About Gainesville Periodontics & Implant Center
Blending innovation and expertise for healthier, stronger smiles.
Where Expertise Meets Compassionate Care
Every smile tells a story—built on expertise, precision, and trust. At Gainesville Periodontics & Implant Center, we provide advanced periodontal and implant care focused on experience and patient comfort. From complex surgical treatments to long-term gum health solutions, our goal is to restore function, confidence, and lasting oral wellness. As a locally owned practice, we’re proud to serve our community with personalized, high-quality care.
Introducing Dr. Maliha Fatima
Dr. Maliha Fatima, DMD, MS
Dr. Maliha Fatima is a Periodontist dedicated to helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles through compassionate, personalized care. She believes that every patient deserves to feel heard, respected, and comfortable throughout their treatment journey. Understanding that visiting a periodontal office can sometimes feel intimidating, Dr. Fatima takes the time to listen carefully, answer questions thoroughly, and ensure patients feel confident in every decision regarding their oral health.
As a specialist in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, Dr. Fatima provides advanced treatment for periodontal disease, gingival recession, missing teeth, and complex dental implant needs. She completed advanced specialty training in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry and earned a Master of Science degree in addition to her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from University of Florida, College of Dentistry. By combining evidence-based treatment with a gentle and patient-centered approach, she helps patients restore their oral health, improve function, and regain confidence in their smiles.
In addition to caring for patients at Gainesville Periodontics and Implant Center, Dr. Fatima serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, where she helps educate and mentor future dentists. She views teaching as an important way to give back to the community, advance the profession, and help shape the next generation of dental providers. Her role as an educator reflects her commitment to excellence, lifelong learning, and staying at the forefront of modern dentistry.
When she is not treating patients or teaching, Dr. Fatima enjoys spending time with her family, staying active, and being involved in her community.
Dr. Fatima is honored to serve the Gainesville community and looks forward to helping patients achieve healthy gums, lasting function, and beautiful smiles for years to come.
A Team That Cares With Purpose
Sharae Hudson
Sharae is a dedicated dental administrative professional with experience in patient coordination, insurance management, and front office operations. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Community Health Professions from the University of Florida and is known for her organization, attention to detail, and commitment to providing an exceptional patient experience. Sharae takes pride in helping patients feel welcomed, informed, and supported throughout their care journey while ensuring the office runs smoothly and efficiently.
Outside of the office, Sharae is a devoted wife and mother of three who enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and creating meaningful memories with loved ones. Her caring nature, strong work ethic, and passion for serving others make her an invaluable member of the Gainesville Periodontics and Implant Center team.
Elsa Peterson
Elsa is originally from Sanibel, Florida, and joined Gainesville Periodontics and Implant Center after spending two years working as an EMT in Gainesville. Her passion for patient care and longstanding interest in dentistry inspired her transition into the dental field. Drawing from her emergency medicine background, Elsa is dedicated to helping patients feel comfortable, safe, and at ease throughout their treatment experience. Her calm demeanor, compassion, and attention to patient needs make her a valued member of our team.
Outside of the office, Elsa enjoys staying active through running and hiking, as well as reading, writing, and playing guitar. She also loves spending time with friends and her cat.
Olivia Raines
Olivia is a dedicated dental assistant who has called Gainesville home since 2011 after relocating from West Palm Beach, Florida. As a mother of three, she values building meaningful relationships and helping others feel cared for and supported. Olivia began her healthcare career as a dental assistant before spending more than seven years working as a phlebotomist.
Her experience caring for patients in a variety of healthcare settings helped strengthen her compassion, attention to detail, and commitment to exceptional patient care. Now back in the dental field, Olivia is excited to combine her clinical experience with her passion for helping others. She takes pride in making patients feel comfortable, welcomed, and cared for throughout their treatment journey at Gainesville Periodontics and Implant Center.
Proudly Rooted in the Community
As a locally owned and operated practice, we are deeply connected to the Gainesville community we serve. Our commitment goes beyond dentistry—we strive to build long-term relationships based on trust, accessibility, and consistently high-quality care for every patient who walks through our doors.
Care You Can Trust, a Team You Can Rely On
Whether you’re seeking advanced periodontal treatment, dental implants, or surgical care, our practice is here to help you move forward with confidence. When you’re ready to take the next step toward healthier gums and a stronger smile, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.