Meet Our Dentists
Dr. Derek Fleitz has been practicing dentistry for over 25 years and still loves improving each patient’s smile and restoring and/or boosting their self-confidence. In his free time, Dr. Fleitz enjoys spending time with his family, which includes his wife Kim, daughters Gabi and Zoe, and labrador retrievers Max and Otto. He also finds joy in hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, and attending 30A community events.
There were not enough permanent residents in the 30A area at that time to support another dentist, so I took over an existing dental practice from a retiring dentist in Panama City. My practice in Panama City was very rewarding for the 15 years, but then a dream came true to open my new office so close to our home, our daughters’ schools, and our community.
There were not enough permanent residents in the 30A area at that time to support another dentist, so I took over an existing dental practice from a retiring dentist in Panama City. My practice in Panama City was very rewarding for the 15 years, but then a dream came true to open my new office so close to our home, our daughters’ schools, and our community.
After 25 years of practicing dentistry, I still love my job. I love meeting and talking to people. I love the privilege of being able to improve each persons’ smile, which often helps him or her regain tremendous self-confidence. I enjoy the blend of the art and science that dentistry has to offer. However, the biggest reward of my career are the relationships forged with patients over the years. That is a true treasure!
When I’m not in the office, you can most likely find me hanging out with my wonderful wife Kim, our two beautiful little girls Gabi and Zoe, and our labrador retrievers Max and Otto. We love strolling on the beach, kayaking in the lake, doing most anything outside, and attending many community events and concerts. On Sundays, you may often find us at A Simple Faith.
I do have a few hobbies as well. I indulge in scuba diving, hiking and travel when I can. Mostly, I enjoy any activities my girls want to do: fishing, kayaking, hiking, soccer, tennis and watching hockey, college football and IU basketball. Seriously, though, I love my two little girls so much; they are what keep me going!
When I met Dr. Hoppe, we found that we share passions in dentistry, values, visions, and philosophies. We also complement each other in much of our professional experience and what we like to do. The place, partner, and time were perfect, and so, with the help of my wife Kim, 30A Smiles is the result.
We are delighted about our partnership and our new state-of-the-art office conveniently located in 30Avenue. Dr. Hoppe and I would be elated and honored to have the opportunity to provide dental excellence and personalized service and attention to you and your family. We hope to have you as part of our 30A Smiles family.
Education
Indiana University – Bachelor of Science in biology, 1991
Indiana University School of Dentistry – Doctorate of Dental Surgery, 1995
Awards and Honors
Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists
Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists
Master of the Implant Prosthetic Section of the ICOI
Local Community Recognition
Voted “Best Dentist in Bay County” 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 from The News Herald’s Readers Choice “Best of Bay” Awards.
Voted “Best Dentist” in the Panama City area in 2008 in Panama City Living Magazine
Professional Memberships
International Congress of Oral Implantologists
American Academy of Implant Dentistry
American Dental Society of Anesthesiology
Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation
American Academy of Facial Esthetics
Academy of General Dentistry
American Dental Association
Florida Dental Association
Dr. Lindsey Hoppe has been passionate about cosmetic dental care ever since her own dental problems were corrected by her childhood dentist. After having her own self-esteem boosted, Dr. Hoppe now loves being able to do the same for others. When not working, Dr. Hoppe chooses to spend her time with her husband Dirk, her son Hunter, and her golden retriever Annabelle. She also enjoys the outdoors, sunshine, college football, and community work.
It started with some dental problems I experienced as a child, which had a negative effect on my self-esteem. My family dentist when I was growing up in Texas was a great guy, and when he took care of my dental problems, he truly changed my life. I'll never forget that.
It started with some dental problems I experienced as a child, which had a negative effect on my self-esteem. My family dentist when I was growing up in Texas was a great guy, and when he took care of my dental problems, he truly changed my life. I'll never forget that.
My "why" is very simple: bringing that same kind of joy to the lives of my patients also brings joy to my life.
I first visited the Emerald Coast when I was 16 years old. We fell in love with the area and visited as often as we possibly could. My husband proposed to me on this beach in 2001, and we always dreamed of making our home here. While I will always be a Texan at heart (Gig ’em Aggies!), it is truly our dream come true to live here.
When I met Dr. Fleitz, we discovered many similarities in our philosophies—and the concept for our dream practice, 30A Smiles, was born.
When I’m not doing dentistry, I’m hanging around with my two most favorite people: my husband Dirk, and our son Hunter, usually involving something outdoors and with lots of sunshine, or related to college football. Our golden retriever, Annabelle, tags along with us pretty much anywhere we go. I keep my batteries charged through a circle of friends and family I treasure, and a few of my favorite places: Good News Methodist Church, the Children's Volunteer Health Network, the Seaside Neighborhood School and Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast.
My passion is providing cosmetic dental care of the highest caliber; that is, after all, how this journey began for me. I also love improving the health of any smile which has fallen into disrepair.
Whether it’s shooting the breeze at your six-month appointments, or tackling a bigger dental project, it fulfills me to make people happy. If I can alleviate their concerns, and help them to walk out of my office with their head held a little higher, with a little more spring in their step, ready to face the world with more confidence--I've done my job and that is what makes me happiest.
You don’t have to travel far or to the big cities to have your simple or complex dental needs addressed any longer. Come meet me and see our beautiful office. You’ll be glad you did!
Education
Texas A&M University – Bachelor of Arts in biology, minor in chemistry, 1999
University of Texas at Houston – Doctorate of Dental Surgery, 2003
Awards and Honors
Fellowship Award, Academy of General Dentistry
Outstanding Achievement Award, American College of Prosthodontics
Hirsch Award, American College of Legal Medicine
Board member, Capital Area Dental Society
Texas Monthly “Super Dentist” each year from 2009-2014, voted by fellow dentists and dental specialists
Professional Affiliations
Academy of General Dentistry
American Dental Association
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Smile Virtual Consult
Powered by the Community
Sacred Heart Hospital of the Emerald Coast, Advisory Board
Children's Volunteer Health Network, Board of Trustees
Seaside Neighborhood School former school board member
Good News United Methodist Church
Born in California, but raised along the emerald coast, I graduated from Niceville High School in 2003. I attended the University of Florida and graduated cum laude with a BS in Microbiology and Cell Science. I decided to stay in Gainesville and attend the UF College of Dentistry, graduating in 2012. After some consideration, my husband and I decided to move back to Northwest Florida, where I practiced in Destin and Panama City Beach for 10 years before finding my 30A Smiles home!
I currently reside in Santa Rosa Beach with my husband Joe, our two sons, Mac and Bo, our crazy mutt, Birdie, and neurotic cat, Ivan (the terrible!). I love reading and crafting and creating in my spare time, but if we’re not at home, you’ll find us in the woods or on the water, as my boys are avid outdoorsmen.
My love of dentistry goes way back to childhood and runs in my blood! My father is a retired dentist, my mother his assistant and office manager, and my sisters are both hygienists locally. Having come from a dental-centric family, I was raised with the mantra that dentistry should be fun and something to look forward to and not feared. I chose dentistry as my occupation because I love how multi-faceted it can be. It challenges all parts of my brain, from the creative, artistic side to the problem-solving, analytical side. My ultimate goal as a dentist would be to help establish a healthy, fun view of dentistry, starting at a young age, so that dental fear and anxiety is minimized or non-existent later on. I believe 30A Smiles is such an environment! Our team is here to help people of all ages establish and keep their smiles healthy and I’m proud to call it my home!
I currently reside in Santa Rosa Beach with my husband Joe, our two sons, Mac and Bo, our crazy mutt, Birdie, and neurotic cat, Ivan (the terrible!). I love reading and crafting and creating in my spare time, but if we’re not at home, you’ll find us in the woods or on the water, as my boys are avid outdoorsmen.
My love of dentistry goes way back to childhood and runs in my blood! My father is a retired dentist, my mother his assistant and office manager, and my sisters are both hygienists locally. Having come from a dental-centric family, I was raised with the mantra that dentistry should be fun and something to look forward to and not feared. I chose dentistry as my occupation because I love how multi-faceted it can be. It challenges all parts of my brain, from the creative, artistic side to the problem-solving, analytical side. My ultimate goal as a dentist would be to help establish a healthy, fun view of dentistry, starting at a young age, so that dental fear and anxiety is minimized or non-existent later on. I believe 30A Smiles is such an environment! Our team is here to help people of all ages establish and keep their smiles healthy and I’m proud to call it my home!
Education:
University of Florida – Bachelor of Science- Microbiology and Cell Science 2007
University of Florida College of Dentistry – Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry 2012
Affiliations:
American Dental Association
Florida Dental Association
Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Dawson Academy graduate
Dr. Julia Skinner feels fortunate to be a dentist for 30A Smiles and live on the Emerald Coast, a place she has been visiting often since her childhood. It was here on the Panhandle that Dr. Skinner met her husband and started their family. Now, with 3 children in tow, Dr. Skinner loves spending time attending sporting events, hosting birthday parties, and hanging out at the beach.
As a dentist and an eternal student, I strive to stay up to date in my field. As part of this resolution, I have completed the Dawson Academy Course Series and can now count myself with the elite few Dawson Certified Dentists. Prior to marriage and children, I was fortunate enough to participate in three mission trips providing dental care to impoverished villages with no access to medical treatment across Central America. I also helped establish and organize a new community outreach dental clinic in Gainesville, FL that provided emergency and restorative services to the local underserved population.
As a dentist and an eternal student, I strive to stay up to date in my field. As part of this resolution, I have completed the Dawson Academy Course Series and can now count myself with the elite few Dawson Certified Dentists. Prior to marriage and children, I was fortunate enough to participate in three mission trips providing dental care to impoverished villages with no access to medical treatment across Central America. I also helped establish and organize a new community outreach dental clinic in Gainesville, FL that provided emergency and restorative services to the local underserved population.
As a child growing up in Atlanta, GA my family would often escape to the beaches of the Panhandle. It was then that I fell in love with the Emerald Coast and am proud to now call it home. It was here that I met and married my husband and here that we are raising our 3 beautiful children.
When I’m not in the office, you will find me herding the Skinner clan. From sporting events, birthday parties, beach, pool, to playground we enjoy all the Emerald Coast has to offer. We are a family of dog enthusiasts, Georgia Bulldog fans and on Sundays you can find us at Simple Faith church. My husband is also an avid hunter and fisher so as the weather cools, we often leave the beach for the woods. I am fortunate enough to call the beach home, am surrounded by loved ones and have an outstanding work family. 30Asmiles is everything I’ve ever wanted to be part of in a dental office and it is with confidence that I say you will feel the same way.
