Bay Area Smiles Howell Whitehead & Assoc, PA

Fantastic experience: Very Happy! First time at the Dentist. The staff was great with my daughter. Great Pediatric Dentist.

Fantastic experience: We had an amazing experience at Bay Area Smiles! The entire team is incredibly friendly, professional, and truly cares about their young patients. They made my kids feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment we arrived, and the dentist was very gentle and patient throughout the visit.

Fantastic experience: We had a great experience at Bay Area Smiles for my son, Adam. The entire team was welcoming, professional, and very patient with him. They made sure he felt comfortable and explained everything clearly before starting.

Fantastic experience: Very kids friendly and welcoming staff. Well organized staff in a very clean environment of love, respect and peace. My kids enjoy the game section especially the aquarium with all the ornamental fish species

Fantastic experience: Our son had his first dental appointment today and everyone from check in, our hygienist, Dr Whitehead and the ladies at check out get a 10/10. Kind, friendly, patient…. They truly are the best! I will recommend them to everyone!

Fantastic experience: Quick scheduling. Fixed broken retainer . Great experience always.

Fantastic experience: The office is extremely friendly and Dr. Bayarano is the absolute best!! She takes her time with both of my daughters and really listens to my concerns. I am VERY happy that I switched to this dentist!!

Fantastic experience: Dr.Ruffolo is very thorough and appears to care deeply about the work that he does for children. My son has an advanced case of overbite and Dr. Ruffolo made me feel completely comfortable placing my son’s oral health in his hands. He took a great amount of time to give me insight into the things may happen along the way and I felt very prepared to guide my son through this process. Rachel was very accommodating and made me feel secure about the payments required. My sons advanced case and no insurance means a large bill and she helped me decide on a payment plan that feels comfortable to my 1 income family. The office staff are always so welcoming and kind with smiles and a positive experience. I have raised 3 children now and have been to many doctor offices where we have not had such positive experiences. I can imagine that if I were having a rough day, walking into this office would turn my frown upside down! I am grateful to have this type of care to provide to my child.

Fantastic experience: When we went for a toddler visit my daughter was terrified. They did everything to make her comfortable and continued to try. By the end of the end of the visit she let staff actually hold her. Few months later she went in for some pain. She sat in the chair , walked in with the ladies and let them take xrays. Clean place, so helpful and caring and They go above and beyond to comfort little ones.

Fantastic experience: Our son absolutely loves going to the dentist and that is only because of the AMAZING job they do at Bay Area Smiles. After his recent check up, then next day he woke up and asked "Do we get to go to the dentist again?" If you have young children, this is the place to bring them!!

Fantastic experience: It was such a lovely office. Everything designed for the kids to feel comfortable. The staff were so kind and patient. This is a remarkable dental office for children.

Fantastic experience: All three of our children have gone to this practice since their initial toddler visit. They enjoy the fish tank in the waiting room, have made wonderful relationships with the hygienists, feel comfortable with the dentist, and love to hug the office dog, Mila. The practice has always respected my wish to limit fluoride. We appreciate having a one stop shop for dentistry and orthodontics. Most importantly, the office staff are warm and communicative and their operations are efficient.

Fantastic experience: Bay Area Smiles, Clearwater is Bay Area positivity! From my original consultation & X-rays to a year of progress with Invisalign and my perfectionist orthodontist, Dr. Ruffolo, I am seeing amazing results! He is the definition of personable, as well as the entire team, ortho assistants, receptionist, billing /scheduling, included. I love their tropical theme and magnificent room divider aquarium in the waiting room! High praises for this amazing team and establishment!

Fantastic experience: Awesome people - awesome place! My son likes coming here and leaves feeling good about his healthy teeth. Thanks folks

Fantastic experience: Wonderful experience at Bay Area Smiles as always. I ran a little late unexpectedly and they were so sweet and were able to adjust the appointment for my son. My son is 6 and this office is great with kids The hygienist was so nice and the doctor is wonderful. Very knowledgeable, the cleaning is always gentle. Good bedside manner from everyone. The girls at reception and check out are great as well. Highly recommend this practice for everyone but especially if you have little ones.

Fantastic experience: This place is great. My daughter had a tooth removed 2.5 yrs ago and they were so good with her during that appointment which I was nervous about because she is on the autism spectrum. Then today the spacer that they used to protect her teeth came out and they got her in same day and didn’t charge me anything to get the spacer off. I really appreciate them being so kind and helping us so quickly.

Fantastic experience: I brought my daughter here because she has had past trauma from dentists/doctors. She had cavities filled this morning with sedation and I have to say, the experience was painless and the team was amazing!! Dr.Bejarno was very kind and patient with my daughter and did a wonderful job of making her comfortable. Thank you, Bay Area Smiles!!

Fantastic experience: My kid had her first dentist appointment here and she felt very comfortable during her check-up. They make kids feel very relaxed and offer toys and toothpaste flavors. The staff was very lovely. Nice and professional.

Fantastic experience: Service with a smile. That is what we received from each and every person that greeted my daughter and once we arrived at this office. I would highly recommend this office to anyone looking for a new or first time dentist for their child.

Fantastic experience: Couldn't have had a better experience. EVERYONE was so pleasant and made myself and my daughter feel so comfortable. Quick, efficient and knowledgeable. I highly recommend Bay Area Smiles to any one with kiddos!

Fantastic experience: At Bay Area Smiles they are friendly and work well with children. They understood that a 3yo needed to be distracted and still worked efficiently through a crying toddler. Very professional. Thank you.

Fantastic experience: How amazing the Clearwater facility is! My son’s first experience to now years later he’s grown with the office. Katie was an excellent hygienist as well as the other hygienists/assists. Dr. Whitehead seems knowledgeable and kind as well. The rest of the staff, from front office to checkout, was just as lovely and comforting. We drive 30 mins to come here

Negative experience: I would never recommend this clinic, especially if you value patient choice and respectful treatment. Before my daughter’s first dental visit, I specifically called and asked if we could opt out of fluoride and X-rays. I was told this could be discussed with the doctor. Their intake paperwork even asks if you consent to X-rays, and I clearly marked no. I thought there would be a conversation. Instead, there was none. Dr. B. Gene Whitehead came in and immediately told me that if I refused X-rays, we should just leave, because they would not provide any care — not even a simple cleaning, which I was prepared to pay cash for. I even said I would pay for the X-rays but did not want them performed, and the response was still, “No cleaning without X-rays.” Dr. B. Gene Whitehead spoke to me in a dismissive and condescending way, as if patients have no say and must just obey whatever he decides. This was supposed to be my daughter’s very first dental experience, and instead, I walked out feeling completely humiliated. I’m not someone who cries easily, but I left in tears from how belittled and disrespected I felt. That says everything about how poorly the situation was handled. A professional could still decline to provide a service, but with kindness and respect — which was completely lacking here. I also want to clarify that this is not a holistic or patient-centered practice, despite how it may be recommended. They push X-rays and fluoride, and Dr. B. Gene Whitehead was very old-fashioned in his approach, showing no willingness to listen to patient concerns. Thankfully, I have already found another dentist who was happy to see my daughter for a cleaning without forcing X-rays. So yes, it is possible — and patients deserve the right to choose what is best for their children. Overall: rude, unprofessional, misleading, and a complete waste of time.

Fantastic experience: We couldn’t ask for a more compassionate and caring team. The education of everyone from check in, cleaning, exams and checking out is top notch!

Fantastic experience: Fast and efficient care for my son. We have always had wonderful experiences with this provider.

Fantastic experience: We love Bay Area Smiles. They take very good care of our kids teeth. I like that there's a dentist and orthodontist in the same office.

Fantastic experience: I love everything about this office! Everybody is so sweet and welcoming. I’m always satisfied when leaving and excited to go in for my appointments. I couldn’t have picked a better ortho office. THANK YOU BAY AREA SMILES!

Fantastic experience: They were very gentle and kind with my son when he was getting his tooth pulled out and two fillings.

Fantastic experience: Everyone here truly cares and is willing to help. My daughter loves coming (13) and the wonderful staff and care she receives made it easier for me to select an orthodontist for myself (43).

Fantastic experience: Bay Area Smiles are the best. They are excellent at their job and the whole team is very professional and friendly. They also helped me fix a billing issue with the insurance company that dragged for few months. On top of it all, the office is so beautiful and very well decorated.

Fantastic experience: Bday Area Smiles was reverted to us by friends. The office is nice and clean, all the staff were incredibly nice and patient with my daughter. A great experience!

Fantastic experience: We had such a wonderful visit. As a parent, I love how every staff member greets my children with a smile. I am welcomed back with my children while they are being cleaned. The children love the experience since their is a fish tank, game room, choices of cleaning paste and treasure box. I highly recommend this office.

Fantastic experience: Completely exceeded my expectations! My son was so happy on his first toddler visit. We started off on the right foot for a lifetime of great dentist appointments. They took their time with him. It was so comforting. Second toddler visit went well too

Fantastic experience: From the receptionist, to the hygenists, to the dentist, all are just awesome with my kids. I drive 40 mins one-way just to cpme to this office. Worth it.

Fantastic experience: Dr B is the best! We absolutely love her and the clinic. They take such good care of our kids

Fantastic experience: Amazing staff, professional and 0 mint waiting time. They finished with my 3 boys in no time. Super recommended

Fantastic experience: The Dental Hygentist always make it fun and comfortable for my kids. They like to go get their teeth cleaned! The checkout staff is also very professional and friendly, this is one of my favorite offices.

Positive experience: I take my children there and they are the only dentist that they would go to without being scarred. They do great work and I don't typically have to wait long unless my child is getting work done instead of a routine cleaning. I am very pleased with my youngest two childrens visits. I also went to the same dentist when I was a child. My older five would of gone though I heard they closed. Yet I found out just a few years ago they just relocated there office. I was glad to have found them. Their staff is very professional and the dentist as well. It is worth the wait for good service. People need to have patience. Things do come up that may take a little longer. I hope others have as good of an experience as my children and I have had with this Dentist office. My children went to a dentist appt after not being seen in almost 8 months. My oldest had a good check up except for her not following the rules as to not eating certain foods because if her braces. My youngest of course not flossing is now going to cost me money. My youngest now has braces. After begging me to get her braces. Three days after getting braces on she was complaining that her teeth hurt. Now months later my youngest is so pleased with the Adjustment with her teeth. She takes care of her teeth. I am very proud of her her dad takes her to the dentist, for every appt.

Fantastic experience: My son’s first visit, and our dental hygienist was super kind, patient and just the best with our five-year old.. best experience ❤️

Fantastic experience: All the staff there is kind and pleasant. Both of my daughters are patients there. They both enjoy going there.

Fantastic experience: It was a stress free visit! Thank God! Dr. Whitehead and the orthodontist ( I don’t know his name) were amazing! Staff is polite, caring and friendly! Been there due to an urgent issue, but definitely we will be back in regular basis! Also five stars to the young lady who served me over the phone: she was outstanding, very comprehensive with all our mix-up surnames!

Fantastic experience: We had a great time & experience at Bay Area Smiles today! The staff was top notch from entrance. My 2 & 4 year old loved the fish tank, the receptionist played with my kids with a shark game that had teeth & was the sweetest woman, while I was able to fill out their paperwork. My 4 year old had his first cleaning and my 2 year old had her first ever dentist appointment of playing with the tools and getting to know the dentist. The dental assistants my children adored and Dr Tanya was so sweet & knowledgeable as she is also a mother of a young toddler so makes you feel at ease. My kids left with no tears, prizes and a new toothbrush. I can’t recommend Bay Area Smiles enough. Moving from PA, it’s such an upgrade in pediatric dental! Thanks Bay Area Smiles! We look forward to seeing you in 6 months :) ~ The Locker Family

Fantastic experience: We had a horrible experience at our last dentist where my daughter was asked to leave, with both of us leaving in tears. Then we were referred to Bay Area Smiles and we’ve had the absolute best experience. They are patient, friendly, kind and extremely professional. They spend time with you, work with you for both dental and orthodontics and everyone is wonderful. My daughter is finally no longer afraid of the dentist because of on ongoing amazing experiences with Bay Area Smiles.

Fantastic experience: Dr. Whitehead took great care of my son! The office is beautiful and comfortable for parents and kiddos. Tropical fish and video games are a nice touch.

Fantastic experience: Best dentist office. Everyone is so nice and wonderful. Makes the whole experience great for kids. Dr. Whitehead was my dentist when I was a kid and I am so happy to be able to bring my kids to him. I trust his judgment and he is very thorough with explaining treatment plans.

Fantastic experience: The staff really know how to work with children. We choose not to use fluoride treatments and our decision is respected and not questioned. They are very kind and help my son to feel at ease during his appointment. They have also been very generous in letting my other younger kids who were there with us and not the patient, pick a toy from their treasure bin and receive a toothbrush. We love this place!

Fantastic experience: We love this practice! My son has been going to them for a few years and they are always so kind and patient with the kids.

Fantastic experience: My kids always feel comfortable when they have appointments because the whole staff is super friendly and very welcoming! The dental hygienists are wonderful with my 3 year old and 8 year old, which makes the dentist visits nice and easy. The doctors are thorough and will explain everything to you in detail when procedures and teeth cleanings are done. We have never had any issues here and would recommend Bay Area Smiles to anyone!

Fantastic experience: They were very patient with my 4 yr old grandson on his first visit, excellent with kids across the board. Very professional. Everyone in the office is polite and acknowledges you. Very clean as well.

Negative experience: Awful experience, dentist is not friendly and has no patience. My child had a cavity repaired and was told he needed sedation. I didn't feel it was necessary. This is my third child and never had my other 2; sedation for their dental work. The sedation I paid hundreds for did nothing. My son got upset because he felt like he couldn't breath and the dentist said your supposed to be sleeping. Afterwards the dentist was very quick with me and I felt he was just rude. He needs to retire.The dental work also was not done correctly, confirmed by his new dentist. He still had discoloration on his tooth after the procedure so I was concerned right away. I am thinking the dentist rushed since my son was so uncomfortable. He has had 3 fillings at his new dentist with no sedation or laughing gas, only numbing and did great. He loves the dentist now and unfortunately only has bad memories at Bay Area smiles.

Fantastic experience: Best experience for my boy! He felt so comfortable! Loved Laura who cleaned my boys teeth! And thanks to Dr Whitehead for explaining his x-rays!

Fantastic experience: Always great. From the front office to the docs, this place is full of a bunch of class act's. We moved to north county but still drive to Clearwater for this reason. We love Bay Area Smiles! Everyone there, every staff member is great, truly!

Fantastic experience: My child start going here for the toddler visits to get him accustomed to the chair and instruments. Everyone there is so nice, helpful and kind. I will now be taking my second child there for the start of his toddler visits!

Fantastic experience: Miss Katie and the dentist were so great with my 3 year old. He was beaming from ear to ear after so proud with his shiny teeth! Thank you Bay Area smiles!

Negative experience: I would like to start of by saying that only Madison was amazing to when I called to schedule and just as kind when I checked out. Sadly as soon as I walked in the smell and the vibe was bad. No one was friendly, no one spoke no one smiled and quite fra nkly I felt judged about why my child has a cavity. When I explained that he has been to the dentist but they haven't done a cleaning or filling because they recommended sedation she still kept saying "ok gotcha..so he has never had a cleaning?". It only got worse when Dr Whitehead came in..didn't even say hello or acknowledge me or introduce himself to myself or my son. Didn't even try to make conversation with my son or anything. Just open up let me see made his notes. Didn't even look at me when showing me the xray and got snappy when I asked about side effects of sedation. He said " Well sure there is side effects even the advil bottle says he may die ha ha ha " and I quote. That comment did it for me. It was so awful the entire place left a bad taste for me. I can't imagine these people work with children at all. They all seemed miserable. Maybe he is a great dentist but that attitude and behavior was unacceptable from the doctor to the staff, 0 emotions and 0 kindness. I felt judged and awful to be treated this way. No way would I trust these people with my pet let alone my child. Not sure why so many glowing reviews but could be the link they send after the visit. Needles to say to judge a parent why their child has a cavity and to throw off your 34 yrs experience and be rude and snarky when a parent is asking about possible side effects of sedation is disgusting and uncalled for. There are way too many pediatric dentists to ever step foot in this place. My suggestion to the doctor and the dental assistants we saw is to learn to respect and be kind and have bedside manners. Last but not least I was able to get my sons treatment with no sedation in 23 minutes total without shedding a tear at another dentist. Definitely get a second or third opinion.

Fantastic experience: This was my son’s first dentist appointment and we had a very good experience . I am very happy we found Bay Area smiles :)

Fantastic experience: My daughters have been patients of this office since my oldest, who has just turned 18, started dental care as a toddler & then followed by my youngest. My oldest has completed orthodontics here & my youngest will be starting this month with her braces. I love how we can do everything right in one office, cleanings and orthodontic care. Everyone is so incredibly nice & friendly and like a family here, both the doctors and staff. They are very positive and encouraging to children and really explain everything in great detail. We love them!

Fantastic experience: Wonderful dental practice. Waiting room is engaging and fun for children. Hygienists and dentist are wonderful with patients and parents. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: If I could give you 10 stars I would from the reception desk to the checkout desk was absolutely pleasant experience, the way you worked and made my 4 year old comfortable was above and beyond he actually had fun and didn’t want to leave he love the game room the fish tank the dr the lady that cleaned his teeth he loved all of it and me as the adult watching you all interact it was great couldn’t ask for a better experience if your looking for a children’s dentist this is the place to go hands down and yes that’s my son giving a thumbs up randomly he was happy happy happy

Fantastic experience: My daughter is 4 and has a lot of anxiety around the dentist from past experiences and procedures. Her experience at Bay Area Smiles was nothing but amazing from the time we walked in. Typically dental appointments involve tears for both of us, today she went off with Tiffany and did her X-rays without me. I was made to feel that dental decisions were up to me based on recommendations and not that they were mandatory. I'm so thankful to have been recommended to this office. It is well worth the hour and a half drive for us!! *Editing to add that we have continued to return the Bay Area Smiles. Today my 4 year old had a full sedation appointment and left smiling. This is amazing! They called to check in this afternoon and her response was "Did you tell them that I was doing awesome?” From the time you walk into the office until you leave, everyone that you talk to is incredibly helpful and friendly and truly cares about your child.

Fantastic experience: If you have a shy kiddo - this is the place to go. The staff is amazing. They were so patient with our shy little toddler and by the time we left he was chatting it up! He couldn’t wait to go to school and tell everyone about going to the dentist. Thank you for making it a wonderful experience for our little buddy!

Fantastic experience: Dr. Bejarano is truly amazing !!!! This is a great place to bring your children ! The team is phenomenal and very professional! Dr. Bejarano always takes her time with all my kids and treats them like her own! She is knowledgeable, informative and caring !!! My kids love going there !!!! Everytime they go they state “I don’t know why everyone is scared to go to the dentist, I love this place” . Could not recommend Dr. Bejarano enough! I’m so blessed she’s my kids dentist. Conveniently located and great staff.

Fantastic experience: Amazing experience. They were very patient with my 4 year old and put her at ease. Highly recommend to others!

Fantastic experience: I've been taking my kids to Dr's Howell and Whitehead for almost 15 years. Can honestly say that we've never had a bad experience. They have reasonable prices, have never tried to upsell me on toothbrushes or services - I really appreciate that so much! They also have been accommodating with schedules and offer super early morning dental cleanings which helps not interfere with work or school. I don't think I'm picky at all when it comes to doctors but then again, the baseline should be that the doctors and staff should always do what's right for the patient and this office gets it right. We've moved further away but I've had awful experiences with other dr's offices that I know better than to switch dentists for my kids.

Fantastic experience: Everyone at Bay Area Smiles are so sweet and helpful! Everyone treats one another with respect and they all have so much patience with the children!!! Thank you for caring for my girls!

Fantastic experience: I am so happy we found Bay Area smiles. After having a terrible experience at another pediatric dentist office, it was such a relief to see a trustworthy, kind and caring dentist! They take the time to explain and answer questions or concerns. Highly recommend to other mamas looking for dental care for their little ones! Their professionalism and accuracy is priceless.

Fantastic experience: We tried a few other pediatric dentists and were never fully satisfied. A friend recommended Bay Area Smiles and I'm so glad I took her word for it. They are the best! Very very clean inside, every time we go in it's all of the same smiling faces from the front desk all the way to the check out. We have seen Dr. Whitehead for dentistry and Dr. Ruffolo and Dr. Stewart for orthodontics. My son just got braces and an expander about six months ago, which I thought would be hard for a nine year old but they are so wonderful with him. They take their time to show him how to change his rubber bands and make sure he is able to do it before he leaves. Any time his wires need adjusted or we have issues there's no problem getting him in right away. They are all great! I have never had a bad experience. Everyone there is wonderful, five stars!!!

Fantastic experience: Dr. Whitehead and Katie are so kind. My daughter has had a many comfortable dental appointments for over seven years. The staff is efficient and loving. We are Thankful.

Fantastic experience: We have been going to Bay Area Smiles since my son was a toddler, almost a decade. They offer toddler visits that help them getting used to the tools office, people and all the sounds so at their first cleaning, they aren't as scared. The staff is extremely courteous and professional. Their office is super efficient. I have never had to wait for an extended period of time. The doctors are super friendly and have a great bed side manner.

Fantastic experience: Bay Area smiles has provided the best orthodontist service for my family. The staff are very personal with my children and they have always been comfortable. I definitely recommend Bay Area Smiles.

Fantastic experience: Tiffany, our dental hygienist, was exceptional. She was kind and explained everything to my daughter including what tools were being used and why. She was gentle and her bedside manner was fantastic.

Fantastic experience: My daughter is 11 and has been seeing Dr. Ruffolo for one year now, for orthodontic treatment. He has made my daughter feel comfortable and has made the entire process of my daughter's treatment plan easy to understand. I personally had no experience with braces or an expander, but he thoroughly explained in detail what to expect, and has guided us every step of the way during our visits. He is professional and kind. And if you like dogs, you may see his dog wondering the office, which the kids love! We moved to Pasco, but still come to this office because of the care we are given. Even the assistants have been wonderful. Thank you, Dr. Ruffolo and staff.

Fantastic experience: 1st appt w our 2yo yesterday, which at this age is just exam & introducing toddlers to the environment & experience, getting them comfortable w the staff, chair & positioning & tools. I was very impressed w the process, our hygienist was Lori & she had either a new hygienist or student shadowing. I could immediately tell that Lori had a lot of experience w young patients and it showed w her patience w my little one, Which i was very grateful for. The practice is beautiful and is very lucky to have hygienists like Lori to work with. Dr Whitehead saw our little one and again, very patient, gentle and professional. Their q3mo appt approach w the young toddlers is a great idea and I believe will pay off for a hopefully very cooperative patient later down the road. Thank u to everyone involved yesterday.

Fantastic experience: We had such an amazing experience with every person we interacted with at Dr. Howell’s office. The hygienists and staff were so friendly and engaging with my 3 year old and 16 month old. They made it such a positive experience my daughter keeps asking to go back.

Fantastic experience: My son no longer has anxiety going to the Dentist. He actually looks forward to seeing his hygienist Laurie. The Dentist is also so friendly and kind at this office. Thank you for being so great!

Fantastic experience: This is one of the best places ever. They are so kind and helpful and my kids are very well taken care of. Update: nothing but more positive things to say, they get us in right away, appointments are quick and they take care of my kids which is the most important.

Fantastic experience: We love BayArea Smiles! They are so attentive, respectful and understand how best to work with my son who tends to get anxious during his ortho visits the past three years! We have had nothing but great experiences with all the staff.

Fantastic experience: All staff are very kind, professional, and welcoming. My children love everything about this dentist office! I would highly recommend Bay Area Smiles Howell Whitehead & Associates, PA

Fantastic experience: We have three children and have gone through 16 years of dental visits and three sets of braces at Bay Area Smiles. We would highly recommend them!

Fantastic experience: We drive an hour one way to come here. Staff is nice and it’s always clean. My son loves the dentist thanks to them!

Fantastic experience: I would recommend Bay Area Smiles to anybody. My kids love going to the dentist. Friendly and professional staff. Great communication and thoroughness.

Negative experience: As someone that works in medical Im disgusted with the treatment my family has received from this practice. My child disclosed that the person in charge of administering sealants verbally abused him and forcibly held him down. My child is very compliant and calm so I cannot imagine how this person would treat a rambunctious child or one with special needs. I spoke face to face to multiple people in the office without a resolution, apology, or name of this person. There is a high staff turn over that I have noticed since my inital visit which speaks volumes. At my childs dental cleaning I remained present the entire time and was told my child needed a treatment that would require demerol (a sedative) and laughing gas as well as no parent to be present while the procedure is being performed. I thought this was very aggressive and asked my dentist as well as consulting with a few other pediatric dentists who all said that the proposed medications were very aggressive and have bad side effects of GI and nausea on top of the side effects from the actual procedure. Since this practice does not have an office manager (I imagine they have allocated that salary to their marketing company because there is no way all these 5 reviews are legitimate) I was told I would receive a call from the female dentist. Unsurprisingly, I never received a call. Please save your child from experiencing dental trauma and anxiety after being seen here and go somewhere else.

Fantastic experience: Bay Area Smiles is always friendly, helpful, and professional. Dr. Ruffolo took time and care to make sure I understood my child’s needs moving forward. He was friendly and explained things fully. Rachel also took time and care to explain all the paperwork and information I needed to know about. Both people answered all my questions and did not rush me. I love this practice and I am thankful that I took my friends recommendation and switched to Bay Area Smiles.

Fantastic experience: Courtney was fantastic! Very patient with my toddler during our first experience. This whole clinic clearly works together as a care team from start to finish.

Fantastic experience: My 5 year old had to reschedule because she was suddenly too nervous. We practiced at home and returned for her cleaning and met Miss Tiffany. She was so patient and gentle with the little bit of extra time my girl needed. Tiffany may have helped a kid never fear the dentist again with this one reassuring and formative visit.

Fantastic experience: My almost 2 year old toddler loves playing in the lobby’s kid playroom area and watch the fishes in the large beautiful fish tank. She was a bit frightened when I took her to the dentist’s chair, but soon relaxed because our dental hygienist knew exactly how to interact with her, and that’s the main reason I’m taking her at this age, so she would not have dentist anxiety later.

Fantastic experience: My daughter has been to this office about a dozen times and it’s always been a great experience, the dentists are both very nice and explain everything thoroughly to you, my daughter absolutely adores Courtney when it comes to cleanings and regular visits. She has gotten over her immense fear of dentists thanks to Bay Area Smiles! 10/10 recommendation!

Fantastic experience: Everyone at this dental office is so patient and kind. They are also very helpful when instructing your child to brush and floss. They become apart of your family as your kiddo or kiddos grow up. I highly recommend Bay Area Smiles!

Fantastic experience: They are so amazingly patient and sweet with my 2.5 year old daughter. I appreciate the toddler visits to be able to get her comfortable with being at the dentist and used to the instruments.

Fantastic experience: We did a toddler visit and Sydney was so great! She was patient with my son and made sure to slowly warm him up to the entire dental experience! Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Best children’s dentist in town! Entire staff was courteous and informative throughout both of my children’s exam… I also appreciate that they allowed parents to accompany the children in the exam room.

Fantastic experience: Exceptional experience. We are in Clearwater on vacation and daughter had an accident where she hit her tooth and needed to be extracted. They were able to get us in immediately and the front desk, assistants, doctor and whole office were great. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and daughter did great. Thanks again!!!

Fantastic experience: My son has been going to the practice for several years. He looks forward to going in for checkups. Dr. Whitehead is always professional and pleasant.

Fantastic experience: My daughter has been going to Bay Area Smiles for about 7 years. She loves them. We moved 30 minutes away a few years ago and we have continued to get her dental care from them. They are worth it. She will be getting braces from them in the near future. We love the convenience of everything being in one place.

Fantastic experience: We love Bay Area Smiles and so does our son. The atmosphere is calming and Maddox loves his teeth cleaning experience!

Fantastic experience: The best orthodontist in the area! After having an issue with another orthodontist, Bay Area Smiles accepted my daughter as a patient and have provided exceptional care! I am beyond grateful for the care and for the kindness.

Fantastic experience: Great pediatric dentist. Everyone is so friendly, our daughter (3) completely at ease. Hygienists (seen by more than one) amazing and dentist thorough and takes concerns seriously

Fantastic experience: I’ve been going to Bay Area Smiles since getting my braces on in December. I can’t recommend Dr. Ruffalo and the staff here enough. As an adult (34 years old) it has been remarkably smooth every visit. I’ve probably had 6 or 7 visits by now and have had to wait maybe a combined 10 minutes from the time I check in until i’m in a chair getting work done. Dr. Ruffalo is an expert in what he is doing, every appointment he is upfront on general comfort of the braces and how my teeth will shift between each visit and he has been dead on. More than happy to review them here and whenever I’m stopped in public and asked about my braces and the treatment I’ve received. Couldn’t be happier.

Fantastic experience: My daughter loves Dr. Whitehead & The staff that go beyond to make sure she’s comfortable & has a positive experience with each visit. Doesn’t matter if it’s a cleaning or dental work, I highly recommend Bay Area Smiles.

Fantastic experience: Very nice. The dentist was kind. The fish tank is cool. I felt safe. They made me laugh and made my face numb.-Claire 11 years old.