy and achieved her State of Florida Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Certification, Radiology License, and OSHA Certifications. She has completed experience in General Dentistry, Dental Surgery, and Orthodontics.

Miss Kennedy enjoyed her time at the Dental Assisting Academy and believed in the mission that the Academy stands behind, so she sought to join their team. With the required Commission of Independent Education training, she continued to grow at Dental Assisting Academy. As 2017, Miss Kennedy has been hired as the Education Coordinator dedicating her time to making sure the students achieve their maximum potential at Dental Assisting Academy and in their dental assisting futures. She believes that every student that walks through the door, will find their dental homes through the 8-week program.

As Education Coordinator she has implement a new curriculum into the 8-week program that enhances the students education. With a background in technology and with Microsoft Certifications, she has integrated online components so that the student can optimize their success at the Dental Assisting Academy of the Palm Beaches. Miss Kennedy has not only strengthen the curriculum, she has improved the application process as being a part of Admissions. Her goal at the Dental Assisting Academy of the Palm Beaches is to make a quality system that will reflect on the quality student.

Miss Chris, EFDA

(Administrator of Admissions and CEO)

Ms. Cera is from Ohio and began her career as a dental assistant in high school, certified as a CDA and Licensed in radiology, having worked in all phases of dentistry. Ms. Cera has owned and operated a dental Staffing Service, Dental One, Inc. since 1990, developing relationships with dental offices and personnel in Broward, Palm Beach and Martin County. 

She is now concentrating on the Dental Assisting Academy of the Palm Beaches. She has been a consulting and practice administrator for dental offices, along with having been active over the years in numerous dental organizations, Ms. Cera supported the Dental Hygiene Society of the Palm Beaches for years and participated in the ACCDA meetings along with attending the Florida Dental Association conventions.

With a reputation built on integrity, honesty and dependability in providing the dental community with professionals and success in the dental profession. Her inspiration is to see others succeed and achieve their life’s endeavors, and she continues to help others build a future in providing new individuals with a career in dental assisting.

Dental Assisting Academy of the Palm Beaches, has been enriching so many people’s lives with a new career in Dental Assisting, as well as giving an opportunity for existing dental assistants to earn their certifications as Expanded Functions/Duties/ Radiology and CPR in the state of Florida.

Continuing on with her legacy of “empowering and helping others to succeed” has been her life mission.

Dr. Christopher Starr, DDS

(Supervising Dentist)

Dr. Starr is a Graduate of the University of Notre Dame, receiving DDS license from the State of University of New York at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine. 

He was a Commissioned Dental Officer, United States Navy Corps and Assistant Professor of Operative Dentistry, Clinic Director with Training in Expanded Auxiliary Management, (T.E.A.M. Program), School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York and (T.E.A.M. Program), School of Oral and Dental Surgery, Columbia University of New York, New York. – Assistant Professor of Operative Dentistry, Clinical Instructor, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.

Dr. Starr has enjoyed working in private practice since 1980 as a general dentist and was former President of Central Palm Beach County Dental Association. He is currently holding Membership with, American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Association, Central Palm Beach County Dental Association and Currently, in Private Practice, West Palm Beach, Florida since 1980

Dr. Christopher Starr DDS is often described and recognized as among the most accomplished, thoughtful gentle and skilled dentist in the state of Florida, (his staff can vouch for that) and now his son following in his footsteps of dental professionals. We hold high regard of our professional relationship with Dr. Starr of over 25 years with Dental One, Inc.. We are truly honored to have our licensed Dentist of record, Dr. Christopher Starr, supervising Dental Assisting Academy of the Palm Beaches, Inc.

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Reviews From Our Students

Edyta Edi
Edyta Edi
2022-08-19
Coming to Florida from New York was something that i really thought I was going to regret. Being away from my Family and Friends was tough however Ms. Marina and Ms. Kennedy helped me through the whole process. My experience these past past eight weeks has been exceptional. I gained knowledge that will definitely help me in the dental field. Furthermore the hands on experience was very helpful that has made me more passionate about dentistry. Ms. Marina and Ms. Kennedy had helped me find my vocation within dentistry which is pediatric dentistry. Everything that has been taught here will be used and put into my future. Now I don’t regret coming to Florida this was the best experience and the best decision. This opportunity had opened a lot of doors for me. I am more than excited to see what the future will bring!
ana valcarcel
ana valcarcel
2022-08-17
I loved my time at DAAPB the program is great and so is the staff, miss marina and miss kennedy care a lot about their students and their accomplishments!!
Julieta Shmavonyan
Julieta Shmavonyan
2022-08-17
The best School and great teachers. I love Mis Marina and Miss Kennedy, they both are super nice and I learned a lot from them. Dear Miss Marina and Miss Kennedy thank you so much for your time.
Odalys Avi
Odalys Avi
2022-08-16
Teaching is amazing here! I loved my experience with this school and the staff!
crystal quinones
crystal quinones
2022-08-16
Amazing experience, very small classroom and focused on teaching hands on and makes sure everyone understands the content I love this school would definitely recommend someone who’s interested in getting started to becoming a expended function dental assistant
Nicole Ulerio
Nicole Ulerio
2022-07-27
Best real life experience based Dental assistant program. Instructors are amazing and very helpful. If you are planning on starting your Dental career this is the place to go to!!
Betty Moore
Betty Moore
2022-07-21
This school is amazing! If you are looking for small classes & hands on training this school is for you. Miss Kennedy & Miss Marina is absolutely amazing! If you are scared that you don’t understand something or want to touch up on a few things they will most definitely go over everything with you. The most kindest & sweetest people ever. I will most definitely recommend to anyone who wants a change.
Jennifer Jacobs
Jennifer Jacobs
2022-07-21
Best learning experience ever!!! Teachers are amazing and help you every step of the way. The 8 week program is convenient for busy people.
Marlie Joseph (Marlie joseph)
Marlie Joseph (Marlie joseph)
2022-07-20
Great time spent on career base learning, I enjoyed my time learning at a faster pace even though I haven’t graduated yet the experience I have doing Externships is Already opening new opportunities for me.
Natasha Davis
Natasha Davis
2022-07-20
I Had The Very Best Time HERE EVERRR And I Do Not Like School Lol but the instructors here are very awesome i found job placement third week of school and they helped me manage to get through everything i really appreciate my instructors so very much for helping and guiding me on my new journey thee absolutely best school to be at for dental assistaning !!!