Dr. Priya Patel, DMD
Dr. Priya is a native of the Sunshine State. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in 2011, where she was the president of a service organization and was very active in volunteering with children. Dr. Priya always knew she wanted to work with children and collaborate with families to ensure a positive dental experience for their children. She obtained her doctorate in dental medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in 2016, and received honors in oral medicine, emphasizing medically complex cases. Her commitment to play a role in the dental care of children continued as she completed her residency at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital where she had the opportunity to serve the underserved and immigrant population in the Miami community.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Priya enjoys spending quality time with her son and husband, traveling the world, and sharing her expertise as a certified yoga instructor. Known for her ability to foster a comfortable and positive dental experience for children, she is committed to ensuring optimal oral health outcomes for her patients!
Education
- Bachelor of Science – University of Florida
- Doctor of Dental Medicine – University of Pennsylvania
Professional Memberships
- American Dental Association
- Florida Dental Association
Dr. Erica Chillemi
Dr. Erica was born and raised in New York, but now considers herself a proud Floridian! After obtaining her bachelors degree from Villanova University in Pennsylvania (GO WILDCATS!), and her DMD degree from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in New Jersey, she fled the snowy northeast in pursuit of sunshine – and what better place to land than the Sunshine State?! Dr. Erica went on to complete her Pediatric Dental Residency at the University of Florida in Naples, where she had the privilege of providing comprehensive dental care for children and adolescents of a migrant worker population. Dr. Erica’s number one goal of every dental visit is making sure her patients leave with a smile, and is dedicated to promoting positive dental experiences for children of all ages!
Outside of her profession, Dr. Erica loves cooking, yoga, spending time outdoors and cuddling her tuxedo cat, Stella! Fun Fact: Dr. Erica’s Mom, Dad, and Grandpa are all dentists too!
Education
- Bachelor of Science – Villanova University of Pennsylvania
- Doctor of Dental Medicine – Rutgers University of New Jersey
Professional Memberships
- Pediatric Dental Residency – University of Florida, Naples
Dr. Brandon Larkin, DDS
With a philosophy rooted in service to the community, Dr. Brandon Larkin, a Flint, Michigan native, is steadfast in his determination to help the community both in and out of the dental chair. Specializing in Pediatric Dentistry, he is recognized as an influential practitioner in dental trauma and craniofacial abnormalities. A graduate of the University of Michigan, frequently recognized as the top dental school in the country Dr. Larkin received his doctorate in Dental Surgery through a rigorous dental and surgical curriculum. That was proceeded by a Bachelor’s Degree of Brain Development and Cranial Neuroscience. He served and trained at the Miami Children’s Hospital where he specialized in providing world class dental care to children, teens and chronic patients requiring specialized healthcare needs. His pre and post-doctoral research in the dental field has afforded him national recognition as a speaker at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The impact of his research was published in Pediatrics, a leading journal for pediatricians. With a strong belief that education is the best prevention, he places a daily emphasis is on preventative routines and treatment. His professional memberships have included Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Craniofacial team, The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, The Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, The Florida Dental Association and The Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry. He was also a member of the craniofacial team at Miami Children’s Hospital.
Outside of the office, Dr. Larkin enjoys spending time with his wife Trisha. Trisha is a Pediatric Oncologist and Neuro-oncologist at St. Josephs Children’s Hospital. She completed her Neuro-oncology fellowship at the world-renowned St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. Dedicated to a lifetime of service for children, the couple frequently participates in events with St. Jude, the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation and Relay for Life. They are grateful for the opportunity to the serve the Tampa community. Together they are avid board game players, huge college football fans and enjoy exploring new spots in Tampa.
Kissoon TP, Larkin B, Rosa-Olivares J, Arevalo O. “Survey for Smiles: Improving oral care outcomes through structured counseling in ambulatory pediatrics.” Pediatrics, May 2018.
Dr. Nagabis Gonzalez, DMD
Dr. Gonzalez was born and raised in Havana, Cuba where she also attended dental school for the first time. She moved to Florida when she was 21, and attended the University of South Florida for her Bachelor’s degree in Biology. She completed dental school at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. After dental school, Dr. Gonzalez earned her Speciality Certification in pediatric dentistry from NYU Langone Health Hospitals, at their hospital’s pediatric dentistry program located in Casa Grande, Arizona. She is very happy and excited to be back in Florida, practicing pediatric dentistry, where her friends and family live.
Dr. Gonzalez loves spending time with friends, family, and her fur baby Taco. Taco is a very well mannered Siberian Husky currently training to become a pediatric therapy dog. In her free time, Dr. Gonzalez loves watching cooking shows and pretending she knows how to cook. Dr. Gonzalez is thrilled to be a part of our pediatric dental team. She looks forward to getting to know each and every one of the families in the practice.
Education
- NYU Langone Health (Pediatric Residency)
- Doctor of Dental Medicine
Nova Southeastern University College
Professional Memberships
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Florida Dental Association
- Give Kids A Smile Director
Leslie Barcena D.M.D
Dr. Leslie Barcena, was born and raised in North Carolina, where she received her dental degree at the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine. Prior to dental school, she obtained her undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Health and the Environment at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Leslie moved to Florida in 2019 and completed her pediatric dental residency with NYU-Langone Health in Tampa, Florida, where she held the position of Chief Resident in her second year. Leslie is recognized as a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist and her professional memberships include The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, The Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and The Florida Dental Association
Dr. Leslie loves working with children of all ages to make sure they have a comfortable and enjoyable experience at the dentist. With her calm and lighthearted spirit, she strives to bring a smile to her patients’ faces with every appointment!
Outside of the dental office, Dr. Leslie enjoys baking yummy treats, playing outdoor sports, and exploring new places with her friends and family!
Education
- Dental Degree – East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine.
- Environmental Studies – Health / Environment University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Pediatric Dental Residency – NYU-Langone Health, Tampa FL
Professional Memberships
- The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- The Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- The Florida Dental Association
What our patients are saying:
The office staff was incredibly kind and so welcoming. They helped us try to identify the root of daughter’s teeth pain and were thorough. I appreciated the gentleness and professionalism. Will absolutely enjoy this office as our new peds dentist!!!
Alissa G.
This is the most amazing pediatric dentist office ever!! My daughter had a rough start with dentist and was hesitant and nervous, but the staff are amazing and the dentist is so patient and kind!!! My daughter loves going to the dentist now. Even when she needs a filling, she isn't afraid. We found our dentist for life!
Brandy L.
They were amazing with my son! They explained everything in detail and was so kind! For the first time my son let them actually clean his teeth! Thank you so much!!
Candi K.
Took my kids ages 10 and 6 for their first dentist visit ever. They were nervous at first but by the end of the visit they were having a blast and couldn't wait to come back! The staff is wonderful. The kids loved holding "Mr. Slurpy" to suction their mouths. I highly recommend this practice.
Elisa K.
