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 4.7 out of 5 based on 33 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestDanielle Irwin
2 years ago
This practice's business model is "deliver quality service, to get consistent referrals". Therefore, this practice doesn't take any Insurance Plans at all. After establishing themselves, many people don't mind paying a little extra for quality service. I respect that they have established value, and are making profit based on that value. They are happy, the people paying a little extra are happy. If you don't mind paying a little extra for procedures, it's worth it to be well taken care of. If you feel that you pay a lot for your insurance, and deserve to have more coverage for procedures, try finding a practice that does take your insurance, and doesn't treat you like a number. There ARE good dentists out there that DO take insurance plans....you just got to do the research and ask the right questions. Good for you Dr. Ron in what you've accomplished here. Well done!
Maureen Quinlan
2 years ago
Beware! Ron numbed my chin up big time.....ten days, I could not feel or eat. Called him so many times and no response.....found out he was at a volley ball tournament!.....try Watts dental. Only giving one star because you have to to post.
Nev Lieslu
2 years ago
Does not accept MCNA DENTAL-MEDICAID
Marcey McKinstry
2 years ago
This is the place to go if one is fearful of dentistry. They are so kind and compassionate. Ivy is caring and always makes us feel like we are her favorite. I suspect most feel that way when they get to work with her. Dr ONeil is patient and understanding. So blessed to have found this group.
Avery Porter
2 years ago
An overall amazing experience, not only were they helpful, but made it educational.
Tamora Thompson
2 years ago
I would highly recommend Dr. O'Neil and his staff. Ivy (hygienist) is great. She made sure I was comfortable during my visit. Both Dr. O'Neil and Ivy explained what they were doing along the way and were eager to answer any questions I had.
AMY MAXHIMER
3 years ago
Ivy is an amazing dental hygienist. I followed her from the previous dentist she was employed by. She is extremely thorough and communicates her process every step of the way. I would highly recommend her. The other staff I was introduced to were very congenial and accommodating as well.
Kai Stephenson
3 years ago
I love this office so much-- I have extreme anxiety and fear of the dentist, but their team was so gentle with me over a month-long root canal project. Dr. O'Neal is very relaxed, he works fast, and Sylvia kept me comfortable for each procedure. I can't recommend this place enough!!
Tamora Thompson
3 years ago
I would highly recommend Dr. O'Neil and his staff. Ivy (hygienist) is great. She made sure I was comfortable during my visit. Both Dr. O'Neil and Ivy explained what they were doing along the way and were eager to answer any questions I had.
dustin coopermill
3 years ago
Dr. Ron O'Neal is a professional hardworking friendly dentist. You will like the results. Dr. O'Neal volunteers at free dental clinics. Has dental offices himself, too
Meghan Sajecki
3 years ago
After being in the dental field for so long as a dental assistant , I find it very difficult to find a good dentist to go to for my dental work. I'm new to this area and of course being a yelper , I went to yelp to find a dentist. I came across Dr O'Neal and he had a 5 star rating which I thought was too good to be true. Especially because he's only 5 minutes away. Long story short I broke a tooth 2 days ago and had to make an appointment ASAP and the staff at this office got me in right away and everything was done in a timely manner. I had my appointment today and I have to tell you how great of an experience it was. I'm lucky, and am not afraid of the dentist so the experience is a little easier for me , but for others I'm sure this Dr will put a smile on your face and also be completely honest with you. Which is so hard to find these days with dental professionals. He even helped me out when I really needed it with the treatment plan. He was able to explain everything to me and even showed me pictures to see what he's working with. He and his assistant both were very kind and humorous throughout the whole appointment. I ended up needed a buildup crown , and the whole procedure was absolutely painless. I actually was talking and laughing throughout. I mean , who can say that about their dental visit?! In just my one appointment I can tell that he really cares about his patients and wants to do what's best. And I definitely admire that and appreciate that. Unfortunately I don't know if they will be able to take my insurance in January , but let me tell you, even if they don't , I'm going back. He was THAT good! So if you're in the area and need a great dentist, he's definitely worth a SHOT (lol) a little dental humor.
zsa zsa riggs
3 years ago
Today I saw Ivy. Love the atmosphere and all the caring staff!
Justin Dean
3 years ago
Me, my wife and 3 daughters all see Dr O'Neal and his staff. Everyone there is extremely kind and knowledgeable. As long as we're in St Pete, he'll be our dentist.
Debby Behrens
3 years ago
I couldn't be happier! He and his staff are so knowledgeable and very compassionate! I loved that he took the time to explain everything to me! Great dentist! Great staff! 5 stars all around!
AMY MAXHIMER
3 years ago
Ivy is an amazing dental hygienist. I followed her from the previous dentist she was employed by. She is extremely thorough and communicates her process every step of the way. I would highly recommend her. The other staff I was introduced to were very congenial and accommodating as well.
Kai Stephenson
3 years ago
I love this office so much-- I have extreme anxiety and fear of the dentist, but their team was so gentle with me over a month-long root canal project. Dr. O'Neal is very relaxed, he works fast, and Sylvia kept me comfortable for each procedure. I can't recommend this place enough!!
Michelle Sampson
4 years ago
I'm so grateful that I have found not only an amazing dentist, but a very thorough and knowledgeable hygienist. The office staff is super friendly and the office is esthetically on point. They truly have the whole package! I have to thank Cassandra, their wonderful marketing manager for turning me on to such a fabulous dental practice! I highly recommend!!
Meghan Sajecki
4 years ago
After being in the dental field for so long as a dental assistant , I find it very difficult to find a good dentist to go to for my dental work. I'm new to this area and of course being a yelper , I went to yelp to find a dentist. I came across Dr O'Neal and he had a 5 star rating which I thought was too good to be true. Especially because he's only 5 minutes away. Long story short I broke a tooth 2 days ago and had to make an appointment ASAP and the staff at this office got me in right away and everything was done in a timely manner. I had my appointment today and I have to tell you how great of an experience it was. I'm lucky, and am not afraid of the dentist so the experience is a little easier for me , but for others I'm sure this Dr will put a smile on your face and also be completely honest with you. Which is so hard to find these days with dental professionals. He even helped me out when I really needed it with the treatment plan. He was able to explain everything to me and even showed me pictures to see what he's working with. He and his assistant both were very kind and humorous throughout the whole appointment. I ended up needed a buildup crown , and the whole procedure was absolutely painless. I actually was talking and laughing throughout. I mean , who can say that about their dental visit?! In just my one appointment I can tell that he really cares about his patients and wants to do what's best. And I definitely admire that and appreciate that. Unfortunately I don't know if they will be able to take my insurance in January , but let me tell you, even if they don't , I'm going back. He was THAT good! So if you're in the area and need a great dentist, he's definitely worth a SHOT (lol) a little dental humor.
Brandon Jordan
4 years ago
He is actually on TV, too. He is on the HealthMarkets TV commercial with comedian Bill Engvall. So cool. I always thought those commercials they use some random person. Nice to know it is indeed endorsed by a real dentist, and highly renowned one at that.
dustin coopermill
4 years ago
Dr. Ron O'Neal is a professional hardworking friendly dentist. You will like the results. Dr. O'Neal volunteers at free dental clinics. Has dental offices himself, too
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