Doctors

Richard L. Ballentine, DMD is a native resident of southwest Florida, having grown up in the Ft. Myers area. He completed both his undergraduate and postgraduate studies through University of Florida in Gainesville, where he excelled. Dr. Ballentine has been in practice since 2008. He joined North Port Dental in late 2010 and became owner in 2021. “Dr. B” as he is known to his patients, has chosen to continue his education after graduation, including a one year residency in Advanced General Dentistry, as well as extensive training in implant dentistry.

Together with his wife Regina, they enjoy cross-fit workouts, running 5k races, biking, traveling and trying new restaurants!

Dr. Turner is fluent in Spanish and spent his childhood in Florida, Georgia, and overseas in Honduras. He graduated from Plant High School in Tampa and then received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida before attending dental school at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. Dr. Turner earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in May of 2018 and has worked in private practice ever since.

Dr. Turner joins us with his fiancé, Anastasiia, who is our office’s newest hygienist. In their spare time, Dr. Turner and Anastasiia enjoy traveling internationally and domestically, restaurantouring, and spending time at the beach.

Dr. Turner believes in putting his patients first and doing right by them. His favorite part of dentistry is seeing his patients being able to smile with confidence. Dedicated to his patients and improving his practice, Dr. Turner conducts each procedure with a high level of detail and compassion and strives to provide a comfortable patient experience throughout each visit.

He is also a member of the American Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association. Most recently he has undertaken an implant maxi course through the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

North Port Dental is proud to welcome Dr. Rodolfo Plech to our team. His advanced training, compassionate approach, and dedication to exceptional patient care make him a wonderful addition to our practice. We look forward to introducing him to our patients and the North Port community.

Dr. Plech earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in Brazil, followed by postgraduate training in Prosthodontics. After several successful years as the founder and co-owner of a private dental practice specializing in comprehensive rehabilitation and cosmetic dentistry, he relocated to the United States to further advance his education and clinical expertise.

He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), where he also earned his U.S. Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. As a dentist licensed in both Brazil and the United States, Dr. Plech brings an international perspective, advanced clinical techniques, and a commitment to lifelong learning to every patient he serves.

His clinical interests include comprehensive restorative dentistry, cosmetic smile makeovers, veneers, digital smile design, implant restorations, root canal therapy, oral surgery, and minimally invasive dentistry. By combining the latest technology with evidence-based treatment, Dr. Plech strives to create healthy, functional, and beautiful smiles that stand the test of time.

Dr. Plech believes exceptional dentistry begins with listening. He enjoys getting to know his patients, understanding their goals, and creating personalized treatment plans built on trust, education, and open communication. His calm, gentle demeanor helps patients feel comfortable and confident throughout every step of their care.

Outside the office, Dr. Plech enjoys training for triathlons, traveling, cooking, and spending quality time with his wife, Gabi, and their two children, Thomas and Elisa. Family is at the heart of everything he does, and he is proud to bring that same sense of warmth, compassion, and dedication to every patient at North Port Dental.

Languages Spoken: English and Portuguese