On behalf of the doctors and staff at Bay area smiles we welcome you to our dental family! We specialize in providing an introduction to dental care to toddlers through our toddler program, comprehensive care to children of all ages, and orthodontic treatment for children and adults. The kids and teens who visit us arent interested in our special training, board certification or pediatric expertise. And they rarely notice how we use special techniques and equipment to give them the high-quality care they deserve. They dont care that weve been around for over 50 plus years, either. They just love the fun, friendly atmosphere at Bay Area Smiles, and they feel reassured by the warmth and personal attention of our team.
Pediatric dentistry is about children. We are specially trained to handle dental problems unique to kids just as a pediatrician are specially trained to care for your childrens medical health needs. We offer sedation dentistry to those children who have high anxiety or who cannot sit still long enough for their treatment to be completed.
Our orthodontists utilize the latest orthodontic technology to provide exceptional orthodontic treatment for children and adults. Our missionis to ensure that patients of all ages can have a smile they love. We offer a variety of treatment options from traditional stainless steel braces, to more discreet clear braces and Invisalign allowing patients to make the right choice for them.
The most compelling aspect of orthodontics is that you have an opportunity to change lives through your treatment and interaction with young patients and their parents. Of course, the majority of my patients are children, which gives me an opportunity, with my treatment and patient skills, to influence the growth and development of so many young people. There is great joy in seeing your patients grow and evolve physically and personally throughout their orthodontic treatment. Solving their dental, social, psychological and physical challenges is extremely gratifying.
Undergraduate Degree: University of Florida Doctorate & Orthodontic Residency: Medical College of Virginia Postdoctorate: TMJ Dysfunction Licensure: Florida and Virginia Hospital Staff: South Florida Baptist Hospital Certified: CPR Emergency Care Membership: American Association of Orthodontists, American Society of Dentistry for Children, American Dental Association, Southern Association of Orthodontics, Florida Association of Orthodontists, Florida Dental Association, West Coast Dental Association, Upper Pinellas County Dental Association
In his spare time, Dr. Howell enjoys sports, watching high-school and college football, golf, scuba and fishing. He has coordinated an expedition to the South Pacific islands to search for Amelia Earharts airplane, and he has dived 12,875 feet deep in a three-man Russian submarine on the wreckage of the Titanic. He also discovered and helped salvage the bronze base to the Cherub on the Grand Ballroom Staircase. The artifact is currently touring museums worldwide.
I love the interaction with children and dealing with all the different behaviors and personalities. Im fascinated by all the different approaches and methods we use to address the behaviors we encounter to create a pleasant dental experience for each child and parent. I am very compassionate and caring. I always give the children some control and options during dental treatment. I hope to give all my patients a lifetime of not being anxious about dental care.
Undergraduate Degree: Auburn University Doctorate: University of Alabama School of Dentistry Residency: Pediatric Dentistry, Eastman Dental Center, New York, NY Licensure: Florida and Alabama Board-Certified: American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Hospital Staff: Morton Plant Hospital Certified: CPR Emergency Care, Advanced Cardiac Life Support Membership: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Tampa Bay Pediatric Dental Association, (Past President) Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Florida Dental Association, West Coast Dental Association, Upper Pinellas County Dental Association
I developed an interest in the medical arts at a very early age. I also enjoy working with my hands and helping people on a personal, individual level. Dentistry is an art based on science, and orthodontics is even more so. It was a perfect fit for me. Orthodontic problems have many possible solutions, and my goal is finding the right solution for the individual patient. I enjoy the personal interactions with the patients and their families. Frequently, some small action on our part can make a major difference in their lives. Empathy and humor are my best qualities. I try to identify with my patients and use humor to create a nonthreatening atmosphere that facilitates our relationships.
Undergraduate Degree: BA, American Studies (cum laude),University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL Doctorate: Emory University School of Dentistry Postdoctorate: Craniofacial Disorders, Orthognathic Surgery and TMJ Dysfunction Residency: Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Montefiore Medical Center / Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY Licensure: Florida Certified: CPR Emergency Care, Advanced Cardiac Life Support Membership: American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Southern Association of Orthodontists, Florida Association of Orthodontists, Florida Dental Association, West Coast Dental Association, Central Florida Orthodontic Study Group, Upper Pinellas County Dental Association
I always had a strong desire to help people. Especially to help them maintain good oral health. I greatly admired the dentists and physicians I knew as a child, and I wanted to help people like they did. With kids, I realize the importance of creating a friendly, comfortable atmosphere so their early experiences in the dental office will be positive. With parents, I share my observations about their childrens oral health and treatment needs, but I also discuss teaching their kids effective oral health strategies at home. I want good oral health and a comfortable relationship with their dental home for my patients. I also have great compassion for the kids. If ever Im in doubt about how best to take care of a child, I pause and think, If this were my son or daughter, what would I want for them? That usually clarifies what I should recommend.
I feel blessed to be able to work with children as it gives me an opportunity to experience the uniqueness of each child and to be a part of their lives in a small way. I am a very compassionate and caring individual. Working with children has taught me immense patience and unconditional love. All of our doctors are continually engaged in learning new behavior management techniques and new clinical methods through continuing education. I strive to have an early and positive influence on your child that will shape their dental experience for the rest of their life.
Undergraduate Degree: University of Florida Doctorate: University of Southern California Residency: Pediatric Dentistry, Miami Childrens Hospital, Miami, FL Licensure: Florida and California Board-Certified: American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Certified: CPR Emergency Care, Pediatric Advanced Life Support Membership: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Tampa Bay Pediatric Dental Association, Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Florida Dental Association, West Coast Dental Association, Upper Pinellas County Dental Association
I first became fascinated about Orthodontics after having braces myself. I was able to see firsthand how a great smile has a huge impact on ones self-esteem. Orthodontics is challenging, it takes planning and precise execution to get the desired result. I love the mental discipline of thischallenge. I enjoy the individual relationships I am able to build with each patient by seeing them on a regular basis. It is great to see how happy patients are when their braces are removed and their new beautiful smile is revealed!
Undergraduate Degree: University of California Riverside Doctorate: University of Southern California Post Doctorate and Masters: University of Colorado Licensure: Florida and California Certified: CPR Emergency Care Membership: American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Southern Association of Orthodontics
Undergraduate Degree: University of Florida Doctorate: University of Southern California Residency: Pediatric Dentistry, Miami Childrens Hospital, Miami, FL Licensure: Florida and California Board Certified: American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Certified: CPR Emergency Care, Pediatric Advanced Life Support Membership: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Tampa Bay Pediatric Dental Association, Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Florida Dental Association, West Coast Dental Association, Upper Pinellas County Dental Association