Austin N. Belknap, DMD

As a Florida native, Dr. Belknap knew at the young age of 4 that she wanted to pursue a career in dentistry. She believes that the field of dentistry, no matter what branch of dentistry, is committed to serving their patients and community. She has always quoted, “Allow your passion to become your purpose and it will one day become your profession.”

The profession of oral and maxillofacial pathology is a specialty that investigates the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial region. Practicing this specialty, Dr. Belknap incorporates clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations to research the diagnosis of patients’ diseases and ailments.

Dr. Belknap would say that her approach to every clinical visit is wholistic; every initial examination includes an in-depth medical history, a thorough intra-oral and extra-oral exam and treatment discussion. Oral pathology is primarily classified as a non-surgical specialty with procedures limited to diagnostic biopsies, small excisions, and other minor surgical interventions. The majority of cases are managed medically with the use of topical and systemic medications.

While completing her residency at the University of Florida, Dr. Belknap established her department’s first patient-based clinical trial regarding the treatment of Burning Mouth Syndrome. During her residency program, Dr. Belknap published various papers, presented multiple poster and oral presentations, and was the first freshman resident to be awarded the Waldron Award for her presentation at the AAOMP annual meeting in 2019.

Dr. Belknap and her husband, Joakim, are high school sweethearts and have a daughter, Emilia, and two retired racing greyhounds – Easy and Henry. Dr. Belknap is also a foster mother for retired racing greyhounds and has been active in the adoption process throughout the state of Florida. She and her family are also active in butterfly conservation, particularly Monarch butterflies.

Credentials

Dr. Belknap completed her Bachelor of Science at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL, later receiving her DMD degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) in Bradenton, FL. Dr. Belknap completed her 3-year residency program in Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL.

Professional Associations

Dr. Belknap is a member of numerous professional organizations including the Florida Dental Association, the American Dental Association, a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, and Fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (AAOMP), as well as a committee volunteer for the AAOMP