At A Safari Dental, we know good dental habits begin early in life, which is why we give so much special attention to our patients. Our pediatric dental practice is led by Dr. Brandon Larkin, Dr. Lexie Bellows, and Dr. Kaitlyn Purcell, who are all board certified pediatric dentists. Our practice welcomes patients from birth up until early adulthood, and its the experience we give patients that keeps them coming back year after year. Our office features the latest advancements in healthcare technology, including digital X-rays, and we are a completely paperless office.

We accept all PPO and some HMO dental insurance plans. We are continually adding new insurance plans to be able to offer the best care and service for the best price possible. We always allow parents to come back with their children during routine dental procedures, ensuring both patient and parent are comfortable during their dental experience.

The Safari Dental staff also strives to create an office atmosphere that is warm and welcoming to young patients. Our team takes extra care and effort to give all children a positive, comfortable experience. All our dentists are Board Certified Pediatric dentists by The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Our New Port Richey / Trinity office is fully prepared with all the training and skills needed to help young patients feel at ease while in our office. A Safari Dentals knowledgeable team is also always ready to answer any questions patients or their parents may have. We place a priority on educating all our patients and parents about good oral health care practices.

A Safari Dental provides comprehensive pediatric dental services. In addition to initial examinations and routine check-ups, we conduct fluoride treatments and screenings for all dental diseases. We can also provide custom mouth guards to protect against sports injuries, and use easy-application sealants that do not require the use of any numbing agents for a fast and comfortable procedure. Should your child have a cavity or be in need of any other restorative procedure, were able to provide fillings, crowns, space maintainers, and pulpotomy procedures. We also offer a variety of sedation dentistry options, including nitrous oxide, and even IV sedation anesthesia for patients who require full sedation. Our goal is to provide our young patients with the best preventative and restorative oral health care possible while ensuring their comfort is never compromised.

With a philosophy rooted in service to the community, Dr. Brandon Larkin, a Flint, Michigan native, is steadfast in his determination to help the community both in and out of the dental chair. Specializing in Pediatric Dentistry, he is recognized as an influential practitioner in dental trauma and craniofacial abnormalities. A graduate of the University of Michigan, frequently recognized as the top dental school in the country Dr. Larkin received his doctorate in Dental Surgery through a rigorous dental and surgical curriculum. That was proceeded by a Bachelors Degree of Brain Development and Cranial Neuroscience. He served and trained at the Miami Childrens Hospital where he specialized in providing world class dental care to children, teens and chronic patients requiring specialized healthcare needs. His pre and post-doctoral research in the dental field has afforded him national recognition as a speaker at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The impact of his research was published in Pediatrics, a leading journal for pediatricians. With a strong belief that education is the best prevention, he places a daily emphasis is on preventative routines and treatment. His professional memberships have included Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital Craniofacial team, The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, The Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, The Florida Dental Association and The Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry. He was also a member of the craniofacial team at Miami Childrens Hospital.

Outside of the office, Dr. Larkin enjoys spending time with his wife Trisha. Trisha is a Pediatric Oncologist and Neuro-oncologist at St. Josephs Childrens Hospital. She completed her Neuro-oncology fellowship at the world-renowned St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. Dedicated to a lifetime of service for children, the couple frequently participates in events with St. Jude, the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation and Relay for Life. They are grateful for the opportunity to the serve the Tampa community. Together they are avid board game players, huge college football fans and enjoy exploring new spots in Tampa.

Dr. Lexie has practiced as a general dentist for six years in Canada and found that her passion was working with children. Her desire was to provide the best possible care for children, so she went back to school in her thirties to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Connecticut. In 2003, she moved to New Port Richey, Florida, where she started working between offices in New Port Richey, Clearwater and Plant City. In her own words, I have been blessed and honored to have the opportunity to be a part of the team at A Safari Dental.

On why I do what I do and why you should trust Dr. Lexie with your smile: I love making my patients feel comfortable, calm and relaxed. I love making my patients and parents happy, and providing an enjoyable dental experience. I have a passion to provide excellent care. I treat every patient as if they were my own child. I love getting hugs from my patients!!!

Dr. Sara grew up in Panama City Beach, Florida. She obtained her dental degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. While in residency, Dr. Sara also attended school for her Masters in Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Sara took an unconventional path before becoming a pediatric dentist. She attended Florida State University for her bachelors degree in Accounting and Finance. Once she obtained her Bachelor of Science, she decided to go back to school for her post-bachelors degree in Biology and minor in Chemistry. While in dental school, she found her passion working with kids.