At Smile Builders Pediatric Dentistry, we make it a priority to help children establish a positive association with dentistry so that they can feel comfortable in the dental chair for life. A lifetime of good oral health starts at childhood, so our dentists,Dr. Robyn Lesser, Dr. Donna Nichols and Dr. Ashley Tate, and our team make every effort to help your child have a great experience at our pediatric dental office in Tampa, Florida.
Robyn Lesser, DMD Dr. Robyn is a native of Clearwater, Florida, and earned her bachelors degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her DMD from the University of Florida with honors in research. She also completed her pediatric residency at the University of Florida. Dr. Lesser is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She has been recognized by Tampa Bay Magazine as a top pediatric dentist in Tampa Bay. Dr. Lesser is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association and the Hillsborough County Dental Association. She is also a member of Florida Blue Key and is currently president of Pedo Gators, the pediatric dental alumni association for the University of Florida. Dr. Lesser is a Fellow of the AAPD who contributes above and beyond in the field of pediatric and organized dentistry.Dr. Lesser enjoys volunteering in the schools to help educate children on good oral health. She has been in private practice in Tampa since 2002. When she is not working, she is busy with her husband, Gene, and two daughters, Sasha and Mila.
Donna Nichols, DMD Dr. Donna is a pediatric dentist with over 25 years of experience working with pediatric patients. She grew up in Somerset, Kentucky, and attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. She continued on for her pediatric residency at the University of Florida. She also completed a teaching fellowship in 1994.She lives in the Tampa Bay area with her husband, Edson, and three children, Nathanael, Rebekah and Aaron. She enjoys crafting of all kinds, baking and reading. Her favorite food is anything chocolate! She describes herself as patient, caring, comforting, dependable and kind.
Ashley Tate, DMD Dr. Ashley grew up in Palm Harbor, Florida, and earned her bachelors degree from the University of Central Florida. She received her DMD and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Florida. She received the 2015 American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Certificate of Merit and went on two mission trips during dental school to treat underserved areas of the Dominican Republic and Honduras. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, West Coast District Dental Association and Hillsborough County Dental Association. Dr. Tate is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.She is a fitness enthusiast and enjoys baking, traveling, and attending concerts and musicals. Her favorite sports teams are the UCF Knights, Florida Gators and Tampa Bay Lightning. Her favorite food is tacos! She describes herself as patient, sincere, enthusiastic, caring and empathetic.
Shana Practice Administrator Shana has worked with Dr. Lesser since the opening of Smile Builders Pediatric Dentistry. She received her bachelors degree from the University of Florida and a masters degree from Nova Southeastern University. She is originally from Toledo, Ohio, and but moved to Florida at age 9, so she pretty much considers herself a Floridian! When not at work, she enjoys time with her husband and son, going to movies, shopping, swimming, traveling, and cheering on the New York Giants and Florida Gators. She also loves going to Orlando to visit the parks. Her favorite food is sushi! She enjoys helping provide a warm, positive experience for children and families when they come to the dentist.
Sabrina Dental Assistant Sabrina attended the Ultimate Medical Academy for her training and has been at Smile Builders Pediatric Dentistry for over six years. She grew up in Tampa, Florida, and currently resides in the Tampa area. She describes herself as outgoing and loves working out, running, roller blading, tubing and hanging out with her son. Her favorite foods are sushi and boiled peanuts! Her favorite thing to do at work is take X-rays.
Regina Dental Assistant Regina has been a dental assistant for over 25 years but is our newest addition to Smile Builders Pediatric Dentistry! She lives in the Tampa area with her husband, two boys and three dogs. She loves to work out, go to the movies and cheer for the Rays. Her favorite foods are sushi and chicken wings. She describes herself as friendly, fun, silly and outgoing. She loves making kids smile!
Melina Dental Assistant Melina, also known in the office as Meli, received her certification at Hillsborough Community College. She is a native to the Tampa Bay area. She loves spending time with family, going to the beach and traveling with her boyfriend. Meli is a big soccer fan and loves to cheer on Columbia! She has three dogs, and her favorite food is pizza! Melinas favorite part about being a dental assistant is cleaning kids teeth and making them feel comfortable about coming to the dentist.
Erica Dental Assistant Erica has been a dental assistant for 12 years and received her training at Ultimate Medical Academy in Tampa. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio but raised in Puerto Rico. She has lived in the Tampa area for 14 years. Erica has three boys that keep her busy, and when she is not at work she enjoys being with them as well as walking, exercising, going to the beach and watching Netflix! One day Erica hopes to travel to the Dominican Republic or Hawaii! She enjoys being a dental assistant because she loves kids and making them comfortable at the dentist!
Keona Dental Assistant Keona brings over 5 years experience as a dental assistant and completed her training at the Ultimate Medical Academy. She is born and raised in Tampa, Florida! Keona has 4 kids, all girls! She also has one dog named Koko! Keona enjoys shopping, especially Sephora, because she loves makeup! She is definitely a foodie and loves trying new restaurants. Her favorite cuisine is Italian! One her favorite vacation memories was a trip to New Orleans but one day would love to visit Hawaii! Keonas goal at Smile Builders Pediatric Dentistry is making kids comfortable and helping them take pride in their smile!