Dr. Mary Dahdal

Every child deserves a dental experience that helps them feel safe, valued, and excited to come back. Visits to the dentist can feel intimidating at first, which is why I focus on compassionate, personalized care. By building relationships based on trust with kids and their families, I can support them to create healthy habits that last a lifetime.

I became a dentist because I love helping people feel confident and fearless in their smiles—and that journey starts in childhood. I've always felt a strong connection to kids. Growing up, I was surrounded by younger cousins, nieces, and nephews. I also worked with children through the YMCA, tutoring, and coaching soccer. Their creativity, resilience, and curiosity continue to inspire me every day.

As a pediatric dentist, I feel truly honored to support children through every stage of their dental journey, whether it's relieving pain, building confidence, or simply making them laugh in the chair!

Education and Experience

Being from Tampa, I stayed close to home for college, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Public Health from the University of South Florida. While there, I led global volunteer trips focused on improving healthcare in underserved communities. Those experiences deepened my passion for service and preventive care.

I then earned my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and returned to Florida to complete my specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Florida in Naples. During residency, I received advanced training in caring for children of all ages, including those with complex medical needs or dental anxiety.

Continuing Education and Professional Affiliations

I love what I do, and am lucky to be a part of a profession that involves a lifetime of learning. Pediatric dentistry is continuously evolving. I regularly take continuing education courses to stay current with new research, techniques, and technology in pediatric care.

I'm an active member of the following professional organizations:

• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• American Dental Association
• Florida Dental Association

Beyond the Office

When I'm not in the office, you'll often find me curled up with a good book, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or simply enjoying quality time with the people I care about most. Staying active and spending time outdoors are also important parts of my life. My partner, Ryan, and I love exploring new places and finding fun hiking trails to conquer!

Family means the world to me. I'm the youngest of six siblings, and we're fortunate that everyone lives within driving distance, so we get to stay connected and make plenty of memories. At home, I'm a proud cat mom to Winston (my charming toothless kitty) and Cleo (my sweet calico girl), and a dog mom to Cain, my big, gentle pup who's always ready for an adventure.