“Dr. Claire Little is amazing, and this dental office is the best! They are friendly, professional, compassionate and responsive. I wish all my medical providers were this good.”
Dr. Hugo Zegarra Baquerizo, originally from Peru, is an accomplished periodontist with expertise in both general dentistry and periodontics. Dr. Zegarra recalls being around dental offices for as long as he can remember – his grandfather, father, uncle, and cousin all are dentists, He was drawn to the additional science, technology, and training required by surgical procedures, which led to his pursuit to specialize in periodontal care. The recent progress in hard and soft tissue regeneration has made remarkable advances and Dr. Zegarra brings his wealth of experience specializing in complex cases to the Sarasota Periodontal Associates team.
Dr. Zegarra earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas in Peru in 2017. He furthered his training with an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program at UCONN Health in Connecticut, completed in 2021. Most recently, he completed a specialty program in periodontics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2024.
Dr. Zegarra most recently co-authored a clinical research paper appearing in AEGIS Dental Network, CDEWorld, and Conexiant discussing next generation technologies and practices for periodontal regeneration. His article on Dental Management of Patients with Substance Use Disorder was published in Clinical Dentistry Reviewed in 2020. His research underscores the crucial role of periodontology in overall health and wellness and applies his knowledge as a powerful motivator to help his patients achieve better outcomes. His clinical skills encompass a wide range of periodontal procedures, including the treatment of gum disease, dental implants, sinus lifts, gingival contouring, pocket reduction surgery, and crown lengthening.
Known for his precision and empathetic care, Dr. Zegarra is dedicated to delivering personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique needs. His approach emphasizes patient education and open communication, fostering lasting relationships while improving oral health outcomes.
In addition to his professional practice, Dr. Zegarra is deeply involved in community health initiatives and dental outreach programs, extending his passion for healthcare beyond the clinic.
From an invitation to a soccer pick-up game at dental school, Dr Zegarra met his wife Julie, and they have been inseparable ever since. He continues to enjoy playing soccer and basketball. One of his favorite activities is traveling to new places and getting immersed in different cultures. As a proud Peruvian, Dr. Zegarra loves to cook!
We are thrilled to have Dr. Zegarra as part of the Sarasota Periodontal Associates team, confident that his advanced skills and patient-first philosophy will further elevate the level of care we provide to our community.
“Excelling, caring, service. I had a cleaning with Michelle and she went the extra mile for me and didn’t give up. The doctor, Dr. Sharma takes the time to educate and follow patients. Nice to have a periodontist with these skills. Thank you.”
“I am always met with a smile. I was seated on time and Dr Gonzalez is very efficient and professional. I never felt the injection. It all went very smoothly. The staff is wonderful. Won’t go anywhere else.”
“Dr. Farris and his associates are the most professional, caring and dedicated group that I have ever have the pleasure to meet. Yesterday I had my first scheduled cleaning done by Vanessa. It was the best cleaning that I have ever experienced in my life. I was literally shocked at the attention to detail and professionalism I experienced under her care. Thank you very much.”
Meet Our Team
N. Joseph Farris
DDS
Javier Gonzalez
DDS, MS
Pragya Sharma
DDS, MS
Claire Little
DDS, MS
Hugo Zegarra
DDS