Your pediatric dentist in Tallahassee, from first tooth to teens
Gentle, kid-first dental care at 1771 Capital Circle NE — delivered by board-certified pediatric dentists in an office designed to make children actually want to come back.
Looking for a pediatric dentist in Tallahassee? SmileWorks Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics cares for infants through teens at 1771 Capital Circle NE, Tallahassee, FL 32308, led by board-certified pediatric dentists Dr. Safiya Smith, DDS, MPH and Dr. Gabriela Asensi, DMD, MPH. Appointments run Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM, with same-day emergency care available — call (850) 765-3748.
Why choose a board-certified pediatric dentist
Pediatric dentists complete 2–3 additional years of specialty residency after dental school focused entirely on children — child behavior guidance, growth and development, sedation, and care for children with special healthcare needs. Board certification by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry goes a step further: it is a voluntary credential that both of our pediatric dentists hold.
- Board-certified pediatric dentists with specialty residency training
- Gentle behavior guidance for anxious and first-time patients
- Care for children with physical, developmental, and sensory needs
- Sedation options for anxious children and longer procedures
- Orthodontists in the same office when it's time for braces
For the full range of services — preventive, restorative, laser dentistry, sedation, and special needs care — see our pediatric dentistry overview.
Meet our board-certified pediatric dentists
Dr. Safiya Smith, DDS, MPH
Dr. Smith is board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, with over a decade of experience. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery and a Master of Public Health at Columbia University, then completed her pediatric dentistry residency at Albert Einstein/Montefiore Medical Center — gaining extensive experience caring for children with special needs and medically complex conditions.
She is especially skilled at helping anxious young patients feel at ease, using gentle behavior management and desensitization techniques to turn nervous visits into fun ones. Her Spanish proficiency helps her connect with families from all backgrounds.
Dr. Gabriela Asensi, DMD, MPH
With over two decades of experience, Dr. Asensi is known for her gentle approach and clinical excellence. She completed advanced pediatric training through a dual residency program with Miami Children's Hospital and the University of Florida, and served as Chief of the Department of Dentistry at Nicklaus Children's Health System in Miami — one of the nation's leading pediatric health systems.
She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University and a Master of Public Health from Florida International University, and she welcomes families in both English and Spanish.
Read their full backgrounds on Meet the Doctors.
A first visit with no surprises
A great first dental experience shapes how a child feels about the dentist forever, so we keep it simple: a warm welcome and a moment to explore, a gentle look at teeth, gums, and bite — often in a parent's lap for toddlers — a cleaning that fits their age, and a real conversation about what we found.
X-rays only happen when they're genuinely needed, and parents are welcome chairside the entire time.
An office built to put kids at ease
- TVs at every chair streaming Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu — your child picks the show
- A game station in the waiting room that makes time fly
- A drink station with options for kids and the grown-ups who drove them
- Parents welcome chairside during visits
- Early-morning appointments from 7:00 AM, before school starts
Same-day emergency care for kids
Knocked-out tooth, bad chip, sudden pain, or swelling — call us first at (850) 765-3748. We reserve same-day emergency time Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM and will walk you through exactly what to do before you arrive.
Our Tallahassee office
Location & hours
1771 Capital Circle NE, Tallahassee, FL 32308
- Phone
- (850) 765-3748
- office@smileworkstally.com
- Hours
- Mon–Fri, 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Parking
- Free on-site parking, stroller friendly
Good to know before you book
- We work with most major dental insurance plans and verify your benefits before your first visit
- Membership plans are available for families without insurance
- Early-morning slots are popular with school families — book ahead for 7:00–8:00 AM times
- Wakulla County families can also visit our Crawfordville office
Questions Tallahassee parents ask
What makes a pediatric dentist different from a family dentist?
Pediatric dentists complete 2–3 additional years of specialty residency after dental school focused entirely on children — including child behavior guidance, growth and development, sedation, and care for children with special healthcare needs.
Can I stay with my child during the visit?
Yes. Parents are welcome chairside at SmileWorks. Seeing you calm and involved helps children feel safe, and it lets you see exactly how we care for them.
What should I do if my child has a dental emergency in Tallahassee?
Call SmileWorks first at (850) 765-3748. We reserve same-day emergency time Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM and will walk you through exactly what to do before you arrive. Emergency information →
Give your child a dental home they'll love
New patients are welcome. Most families are seen within days, not weeks.