It is most important to me that my patients feel they can trust that I have recommended what is in their best interest. It makes me the most proud when a patient leaves feeling like their life is going to improve because the health of their mouth and beautiful smile reflect how beautiful they are inside. I want everyone to feel good about themselves.
I regularly attend the Florida National Dental Convention and the Hinman Dental Meeting to stay up to date with the newest, most innovative dental treatments and procedures. I am a member of the Spear Institute and Dawson Acadamy. Learning the most advanced techniques helps me to provide my patients with the best possible care, and they deserve nothing less.
Originally from Jacksonville, I now reside in Ocala with my husband Brian, who is a native of this area. His love for Ocala is the reason we moved here and chose to raise our children here. We have three children: Reese, Caleb, and Piper. We also have a wonderful family dog named Jessie and cat Nicoli.
When I am not working, I love spending time with my family, whether were at Lake Weir or Jacksonville Beach or just relaxing at home. Like any good University of Florida alum, we are Gator fans and can be found at many Gator sporting events.
Being involved in the community is part of why I became a dentist. I enjoy attending First United Methodist Church. I love to volunteer at Eighth Street Elementary School. I am a proud supporter of Marion County Public Education Foundation, Kimberly Center and Interfaith of Marion County. Giving back is truly a gift!
I was born and raised in Ocala, and I am excited to be serving the community I grew up in. I have always loved that the dental profession allows you to have an impact on not only the oral health of your patients, but also their overall well-being, while establishing lasting relationships.
My interest in dentistry grew while I was in college at Florida State University. There, I had the opportunity to volunteer with local organizations and promote oral health in underserved communities locally and abroad. These experiences led me to pursue a career as a dentist, and I attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry.
I have returned to Ocala with my husband Scott, who also grew up here, and our Lab Mack. We love to travel and explore new places. Some of our favorite places to visit are Northern Michigan and Nashville. As FSU Alumni, we also enjoy cheering on the Seminoles whenever we can.
We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.
In addition to greeting you, I will be your financial advisor in the office. We want to make dental health a reality for you. I will make sure that we can come up with a plan that fits your needs and your budget. Should you have insurance, I will be the one to research your dental insurance and whether in network or out of network, help you maximize your benefits.
I am originally from West Virginia but have also lived in North Carolina and New York. I reside in Ocala with my son Aidan and our dog Charlie. Ocala is by far our favorite place, but I also enjoy going to West Virginia to visit family and spending time at Daytona Beach.
I am originally from Michigan and obtained my dental hygiene degree from Kalamazoo Valley Community College in 2014. I moved to Florida for the sunshine and southern hospitality! Here at Ocala Family Dentistry, I work with the doctors and one-on-one with patients to build a home hygiene plan that works for their individual needs. One of the best parts of working here is that our team shares the same philosophy in educating patients and putting their needs and desires first. Its an incredibly positive environment!
After living away from Ocala for eight years, Im so happy to be back in my hometown, where I live with my two fur babies Salem and Lexi. When Im not at work, you can find me near the water! Im also a huge football fan and enjoy watching games especially Penn State with my friends and family.
I attended Greater Orlando Dental Assisting School, where I graduated in 2016. Here at Ocala Family Dentistry, I assist Dr. Cartwright with patients of all ages and work with our youngest patients to educate them about good oral hygiene habits. Whether young or just young at heart, our patients deserve a smile that increases their confidence, and I love being a part of that! Seeing the people I care about happy with their oral health makes each day worth all the hard work.
I graduated from CF Ocalas dental assisting program in 1997. I worked as a dental assistant for ten years and then took some time off to raise my two kids, a boy and a girl. When they started school, I wanted to get back to dental assisting which Ive always enjoyed. I work alongside Dr. Cartwright as a chairside dental assistant, and make sure all the procedures run smoothly. I enjoy talking with patients and making them feel comfortable and at ease during their dental visit.
I am a general dentist, having graduated from dental school in Ecuador in 2018. I was welcomed into this office as a dental assistant in 2021, where I work alongside our doctors with patient care. My favorite part of my job is knowing that we give our patients their smiles back it gives me so much joy! We have a strong team that works well together as well. I love that we treat one another like family. We have each others backs and I feel like I can count on them for anything. Its a great atmosphere!
Dr. Lauren Cartwright, Dr. Lacy Petersen, and our team offer quality dental care, personalized to your specific goals and concerns. We place your safety, comfort, and well-being at the forefront of all we do, and care for you as family.
Ours is a patient-centered practice, where you and your loved ones are treated with kindness and compassion. We dedicate time to listening and building open communication, and with that comes trust and a relationship grounded in respect.
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 113 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestAmber Lee
a year ago
Best dental experience I have ever had. Every single member of their staff was kind, helpful, professional and patient. They were able to get me in quickly. Like many, I dislike going to the dentist. They made me feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. I am so happy with everything and I no longer fear the dentist! Thank you to Dr. Petersen and her team, you all were just simply amazing!
Ashley Peek
a year ago
I cannot praise this team enough! I came in for a cleaning for myself, accompanied by my 8 year old daughter. The receptionist offered to have my daughter sit behind the counter as her "helper" if she didn't feel like coming back with me. She decided she wanted to join me and my dental hygienist Laurel was AMAZING! Super informative to both myself and my daughter. Was very personable, funny and kind! As well as Dr.Petersen! She was very sweet and informative and explained everything in a detailed manner. If I could give more than 5 stars I absolutely would!
Ted Durost
a year ago
I came to Ocala Family Dentistry from another "chain" practice I had been going since I moved to Ocala 3 years ago. I cannot recommend Dr. Cartwright and Ocala Family Dentistry enough. Prompt, thorough, and personable.
Cheryl Jenkins
a year ago
DR.LACY PETERSON IS A WONDERFUL, COMPASSIONATE DENTIST.. SHE HAS THE BEST BED SIDE MANNER SHE MAKES YOUR ANXIETY DISAPPEAR.. I would not use any other dentist.. I am so glad I was referred to her.. Dr. Cartwright is the same as she is always so helpful in a emergency situation. I had a abscess developing over the weekend and she was god sent to call me in a antibotic until I got in If it was not for her I would of probuly had to end up going to the hospital as my face was swelling! Thank you to all of you as you make my life so much easier and stress free at your practice.. everyone is so.. kind.. and very patient..thanks for everything!!!
Clayton Crawford
a year ago
Easily one of the best dental experiences I have ever had. Dr. Cartwright took the time before, during, and after my procedure to ensure I was comfortable and receiving great care, I felt like I was her top priority. My kids are also patients and they absolutely love Bri.
Cheryl Olson
a year ago
I would highly recommend Ocala Family Dentistry! Everyone was very helpful and made the dreaded dentist experience very relaxing!
kaylie
2 years ago
It was my first time going to a dentist since a year ago and I loved the layout of the office and the overall ambiance of the place. Great staff, great doctors, and amazing care. 100/10
Laura Vazquez
2 years ago
Wonderful staff and doctor. We've been bringing our son here since he was around 1, and they've always been super attentive and sweet. I particularly love how understanding they are some days toddlers are just going to toddle extra hard, and the fact that they'll work around that, always making sure the lil one is a comfortable as they can be. They talk the lil ones through the process, and even have silly toys and cartoons to put them at ease. The office itself is nice and very clean / well taken care of. Everyone from reception to the dentist (we see Dr. Cartwright) is bright, cheerful and welcoming. Super happy to have found them!
Mei Velez
2 years ago
Best dentist and staff ever... Their customer service is everything, my daughter loves coming here and I have the best experience every time I come...
Joseph Spaziani
2 years ago
What a great experience at this Dentistry. Customer service is everything and their concentration is on the customer and it is a refreshing approach today in this world of computers. I recommend them highly to anyone looking for a quality office, dentist, and support staff. I can't thank them enough.
Rhonda Wolfe
2 years ago
I originally tried this dental practice because of location. My first visit was for a cleaning. I was very impressed with the staff and the facility: neat, clean, well maintained and organized, but most importantly, they were very kind and welcoming. My hope was to eventually consult to have some cosmetic work done on the front teeth. Laurel was my hygienist and she was, barr none, the friendliest, most compassionate and thorough hygienist I have ever had, without leaving in extreme pain. Her work is as good, or better than any of the periodontal work that I've had done in the past. She always greets with a genuine smile and warm, caring spirit. She is generous with her time, and never makes me feel rushed. Thank you Laurel, you're the best! Dr. Cartwright is a very knowledgeable dentist who takes her practice very seriously. She spends great time, energy and pride in her work. I have waited a long time to choose a dentist to come up with a plan to cosmetically improve my front teeth. Due to complications, not an easy task. She did, I think, an A+ job! I have included a photo, which does not do her justice because I do not have a before, and I have a crooked smile, making it difficult to see her work. I was afraid I would not look like myself in the end result, but I feel she finished with a very natural look, and I am very pleased. Many thanks to Ocala Family Dentistry!
Madisita
2 years ago
Went for the first time and I really liked it here. All the girls I encountered were very nice!
Harvey Greenberg
2 years ago
Highly recommend this dentistry practice. Dr. Cartwright has been great, as has been my hygienist Rochelle. They've really done an excellent job in helping me get my teeth and gums back into good shape. Kudos to Rochelle for having done a lot of work with the deep cleaning I needed - very pleased with the results.
Sarah Vane
2 years ago
I've had horrible dental anxiety for years and this has been the only office I have felt comfortable going to. Everyone is so nice. I have never felt any judgement from anyone and they are very conscious about my anxiety. Laurel did my cleaning today and she was so sweet, she listened to all of my concerns, explained exactly what she was going to do before she did it and checked in with me multiple times throughout to make sure I was doing alright. Very highly recommend this office!
Althea Clemmings
2 years ago
Going to the dentist is one of the biggest fear I have ever had. I love the results of going, but was never able to handle the discomfort. However, my first visit to Ocala family dentist has absolutely helped me to overcome some of that fear. I must especially commend the hygienist Laurel, she was nothing but professional and thorough in what she does. I have never had such a relaxing visit to the dentist before. Front desk Tiffany is very helpful and courteous. Go Ocala Family Dentist, now you guys are my forever dentist. Keep up the great work you all.
m Stitz
2 years ago
Dr Cartwright is professional and caring. I got a deep cleaning done recently and very happy with it. I highly recommend this office.
Patricia Briasco
2 years ago
Kindness, compassion and genuine friendly professionalism, quelled my many years of dental office anxiety and fear. This medical professional of 48 years, highly recommends Dr Cartwright and her amazing team of women........Bravo!
M.T. "Fun Director" McLaughlin
2 years ago
From the front desk, to the staff and to the dentist, best overall dentist I have ever been to. Everyone is very nice and accommodating. The practice is ran very smoothly. Having a fear of dentist prior to Dr. Cartwright that was horrible. But Dr. Cartwright has excellent bed side manners and her work is impeccable. She has taken the fear of dentistry right out of me. I would give this practice a easy 5/5. Thank you OFD for your care for your patients.
Chelsie Freeman
2 years ago
My whole family goes here and all of our experiences have been great! Every staff member is pleasant and helpful and the office is super nice.
Afie Ann
2 years ago
Love their hospitality!
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