Meet Dr. Natalie Smith
A Pediatric Dentist Dedicated to Compassion, Excellence & Child-Centered Care
At Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Natalie Smith brings a gentle, thoughtful, and highly specialized approach to caring for children of all ages. As a board-certified pediatric dentist, she is deeply committed to making dental visits feel positive, predictable, and reassuring—especially for little ones who may be nervous or experiencing dental care for the first time. Dr. Smith believes that excellent pediatric dentistry blends clinical expertise with patience, warmth, and an understanding of each child’s unique personality and needs.
Originally from Ormond Beach, FL, Dr. Smith has always been drawn to caring for children. Her training at some of the nation’s most respected institutions—including Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Crittenden Regional Hospital, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—shaped her into a thoughtful, highly skilled clinician with a calm, deeply compassionate approach to patient care.
Outside of practicing pediatric dentistry, Dr. Smith enjoys spending time with her husband and their two young daughters. Whether she’s traveling, learning new hobbies, or exploring local activities with her family, she values creating a life filled with connection, curiosity, and joy. Her experiences as a mother shape her empathy and understanding in the dental chair, allowing her to support families with compassion and relatability.
Dedicated to Families, Education & Community
Beyond her clinical expertise, Dr. Smith is passionate about helping families understand their child’s oral development and supporting them with clear, practical guidance. She believes that parents should feel educated, empowered, and supported—not overwhelmed.
She also enjoys being active in the local community, participating in outreach programs, school partnerships, and children’s events whenever possible. Her caring, approachable nature shines not only in the operatory but in every interaction she has with families.
Why Families Love Dr. Smith
-
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
-
Advanced training in medically complex and special-needs care
-
Calm, reassuring presence that eases anxiety
-
Deep experience with hospital-based dentistry
-
Balanced approach to prevention, growth, and development
-
Warm, family-centered communication style
-
Commitment to creating positive lifelong dental habits
A Caring, Gentle Approach That Puts Children at Ease
Dr. Smith is known by families for her calm demeanor, thoughtful communication, and ability to make even the most apprehensive children feel safe and understood. She uses a development-based, child-led approach—taking the time to explain each step, move at the child’s pace, and create an environment where trust naturally grows.
Her strengths include:
-
Caring for anxious, sensory-sensitive, and special-needs children
-
Providing dental care for medically complex patients
-
Early cavity prevention and minimally invasive dentistry
-
Growth and development evaluations
-
Trauma management and emergency care
-
Creating positive, confidence-building dental experiences
Parents frequently comment on her ability to make their children feel comfortable, respected, and empowered—no matter the situation.
Education & Advanced Specialty Training
Dr. Smith earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, where she developed a strong foundation in comprehensive oral health and a passion for working with children. She then completed an intensive Pediatric Dentistry Residency at the University of Tennessee, earning her Master of Dental Science while receiving advanced clinical training across several nationally recognized children’s hospitals.
During her residency, Dr. Smith completed rotations at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Crittenden Regional Hospital, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she gained extensive experience treating infants, children, adolescents, and medically complex patients. These environments strengthened her skill in caring for children undergoing medical treatment, those with developmental or behavioral needs, and those who require gentle, individualized care.
Known for her calm and caring demeanor, Dr. Smith uses a patient-guided approach rooted in clear communication, desensitization techniques, and positive reinforcement. Her goal is to help every child feel comfortable, confident, and supported throughout their visit.
Education:
-
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) - University of Florida College of Dentistry
-
Pediatric Dentistry Residency & Master of Dental Science - University of Tennessee
-
Clinical rotations at:
-
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital
-
Crittenden Regional Hospital
-
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
-
Advanced Training in:
-
Behavior guidance and anxiety management
-
Care for medically complex and special-needs patients
-
Child oral development & growth
-
Sedation options and hospital-based dentistry
-
Trauma management and emergency pediatric care
-
Minimally invasive treatment techniques
Ongoing Training in:
-
Preventive pediatric care and early cavity detection
-
Growth, development, and airway awareness
-
Emerging pediatric dental technologies
-
Evidence-based advances in pediatric dentistry
Her commitment to ongoing education and professional involvement allows her to bring the most current, child-focused, evidence-based techniques to the families she serves.
Remains active in multiple organizations, including:
-
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)
-
American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD)
-
College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
“My approach to pediatric dentistry comes from two places very close to my heart—my training in children’s hospitals and the experience of raising my two daughters. Working with kids every day, I’m constantly reminded how much joy, honesty, and curiosity they bring into the world, and I believe each one deserves to feel safe, respected, and truly understood when they sit in my chair. Whether I’m seeing a toddler for their very first visit or caring for a child with more complex needs, I try to meet them gently where they are, move at their pace, and turn each appointment into a positive, encouraging experience they can feel proud of.
Being a pediatric dentist really is my dream job. I feel incredibly grateful for the trust families place in me and honored to play even a small part in helping their children grow up with healthy, happy, confident smiles.”
Dr. Natalie Smith
Dr. Smith is known by families for her calm demeanor, thoughtful communication, and ability to make even the most apprehensive children feel safe and understood. She uses a development-based, child-led approach—taking the time to explain each step, move at the child’s pace, and create an environment where trust naturally grows.
Her strengths include:
-
Caring for anxious, sensory-sensitive, and special-needs children
-
Providing dental care for medically complex patients
-
Early cavity prevention and minimally invasive dentistry
-
Growth and development evaluations
-
Trauma management and emergency care
-
Creating positive, confidence-building dental experiences
Parents frequently comment on her ability to make their children feel comfortable, respected, and empowered—no matter the situation.
