Meet Our Boca Raton Dental Team

Recognized South Florida Dental Practice

Dr. Terry Max has delivered general, prosthetic, restorative, cosmetic and implant dentistry throughout Palm Beach County for more than 35 years. His caring, team-based approach with patients, paired with exceptional clinical skill and artistry, has established the practice as a trusted community leader.

Dr. Max brings a deep well of knowledge gathered over years of study with the Masters of Dentistry in locations around the globe, along with advanced training from leading dental programs at Harvard, Tufts, the University of Geneva in Switzerland, and the University of Miami.

Known for handling the most challenging dental cases, Dr. Max is a trusted resource for referring dentists and physicians and also mentors fellow dentists. He has been recognized for elevating standards in areas such as aesthetic implants and reconstructive dentistry, and he received the Pierre Fauchard Award for Clinical Excellence and the Jonathan Award for professional development. Today, several dentists he has mentored present his work in dental programs at prestigious universities across the U.S.

At his Boca Raton, Florida office, Dr. Max uses advanced dental technology to provide fast, comfortable care. He thoroughly evaluates each patient’s dental health, reviews treatment choices in detail, and works together with each person to select the most suitable and effective plan.

The office team includes friendly, experienced dental hygienists and an on-site dental lab staffed by carefully selected, highly skilled master technicians holding advanced dental degrees. Together, Dr. Max and his knowledgeable staff deliver outstanding dental care to South Florida and to referred patients from around the country.

Education & Training

Driven by a genuine passion for dentistry and a love of learning, Dr. Max has completed extensive advanced dental training. He remains at the leading edge of the best dental treatment and the most advanced technology. His continuing education includes advanced training in implants, occlusion, facial pain, aesthetic dentistry and reconstructive dentistry from Harvard University, Tufts University, Boston University, the University of Geneva, the Dawson Center for Advanced Studies, The Seattle Institute, The Center for Advanced Dental Learning, the LD Pankey Institute and the Center for Professional Development.

Dr. Max completed his residency at the University of Florida Occlusion & Facial Pain Center and his externships at the renowned University of Miami School of Medicine and Jackson Memorial. He graduated with honors from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and holds a BA from the University of South Florida.

Dr. Derek Gatta grew up in Newport, RI and has had the chance to practice in many locations from his time in the Navy, including San Diego, Bahrain and Washington DC.  After graduating from Vanderbilt University for undergrad, he moved to Ft. Lauderdale for Dental School at Nova Southeastern University. He was awarded a military commission and served eight years in the Navy achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He began his Navy career at Camp Pendleton, where he completed a General Practice Residency (GPR). He next served in Bahrain, home of the Navy’s fifth fleet, and worked as a general dentist. Following that tour, he was selected to attend the prestigious Prosthodontic Residency at the Walter Reed National Naval Military Medical Center in Washington, DC. He is a board-certified Prosthodontist and a diplomat of the American College of Prosthodontists.

I enjoy the challenge of my work and value the scientific and artistic skills it demands. I know firsthand what it feels like to lack confidence in your smile. As a child, I broke a front tooth and also wore braces. After treatment repaired the damage, I regained positive self-esteem, which inspired me to attend dental school and offer that same sense of wellness to others. I am committed to helping you reclaim your life with a confident smile. Complex rehabilitation is my specialty, and I look forward to working with you. Outside of dentistry, I enjoy traveling, tennis and skiing.

Our Care Philosophy

I deliver world class oral health care with superior customer service.  My goal is to help patients get their lives back who have delayed treatment for fear of judgement or embarrassment.  I am a Board-Certified Prosthodontist who specializes in complex oral rehabilitation. My team and I treat every individual in a professional and courteous manner.  Life is too short to not have the smile you deserve!  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you.  

Meet Our Team