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.
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 …
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.
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.
I have been bringing my children here for 20 years and have always been happy. The same employees are still here which says a lot about how the business is run. Truly a caring staff. We have always received excellent care. The environment …
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.
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.
Awesome people - awesome place! My son likes coming here and leaves feeling good about his healthy teeth. Thanks folks 🙏🏼 …
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!
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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! …
Wonderful dental practice. Waiting room is engaging and fun for children. Hygienists and dentist are wonderful with patients and parents. Highly recommend!
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 …
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!
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!
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.
Fast and efficient care for my son. We have always had wonderful experiences with this provider.
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 …
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!
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 …
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.
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
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!
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.
Bay Area Smiles, Clearwater is Bay Area positivity!
From my original consultation & X-rays to a year of progress with Invisalign and …
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!
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 …
We absolutely love Bay Area Smiles! My kids have loved the whole staff and experience since we started there 3 years ago. Courtney, our favorite dental hygienist, always remembers the kids’ names and makes a point to say hi even when she is …
This was my daughter’s first time at the dentist. I was impressed by the overall cleanliness and every member of the staff was very friendly. Before each procedure they explained to her what they were going to do and what each tool was used …
Amazing place that actually cares! After calling a bunch of other pediatric dentist offices who couldn’t get me scheduled, Bay Area immediately scheduled me the same day, as a new patient, when I told them my daughter had teeth sensitivity …
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. …
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 🙂 …
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 …
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, …
Love this dentist! A good pediatric dentist is hard to find in this area, most won't let you go back with your child but they do here. My daughter is very young and very difficult with doctor/dentist offices so I definitely needed to feel …
My son has been a patient here for over 15 years and I have recommended Bay Area Smiles to friends, relatives and acquaintances many, many times. I love them - they are the best! Their staff is exceptionally competent and very friendly! They are especially wonderful for nervous patients (or parents).
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 …
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 …
We LOVE Bay Area Smiles! Both my son and daughter get excited to go to the dentist. The staff is very welcoming and engaging and the office is always clean. …
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 …
All of the staff is kind. The check-in process is quick and easy. The hygienist are always very professional with me and friendly with my child. Each experience we have had has been wonderful and quick. I love how they make my child feel at ease, and also respect our time.
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.
I called to see if I could get an appointment for my 2 and a half year old because I was worried about her teeth, and the receptionist scheduled me THAT day. I was so happy to get in so quickly, and once we were there we loved it. My …
Our visit to Bay Area Smiles was absolutely wonderful. Every single person we met went out of their way to help my nervous five year old with a toothache feel comfortable with his visit to the dentist. The facility is also wonderful, with a …
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 …
A fantastic first visit for my 17 month old! The office is clean, beautiful and the staff is beyond friendly/welcoming. We felt very comfortable and also safe. Masks were required and I am so grateful they help keep kids safe, and parents.
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.
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 …
What a lovely place! I've been bringing my toddler every few months to get her comfortable with the dentist. Everyone is almost suspiciously kind and patient. The place is immaculate. I've never had to wait more than five minutes. What more could you want?! If you're dentist shopping for kids, this is the place.
Great staff, great doctors. Kids' room is painted in ocean theme to make it fun and more relaxing. Everyone is super nice, even when my 4 year old is screaming in their face while they try to give him a cleaning. Would definitely recommend to any parent.
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.
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.
I am so grateful to everyone is this office. I had a dental emergency for my sweet little boy and everyone in this office came together to make this stressful situation a successful one. Thank you to the wonderful woman who stayed by my …
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.
We have been coming here since my oldest was 2. He is now 12 years old. We now have our 3 boys there as patients and it is still the same staff as 10 years ago and we love each and everyone of them. We love that the Orthodontist is also in …
Our hygienist, Katie, was fantastic and took the time to explain everything and moved slowly with my anxious and inquisitive 4 year old. I was able to be back there with him, although he did great on his own. We didnt wait long for our …
I was so impressed by how clean and friendly this place was. This was my 2 year old's first time at the dentist and it was such a great experience despite our reason for going there (a tooth that got knocked loose). Everyone was so friendly …
We love Bay Area Smiles! My kids are excited to go to the dentist. They are wonderful with the kids and don't do unnecessary procedures. Everyone is super helpful and kind. My youngest loves the treasure box at the end of his visit.
My children have been going here for about 18 years. With 3 sets of braces I visited this office pretty much once a month for about 8 years. Every person we have encountered whether office staff, dental or orthodontic has been wonderful. …
When I was a kid, dentist appointments were scary. My son is excited to go to the dentist, and that has everything to do with this practice. From the waiting room to the exam rooms, care was taken to design and decorate in such a way as to …
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!
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!
Highly recommend Bay Area Smiles. We had a not so good experience at another office when my son was younger. We had 2 visits and he was in tears both times after his appt. We have been coming here for 4 years now. He love his dental …
I love everything about this dentist. My son had a procedure done today and due to his age, he had to get medicine prior. Every single employee knew exactly what they were supposed to do and made the process seamless. The dentist spoke with …
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.
I love this practice. My son was having issues for awhile and "failed" two appointments, but we went back today and there was no stigma. They helped him through a cleaning he was terrified of and made him feel great. Highly recommended for the pleasant staff and excellent care.
We took our son to Dr. Whitehead for his first appointment — he was nervous and scared, but the staff at Bay Area Smiles was more than amazing. They not only made him feel comfortable, they made him LOVE the dentist. I am so pleased with our experience and I couldn’t recommend them more.
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!!!
We love Bay Area Smiles! They are very gentle and understanding with our 5 year old. She never shows any apprehensive to visit and has been going twice a year since she was two. The staff is very welcoming and the office is extremely clean.
We love Bay Area Smiles. We have been with this group for 13 years. The staff makes the little ones feel very comfortable. They are extremely nice and really care about their patients. I highly recommend them.
This place is amazing!! They let my 2 year old play with a dinosaur that has fake teeth and a giant brush to teach him all about how to brush and all about the tools used by the dentist to try and get him used to the things used so that he …
I just love this dentist. My son is young and I was nervous the first time. He has problem with loud noises but his hygienist was amazing and really worked with him the first time to not make him afraid. We just went back for our 6 …
They were very gentle and kind with my son when he was getting his tooth pulled out and two fillings.
My son’s first visit, and our dental hygienist was super kind, patient and just the best with our five-year old.. best experience ❤️
I was a patient here for my braces and now my daughter is for dentist and her braces. Love the staff and Drs. They treat you like family. My daughter always comes out smiling and laughing. Every time I call they know me. It's such a fantastic place. Highly recommend.
This was both of my children’s first visit to the dentist and they both did great! The ladies who assisted were amazing and super friendly and great with my girls! The dentist was also very good with kids! I’m so happy to have found a place I feel comfortable taking my girls!
This is one of the best places ever. They are so kind and helpful and my kids are very well taken care of.
Update: …
My son is three and this was his 2nd time visiting Bay Area Smiles. He was nervous and the hygienist was great with him and reassured him that he was ok. I thought it was cute the names she gave the tools she was using. Dr. Whitehead was …
Have been taking my daughter here for 8 years, to Dr Whitehead and now to Stewart for braces. Dr Whitehead is the most gentle mild mannered man, he truly has a relaxed way with children. But more importantly are the hygienists, since they …
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.
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. …
I've taken my daughter here for 6 years. I was so traumatized by the dentist as a kid and it's important to me to allow my daughter to be in a happy, nurturing place so she doesn't associate the dentist with fear like I do. Our insurance …
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.
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. …
We love Bay Area Smiles! Everyone is always friendly, kind, thoughtful and welcoming! Even with all the weird COVID stuff, it still feels inviting! Recently my son chipped his front tooth and we had to come in last minute. They were accommodating and fixed his tooth in 30 minutes! He was relaxed throughout the whole thing!
What a wonderful experience!! We knew my 8 year old had a cavity and this was our first visit to Bay Area Smiles, Dr Bejarano was fantastic!! She throughly explained everything and did such an amazing job my son said it didn’t hurt at all, …
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).
My four year old has the worst time at the dentist, but Courtney does everything she can to make him feel comfortable and actually gets him through the whole cleaning and even XRays. She is a miracle worker!! Love the dentists and all the staff there as well.
Our nurse Lauren was very friendly and helpful through the whole process. We were called in early and the team went straight to work. My son who is very active and has dental anxieties left the office feeling relaxed and confident. Thank you to the whole team.
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.
Dr B is the best! We absolutely love her and the clinic. They take such good care of our kids
Warm and welcoming staff. Great customer service and they work really well with kids. Dr. Whitehead and his staff are outstanding and really make the visits fun for the little ones! My daughter looks forward to dental visits!
They are the best pediatric dentist around. I can’t image taking my kids somewhere else. They are great with the kids. My children actually love going to the dentist but I feel it’s because we started here! (FYI, My older child had dental issues so it’s not like it was only checkups.)
Staff did a wonderful job of calling me when they were ready for me to send my kids inside. They escorted my younger child out to the car at the end of his appointment and reviewed important information. They called immediatley after the …
Wonderful office and staff! My daughter was nervous as it was her first time and she is 4 years old. They were so kind and took their time showing her all the tools they would use. Five stars!
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!
Best practice ever. Our 4 children have always had work done here because the Drs. & staff are professional and courteous in every way! Beautiful results and that's what we came for, not to be baby sat...
Dr Whitehead was engaging, patient and explained my kids dental situation so that everyone understood it. The kids felt relaxed and felt comfortable enough to ask questions of the staff. All in all a good experience.
Bay Area Smiles has been our one and only dental provider for my 15 year old who is now in braces. They are knowledgeable, kind, professional, and really take the time to make it a comfortable experience for the patient. The office and dental staff are amazing and have become friends.
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 …
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!
I was apprehensive because my son is 4 yrs old. How will he react waking up after the procedure, is it safe for a young child etc... Now that I have had time to evaluate and think about the whole process I am very pleased with how the …
We have been going to Bay area smiles for 13 years. Always friendly. Let's parents go back for cleanings and procedures with children. They do extra things to make kids feel special and comfortable. Never trys to get you to do procedures …
We went in for our 1 and 3 year old. The staff was amazing; however, the doctor did not adequately examine our children and recommended within 5 seconds (literally) of looking at their teeth to put them both under anathetics with an IV. …
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!
I’ve been going here for almost 5 years. My 3 year old needed sedation IV dentistry and I had zero issues. She is extremely scared and feisty and NO dentist would do it without iv sedation. Dr Whitehead is soft spoken and has always been gentle with my kids. Love the ortho here as well, conservative and honest.
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 …
My daughter has been coming to Clearwater Smiles since she was 3 to see Dr Whitehead. She is now almost 15 and still gets general dental care on the dental side of the office but now spends most of her time on the orthodontal side of the …
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.
Great staff and doctors. My boys have been patients since 2015, my youngest has anxiety and the staff made him feel at ease. I’m giving them only 4 stars because the wait time has always exceeded 45min. Sigh....
Wonderful! Dr. Ruffolo was so informative and professional. Kim and Allie (Sorry if I am butchering your names), were also AMAZING! Very good vibes from the entire office, everyone was laughing and seemingly enjoying themselves. Very happy …
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!!
The staff was lovely, the office is clean, the dentist spent about 15 seconds with my daughter, looked at one blurry X-ray then informed me that she would need her tooth extracted. It is a baby tooth, that she says is already wiggles. He …
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.
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.
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 …
I went here based off reviews and previous experience sad to say second go round was not good. Two of my children require some work one they want to give IV sedation $975 mind you insurance won’t cover it when I refused and advised I don’t …
I was referred to Bay Area by our pediatrician and by two friends. I'm glad I took their advice. Bay Area is excellent with my 5 year old. They are patient with him and communicate well with me on his teeth concerns. I would highly recommend this group!
There is no better Doctor than Dr. Bejarano. She treats her patients like they are her own children. So much care and attention is given. We are so thankful for her!
Brandy, was able to get me in right away for a second opinion. Their staff is knowledgeable and very professional. Dr. Whitehead takes the time to explain the treatment plan thoroughly, he even came back up to the consult area to talk to me …
This was my 4 year old daughter's first dental appointment. I was nervous but the staff and the doctor made my daughter feel completely comfortable she was so happy and telling everybody she went to the dentist today. great place.
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!
If you all knew my son, you would understand. i am SO grateful for seeing them today. They kept my Liam calm, cool and collected. They encouraged him. (On the sprectrum) and I swear not one tear. In the past it was a wrestling match to even …
Visited Bay Area Smiles for a free adult orthodontia consultation, and the first appointment confirmed my situation qualified me for braces. I asked for a good faith estimate but was told that I would need a second visit for X-rays, despite …
The best dentist you could take your child to! They take the time to explain everything to my 4 year old and are always patient and caring. My daughter is always so excited when it is time to go get a check up and I think that pretty much says everything.
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.
We always have the best experience at Bay Area Smiles. Taking all three kids of my girls at once can be hectic and they are always so kind and patient. We would never go anywhere else!
My kids love this dental office. All the office staff we have encountered have been kind and helpful. The assistants and dentists have been great at helping the kids be comfortable and explaining any work that needs to be done.
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!
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.
Brought my 2.5 year old for a toddler visit and the hygienist was great. My son had a lot of fun and did really well! I also bring my 5 year old here and they’re all really great!
My little one is 2 and this was her first visit! Everyone she encountered was so nice to her! I appreciate the fish tank in the waiting area and the game consoles are a literal game changer! So happy i found them!
The staff are extremely welcoming friendly courteous and professional. They truly care about their patients. I have been coming here for 9 years and I have no regrets or complaints. Even when they stopped taking my insurance, I pay out of pocket just to keep them.
I started taking my daughter here when she was two and she'll be 14. We moved farther away years ago but I still take her there because the facility and the staff are top notch. Dr. Whitehead is great! Highly recommend.
Bay Area Smiles is a wonderful practice. My children have been going there since they were toddlers. The staff are amazing and the care my kids receive is priceless.
My son Cooper had another amazing experience at Bay Area Smiles. The efficiency and experience of the staff is second to none. Already looking forward to his next visit.
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
Amazing staff, professional and 0 mint waiting time. They finished with my 3 boys in no time.
Super recommended
We drive 45 mins to get experience the best service! Everyone is super nice and the office is very clean! They treat the kiddos well. Parents are also allowed back so that was a plus for me.
My Mom took my siblings and I ( back in the 80's & 90's!!!) And I have been taking my, now, 8 y/o daughter as well. They do a great job, and cater so well to the kids that my daughter actually loves going to the Dentist.
The office staff are handling all the new COVID protocols amazingly. The hygienists always make the experience for my kids awesome! Definitely recommend for families!
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.
My 9 year old son just had his first appointment here and it was a great experience! They were very kind and ensured he felt comfortable. Highly recommend!
My daughter was so scared to go to the dentist today because she had a wiggly tooth and she was terrified of it coming out/hurting. She was hysterical crying before she went in. When she came out she was all smiles and told me later to …
The staff is generally friendly and competent . The billing / scheduling desk is either excellent with customer service or bleh. The office is not open on Mondays but opens before 8 am the rest of the week.However, for orthodontic work the …
Love this dentist office. All of the staff is so pleasant and welcoming. The receptionist all the hygienist and the schedulers and billing and especially the dentist. None of them skipped a beat during covid. I’ve been bringing my boys …
Such a wonderful pediatric dentist! I went here as a child my 21 year old went here and my 9 year old still goes here. Everyone is so amazing the office staff, dental assistants and the doctor. This is the only place I trust with my children’s teeth!
We went to the plant city location the tooth caboose. Great dentists and my kids had a great experience there ! The reason I’m only giving two stars is that they told me they accepted my insurance. Even took a copy of the card told me I had …
I made a personal request to speak with a Doctor at Bay Area Smiles. Unfortunately, my email was intercepted and read by Barbara Bailey. Her email back to me was condescending, presumptuous, and insulting. When we are spending thousands …
Had a great experience at Bay Area Smiles for both of my children! Dr Bejarano was not only professional but sweet and patient with my little ones! Would highly recommend!
Great dental assistants and excellent dentists. They took care of my daughter when there was an appointment date mix up and are amazing with kids! I look forward to our next visit.
All the staff there is kind and pleasant. Both of my daughters are patients there. They both enjoy going there.
Great atmosphere and treatment from a wonderful group of professionals. We look forward to visiting this group for many years. Katie has superior skills with children. Great job.
Took my daughter here for her very first dentist visit and they did an amazing job. She was super scared and they did a great job with calming her down. By the end she was all smiles!
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.
My kids have been going for about 11 years now. Had previously gone to a different pediatric dentist, which I had always come here. Doctors, staff are polite, professional and great w kids.
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.
6 years settling elsewhere and sooo grateful I was told about this amazing staff and Dentist's. Finally my son is getting the proper care and attention that was needed! No further research for a GREAT Pediatric Dental Office!
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
This was my son’s first dentist appointment and we had a very good experience . I am very happy we found Bay Area smiles :)
The team at Bay Area Smiles are great. The best dental and orthodontist for children. Very knowledgeable and caring to their patients. My kids love the staff.
This office is awesome. I have a special needs son who has been a patient here since he was 8 or 9 years old, he’s19 now and they still see him. Very accommodating and efficient office. Highly recommend.
Everyone at Bay Area smiles is so friendly and nice! My son still likes for me to go back and they let you! They are amazing with the kids!
Amazing experience. They were very patient with my 4 year old and put her at ease. Highly recommend to others!
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!
We love Bay Area Smiles and so does our son. The atmosphere is calming and Maddox loves his teeth cleaning experience!
Friendly & knowledgeable staff. My daughter is totally at ease here. The team really makes the dental experience pleasant for kiddos & parents. A++
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.
I cannot believe what a scam this place is! We were referred in to have an initial consultation and to talk about the financing! Much to my surprise I have had harassing phone calls and letters in regards to a $93 bill!!! For what?! …
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.
This is a beautiful dental office. Every person we came into contact with was kind, patient and helpful. I’m so grateful to have found a dentist who truly cares about the children & the experience they have at the dentist.
We have taken our children there for 20 years. Great doctors and staff.
I would recommend Bay Area Smiles to anybody. My kids love going to the dentist. Friendly and professional staff. Great communication and thoroughness. 😁 …
Every single one of the staff members I met are superb. Its very clear that they prioritize the kids comfort and it gives us parents confidence that they are in the best hands possible. There is nothing more I could ask for.
Everyone from the receptionist to the dental hygienist to the dentist himself were absolutely wonderful! It was my sons first dental cleaning and each of them helped to make this experience a great one for him!
Love this practice and the Dr.s, my son's teeth have come such a long way in the past year and we're so thankful. If we have an emergency, such as a broken wire, they will take care of you right away.
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.
Once again a pleasant experience! I've been coming here for 4 years and I'm always happy and impressed! Everyone is so friendly and my children are actually excited to go!
My 4-year-old daughter had to be put down for surgery, and she couldn't eat the night before. We arrived 15 minutes before our scheduled procedure (as was instructed) and it took them 2 hours for them to get to us. It was 9AM in the …
Great job! Staff was wonderful. Grandkids always look forward to seeing the dentist.
My boys have only been to this dentist office, both for orthodontics and general dentistry. I highly recommend these group of doctors. They are wonderful with the kids and provide excellent care!
The staff was friendly, patient, and helpful! Thank you specifically to Donna and Laurie. Dr. Whitehead was kind, comforting, and professional. Such a pleasant experience for my shy little guy. Thank you!!
highly recommend this place if you're looking for a pediatric dentist .very friendly staff and friendly and knowledgeable doctors. They take the time to go over all your questions or concerns you may have. I would not trust any other dentist for my daughter.
I have been taking my family there for almost 15 years. Everyone there is exceptionally warm and friendly. My children love going to the dentist!
Always a pleasure to come to Bay Area Smiles. We use both the dental and orthodontics. My kids are comfortable and receive great care.
My daughter had a fear of the dentist, after her first appointment she asked if she could go every month. Super happy with everyone there.
First time I came this office,because I saw on web site good reviews,they estimated seals for my kids $0 copay,when everything already, they send bill to me over $250.00 ,I called asked them, they push everything for my insurance,before …
Awesome staff - wonderful with kids and parents! 😊. Very patient, accommodating, caring and lots of love with sometimes challenging patients. Love this team!!! …
I would recommend Bay Area Smiles to any parent, but especially those of children with special needs. The staff and doctors are SUPER supportive and understanding.
Everyone is very professional, friendly and caring. Best place to take your children for all dental needs. My kids and I definitely say 5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
The staff are always friendly and patient with my son.
Dr rupholo is always patient and answers the questions I have. He also always has a positive attitude and outlook towards whatever you need to have done.
Happy with everything! My son has been their patient for 2 years and extremely pleased with customer service and professionalism.
If I could check less than 1 star I would. They did work on my kids without checking with me first just to collect money. I called the office to discuss and the person was very unprofessional and did not want to explain. There are plenty of kids' dentists in the area that care and put people first.
Staff was wonderful and very patient with my 21 month old. Glad we chose this practice for our pediatric dentist!
Couldn’t be more pleased with the practice! Love the Dr., assistants and hygienists, the office is clean and prompt and friendly. Would highly recommend to my closest friends!
Great practice. So informative, educational and good with my daughter. Never wait in the waiting room. Efficient too!!
Today was our first visit. Totally efficient, friendly staff. Great with the kids. After today, my little kid now wants to be a Dentist!
Went for my 3yr olds first dental visit. This place is amazing. They are even out of our insurance network, but so worth it!!!
My family has been apart of the Bay Area Smiles family for several years now and they are absolutely the best I have two autisic sons that the staff has worked so hard to accommodate them in every way I cant praise them enough for the amount of love they have shown my family !!!
This place is amazing! I have been bringing my daughters here for 3 years now. The staff is courteous. I highly recommend this office for your family.
Had a wonderful first appointment. Everyone was so nice and patient with my child. Dr. Whitehead took the time to explain process in detail.
Sophia loves it here asked for more fluoride she loved it son much we love the girl who brings us back the young thin one with blonde hair and blue eyes she is so so so good with Sophia and Sophia just adores her !!!
Always a great experience at Bay Area Smiles. They are efficient and the Dentists and team know their stuff. Great with our kids!!!
This office is amazing! Super quick and painless. No long waits yet the highest quality care. My son is no longer dreading the dentist!
Seriously cannot express enough positive feedback from this office! We love Dr. Whitehead and the staff is incredible!!
My daughter has been coming to Bay Area Smiles for years and the staff is amazing. We never have issues and the experience is always pleasant.
This is the BEST place for kids! I can’t describe what a beautiful and kind and gentle place this is for kiddos. Everyone there was genuine and kind and so loving to my son.
Love, love, love it here. Super friendly and always on time. My daughter hated the dentist until we went here.
Always a great experience at Bay Area Smiles! Excellent and knowledgeable team!
First time coming here and it was a great experience. The staff was friendly, they answered all my questions and explained everything to me. My son was nervous and they were all wonderful.
Bayarea smiles staff truly care about their patient's well being . They go above and beyond to ensure that patients have a healthy experience. Thank you Bayarea smiles
Our appointments are always on time and we think everyone that works here is professional, friendly and great at making kids feel comfortable and special.
Friendly staff and they explain everything for you. A much better experience that Dr. Susan Blankenship Pediatric Dentistry
I brought my 2 year old and they were great! Made him feel incredibly comfortable. I look forward to bringing him back.
The staff at Bay Area Smiles is wonderful to my daughter. They make getting brace’s enjoyable.
Excellent experience for my daughter and myself. The explained everything that needed to be done in detail. Then came up with an excellent plan on how to execute it.
Can’t brag enough about Dr Bejarano !
Dr Bejarano is very thorough , compassionate and extremely knowledgeable ! She truly cares about her patients ! Best pediatric office !!
If you're not bringing your kids here you're going to the wrong dentist. Always processional, always willing to accommodate your schedule, and always willing to set up payment plan!
Great with the kids for both dentistry and orthodontics! HIGHLY recommend anyone looking for good quality and responsibly priced dental and orthodontics services for their kids.
They're always so nice there and so great with kids. I always recommend them to people with little ones.
The entire staff is warm and friendly and incredibly professional. We felt comfortable immediately. Super impressed with this practice!
This is a wonderful crew from dentist, hygienists, to office staff. Professional, knowledgeable, and inviting. I’m happy I found them. Wonderful atmosphere and warm personalities
This office was great with my 4 year old,he had a lot of work done crown,cavities 2 visits. Went smooth.wonderdul staff and clean office.
Staff handled my nervous 4 year old with care and patience. Dr. Whitehead provided clear feedback on progress and potential issues.
Dr Stewart was wonderful!! He was so professional & kind & took time to explain everything & he solved the problem.
Love the team at Bay Area Smiles, they always take such great care of my little ones teeth. Highly recommend!!
My baby had an accident and lost a tooth. We called the office and not only they waited for us to arrive even it was out of office hours but everyone was so professional and so kind with us.
Excellent interaction with our 16 month old. Very kid friendly environment and staff. Very fast in and and out of the office.
Always a great experience when I take my kids here. Very polite and professional staff.
Dr. Ruffolo is the best. Each patient is treated bt their own needs. Each patient gets individual expert attention.
Always a great experience, friendly staff, clean office and lots of waiting room entertainment for the kids. Online paperwork and website is user-friendly.
Donna and Lorie are awesome they are always so sweet and do an awesome job! 10/10
Laura was my daughter’s dental assistant and she was absolutely amazing. The staff was very nice and helpful.
My daughter has been a patient here for years, general and ortho... I have always been satisfied and impressed with h the care and service given, and every visit is like going to see family!
My daughter needed sedation dentistry and this was one of the few offices that provided sedation on children. Can't recommend though as the Dr was so rude and had zero bedside manner.
Great staff and they have always taken good care of my son from the time he was 4, and at 17 he wouldn't want to go anywhere else.
Loved it. The Dental assistants were Great... Wait time was short. Clean / Nice office.
Amazing service and care. Dr. Ruffolo is brilliant and clearly an expert in his field. I highly recommend Dr. Ruffolo and Bay Area Smiles.
Super professional and friendly staff. My kids actually ASK to go to the dentist!! Wouldn't bring my kids anywhere else.
The team was wonderful and made my toddler feel safe and comfortable during his visit !
Had an amazing 1st dentist appointment for my 19 month old. The staff was so caring and patient!
Very gentle, patient and wonderful with kids. Appointments are taken on time. I highly recommend.
My daughter loved it at this dentist office. Very friendly staff.
My son had a great experience at Bay Area Smiles.
This ok office. I hate that Nitrous Oxide sedation is mandatory for kiddos. In many offices it is optional, so we will go elsewhere to get treatment.
These people are truly good at what they do and you can tell they love their jobs. I couldn't be happier with bay area smiles.
They are always friendly and professional. Up front about all costs and options. We have always loved it here!
Great place, great process, great people! Can’t recommend enough
Bay Area Smiles have a very safe system to check in the kids. One of the best in this area.
The service was quick, friendly and my daughter was treated with kindness. We look forward to coming back.
The staff was amazing and helped my children feel comfortable with their first visit!
Staff takes an educational and patient approach with kids and parents and are always friendly. Wouldn’t take my daughter anywhere else.
My child always has the best experience when we come into Bay Area Smiles!!
Professional and efficient. My son loved the video game waiting room.
My children have been going to this group of dentist and orthodontist for 25 years. They are the best!
Always friendly. On schedule. Clean and comfortable environment. Great staff.
Excellent experience! Would absolutely recommend. All of the staff were extremely professional and friendly.
Dr. Ruffolo takes the time to explain everything so we understand it and we never have to wait more than a few minutes and the staff is very friendly.
Very friendly environment, very helpful staff. Always a pleasure to visit for routine cleanings and Ortho
Best dental office in Clearwater, they get to know your kids and makes it really easy for the children.
I am so glad I found this dentist for my son. Everyone was so nice and and made my son feel so comfortable.
My son is ALWAYS treated with respect by the staff. Courtney and Kim are the best!!!!
Best pediatric dentist office around! Staff is fantastic , polite, patient and knowledgeable 😃 …
Great experience every time! Very friendly staff! My kids love going there!
My 3.5 year old had a great time at the dentist. I couldn't ask for more than that.
Dr. Ruffolo and his staff were excellent! Very professional, courteous and caring!
Everyone was so nice and extremely helpful! The office is nice and clean and we were in an out with great service!
Excellent care and the staff is very friendly and helpful…so happy I chose Bay Area Smiles.
As always, everything and everyone was just wonderful.
Everyone was super nice and welcoming.
Very organized with the appointment. The check in process is easy the staff friendly and professional
All the staff there is super nice and friendly my daughter has been going there for years they’re the best!
They know my children by name and are always accommodating 🤗 We have never, nor will we ever go anywhere else! …
We love our dentist’s office and staff!
Thank you so much!! So glad we found you!
Amazing staff! Super nice Doctors, Very clean and modern.
Everyone is wonderful. I wouldn't take my daughter anywhere else.
Pleasant, knowlegable and professional staff. Excelent service, will recommend them to anyone.
Pam is great! Dont let her retire lol hahaha
Everyone is friendly and my kids have a great experience!
Great experience! From the second we walked in to the second we left!!!! Awesome!
Wonderful practice from the first step in to the last step out......and everything in between!
Dental hygienist was awesome, very friendly, comforting to my child.
I took my business elsewhere, I suggest you do the same. They require and enforce unlawful mask mandates.
We are thrilled to have finally found our family dentist for life!
Friendly and awesome staff!! Dr Ruffolo is amazing!!
The staff is so great with kids. Sweet and gentle !
Great place. You never have to wait and they are very professional
Thank you. The dental hygienists were awesome!
Always professional and friendly. My daughter and I love the staff.
They told me what they were going to do and they were patient and understanding. This is from a childs point of view.
The staff and dentists are super. No complaints whatsoever
Friendly staff and very timely!! Excellent experience
Staff is always very nice and professional. Great environment
Great overall experience!
Great customer service! Facility is modern, clean, and bright!
Wonderful staff. Services are always on time, and the staff is very caring.
Great staff. They really care about their patients.
Welcoming, friendly, professional and very talented people. Highly recommended.
amazing! Caring, patient and empathetic! Thank you so much!
Great dentist, dental hygienist and all staff that make this a premier healthcare provider
Love Dr. Ruffolo and his team.
Great and friendly staff and providers.
Friendly, quick, and honest! Love this place and their staff.
Great experience for both of my kids as always!
Very professional and friendly.
Rude reception loud and over talking me made me not want to bring my kid back in here.
Excellent service, amazing staff, family friendly
Great office. Great orthodontic treatment.
Doctors & staff are always friendly,accomodating & helpful.
Great service. Very Professional and caring.
Great 👍 my kid enjoyed it …
Great service. Very friendly and helpful.
We love these guys so much.
Always so good with my son!
Very nurturing office and would highly recommend it.
Does not accept Medicaid 03-16-23
Great care, great people!
10/10
I fully recommend :)
Staff and doctors are always amazing!
Always thorough. Very friendly
Amazing experience with everyone there!
Great experience every visit!!
Great kids dentist and orthodontist team!!!
Everyone at Bay Area Smiles cares about your smile!
Very friendly and knowledgeable
Staff is very friendly an professional.
Excellent service, as always!!!!
All the staff in this office are heaven sent. I have three children who started going here at age 2. They were all scared, but the staff here do everything to make my children feel comfortable and make the dentist a fun experience. In fact …
Excellent service, very friendly people, they attend with patience and respect, my experience was very good with my son Andy who is a child with special needs.
Glad to know that you had a great experience.
Thank you so much for rating us so highly!
Thank you so much for rating us so highly!
Thanks so much, Stephanie! Looking forward to helping you again.
We so appreciate your business and can not wait to work with you again.
Glad to know that you had a great experience.
Thank you so much for rating us so highly!
We so appreciate your business and can not wait to work with you again.
Glad to know that you had a great experience.
Thank you for the review, Katrina
Thank you for the review, Amy
Thanks so much, Leah! Looking forward to helping you again.
Glad to know that you had a great experience.
Thank you so much for rating us so highly!
Thank you for the review, Lindsay
Thank you so much for rating us so highly!