Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Ivan Montijo.
Hi Dr. Ivan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi there! I’ve been working in dentistry for over a decade, and I’m passionate about providing world-class care in a relaxing and convenient environment for my patients. I take great pride in knowing that patients often tell me their experience with us was unlike any dental appointment they’ve ever had.
With a strong team, advanced technology, and a dedication to patient comfort, I focus on creating exceptional experiences every day. Mentoring fellow doctors and fostering a positive team culture is also especially important to me. I believe in building an environment where everyone contributes to enjoyable patient experiences and meaningful outcomes.
My journey into dentistry started at a young age, thanks to my mother — a dental hygienist — who encouraged me to shadow her dentist. That’s when I realized dentistry was my calling. I was fascinated by the impact oral health has on overall well-being and how the right dental office can provide tailored solutions to benefit each patient. Seeing the trust patients placed in my mother’s dentist created a work environment that inspired me to pursue the profession.
I earned my dental doctorate from the University of Florida and have continued to expand my expertise through post-graduate training in dental implants, orthodontics, sleep apnea care, and cosmetic dentistry. I am also a proud Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry — a prestigious honor earned by less than 3% of practicing dentists nationwide.
Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my family, staying active by running, exercising, and golfing, cheering on the Gators, and traveling as often as possible — especially when there’s an opportunity to try new cuisines.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Every journey has its challenges, but overall, my path has been one of steady growth. I started out humbly, working in a variety of dental settings — both large, high-volume practices and smaller, more intimate offices. Those early years were about putting in the work, learning from different systems and mentors, and understanding how dentistry operates from every angle.
That experience gave me the skills, confidence, and perspective to join a much larger, well-established practice — where I was able to prove myself clinically and as a leader. Eventually, I earned the opportunity to become a partner and help shape the direction of the organization.
There were certainly long hours, uncertainty, and risk-taking along the way — especially during the transition from associate to owner — but I’ve always believed that hard work, consistency, and surrounding yourself with good people can smooth even the toughest road.
As you know, we’re big fans of Stride Dental Group. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Stride Dental Group is a locally founded, doctor-led organization that my best friend and business partner, Daniel Jimenez, and I built together. We grew up together, and years later realized that our professional strengths — my clinical and entrepreneurial background and his business and operations expertise — made for the perfect partnership. Together, we’ve created a model that blends world-class dentistry with genuine, hometown care.
We operate a growing family of modern dental practices across Central Florida that are known for being warm, honest, and efficient. Our offices are tech-forward yet personal — we leverage advanced technology and systems to make care more transparent and comfortable, not more complicated. Whether it’s AI-powered imaging, same-day dentistry, or simply helping patients understand and maximize their insurance benefits, our focus is always on making great dentistry accessible and stress-free.
What sets us apart is that we never lose sight of why we started: to serve people. Every patient who walks through our doors is treated like family. We’ve worked hard to build a brand that’s trusted in our communities — one that delivers exceptional care without losing its heart.
At the end of the day, Stride Dental Group is about people — patients, doctors, and team members — all moving forward together with purpose, integrity, and a smile.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking.
I’ve always believed that growth requires a certain level of risk — not reckless risk, but the kind that challenges you to bet on yourself and the people around you.
One of the biggest risks I ever took was expanding my primary practice in Lake Nona. We decided not just to lease a space, but to buy and develop commercial land and build a brand-new office from the ground up. It was a huge undertaking — I was practicing full-time while also serving as one of the project managers, overseeing everything from design to construction to financing. It was stressful at times, but looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The practice has flourished, and it taught me the power of persistence, planning, and trusting your vision.
Another defining risk was co-founding Stride Dental Group with Daniel. At the time, I had a stable and predictable path as a practicing dentist, while Daniel came from a business and operations background outside of dentistry. On paper, it may have seemed unconventional — but it turned out to be the perfect blend of clinical expertise and strategic leadership. Together, we’ve built something we’re incredibly proud of, and we’re on track to continue expanding across Central Florida.
To me, risk isn’t about gambling — it’s about believing that hard work, integrity, and the right partnerships can turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Pricing:
- Free exam and X-rays for new patients without insurance
- $2,500 off orthodontic treatment for a limited time
Contact Info:
