Facebook-f Instagram Tiktok
(941) 231-4795
6286 Lake Osprey Drive
Lakewood Ranch, Fl 34240
(941) 260-1393
2916 Bee Ridge Road
Sarasota, FL 34239
(941) 231-4795
6286 Lake Osprey Drive
Lakewood Ranch, Fl 34240
(941) 260-1393
2916 Bee Ridge Road
Sarasota, FL 34239

Meet

Dr. Varone

Education

Dr. Karen Varone grew up outside of Philadelphia, PA and completed her undergraduate degree at Penn State University. She attended the University of Maryland Dental School in Baltimore, Maryland, where she found a love of helping others through her volunteer work with Operation Smile, which allowed her to travel all over the globe and work with patients from different cultures and backgrounds. From there she attended the prestigious Ohio State University where she received specialty training in orthodontics as well as a master’s degree in oral biology. Dr. Varone’s graduate research concentrated on patients’ satisfaction with orthodontic treatment, something she strives to bring to Varone Orthodontics.

EXPERIENCE

Dr. Varone practiced orthodontics in the Washington DC area before moving to Sarasota in 2004. Dr. Varone is a board certified diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). She believes her patients deserve the very best treatments available and is passionate about staying up to date on the latest developments in orthodontics, including clear aligner treatment with Invisalign. She is a VIP Diamond Plus Provider of Invisalign due to the large amount of clinical experience she has had treating patients with Invisalign. Dr. Varone is one of the few certified providers of Incognito lingual braces in Sarasota. Dr. Varone also works with local dental assisting programs giving lectures and training students.

ABO Certification

The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO)

The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) was founded in 1929 as the global leader in orthodontic board certification which sets the standards of care for excellence in orthodontics. The ABO is the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association and in affiliation with the American Association of Orthodontics. 

The mission of the ABO is “to elevate the quality of orthodontic care for the public by promoting excellence through certification, education, and professional collaboration.” (source: ABO https://www.americanboardortho.com/about-abo/)

What Does it Mean to be Board Certified?

A board certified orthodontist (also known as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics) like Dr. Varone has volunteered to be examined by his or her peers to assess both knowledge and skills. This achievement exemplifies the dedication of an orthodontist to a continued pursuit of excellence and expertise in the field of orthodontics. This certification is the final step in an extensive journey through dental and orthodontic education in order to ultimately provide the highest quality of treatment. 

To become ABO certified, orthodontists pass a 3-part rigorous set of written and clinical examinations in addition to a comprehensive review of his or her credentials. Successful completion of the initial process, which can take anywhere from 5-10 years, represents a commitment by a licensed specialist that they possess the knowledge, skills, and experience to treat patients to the highest standards. Further, each board certified orthodontist must renew their certification every 10 years, demonstrating their ongoing excellence.  

How Does an Orthodontist Receive Certification?

  • 2-4 years undergraduate degree
  • 3-4 years in dental school
  • Pass the licensing exams
  • Acceptance into an accredited orthodontic program
  • 2-3 years in an accredited orthodontic residency program
  • Completion of the ABO written exam
  • Completion of the ABO clinical exam
  • Renewal of ABO certification every 10 years

Is Every Orthodontist Board Certified? 

The short answer is no. Only about one in three orthodontists have completed board certification. The ABO certification process represents a special accomplishment and a critical step beyond the advanced education required to become an orthodontist. An orthodontist who has completed the certification has years of experience in the dental industry, has passed multiple examinations proving his or her professional knowledge and ability, and will be up-to-date in the latest advancements and newest technologies in the field.

Invisalign VIP Blue Diamond Plus

VIP Blue Diamond is one of the highest statuses that an orthodontist can earn and is Invisalign’s way of recognizing the top 1% of Invisalign providers in North America. As a VIP Blue Diamond provider, Dr. Varone is by far the most highly qualified orthodontist in her region to address almost every case, no matter how complex, using Invisalign clear aligners. 

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Dr. Varone has always had a love of the beach so she feels quite at home in Sarasota. She loves all types of fitness, and you can find her (and her kids) representing Varone Orthodontics at the Siesta Key summer beach runs as well as many other local runs and events. She is a big supporter of local schools and community organizations, finding time to volunteer in the classrooms at Ashton Elementary and Pine View School where her children attend.

Dr. V and her husband live in Sarasota with their two young boys who keep them very busy! She enjoys cooking, especially the Italian recipes her mother and grandmother taught her. Dr V and her family enjoy boating and traveling and she has recently taken up golf so she can keep up with the boys as they improve! 

FUN FACTS

I never leave my house without:
Chapstick and bug spray

If I wasn’t an orthodontist, I would be:
A caterer

Something that makes me smile:
My kids laughing with each other

What energizes me:
My cold plunge!

Most people don’t know this:
I don’t like traveling to countries where the food is bad 

Becky

Orthodontic Assistant

ln 1993 Becky entered the Orthodontic field in Massachusetts, where she was born and raised. Visiting Florida as a child, she always knew she would become a permanent resident someday. The favorite part of her job is to help create beautiful smiles and watch patients evolve throughout treatment and gain confidence. She is married to her husband Chris and have a wonderful daughter Miranda and a kitty named Sox. Her family enjoys going to Disney and cheering on the Red Sox, Patriots and the Bruins.

Sally

Orthodontic Assistant

ln 2001 she chose the Orthodontic field and has never looked back. She strives to keep patients comfortable, informed and uplifted while in her chair during treatment time. She loves what she is doing and looks forward to many more years of creating smiles that last a lifetime.

Abbie

Orthodontic Assistant

Abbie is 24 years old, born and raised in Manatee County, and recently engaged. She became an Orthodontic Assistant in 2019. ln her free time, she enjoys singing a cappella music with friends and competing in music competitions around the U.S. She loves being part of the Varone Team and looks forward to many more amazing times to come.

Ally

Orthodontic Assistant

Ally became an Orthodontic Assistant in 2020. She loves this field of work because she helps people feeI more confident about their smiles. She enjoys listening to music and attending concerts. On her days off she usually hangs out with friends and family.

Carrie

Orthodontic Assistant

Carrie grew up in mid-Michigan and moved to Sarasota, and was very glad to get out of the cold weather. She has been an assistant for 37 years, which 14 of those have been with Dr. Varone. Our doctor, staff and patients are the highlight of her career. Carrie is married and has 2 children.

Rosemary

Insurance Coordinator

Rosemary verifies insurance for our patients and then follows up on claims after they are submitted to the insurance company. This is very time consuming with changes being made all the time. When she is not in the office she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She leads a very active life that includes travel, pickleball and regular workouts at the gym. She also teaches yoga and has recently started ballroom dancing lessons. She has been with us since January 2019.

Rosa

Reception/Insurance

Rosa was originally from North Jersey and has been in the field since 2006 as a patient coordinator, reception and insurance processor. She loves working with patients and their smiles, white fostering strong relationships with an empathetic approach to scheduling and financial discussions with those patients. She has a passion for creating a welcoming environment, ensuring all patients feet like they are treated as family. She is always building trust and showing that Varone Orthodontics is reliable and caring. Rosa has been with us since December 2021 . ln her spare time, she enjoys going to the beach for long walks and spending lots of time with family.

Diane

Front Desk Administrator

Diane has worked in the orthodontic field since 2006. Her favorite thing about orthodontics is seeing the beautiful change in the patients from start to finish. She loves to help patients and co-workers whenever possible. Diane is a native of Bowling Green coming to Lakewood Ranch area in 1984. When she is not at the office she enjoys spending time with her fiance, Tom, and her granddaughters Skylynn and Sarah.

Sally

Treatment Care Coordinator

Originally from the United Kingdom, Sally has worked in orthodontics since 2003 and has her certification in Orthodontic assisting. Sally loves working in orthodontics because it’s fun, we work hard, but we are always smiling and laughing. Sally also enjoys spending time with her husband, Ed, her dogs and 2 daughters. Her favorite things to do are traveling, watching Liverpool FC and reading a good book while relaxing by the pool or at the beach.

DONNA

Office Manager and Financial Administrator

Donna moved to Florida in 2003. She grew up and raised her family in Jamestown, NY. Donna Joined Dr. Varone when the practice opened in 2005 as the office coordinator and she has enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful smiles walk out the door since then. She loves spending time with family and friends and going to her grandson’s baseball games. Donna resides in Lakewood Ranch with her husband. They have three grown children, two grandsons and a Bernie doodle, Roxie.