Pediatric dentist in Ocala, for babies to teens
Dr. Annika Ferrante trained two extra years in children's dentistry. Parents stay beside the chair. Visits start at 7:30.
What parents say
Here they let me sit right next to my son and the hygienist counted his teeth out loud like a game.
Sample review
We drive in from Dunnellon for the 7:30 appointments. In and out before school starts, and they texted me a photo of the sealants.
Sample review
Our daughter has autism and loud rooms are hard for her. They gave us the last appointment of the day in the quiet room and turned the lights down.
Sample review
What we do for kids
Children from the first tooth to age 18, including children with special health care needs.
First visits for babies and toddlers
A short, gentle checkup by the first birthday. We count teeth and show you how to brush them.
Checkups, cleanings and sealants
Visits every six months: a cleaning, fluoride when it helps, and sealants when adult molars come in.
Dental emergencies
Same-day visits for toothaches, chips and knocked-out teeth, and a dentist on call after hours.
Care for children with special needs
Longer, quieter visits planned with you, for children with autism, sensory differences, ADHD and other health care needs.
Tooth-colored fillings and crowns
When a cavity needs repair, we numb gently and explain every step first.
Laughing gas
A small nose mask helps nervous kids relax. Children stay awake, and it wears off within minutes.
Sports mouthguards
Custom mouthguards for football, soccer, softball and cheer, made from a scan of your child's teeth.
Bite and orthodontic checks
We watch the bite as it grows and refer you to an orthodontist when treatment would help.
Meet Dr. Annika Ferrante
I tell every child what I am about to do, and then I do exactly that. Kids relax when nothing is a surprise.
Dr. Ferrante completed a two-year pediatric dentistry residency after dental school. She opened Sparrow Hill in 2014 and sees children from the first tooth through high school.
Also on the team
Dr. Rowan Pelletreau, DMD
Why parents choose us
A children's specialist
Both dentists trained two more years in pediatric dentistry. Children and teens are all we see.
Parents stay in the room
Sit beside your child for the whole visit. Many kids feel calmer with a parent close by.
Visits before school
We open at 7:30 every weekday, so a checkup does not cost a morning of class.
The price before we start
We take most PPO plans and Florida Medicaid dental plans. Treatment costs come in writing first.
Your first visit, step by step
Call us
Tell us your child's age and insurance or Medicaid plan. We text you the forms.
Fill in the forms
Health history and consent take about ten minutes on your phone. Bring your insurance card.
The first visit
We check each tooth and clean if your child is ready. First visits take 30 to 45 minutes.
A plan you can read
Before you leave, we go over what we found. Any treatment and its cost come in writing first.
Plans we work with: Delta Dental PPO, MetLife PPO, Cigna Dental PPO, Guardian PPO, Florida Medicaid dental plans.
Find us off SW College Road
4180 SW Tangerine Hollow Road, Suite 120Ocala, FL 34471
Serving Ocala, Belleview, Dunnellon, Silver Springs Shores, Summerfield and Marion Oaks.
Free parking beside the building. Stroller ramp at the front door; the elevator is left of the lobby.
| Monday | 7:30 am to 4:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:30 am to 4:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30 am to 4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 7:30 am to 4:30 pm |
| Friday | 7:30 am to 12 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Open through lunch, Monday to Thursday. Fridays end at noon.
After hours: For a knocked-out tooth or a bad mouth injury, call our main number and follow the prompt for the dentist on call. For a head injury, trouble breathing or heavy bleeding, call 911.
Questions parents ask us
When should my child first see a dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises a first visit when the first tooth appears, and no later than the first birthday. Read about first visits.
Can I stay with my child during the visit?
Yes. Parents are welcome beside the chair at every visit. Some older kids prefer to go in alone, and that is fine too.
Do you take Florida Medicaid?
Yes, we accept Florida Medicaid dental plans for children. Call with your child's plan name and we will confirm before the visit.
My child is scared of the dentist. What do you do?
We explain each step first, show the tools, and let your child hold a mirror. Short visits come first. For a nervous child who needs treatment, laughing gas is one option.
What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?
Call us right away. Put an adult tooth back, or carry it in milk. Do not put a baby tooth back in. If you cannot find the tooth and your child coughs or has trouble breathing, go to the emergency room. What to do.
Ready when your family is
Call and tell us your child's age. We will find a morning that works and text the forms.