Ron ONeal was born and raised in a family of five in Winter Haven, Florida. Rons mother was an elementary school teacher, and his father was a comptroller for a packing company in Lakeland. When I was young, I loved the Christmas movie Rudolph, with the elf that wanted to be a dentist. That was my first heart-string pull towards dentistry (smiles).
Ron also joined the Marine Corps as a reservist for four years while an undergrad, which was meaningful for him. I had a really good friend that died in a motorcycle accident. It was his dream to go. I went for him.
While an undergrad, Ron also worked at the VA hospital where he tried to decide with certainty which specialty of medicine he would practice. I thought about being a pediatrician. I enjoyed the relationships and the children, but I wanted to work with my hands. I started working in the dental clinic and loved it. I was told by superiors that my hand-eye coordination was better than most. I think that was all I needed to hear. At that point, I was all in.
Ron received both his Bachelor of Science and Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from the University of Florida. After spending a couple years with a practice in Lakeland, Ron bought his first solo practice in St. Petersburg in 2005 and added a second location in South Tampa in 2011. Today, Ron ONeal is The Family Dentist. The culture of his practice is fun, laid back, entertaining, and comforting as I can tell you, personally, with my extraction experience recently. I consider myself pretty tough until you come near me with a needle. Ron and his staff were awesome. Rons caring, goofy personality and amazing team make for a very pleasant dental experience.
Ron sits on the board for Village Partners International which has hospitals in Africa and Haiti. I joined the Board right after the 2010 hurricane in Haiti. The Partners travel and create medical clinics, I create dental clinics and perform extractions, etc. I have been to Haiti with the group for the last 9 years, but not Africa yet. I look forward to it once travel bans are lifted and we have a vaccine.
I enjoy graphic arts and I am pretty good. I just designed and published a childrens book. Not to sell, just to give out to patients and their families. I created it from a book I loved as a child and that my children enjoyed.
Oh, and that I am named after a pimp. No, not really, but if you look up the name Ron ONeal in the urban dictionary, it's included there. I wont tell you what it means, you can look it up. (laughs). Its referenced in the movie Pulp Fiction and Menace to Society. Apparently Ron ONeal was a super fly, big time pimp in New York City back in the day (laughs).
Give yourself grace. It takes time to make changes. Invest in the relationships with your people. As we go through tough times like we have this year, focus on what you can control and take good care of your team.
I dont know yet, I will tell you when I get there. As long as I continue to enjoy what I am doing, I have no plans to retire and sell my practice anytime soon. I think sometimes, when you over-plan or over-think what your plans are, you miss out on other opportunities. One day at a time.
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 26 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestTammy Boyd
a year ago
Staff is very attentive, friendly, and caring. They explain next steps and make sure patients are very well informed.
Denise Castelvetrano
2 years ago
Very clean and professional...Ivy is the most proficient hygienist and Dr. O'Neal is a joy...highly recommended!
Shawn Brett
2 years ago
Pure Kindness and Expertise from Everyone here .
Maureen Quinlan
2 years ago
And, when I went in to get my records I was treated like being numbed for ten days was my fault. No follow up phone calls to check on me after I probably left over 40 messages. Now my Ss whistle and my bite is so messed up I bite my tongue all the time. Too much...stay away from him.
David
2 years ago
I truly enjoy going to see Dr Ron and his staff. The are kind, efficient and knowledgeable. I especially like how your appointment is scheduled and there is no waiting - and my smile has never been better
Ana Corso
2 years ago
Dr Ron, Larissa, Cassandra... all are amazing. Makes me feel like I am in the best possible place for my dental care....
Ryan Ong
2 years ago
Long time patient; the office is a hidden gem in south Tampa. Ivy is amazing at her craft, I personally endorse. Dr O'Neil is the best. The staff is friendly, supportive snd trustworthy. Thanks for the years of great service!
K P
2 years ago
Super friendly staff and great office decor. Most importantly from the time you walk in the front door to your time in the chair, you feel well taken care of.. your concerns are heard and met. For all the dentist avoiding people I can't say I have every loved a dentist office until now and I did some drill time! Can't wait for my permanent caps and a regular cleaning! Thank you Dr ONeil and your great staff!!
Penny Rogo
3 years ago
I had the best cleaning ever! Thank you Ivy for making my pearly white sparkle. You did an amazing job and took the time to show me some more techniques to keep my mouth healthy. The whole staff is warm and caring so I could not be more statisfied!!!
Monica Iannacone
3 years ago
The best dentist and team!! Thank you! Cassandra referred me since we met at the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce. It was a great visit and the dentist was detail oriented and friendly -- and also spot on with advice about getting an implant in the future. Ivy was very friendly and thorough with my cleaning which was the most detailed cleaning I've ever had. She gave me lots of advice and recommendations which I really appreciate. And, of course Cassandra is amazing and so helpful. I'll be back. Also, safety protocols were in place so I felt comfortable going there too.
David
3 years ago
I truly enjoy going to see Dr Ron and his staff. The are kind, efficient and knowledgeable. I especially like how your appointment is scheduled and there is no waiting - and my smile has never been better
Ryan Ong
3 years ago
Long time patient; the office is a hidden gem in south Tampa. Ivy is amazing at her craft, I personally endorse. Dr O'Neil is the best. The staff is friendly, supportive snd trustworthy. Thanks for the years of great service!
Angela Piplitz
3 years ago
The staff are so considerate and friendly. It's really a pleasure to work with The Family Dentist!
K P
3 years ago
Super friendly staff and great office decor. Most importantly from the time you walk in the front door to your time in the chair, you feel well taken care of.. your concerns are heard and met. For all the dentist avoiding people I can't say I have every loved a dentist office until now and I did some drill time! Can't wait for my permanent caps and a regular cleaning! Thank you Dr ONeil and your great staff!!
Ana Corso
3 years ago
Dr Ron, Larissa, Cassandra... all are amazing. Makes me feel like I am in the best possible place for my dental care....
leia almendares
3 years ago
The best dentist and staff they make you feel like family!
Erin Wamboldt
3 years ago
Dr. O'Neal, Cassandra and Ivy are a great team! I have been hesitating switching dentists but so glad I did. My teeth and mouth have never felt better. Don't hesitate, just call and make a consult and you will see the difference.
Tray Williams
3 years ago
Best Dentist in the Bay Area no contest. Great person, great staff, nice work. My dentist on Mac-dill (South Tampa) of 15 years misdiagnosed a filling he'd done years ago and scheduled it to be redone a week later. The pain grew, I called and that dentist couldn't get me in. A friend recommended me to Dr O'Neal. I was able to get into to see Dr O'Neal within 24 hours. After an X'ray and 2 minutes of examination, Dr Oneal found the tooth broken. A terrible diagnosis but after surgery knew I'd found the right dentist moving forward for my family of 5.
Penny Rogo
3 years ago
I had the best cleaning ever! Thank you Ivy for making my pearly white sparkle. You did an amazing job and took the time to show me some more techniques to keep my mouth healthy. The whole staff is warm and caring so I could not be more statisfied!!!
Emily Stein
3 years ago
I have been to two others dentists in Tampa area and have found this dentist office and I am sticking with them. It is always a pleasurable experience. I like how the office is decorated as well, feels very homey. Highly reccomend The Family Dentist-with Dr Ron O'Neal if you are looking for a Dentist in South Tampa.
Load more