General dentist – Dr. Cassandra Tavares is originally from the North Shore and graduated from Lynnfield High School. Dr. Tavares grew up riding horses and competed around New England for most of her childhood and adolescence. During high school she played field hockey and served as a Tri-Captain of the varsity field hockey team during her senior year.

Following her passion for animals, Dr. Tavares chose to attend the University of Massachusetts at Amherst for a B.S. degree in Animal Science on a pre-veterinary track. While in college, Dr. Tavares completed a study abroad program and spent a semester living in Brisbane, Australia. After graduation she worked as a veterinary technician.

After two years of working in veterinary medicine she found that although she loved animals, she missed working with people and decided to pursue a career in dentistry. Dr. Tavares received her D.M.D. from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. While at Tufts, she was President of the American Association of Women Dentists. She received the AAWD Award for Academic Excellence in her fourth year at Tufts.

Dr. Tavares has traveled to the Himalayas with the Himalayan Health Exchange on a dental and medical expedition to provide care to underserved populations in remote regions. The month she spent in India was beyond words and feels she grew both professionally and personally through the experience. Dr. Tavares looks forward to giving her time and knowledge to others at home as well as abroad in the future.

In her spare time, Dr. Tavares enjoys yoga and running with her dog, Sophie.