Pediatric Dentist - Lutz,FL

Updated on September 26, 2009
S.C. asks from Lutz, FL
6 answers

I have seen many requests and responded to them for pediatric dentists. I have been seeing Dr. Duga & Dr. Feeney off of Bruce B Downs BLVD. since my 6 year olds first dental apointment at 18 months old. I always wondered why, even with good dental insurance, I paid so much. I figured it was because of them being pediatric specialists. Well, last time I went and asked why it cost so much ($75) when I never pay a dime for a cleaning for myself, they informed me that they are not in any insurance companies plan. Of course they gave me information explaining all of this in the begining, but shame on me for not reading it!! I suppose I thought it was just the normal insurance mumbo jumbo. Either way - back then it didn't matter.

Now - current economic conditions (and children use to seeing the dentist) call for a new pediatric dentist!!! I am looking for recommendations in the Lutz/Northern Tampa area. My youngest is still a little uncertain about the dentist and a little fearful, but that will change next visit as he will be 4 the next time he needs a cleaning. I really want a kid friendly office and I will really miss Dr. Duga & Feeney's office because of that!!!

Any suggestions would be great - I will see if they are on my plan. I just don't want to go blind without some sort of recommendation. :-)

Thanks Moms!!!

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A.

answers from Tampa on

I take my son to Dr Ruelf, on Fletcher near Rome Ave. Their number is ###-###-####. He only does kids; the office is train themed - with a train table in the waiting area. He also has a little nook with tall, old fashioned video games (like Pac-man). There is a track that runs around the ceiling with a train running along it. My son is 12 but we have been going there since he was 4. I don't know about the insurance. The one thing I didn't like at first (but now I am used to it) is that you don't go in the back with your kid - you wait up front. The dr is very nice; my son has had some unique dental issues and he has always treated us kindly. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.F.

answers from Tampa on

My son is 3 yrs old and has been to the dentist 3 times already for his 6month checkups and I am thankful to say I have never paid a dime. He goes to a wonderful pediatric dentist, Dr. Frank Pettinato, Jr. His practice is called A Safari of Smiles. He comes from a family of dentists. His sister and father have an office in Wesley Chapel, but I drive to the office in New Port Richey because of how super kid friendly it is. I live in Land O' Lakes and it takes me about 20 minutes to get there. It is off SR 54 and Rowan Rd. The phone number there is ###-###-####. Good luck!

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M.B.

answers from Tampa on

Try Children's Dentistry...Dr Pettinato. They are on the corner of BBD & SR 54, by the Burger King plaza. My daughter is 4 and has been going there since 3 and they are fantastic. With my insurance it is a $5 co-pay- I have CompBenefit, which is not that great so hopefully there is hope w/ your plan :) They do not pressure the kids in any way, they have been so gentle and caring with her...she finally let them do a whole mouth cleaning and she had a great time!
Hope this helps!

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K.D.

answers from Tampa on

we also go to dr. duga and dr. fenny. what type of insurance do you have? they do accept our insurance, which is atena global. ( check with your insurance company and see if you can go to who you want or if they have a list of dentist they will cover. ( all you might need to do is submit it yourself.) it's worth looking into especially if your children are use to them.

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J.T.

answers from Tampa on

You need to check with your insurance company. We’re having this issue too, as our plan doesn’t cover “Pediatric” dentists (for Dr Duga, it would be $255 for the first visit!) Our family dentist will see children, just as long as they’re well behaved and wouldn’t freak out. I still don’t know what to do – pay the monthly payments for my daughter on the insunace plan, or just take her to a Pediatric dentist, but ouch, the cost is a bit much!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from Tampa on

My kids see Dr. Marta Rivera, just off Bruce B. Downs in New Tampa. We've 'converted' many of our friends to her, as well. My children will never, ever fear going to the dentist- she is fabulous. They love the staff, the office, and especially her. Just everything you'd want a pediatric dentist to be. She is also a sedation dentist, which can come in handy if the kids just need something extra to relax them if they need work done (like my son did when he was three, the only time we've needed the sedation but worth it for sure.) She is also an orthodontist! Her newest accomplishment, we hear that she really enjoys it. I love that the boys will be able to see her for EVERYTHING, all down the road. We live in Valrico (just east of Brandon) and we make the drive; 30 minutes; but it is SO easy as it's just straight up I-75, off on Bruce B. Downs and then we head west for a mile. I'm not sure which insurance plans she works with; right now we are without insurance so we pay out-of-pocket. Accepting new patients? I don't know, but I can assure you that it's worth a try- you will never regret choosing her. The office address is 5326 Primrose Lake Circle, Tampa, 33647. Phone is ###-###-####. Website is www.tampahappysmiles.com. Good luck, no matter who you end up with; I know how you feel, as moms we all want to get this decision right!

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