Barbara Manna, RDH

Meet Barbara: Founder and Director of Destiny's Dental Assistant Program Hello! I’m Barbara, originally from New Jersey but raised in beautiful Sarasota, Florida. At 19, I took a leap of faith and moved to Italy, where my journey in the dental field began. With no prior experience, I was fortunate to be hired as a dental assistant by a compassionate doctor who believed in me. Within two years, I was managing her practice, and after five years, I realized I wanted to expand my skills further. I returned to the U.S. to pursue my dreams, graduating with a Dental Hygiene degree in 2013 and an Exercise Science degree in 2010. 

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My background also includes 13 years as a dental assistant and experience as a personal trainer, where I led boot camps. In 2018, I founded Destiny Dental Assistant Program in Wyoming, now thriving in Sarasota, Florida. My mission is to provide others with the same opportunities I received—empowering individuals to transform their careers and elevate their lives. I’m excited to guide aspiring dental professionals on their journey, and I look forward to sharing more about my experiences as I work towards becoming an author. Welcome to Destiny’s Dental Assistant Program!

Founder/Director/Instructor

Dr. Jose Roque 

Dr. José Roque D.D.S. was born in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois but moved to Sarasota, Florida when he was 5 years old. Dr Roque’s original aspirations were to become a lawyer but after completing a vocational interest test as a sophomore attending Booker High School, he discovered his passion for Dentistry. After shadowing and working with local dentists after school he knew it was the perfect fit for him. In his high school year book graduation testament labeled “When I grow up” he writes “I’ll be a dentist working in my own practice” Over the years he’s worked hard to make those dreams a reality.

He holds an Associate in Arts graduating with honors from Manatee Community College. A Bachelors of Science in Food Science graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Florida. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Creighton University School of Dentistry. He finished his training by receiving a certificate from Wichita State University in Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency.

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Dr Roque has been practicing in the local community since 2015. He enjoys giving back to the local community through Give Kids a Smile, Team Smile, Remote Area Medical and Project Christmas Smile. He volunteers at the state level serving those less fortunate in the annual Florida Mission of Mercy. Dr Roque enjoys Sarasota and considers it home. His extension of giving back to the community has no boundaries as he was given the opportunity since 2021 to mentor and teach 3rd year dental students at the local dental school serving as adjunct faculty in the restorative department at LECOM in Lakewood Ranch. He enjoys the laidback vibe of the city and everything it has to offer including the beaches, sunsets, nature. He likes to cook often times creating tasty and healthy dishes and stays active during the week with his dog.

Instructor