Brian T. van Aelst
Dr. Brian van Aelst moved to Florida in 1991 after receiving the Tartan Award for leadership from Alma College in Michigan. He then received his Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University, with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. After completing post-graduate course in medical sciences at the University of South Florida, he attended the University of Florida College of Dentistry. While studying at the University of Florida, Dr. van Aelst merited placement on the Dean’s list and received the Student Award from the Academy of Periodontology. After graduating with his Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree, he entered into a rigorous 3-year Periodontics program in Shands hospital in Gainesville, Florida. Dr. van Aelst completed training in all levels of sedation at the Veteran’s Administration hospital in Gainesville, Florida. He was then awarded a Certificate in Periodontics from the UF College of Dentistry. Through a research thesis, Dr. van Aelst earned his Master’s Degree from the University of Florida. Finally, choosing to go beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty of Periodontics, Dr. van Aelst earned the title of Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology on May 8, 2008.
Experience
Dr. van Aelst has been performing periodontal and dental implant surgery since 2004. His research on bone grafting in preparation for dental implant surgery was chosen for sponsorship by the largest dental implant company in the world, the Straumann dental implant system. His research at the University of Florida was based on a state of the art technique using dental proteins to initiate the reconstruction of jaw bones.
The prestigious Spear Tampa Study Club, which has hosted over a dozen of Tampa's leading dentists and dental specialists several times per year for advanced dental education programs, was founded in 2014 by none other than Dr. Brian van Aelst.
Teaching
Dr. van Aelst is a Clinical Assistant Professor the University of Florida! He enjoys helping the students, residents and patients in Gainesville.
Compassion
Dr. van Aelst’s accomplishments have a single common focus: his patients. Dr. van Aelst provides his patients with the highest level of patient care available using the newest technologies if they are a beneficial addition to the foundation of his specialty’s proven treatment protocols.
Personal
Outside of the office, Dr. van Aelst enjoys spending time with his family most of all. He and his family enjoy playing with their labrador retrievers, Scout and Callie. Dr. van Aelst enjoys golfing and and cheering for the local Tampa Bay sports teams. He is an avid exerciser and completed his first Tampa marathon in 2010 and Clearwater in 2015.
Memberships
Dr. van Aelst is a member in the following professional organizations: 
- American Academy of Periodontology
- American Dental Association
- Southern Academy of Periodontology
- Florida Association of Periodontists
- Florida Dental Association
- West Coast District Dental Association
- Hillsborough County Dental Association