Children's Dentistry in Sarasota
Good dental habits start early. Our dentists and hygienists care for children and their parents in one office, with a calm pace that helps young patients feel at ease.
What It Is
Children's dentistry covers the routine care that keeps young teeth healthy: exams, cleanings, X-rays when they are needed, and treatment for cavities. Simply Smiles is a family practice, so children, parents and grandparents can all be seen in the same office by the same team.
Baby teeth matter more than many parents expect. They help a child chew and speak, and they hold space for the adult teeth that follow. Regular visits let us find small problems early and watch how the teeth and jaws are growing.
We also want children to feel comfortable in the dental chair. We explain things in simple words, go at the child's pace and take breaks when needed. Parents are welcome to ask questions at every step, and we share what we see in plain terms.
Who It Is For
- Your child is due for a first dental visit or a regular checkup.
- You see a dark spot or your child complains of tooth pain.
- Your child is nervous about the dentist.
- You have questions about brushing, thumb sucking or diet.
- You want one dental office for the whole family.
- Adult teeth are coming in crowded or out of place.
Benefits
- Early detection. Regular checkups help us catch cavities while they are small.
- Healthy habits. We show children how to brush and floss in a way they can follow at home.
- One family office. Parents and children can be seen by the same team at the same address.
- A calm experience. A patient, unhurried approach helps children build trust with the dentist.
- Growth monitoring. We keep an eye on how adult teeth are coming in and tell you if something needs attention.
How It Works
What to expect, step by step.
- Welcome. We meet your child, review their health history and answer your questions.
- Exam. The dentist checks the teeth, gums and bite, and takes X-rays only when they are useful.
- Cleaning. A hygienist gently cleans and polishes your child's teeth.
- Home care tips. We go over brushing, flossing and food choices with you and your child.
- Next steps. If treatment is needed, we explain the options and schedule a return visit.
Cost and Insurance
Cost depends on what your child needs at the visit, such as an exam, a cleaning, X-rays or a filling. Many dental plans cover preventive visits for children, though benefits vary by plan. We explain any fees before treatment.
We file claims with all PPO insurance and are in network with Delta Dental Premier. Financing is available through CareCredit, Cherry, Wisetack and Proceed Finance. [Confirm with office: whether the $130 new patient special applies to children.]
Real Patients, Real Stories
For my first interaction with the staff at Simply Smiles on the phone to my first visit. Everyone was kind, made me feel comfortable and patient with me. I haven't had the best experiences at dentist but Dr. Szef was amazing at easing my fears and concerns. She took the time to educate me about my care needs and showed completely and that's why I would recommend them to anyone. The whole staff is top Tier.
I was a first time patient, and if I could give Simply Smiles more than 5 stars, I would. I will definitely be back 😊 The staff was all amazing!! They were very informative and very thorough. I absolutely LOVED Hannah as my hygienist as well. Her bubbly personality made my day joyful and she makes you feel very comfortable through the entire process. Keep her! I’ve went to other practices to know she really goes above and beyond. Dr. Sandra Scef was very sweet and really cared for me as well, and at the end of the day, that’s what matters and stands out.
We had a dental emergency when my daughter's spacer broke, and Simply Smiles was fantastic. They got us in the same day , and the team was so kind and efficient with my 7-year-old. Chelcie and the staff explained everything clearly and fixed it perfectly with zero drama. Made a stressful situation so much easier—highly recommend them for anyone needing fast, caring Dental care in Sarasota/ Bradenton area!
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child first see a dentist?
Dental and pediatric associations generally recommend a first visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth. [Confirm with office: youngest age seen at Simply Smiles.]
How often should children have checkups?
Most children do well with a checkup and cleaning every six months. The dentist may suggest a different schedule based on your child's cavity risk.
Why fix a cavity in a baby tooth?
Decay in a baby tooth can cause pain and infection, and it can affect the adult tooth forming underneath. Baby teeth also hold space for the adult teeth.
How can I prepare my child for a visit?
Keep it simple and positive. Tell your child the dentist will count and clean their teeth, and avoid words like shot or hurt.
Can I stay with my child during the visit?
[Confirm with office: policy on parents in the treatment room.] We want both you and your child to feel comfortable, so please ask when you book.
Can the whole family be seen at Simply Smiles?
Yes. We are a family practice and care for children, adults and older patients in the same office.
What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?
Call us at (941) 877-5262 during office hours and we will advise you on what to do next. For a serious injury to the face or jaw, go to the nearest emergency room.
