Preventative Care
Gentle cleanings, exams, fluoride, and sealants focused on comfort, prevention, and lifelong oral health.
CleaningsFluorideSealants
Pediatric Dentist & Orthodontics · Fort Myers & Naples
Where kids run
toward the dentist.
Gentle, kid-focused care from Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD and team. And yes, that's really our Naples lobby you're looking at: the S.S. Flossy, a deep-sea diver, and a blue whale overhead. Go on, touch the water.
Serving SWFL since 1992
Gentle sedation options
Se habla español
Voted SWFL's Most Loved Pediatric Dentist 8 years in a row
News-Press Readers Poll Best Pediatric Dentist, 2015 to 2020
Serving Southwest Florida since 1992
Two under-the-sea themed offices
Hulafrog Most Loved Pediatric Dentist 2017 & 2018
Ship's theater · 5 ft down
Sea it before you visit.
Real video from inside both offices, straight from the practice's own YouTube channel. Families have pressed play more than 650,000 times, usually the night before a first visit. Pick a reel and take the tour.
Every reel is the practice's own footage. Nothing moves and no sound starts until you press play.
Step inside · 10 ft down
The office is the adventure.
A shipwreck in the lobby. Surfboard video games. A 16 foot whale shark overhead. Both offices were built as an underwater world, so a dental visit feels like a day at the aquarium instead of a chore.
Can you spot Shades? He is hiding in 6 places on this dive.
Surfboard video game consoles
Shipwreck & treasure chest
Kids Korner with iPads & sandcastle puzzles
4 private rooms + 8 patient bay
Orthodontics at this office
16 ft whale shark & blue whale overhead
S.S. Flossy game nook
Deep-sea diver photo op with Shades
3 private rooms + 6 patient bay
Game area
We want to have an experience where children run towards the front doors in anticipation of their appointments. Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD, on why the offices look the way they do
Explore the reef · 25 ft down
Every kind of care a growing smile needs.
From a baby's very first checkup to braces, everything happens under one (underwater) roof. Tap a card to see what's included.
Restorative Dentistry
Tooth colored fillings, kid-sized crowns, and gentle nerve treatments that repair cavities and protect little teeth.
Tooth-colored fillingsKid-sized crownsGentle nerve care
Infant & Toddler Care
First visits and wellness checks, teething guidance, thumb-sucking support, and nutrition tips for brand-new smiles.
First visitsTeething helpThumb-sucking support
Special Needs Dentistry
Individualized, compassionate care with a tailored plan so every child feels comfortable, safe, and supported.
Tailored plansYour child's paceParents stay close
Orthodontics
Growth checks at every visit, braces when the time is right, plus space maintainers and retainers as kids grow.
Growth checksBracesRetainers
Sedation & Comfort
Laughing gas, gentle anesthetics, and IV sedation options, always discussed with parents before anything happens.
Laughing gasIV sedationDiscussed with you first
The first visit voyage · 40 ft down
A first visit, charted stop by stop.
New to the crew? Here is exactly how a first appointment goes. Tap each stop on the route.
Stop 1 · Drop anchor & explore
Check in, then let them loose. The surfboard arcade, the shipwreck, the sandcastle iPads in Kids Korner. Say hi to Shades. By the time we call their name, the scary part is already gone.
When should the maiden voyage happen? The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend a child's first visit be 6 months after the eruption of their first tooth, or by their first birthday.
A picture story of the visit, in kid words. You can print it for the car ride, too.
Parents stay close the whole visit.
Everything explained in kid words, at your child's pace.
Sedation is always discussed with you first. Nothing happens without you.
Shades and the Wiggly Tooth
Shades Meets the Whale Shark
The S.S. Flossy and the Sugar Bug Pirates
The Bravest Little Diver
Goodnight, Reef
Kids' Cove · 60 ft down
Reef Rescue: the 2 minute brush.
2:00minutes
Press start, grab a toothbrush!
My Reef
1 brush
5 brushes
10 brushes
7 day streak
Two minutes, four corners, one rescued reef.
Dentists recommend brushing for two full minutes, twice a day. Our timer splits it into four 30 second zones, one for each corner of the mouth, and a reef fish lights up every time your kid finishes a zone. Four fish means the reef is rescued and the teeth are officially sparkling. Come back tomorrow: every brush grows the My Reef collection, and a 7 day streak earns the whale shark.
Top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right. 30 seconds each.
Small gentle circles along the gumline beat hard scrubbing.
A rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste under 3, a pea size after.
Bonus game: the Naples whale shark needs a checkup too. Help Shades scrub all 8 sparkly spots.
Meet the smile squad
The crew behind the smiles.
Four doctors, one promise: treat every child and family with kindness, integrity, and compassion.
Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD
Pediatric Dentist · Founder
Dr. Verwest has been making SWFL kids smile since opening the practice in 1992. His father was the first pediatric dentist in Fort Myers, and Dr. Tim followed the family current: University of Florida trained, and Chief Resident in Pediatric Dentistry at UF Gainesville before starting his own practice.
Former Director of the Dental Surgery section, Lee Memorial Hospital
Member: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, ADA, Florida Dental Association
Eagle Scout, state-level competitive swimmer, and a loyal Gators fan
Married, proud dad of three, happiest boating and fishing with the family dogs
Dr. Riya Walia
Pediatric Dentist
DMD and pediatric dentistry residency at Nova Southeastern University, dual trained in the United States and Canada. Born in India, raised in Canada, and a proud Floridian since 2019.
Dr. Joseph Whitesides
Orthodontist
Over a decade of orthodontic experience, treating each family the way he would want his own treated: with compassion and respect. Braces and retainers at the Fort Myers office.
Dr. Yusleimys Torres
General Dentist
Trained at the Institute of Medical Sciences of Havana with an AEGD residency at NYU Langone Hospital. Known for a gentle approach, and fluent in English and Spanish.
Beyond the office
Out making waves in SWFL.
Pearls from parents · 100 ft down
What SWFL families surface with.
Real reviews, word for word, from Google and Healthgrades.
★★★★★
"I continue to be impressed with this dentist! We have been coming here since 2022. This most recent visit Ana, our dental hygienist was so wonderful with my 2 year old and 8 year old. She explained everything she was doing step by step and was patient and caring... Great choice for pediatric dentistry!"
★★★★★
"Knowledgeable staff and very friendly atmosphere. My kids actually enjoy going to the dentist."
★★★★★
"Dr Tim and his assistant Ms Gretel was great with my son, Ms Gretel is so patient and sweet and Dr Tim is a wonderful dentist and knows how to deal with autistic children like my son. Thank you so much."
★★★★★
"Friendly and very fun lobby where the kids could play while we waited. My kids enjoyed their visit."
★★★★★
"Pediatric Dentistry of Florida is THE best! This was our third year at a pediatric dentist's office and we love it! The atmosphere and staff are wonderful, Lianny was wonderful with our three kids! Would definitely recommend!!"
★★★★★
"Melanie, Victoria, and Dr. Walia were AMAZING!!! Very attentive. Educated. Super sweet. Wonderful with my 4 children. 10/10 would recommend"
★★★★★
"The waiting room, office and Dental area where procedures are done are very kid friendly which I feel helps the children feel much more relaxed and at ease... It is a long trip for us from Port Charlotte but well worth it if he is comfortable and happy."
★★★★★
"Dr. Verwest was my dentist as a child and now my daughters dentist .. He is kind and handles children very well.."
★★★★★
"I had a great experience at this dental office. The entire staff is awesome, friendly, organized, and professional. Cristina, the doctor's assistant, truly stood out... It's clear they really care about their patients. I would definitely recommend this dentist to others!"
Two treasure spots · 120 ft down
Find your nearest adventure.
Fort Myers and Naples, one crew. Pan the map or tap a marker.
Fort Myers Orthodontics here
8016 Summerlin Lakes DrFort Myers, FL 33907
One number for both offices: call (239) 482-2722 and your call is routed to the right office.
Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: closed
Serving Lee & Collier counties
Ask the dentist
Questions parents ask us.
Screen feeling too busy for your child? Tap "Calm Waters" in the menu to pause the bubbles and animations.
What age should my child first see a pediatric dentist?
Most children should visit a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early visits help establish healthy habits and allow the dentist to monitor development from the start.
What is a pediatric dentist?
A pediatric dentist has spent a minimum of two years after dental school receiving specialty training dedicated to the unique needs of children. They provide primary and specialty care for infants and children through the teenage years. Think of pediatric dentists as the pediatricians of dentistry.
How often should my child visit the dentist?
In most cases, children should have dental checkups every six months. Regular visits help prevent cavities, catch issues early, and keep your child comfortable with dental care.
What should I expect at my child's first dental visit?
The first visit is usually short and simple. It often includes a gentle exam, a quick cleaning if appropriate, and guidance for parents on brushing, diet, and oral health habits.
Are baby teeth really that important?
Absolutely! Baby teeth are critical as young children learn to eat and speak, and they maintain space for the permanent teeth that will someday replace them. Baby teeth are typically not all gone until around age 12, and they can cause pain and infection if not taken care of.
Do you offer gentle care for anxious or nervous children?
Yes. Our offices were designed around the concept of helping children feel safe and relaxed. Our dentists use calm explanations, positive reinforcement, and gentle techniques to reduce fear and anxiety.
Are dental X-rays necessary and are they safe?
As parents ourselves, we understand the concern. The simple truth is that we cannot properly or effectively care for your child without them. We use digital X-ray technology that greatly reduces exposure compared to traditional X-rays, and lead aprons are always used whenever possible to reduce your child's exposure even further.
Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth?
Thumb, finger, and pacifier habits generally only become a problem if they continue for a long period of time or if the sucking is very intense. Most children stop on their own before kindergarten. Prolonged or intense habits can contribute to speech or orthodontic problems, and we are happy to help you and your child with a plan.
When should my child visit the orthodontist?
Your child's complete dental condition, including facial development and tooth positions, is evaluated at every routine care visit, and your pediatric dentist will let you know when your child is ready for an orthodontic evaluation. Pediatric Dentistry of Florida provides full comprehensive orthodontic care at our Fort Myers location.
Ask the Gator
Quiz your grown-up! Every answer is hiding somewhere on this page.
Ready to play? 5 questions, no clock, no pressure.
Back to shore
Ready to set sail?
Booking is one quick call: (239) 482-2722. One number reaches both offices, Monday to Friday 8 to 5.
What happens next?
A real human answers, Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm
New patient forms arrive ahead of time, no clipboard scramble
Show up a few minutes early so the kids can explore the ship
Call to set sail
We book by phone on purpose: your child's health details stay in a conversation with our front desk, never typed into a website.
Call (239) 482-2722
Mon–Fri 8:00 am–5:00 pm · one number for both offices
Fort Myers 8016 Summerlin Lakes Dr Directions
Naples 1035 Piper Blvd, Suite 103 Directions
Prefer email? info@drverwest.com — for anything urgent, please call.