Need a New Pediatric Dentist

Wow, I'm so glad you posted this question!! I'm new to the area, and have used Dr. Santos for my 5y.o. daughter. We've had 2 "treatments" and have 2 more scheduled, but I have some concerns as well. I'm going to look into the other dentists mentioned. Please let us know who you go with.

We saw Dr Santos at first too. I was upset that the bitewings were big enough that my daughter, who is 5, was gagging and said it hurt her mouth. We also couldn't afford her because we are without insurance. My husband did some research and found DentalPlans.com. It's a discount program here in Florida. The only pediatric dentist listed was Dr. Grover. The discount is up to 50% on some things. My daughter needed 2 root canals and 2 fills...all 4 back molars have cavities as she takes after her daddy with weak teeth. Her first procedure was a few weeks ago. Other than a regular exam, x-ray and cleaning, she's never had anything done. This visit was her 2 root canals and she actually wants to go back! I was dying thinking she was going to be traumatized..didn't happen. I was sold with the exam and x-rays done there. Everything was smaller. No gagging or complaints and the hygenist was awesome. He is in the Cattleman/Bee Ridge area. Definitely look into it. Good luck!

We love Ron Acquaro's office at 9912 E SR64. The phone number is ###-###-####. Please be sure to tell them we recommended them. The dentist we saw was a female, but I can't remember her name. She inspected my 1 and 2 year old boys' teeth in February (they don't clean that early) and my boys barely even fussed because she was so good with them. They are set up for pediatric cleanings.

Dr. Acquaro in Bradenton. My son just turned 4, and has sensory issues which makes cleanings difficult. He has seen dr Meadows there. He and the hygienists have been great!

M.,
We have been using Silas McAninch DDS for several years. He is absolutely amazing. I have been singing his praises anywhere I can. My oldest son has some special needs, including sensory issues, and he still LOVES to see "Dr. Mac" as all the kids call him. He's getting a filling next Wednesday and is actually excited. My youngest son likes him too. He's great with kids and adults.
His office is an absolute MACHINE in its efficiency, which can sometimes be frustrating as a parent. They only see certain age groups at certain times and on certain days. They do cleanings at these times, dental work at these times, etc. There is very little room for flexibility, and it is tough to get immediate appointments. That being said, you always know what you're going to get, the waits are never long while you're there, the kids are happy and treated well. I don't think I could ask for better.
Good luck!

I have 2 elementary age girls. We have been seeing Dr. Sterling Ronk, on Bee Ridge Rd, near Centergate, for several years. It's a pediatric office and the staff are all great with kids. On the first visits I went into the back with them while they had their teeth cleaned, now they (my kids) don't want me back there... even if they are having a filling done. I've been very pleased. Don't know how they will react to you when you refuse flouride, as they do recommend and sell it.

We also use Dr. Si McAninch(dr. Mac) and he is wonderful. Call now for an appointment. because they are very popular, however, we never have waited more than 10 minutes in the 4 years we have been going to him. My son had to have a crown 2 weeks ago, and Dr. Mac was so wonderful, my son didn't even notice the procedure other than that he was numb. I can't say enough good things about him.

M.,
We have used Dr. Leslie Thompson(by Blake hospital, in Bradenton)for 4 years. The whole team there is AWESOME. They have toys for the kids to play with and get a prize after their check ups. The Dr. explains everything in detail and why. My daughter now asks me when she can go back to the dentist!
Good Luck,
S.

We actually switched from Dr. Santos years ago. We now see Dr. Silas mcAninch in Sarasota, based on the recommendations of MANY people we knew. His office does not accept insurance directly, so you have to file with your carrier on your own after service (paying upfront, then get reimbursed). he is WONDERFUL. My daughter had severe dental carries in her baby teth, and has had to get extractions, root canals, besides just fillings. He is the most soothing man to speak to, I think he could be a hypnotist! He explains things well to the kids, so they understand and don't get surprised by things. My daughter was going to have to go under general anesthesia (according to dr. santos) for several procedures, and Dr. mac (as he is affectionately referred to) said, no--we can do this in office visits with just laughing gas, scheduling her every two months. granted, my daughter was weepy because she really needed so much work, but he is so FAST, she is out and back to me within 20 minutes. The office staff is also very nice (they don't even seem to mind that my youngest daughter tends to throw up sometimes when she is there--"we just have it in her file", they simply say, and smile at me, then walk her back.)
His ofice is on Tamiami Tr, just north of Weber. And though we live in Bradenton, it is so worth the drive. We never ha to wait long in the waiting room, either.

I really recommend Dr Glori Enzor at 3220 S Tamiami Trail. Call ###-###-####. It's worth the drive! (We're out toward Myakka.) My 3 kids (20 months to 6 years) love going there. Lisa, the hygienist, is so gentle and cheerful and just fabulous with the kids. My kids want to go even just to come with me if I need a filling because there's a play area in the back and they're all so kind. Very kid-friendly. My son's first couple of visits were very laid back - they let him watch us in the chair and just climb around and get used to the idea with no pressure at all. And I'm so with you on the fluoride - Dr Enzor is very open and holistically-minded. My husband even likes going there and he was brought up on British dentistry and *dreaded* dental visits, until now. LOL That's why it was so important for us to find someone who would not have that effect on our kids. They actually like going.

C.

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C. Wilford
Natural Childbirth Educator
____@____.com
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