Dr. Botero has been working in her field for eleven years. She has two different dental degrees from two different countries, which makes her extremely qualified. (And on top of that, she is bilingual AND also a registered certified dental hygienist.)
Dr. Cat Botero has state licenses to practice dentistry in Colorado and Florida. She is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Florida Dental Association (FDA) and affiliate member of the American Association of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD). She stays on top of the latest developments in the dental field and attends continuing education courses regularly.
Lil Sunshine Smiles is dedicated to staying on top of the ever-changing technology and best-treatment practices in the field of childrens dentistry. When you visit our Tampa facility, you will have access to:
We provide individual, preventive, and restorative childrens dentistry treatments to your children in a child-friendly environment. Our staff is trained to handle their unique needs. Our goal is to create the best plan for your childs healthy, dazzling smile.
Our office offers a closeness to elementary schools and day cares, making it convenient for parents to take children to visit the dentist. Our well-trained staff has developed systems that allow patients and parents to move quickly through the treatment process with enjoyment!
Meet Dr. Botero! Dr. Catalina (her patients call her Dr. Cat) was born and raised in Medellin, Colombia. During her grade school years, she excelled both academically and athletically. She enjoyed volleyball and swimming, where she became part of her high school swimming league.
She also developed an interest in arts and learned how to play the classical guitar. As a teenager, she volunteered at a health center that specialized in oral health for the underserved and less fortunate. Here she was first exposed to dentistry and fell in love with giving back to others, especially children.
Due to this great experience, she quickly became interested in the dental field. She was fortunate to be accepted into dental school at one of the most prestigious universities in South America, Universidad de Antioquia located in Medellin Colombia.
This dental school is internationally recognized as a top dental school in South America. After completing dental school, she moved to Florida to be closer to her family and to further her dental education.
Dr. Cat worked as a licensed hygienist for 2 years in the Tampa area, before deciding to go back to dental school a second time. In 2006, she was accepted into the International Student Program at the University of Colorado. She graduated in 2008, obtaining her second degree as a dentist (Doctor of Dental Surgery degree). This means Dr. Cat has 2 different dental degrees from 2 different countries, which makes her extremely qualified; and on top of that, she is also a registered certified dental hygienist.
After completing dental school, the 2nd time at the University of Colorado, she worked just outside of Denver Colorado at a very well established Pediatric Dental office. Dr. Cat practiced dentistry exclusively on children for over 8 years at that pediatric office in Denver, Colorado. She loved her job and always felt energized while her daily interactions with kids.
Dr. Cat has state licenses to practice dentistry in Colorado and Florida. She is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Florida Dental Association (FDA) and affiliate member of the American Association of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD). She stays on top of the latest developments in the dental field and attends continuing education courses regularly.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 82 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestEllen Shapiro
a year ago
I am very happy with this place. My daughter feels comfortable and safe. They always send out reminders before the visit and I love that they have Saturday visits available. I drive from Largo because of the kindness and professionalism of the staff Thank you for taking such great care of my daughter!
Felicia Rzonca
a year ago
Amazing dentist, beautiful soul.
A A
a year ago
Nice place for small children however the visit turns unpleasant if you opt out of using the nitrous oxide. This practice lacks the experience of working with non nitrous oxide induced patients.
anameli diaz
a year ago
(Translated by Google) Happy that my daughter has a dentist who leaves the room happy and pain-free whenever she needs dental treatment. Thank you, doctor, for your patience. (Original) Feliz de que mi hija tenga una dentista que siempre que necesita un tratamiento dental sale del cuarto feliz y sin dolor ,Gracias doctora por su paciencia .
Danny Let
a year ago
Very clean, professional, and sweet. Kids both had procedures done and actually asked when they get to go back again!
Paula Miller
a year ago
I started taking my grand childer to li'l sunshine smiles after they were not happy at another dentist. The children enjoy going to the dentist now.
Bryan's Free time
2 years ago
If you choose not to use Laughing gas or if you prefer not to do an X-ray not the right place for you.They make you feel like you are been an irresponsible parent.My son will not be a patient any more.I prefer dentist less aggressive on procedures and medications.I like providers that respect parents decision without judging.I refuse the x-Ray because my son had one done in the orthodontist 2 weeks before his appointment and another one on the previous visit with them.Even explaining that, they made me signed a document and told me in a judgmental tone that was my responsibility if my son had cavities between the that they were unable to see. My son teeth are so separate that you can perfectly see there.They didn't even took that into consideration.
Elena Moisei
2 years ago
Dr. Botero is wonderful and caring dentist. My kids are in good hands. She was able to save the tooth that other doctor wanted to extract. She is gentle and great with kids. I'm highly recommend her.
Kelli Duda
2 years ago
Amazing staff and dentist! So patient, kind, and helpful! We drive 40 minutes to get there and it's worth it!!
Betsy Villanueva
2 years ago
(Translated by Google) Una experiencia muy buena para mis ninas y para mi. Estoy muy agradecida con la doctora y todo el personal que son excelentes. Thank you very much. (Original) Una experiencia muy buena para mis ninas y para mi. Estoy muy agradecida con la doctora y todo el personal que son excelentes. Muchas gracias.
Lana Hochmuth
2 years ago
All the staff and Dr. Botero are amazing!!! We came here after an injury to our daughter's tooth in an emergency situation and they were able to accommodate us and make us feel so comfortable. It was her first dentist experience and she says she wants to come back every month! We live over 30 min away but we will be making this our permanent pediatric dentist....worth every minute of the drive!!
Silvia Perez
2 years ago
Dr. Carolina is great with my kids. They are never afraid to come to the dentist.
Marilyn Alvarez
2 years ago
This is the perfect location for kids and the staff are all so nice. Dr. Botero is simply the best. If you want someone who you can trust with your child, this is definitely the right place.
judgement kazzy
2 years ago
Great office
Dulce Rivera
2 years ago
great office
Kirby Lavallee
2 years ago
Great people and more importantly great service! Highly recommend them to anyone searching for a top notch pediatric dentist!
Wen L
2 years ago
Thank you so much Dr. Catalina for taking care of my 5 year old son's infected tooth! Great dentist and experience here. Highly recommended. We'll be back from now on :).
Lola Londono
2 years ago
Listen, i just knew i was going to love this place just by how they answered the phone and i was right! The front desk was LOVELY! The dental assistant nichole? LOVELY!!!!! Dr Catalina? LOVELY!!!!!! 10/10 recommend to all mom, dads or guardians of children. They make you feel comfortable doing
Nathe Family
2 years ago
My 2.5 year old had an extreme dental emergency early on a Saturday morning. After endless calls and being told other places couldn't see him because of his age, the nature of the injury, they had no openings, etc. I came across Li'l Sunshine Smiles Dentistry. Immediately upon speaking with the girl who answered the phone she put me at ease. She said, "Tell your husband to bring him here. We will make sure they go right back. Don't worry. It will be okay. I know your husband will be busy while he's here with your son so I can call and give you an update so you don't worry." I was called and updated as she said. The office staff is amazing. They made a horrible situation bearable. My son's injury was awful. They did an exam and took x-rays. I believe they took all the necessary steps to make sure they treated the injury the correct way. My son ended up needing two extractions and lots of stitches. I kept thinking how traumatized he would be of the dentist, especially since this was his first actual visit. I was so wrong. He came home and was so excited to tell me all about it. He said, "doctor, helped me!" He still talks about the dentist daily. I'm very hopeful that he is not scarred for life. The dentist is fantastic. She is kind, compassionate and empathetic. My husband and I are very pleased and so very grateful that we found her and her office!
Shaky Robles
2 years ago
(Translated by Google) I recommend them 100% excellent attention above all a lot of patience and affection with my girl, the best place without a doubt (Original) Los recomiendo 100% excelente atencion sobre todo mucha paciencia y carino con mi nina , el mejor lugar sin duda
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