Get Quotes Contact Us Sign In
Website
Call
Novato Pediatric Dentistry The Smiling Turtle Pediatric Dentistry specializes in treating children from infancy through their teenage years and children with special health care needs. Our top priority is caring for your child's oral health through education, prevention, positive motivation and quality treatment. Our team listens to your questions and concerns about your child's oral health, and gives you the necessary information to make an informed decision. We are a full service dental office. This means that we can provide the dental services that your child needs from infancy through their teenage years.
Services
It's never too early to get your child started on the path toward a lifetime of good oral health, and there are many services we provide to do exactly that. Monitoring your child's dental growth and development, and preventing and intercepting dental diseases along the way, is a primary focus of our practice.
At The Smiling Turtle Pediatric Dentistry, your child's healthcare is our primary concern. Our goal is to help you get the best care and services necessary for your loved ones. We understand that at times, this care can be an unexpected expense. However, we will do our best to keep you informed about potential costs before, during, and after your appointment.
Reviews (19)
Write a Review
Jess Nietschmann
Jun 22, 2022
We left our previous dental practice because their turnover rate of staff was frustrating. We want a great pediatric dentist who will get to know our kiddos and their teeth and I think we've found it! Dr. Romero was AMAZING and took way more time and care than any dentist ever has with my kids. Her entire staff was so kind and upbeat and a real breath of fresh air
Rachel Williams
May 28, 2022
We took our almost 17 month old twins to their first dentist appointment, and while the twins were not fond of new people it was still a very good experience. Everyone was very understanding with them, they moved quickly while being sure to clean and check every tooth. They explained beautifully what was currently going on as well as what they will continue to look for in future appointments. Absolutely looking forward to going back when their next appointment rolls around!
Amanda Wogaman
May 17, 2022
I cannot recommend Dr Banakus enough! She and her staff are completely amazing. Before they moved to town, we went to another pediatric dentist in town and my daughter had a really, really bad experience. It caused her severe anxiety and a massive fear of the dentist. Even taking her to a "family" dentist didn't help, not the same bedside manner. Dr Banakus worked with my daughter, no matter how long it took, showed her every tool, explained everything she was doing.

I'm happy to say that after 2 years with the Smiling Turtle, she is no longer terrified of the dentist. She still gets a little nervous but I know that she will be well taken care of. They know her well and are always so sweet and comforting. We won't go anywhere else!
Jenny Morcos
Apr 16, 2022
My son has had a lot of dental work that was pretty traumatic for him in the past. So we got a recommendation to check out The Smiling Turtle. They are quite a drive from where we live but if it's a better experience for my son it would be worth it. All I can say is I am very impressed with the entire practice at the Smiling Turtle . They answered all my questions.

We're very kind. They got us in quickly to evaluate what needed to be done because my sons crown fell out. They were actually able to install a new crown right then, which was great we didn't haven't to schedule a new appointment. This place is kid friendly. Everyone is very polite. Where we use to go there would be a waiting room full of kids. I could tell it was only about money there, here I only saw a couple of families come and go while we were there. I highly recommend this Dentist!
Rachel Knapp
Feb 28, 2022
The staff at the smiling turtle is amazing! Every single person we encounter is always so happy and smiling (you can see it in their eyes). They are responsible I cleaning up and making sure everyone is masked and safe. I would highly recommend The smiling turtle to people with littles looking for a dentist that will help their kids AND themselves feel at ease.
Troy & Kristin Wardwell
Feb 22, 2022
We LOVE smiling turtle. I never have felt like they do or push for unnecessary work. They are very conservative and thorough while still giving good care. They are gentle and kind, and my 5 kids really enjoy this practice! So happy to have such a great dentist in Holly Springs!
Megan Culp
Feb 22, 2022
We love all the staff and Dr. Banakus at Smiling Turtle! My kids love going to the dentist, even after having to have a few procedures done that might have scared them off from a dentist. And I love how thoroughly and kindly they explain everything to me, and include the kiddos in the conversation. Wouldn't go anywhere else!
Tenee Hanna
Feb 14, 2022
Everyone is super welcoming here from the front desk, assistants and doctors. My daughter had to get a few cavities filled and they kept in constant communication with me the whole time. I love how they all communicate with their in-ears and can report directly to you concerning your child's well-being. So my daughter was in the back and I was in the waiting area.

They would say, "Mom, your daughter is doing fine. It took a little longer because her cavity was deeper. The doctor will come talk to you in 10min." And I one point they reported to me that they took a little break because my daughter was feeling anxious. I appreciate their concern. I'm glad my kids starting coming to this practice last year! I wish we knew about this practice sooner!
Marissa Daubenmire
Jan 14, 2022
The first time I brought my daughter here, it was for an emergency where she had nearly knocked a tooth out. The dentist was so amazing and the staff very sweet and comforting to my daughter. I have now been bringing both my children there for the last year and every time we have had a great experience. From friendly front desk staff, to short wait times and a very knowledgeable hygienist and dentist, we love the smiling turtle!
Danny Mac
Dec 14, 2021
My son is very well behaved for his age but, I was still very worried about his first dental appointment. The squad at Smiling Turtles was absolutely amazing. My less than 3 year old son actually ran back into the office to yell to the ladies "Merry Christmas, see you soon!" They we're very knowledgeable and have a fantastic way of managing the energy of the little ones. I highly recommend them and look forward to their high quality care of my bubba.
Melissa Sideras
Nov 09, 2021
My daughter (2 years old) had an amazing first experience at The Smiling Turtle today! Great customer service from the entire staff as they made her feel comfortable throughout the visit. The office is professional and clean - a great setup with individual rooms for the littlest ones so they don't feel anxious being at the dentist. Dr Banakus took great care of us and was a wealth of information answering every question and concern. Looking forward to our next visit!
M. Oosterhouse
Sep 26, 2021
Going into environments that are not a part of the everyday he gets nervous beforehand except for the dentist and that is because of the phenomenal staff. They are SO good walking him through each step of the way and explaining everything to him to keep nerves at bay. On top of it, the facility is so clean. You don't wait long in the waiting area either, we are always right in (wish that happened at my doctor appts ) Highly recommend this Holly Springs business!
Jo Miller
Sep 16, 2021
They are so patient and kind to my daughter (she's 3), we've always had such a great experience! She's growing up with no fear of the dentist and that is SO important to me for her dental health. Thank you, everyone, for doing all you do for these kiddos. It's much appreciated and will benefit them greatly as they get older.
Summer Tedder
Aug 18, 2021
Thank you so much Dr. Banakus and The Smiling Turtle team for taking great care of my kids. They all enjoyed their visit and cannot wait to come back for there next cleaning. Keep doing what you're doing because this is hands-down the best pediatric dentist ever!
Rachel Snyder Fogleman
Aug 06, 2021
The dental hygienist and Dr. Banakus were both wonderful. The hygienist was SO good with my son. My 3 year old needs some work done on his teeth since he was a preemie and Dr. Banakus explained everything to us and eased our anxiety. Highly recommend!
Jessica Larry
Aug 06, 2021
By far the best pediatric dentist I have taken my son to. They were so patient with him and understanding of his anxiety. Highly recommend them!
Aimee Nicole
Jul 26, 2021
This is a great office with friendly and caring staff, and Dr. B was excellent. I can't recommend them enough. We came from an office in Raleigh that was pushing the surgery center and general anesthesia and I was not comfortable with that. Dr. B did everything for our child in office and made us feel totally comfortable with the process. We will be taking the rest of our children to this office as well from now on. Thankyou so much to everyone at The Smiling Turtle!
Jessica Laskin
May 24, 2021
The staff is so amazing and caring here. We went for a second opinion visit and they were able to save my daughters teeth instead of removing them like the previous dentist wanted to. I am so happy we found them and they were able to all the dental work my daughter needed in one visit instead of multiple. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and trustworthy dentist. We will be patient here forever
Andrea Schermer
May 06, 2021
My 5 year old dreaded the dentist until we started going to Smiling Turtle. The staff is friendly, attentive, detailed, patient and kind. She now loves and looks forward to going!