Dr. Sharon Durrett - Plastic Surgeon in Tampa, FL

Meet Sharon DurDurrett: Philosophy and Approach

Sharon Durrett, DMD, DDS, stands at the intersection of artistry and science, embodying a philosophy that transcends conventional definitions of plastic surgery. From her earliest days as a dental student, she recognized that the human face is not merely a structure of bone and tissue, but a living canvas that conveys identity, emotion, and confidence. This insight forged a professional credo centered on three pillars: individualized aesthetic harmony, functional integrity, and compassionate patient partnership. In practice, these pillars translate into a meticulous pre‑operative dialogue where Dr. Durrett listens intently to each patient’s personal narrative, visual aspirations, and medical history. She believes that true transformation begins long before the first incision, with a collaborative roadmap that respects both the patient’s aesthetic goals and the underlying anatomical realities.

Dr. Durrett’s approach is distinguished by a seamless integration of cutting‑edge technology with timeless surgical principles. She employs three‑dimensional imaging, computer‑assisted design, and virtual surgical planning to preview outcomes, allowing patients to visualize their future selves with unprecedented clarity. Yet, she remains steadfastly grounded in the fundamentals of tissue handling, vascular preservation, and scar minimization—techniques honed through years of rigorous training. This dual commitment to innovation and tradition ensures that every procedure, whether a subtle facial contouring or a comprehensive craniofacial reconstruction, is executed with precision, predictability, and an aesthetic sensibility that mirrors natural anatomy.

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Durrett cultivates a culture of ongoing education and ethical stewardship. She mentors younger clinicians, contributes to peer‑reviewed journals, and actively participates in professional societies that shape the standards of facial aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Her philosophy extends to a holistic view of patient wellness, encouraging post‑operative regimens that incorporate nutrition, physiotherapy, and psychosocial support. In doing so, she not only restores physical form but also empowers patients to reclaim their self‑esteem, social confidence, and overall quality of life.

Rigorous Medical Education and Training

Dr. Sharon Durrett’s academic journey began at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, where she earned both her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degrees, a rare dual credential that underscores her commitment to comprehensive oral health mastery. The rigorous curriculum demanded mastery of basic sciences, clinical diagnostics, and patient‑centered care, laying a foundation that would later inform her surgical precision. Her coursework spanned detailed anatomy, oral pathology, and pharmacology, each component meticulously designed to develop a deep understanding of the craniofacial complex and its myriad functional interdependencies.

During her tenure at UF, Dr. Durrett distinguished herself through research initiatives that explored the biomechanical properties of facial soft tissues and the interplay between orthodontic forces and skeletal remodeling. Her investigations were presented at national conferences, earning accolades for their methodological rigor and clinical relevance. These scholarly pursuits not only refined her analytical acumen but also cemented a lifelong dedication to evidence‑based practice—a principle that permeates every aspect of her surgical decision‑making. Moreover, she completed a series of intensive externships in maxillofacial surgery, gaining hands‑on exposure to complex reconstructive cases that would later become hallmarks of her clinical repertoire.

Following graduation, Dr. Durrett pursued advanced residencies that further honed her technical expertise and interdisciplinary perspective. She completed a prestigious orthodontic residency, where she mastered the art of guided dental movement, occlusal balancing, and facial proportion analysis. This period was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, as she undertook additional fellowship training in dentofacial orthopedics, focusing on skeletal discrepancies, growth modulation, and the integration of surgical and orthodontic treatment plans. The confluence of these educational experiences equipped Dr. Durrett with a unique skill set that bridges dental medicine and plastic surgery, enabling her to address both aesthetic and functional concerns with unparalleled finesse.

Surgical Expertise

Dr. Durrett’s surgical portfolio is anchored in orthodontics, a discipline that demands a nuanced appreciation of dental alignment, jaw dynamics, and facial symmetry. Her expertise in orthodontics extends beyond conventional braces; she employs state‑of‑the‑art invisible aligner systems, temporary anchorage devices, and customized biomechanics to achieve precise tooth positioning while preserving the integrity of surrounding structures. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that each patient’s occlusion is optimized for both functional efficiency and aesthetic appeal, laying the groundwork for any subsequent facial sculpting or reconstructive procedures.

In the realm of dentofacial orthopedics, Dr. Durrett excels at addressing skeletal imbalances that manifest as midface deficiencies, mandibular prognathism, or vertical growth anomalies. She utilizes a combination of orthopedic appliances, growth‑modifying techniques, and strategic surgical interventions to correct these discrepancies at their source. By integrating cephalometric analysis, three‑dimensional imaging, and computer‑guided surgical simulation, she orchestrates comprehensive treatment plans that harmonize dental, skeletal, and soft tissue components. This holistic approach minimizes the need for secondary revisions and maximizes long‑term stability, a testament to her commitment to durable, patient‑focused outcomes.

Perhaps most compelling is Dr. Durrett’s specialization in cleft palate and craniofacial orthodontics, a field that demands both surgical dexterity and profound empathy. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams—including maxillofacial surgeons, speech therapists, and pediatric specialists—to deliver coordinated care for patients born with congenital facial anomalies. Her role involves pre‑surgical orthodontic preparation, post‑operative orthodontic refinement, and the management of complex growth patterns throughout adolescence. Through these interventions, Dr. Durrett not only restores functional capabilities such as speech and mastication but also profoundly enhances the psychosocial well‑being of her patients, fostering a sense of normalcy and confidence that resonates throughout their lives.

Commitment to Patient Safety

Patient safety is the cornerstone of Dr. Durrett’s practice, a principle reinforced by her active involvement in leading professional organizations. As a distinguished member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), she adheres to the highest standards of clinical excellence, participating in continuous education programs that keep her abreast of evolving safety protocols, infection control measures, and technological advancements. Her affiliation with the Florida Orthodontic Society further reflects her dedication to state‑specific regulatory compliance, ensuring that every procedure performed in her Tampa office meets or exceeds mandated health and safety benchmarks.

Beyond her professional memberships, Dr. Durrett’s contributions to community-focused groups such as the Tampa Bay Cleft and Craniofacial Association underscore her commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations. Through volunteer clinics, educational outreach, and advocacy initiatives, she champions safe, accessible care for individuals with complex craniofacial conditions. These efforts have earned her recognition as the Best Orthodontist in Tampa, 2022, a prestigious accolade presented by the Tampa Dental Awards, which celebrates practitioners who demonstrate unparalleled skill, ethical conduct, and patient‑centric service.

In recognition of her unwavering dedication to excellence, Dr. Durrett was honored with the Excellence in Patient Care Award in 2021. This award highlights her systematic implementation of evidence‑based safety protocols, such as pre‑operative risk assessments, intra‑operative monitoring, and post‑operative follow‑up regimens that prioritize patient well‑being at every stage. Her practice employs a robust quality assurance framework, including regular audits, peer reviews, and patient satisfaction surveys, all designed to identify potential safety gaps and drive continuous improvement. By fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and proactive risk management, Dr. Durrett ensures that her patients experience the highest level of care in a secure, supportive environment.

Why Patients Travel to Tampa, FL

Tampa, Florida, has emerged as a premier destination for patients seeking world‑class facial aesthetic and reconstructive services, and Dr. Sharon Durrett’s practice is a pivotal factor in this migration. The city’s vibrant medical ecosystem, characterized by a concentration of tertiary care centers, research institutions, and specialty clinics, creates a synergistic environment where cutting‑edge techniques are rapidly translated into clinical practice. Patients from across the United States and abroad are drawn to Tampa’s reputation for innovation, as well as its warm climate, which facilitates optimal post‑operative healing and reduces the risk of complications associated with cold‑induced vasoconstriction.

Beyond the clinical advantages, Tampa offers a unique blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and logistical convenience. International travelers appreciate the city’s well‑connected airport, which provides direct flights from major hubs, while domestic patients benefit from a seamless blend of coastal relaxation and urban sophistication. This setting allows patients to recuperate in tranquil beachfront resorts or upscale wellness retreats, turning the recovery period into a restorative experience rather than a disruptive interruption. Moreover, Tampa’s robust network of allied health professionals—including physical therapists, nutritionists, and mental health counselors—ensures comprehensive, multidisciplinary support throughout the entire treatment continuum.

Finally, the personalized care model championed by Dr. Durrett resonates deeply with patients seeking more than a procedural outcome; they desire an empathetic partnership that acknowledges their unique aesthetic aspirations and health considerations. Her practice’s commitment to transparent communication, meticulous planning, and post‑operative support aligns perfectly with the expectations of discerning patients willing to travel for superior results. In Tampa, they find not only a surgeon of exceptional skill but also a community that embraces their journey toward renewed confidence, functional harmony, and enduring beauty.