Clearwater: 727-441-8963 – Plant City: 813-752-3555
Clearwater: 727-441-8963 – Plant City: 813-752-3555
“The most compelling aspect of orthodontics is that you have an opportunity to change lives.”
Howard L. Howell, DDS.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that your child’s dental care should begin at age 1. In order to care for your child using the best techniques and equipment available, our pediatric dentistry practitioners spend a great deal of time attending continuing-education courses every year. Our extensive education in dentistry for children and orthodontics has made us the practice of choice in the area. Here, you can trust our care for the most precious smiles in your family. Including your own.
“I love the interaction with children and dealing with all the different behaviors and personalities. I’m fascinated by all the different approaches and methods we use to address the behaviors we encounter to create a pleasant dental experience for each child and parent. I am very compassionate and caring. I always give the children some control and options during dental treatment. I hope to give all my patients a lifetime of not being anxious about dental care.”
Undergraduate Degree: Auburn University
Doctorate: University of Alabama School of Dentistry
Residency: Pediatric Dentistry, Eastman Dental Center, New York, NY
Licensure: Florida and Alabama
Board-Certified: American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Hospital Staff: Morton Plant Hospital
Certified: CPR Emergency Care, Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Membership: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Tampa Bay Pediatric Dental Association, (Past President) Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Florida Dental Association, West Coast Dental Association, Upper Pinellas County Dental Association
In his free time, Dr. Whitehead enjoys golf, boating, traveling and watching his Auburn Tigers.
“I first became fascinated about Orthodontics after having braces myself. I was able to see firsthand how a great smile has a huge impact on one’s self-esteem. Orthodontics is challenging, it takes planning and precise execution to get the desired result. I love the mental discipline of thischallenge. I enjoy the individual relationships I am able to build with each patient by seeing them on a regular basis. It is great to see how happy patients are when their braces are removed and their new beautiful smile is revealed!”
Undergraduate Degree: University of California Riverside
Doctorate: University of Southern California
Post Doctorate and Masters: University of Colorado
Licensure: Florida and California
Certified: CPR Emergency Care
Membership: American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Southern Association of Orthodontics
In his spare time, Dr. Ruffolo enjoys going to USC football games, playing hockey, snowboarding, mountain biking and spending time with his family and friends.
“I feel blessed to be able to work with children as it gives me an opportunity to experience the uniqueness of each child and to be a part of their lives in a small way. I am a very compassionate and caring individual. Working with children has taught me immense patience and unconditional love. All of our doctors are continually engaged in learning new behavior management techniques and new clinical methods through continuing education. I strive to have an early and positive influence on your child that will shape their dental experience for the rest of their life.”
Undergraduate Degree: University of Florida
Doctorate: University of Southern California
Residency: Pediatric Dentistry, Miami Children’s Hospital, Miami, FL
Licensure: Florida and California
Board Certified: American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Certified: CPR Emergency Care, Pediatric Advanced Life Support
Membership: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Tampa Bay Pediatric Dental Association, Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Florida Dental Association, West Coast Dental Association, Upper Pinellas County Dental Association
In her free time, Dr. Bejarano enjoys tennis, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Austin Smith is a compassionate and dedicated pediatric dentist who grew up in eastern Iowa. With a deep passion for ensuring young smiles stay healthy and bright, Dr. Smith pursued his dental training at the prestigious Children’s Hospital Colorado, where he specialized in providing expert care for children while creating positive dental experiences.
Undergraduate: University of Iowa
Doctorate: Marquette University
Residency: University of Colorado- Children’s Hospital
Licensure: Florida
Board-Certified: American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Certified: CPR Emergency Care, Pediatric Advanced Life Support
Membership: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Tampa Bay Pediatric Dental Association, Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Florida Dental Association, West Coast Dental Association, Upper Pinellas County Dental Association
Dr. Smith is committed to delivering gentle, effective, and child-friendly dental care, ensuring each visit is a comfortable and stress-free experience for both kids and parents.
Outside of his practice, Dr. Smith enjoys spending time with his wonderful wife, their son, and their two dogs. He also loves golfing, fishing, and trying new restaurants, always seeking opportunities to unwind and explore new experiences.
“I developed an interest in the medical arts at a very early age. I also enjoy working with my hands and helping people on a personal, individual level. Dentistry is an art based on science, and orthodontics is even more so. It was a perfect fit for me. Orthodontic problems have many possible solutions, and my goal is finding the right solution for the individual patient. I enjoy the personal interactions with the patients and their families. Frequently, some small action on our part can make a major difference in their lives. Empathy and humor are my best qualities. I try to identify with my patients and use humor to create a nonthreatening atmosphere that facilitates our relationships.”
Undergraduate Degree: BA, American Studies (cum laude),University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Doctorate: Emory University School of Dentistry
Postdoctorate: Craniofacial Disorders, Orthognathic Surgery and TMJ Dysfunction
Residency: Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Montefiore Medical Center / Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY
Licensure: Florida
Certified: CPR Emergency Care, Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Membership: American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Southern Association of Orthodontists, Florida Association of Orthodontists, Florida Dental Association, West Coast Dental Association, Central Florida Orthodontic Study Group, Upper Pinellas County Dental Association
In his spare time, Dr. Stewart likes restoring automobiles, reading, bicycling, sailing, landscape architecture and studying US history.