Dr. Malissa Vacharakiat was born and raised in Ft worth, Texas and moved to South Florida when she was 15 years old. She attended Broward College and the University of Florida, and then went on to dental school at Nova Southeastern University, School of Dental Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale. She graduated with a doctorate in dental medicine in 2003 and worked as a general dentist in San Antonio, Texas for three years and in South Florida for four years. In 2009, she decided to become an endodontist. She then completed a one-year Endodontic Fellowship and a two-year Residency in Endodontics at Nova Southeastern University, School of Dental Medicine. Recently she joined The Smile Design team after working in a Lakeland/Winter Haven area private endodontic practice for two years. In her spare time, Dr. Vacharakiat likes to relax and spend time with her family and friends. She loves the college football season, especially Gator Football, and also travelling wherever and whenever she can.