Cooper Dental Group is not a corporate chain. It is a locally owned, community-centered dental practice with a warm hometown feel.
Every team member at Cooper Dental Group has been trained to be your advocate, your go-to person, your confidant, encourager, and friend. We consistently strive for improvement, even with the highest standards already in place. There is no pressure, no judgment and no unnecessary treatments. Comfortable and personalized patient care is our top priority.
Our Doctors
Nery Ruano, DDS
Dr. Ruano enjoys giving his patients a reason to smile. As a classically trained guitarist, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Florida State University and earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Ruano is dedicated to providing quality dental care in a soothing environment.
As the new owner of Cooper Dental Group, Dr. Ruano aspires to uphold the legacy that Drs. Steve and Jennifer Cooper have established within the community.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Ruano appreciates a wide range of musical genres, enjoys playing guitar and drums and above all, spending time with his wife and two kids.
Anja M. Crain, DMD
Dr. Crain is a Florida native who was born and raised in Longwood, Florida. She attended Stetson University, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and played on their Division I Women’s Tennis Team. After volunteering alongside a dentist on a mission trip in Honduras, Dr. Crain realized her interest in dentistry and began pursuing her dream. Dr. Crain earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Dr. Crain enjoys helping people regain a functional, confident smile and continues to volunteer with the Baptist Mobile Dental Bus.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Crain enjoys playing pickleball, disc golf, hiking, biking, and many other outdoor activities with her husband, Zach. She also enjoys travel, particularly to visit family in Germany.
Scott Carico, DMD
Dr. Carico has been dedicated to the field of dentistry for 39 years, providing compassionate, high-quality care to patients of all ages. He began his journey at the University of Alabama, where he studied alongside his colleague and friend, Dr. Steven Cooper. Over the decades, Dr. Carico has continued to stay at the forefront of dental advancements, combining experience with a genuine passion for helping patients feel confident in their smiles.
Outside the office, Dr. Carico is happiest in the great outdoors. He enjoys mountain biking, exploring new trails, and spending time on the water fishing with his son, Sam. His love for nature and family inspires the warm, down-to-earth approach he brings to his practice every day.
Our Staff
Cassie Simon
PRACTICE ADMINISTRATOR
Cassie’s career in the dental industry with Cooper Dental Group in 2011. Born in Atlanta, GA , she moved to Ormond Beach, FL in 1995.
Cassie has two beautiful children, Aubree and Jackson. She and her children enjoy being involved with their church, Salty Church in Ormond Beach, FL, for the last several years, and Cassie also serves in the ministry. Cassie loves going to the beach, and spending time with her family. Her sisters and mom continue to be a huge support of her career goals in the dental field!
When we asked Cassie what her favorite thing about working with us is, she said she loves her patients, and loves working alongside our wonderful staff!
Crystal Neely
TEAM LEADER
Crystal is a Certified Dental Assistant and has been with Cooper Dental Group since 2013. She was born and raised in Daytona Beach and was a gatorette at the University of Florida.
Crystal has a daughter who loves gymnastics, dance, and competitive baton. They also enjoy going out on the boat and four wheeling!
When we asked Crystal what her favorite thing is about working with us, she said she loves to smile, and she is passionate about helping others to love their own smile as well!
Kelly Koehler
RDH
Kelly Koehler has worked in the dental field for 20+ years. She graduated from Daytona State College in 2002 with an R.D.H. degree. Kelly has been with Cooper Dental Group since 2007.
When asked why she became a hygienist, her answer was that she wanted to work in a profession that she would be able to help and educate people about their oral health. She loves the one-on-one relationship that she makes with each of her patients.
Kelly has 2 rescue dogs whom she loves dearly, they are her fur-babies! Kelly has been married to her husband Tommy. She enjoys boating and spending time with friends.
Kim Klem
RDH
Kimberly Klem has been a dental hygienist with Cooper Dental Group since 2015. She has been in the dental field for 25 years starting off at the front desk before going on to become a dental assistant. Having a love for dental hygiene she went to school and graduated from Daytona State and has been a hygienist for over 15 years.
Kim is married and has 4 daughters and 5 grandchildren. She is a native Floridian currently living in New Smyrna Beach.
Kim loves being a dental hygienist and is looking forward to many more years of making happy and healthy smiles!
Jessica James
RDH
Jessica James started her career as a dental assistant in 2011. She then went on to pursue dental hygiene, and graduated in 2015 from Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario.
Jessica was born and raised in Ottawa Ontario Canada, and moved to Port Orange Florida in 2019 where she currently resides.
Jessica wanted to be a Dental Hygienist ever since she was a little girl. She always loved getting her teeth cleaned, and always had a positive experience. She wanted her patients to feel that same way!
In her spare time, she enjoys working out, spending time with her dog Peanut, going to Disney, and doing anything outdoors!
Core Values of Cooper Dental Group
The staff at Cooper Dental Group proudly lives and celebrates each of their Core Values every single day
