Founder · Dentist
Dr. Rick Kernagis, DMD
A trusted Tampa dentist for over 20 years, Dr. Kernagis began in engineering before finding his calling in dentistry, and he brings that same precision and care to every smile.
Read moreFind your true smile.
Complete dental care in one place. Gentle, sedation-friendly dentistry that takes the worry out of every visit, for the whole family.
Convenient & comfortable care
A smooth experience, start to finish. Calm, patient-focused, and never rushed.
Full spectrum of dentistry
From a routine cleaning to full-mouth restorations, we've got you covered.
Rated 4.9 on Google
From 300+ verified patient reviews. Real smiles, real relief.
Comfort-First Care
View patient stories →
Excellence in every corner of your smile
Crafting healthy smiles with heart and care. We make the dentist feel less like the dentist: calm rooms, gentle hands, and a team that listens.
Calm, unhurried rooms
Soft light, quiet spaces, and all the time you need. No rushing, ever.
Gentle, expert hands
A skilled team that treats your comfort as carefully as your teeth.
A space that puts you at ease
Bright, modern, and warm. It feels less like a clinic and more like a calm retreat.
We help you with
Making smiles simple
Here at Tampa Dental Excellence, we're committed to state-of-the-art care that feels effortless. Relax while our team handles everything, from routine cleanings to full restorations.
Your smile, expertly handled
Modern dentistry, delivered with a gentle, unhurried touch.
Our exclusive services
Easy smiles start with our care
All of your dental needs, done under one roof. Keep your whole family's smiles healthy with fast, gentle, professional care.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Veneers, whitening, and bonding to brighten and reshape your smile.
Implant Dentistry
Permanent, natural-looking replacements for missing teeth.
Sedation Dentistry
Have dental anxiety? Relax, and sleep right through your visit.
Invisalign
Straighten teeth discreetly with clear, removable aligners.
Family & General
Cleanings, exams, and preventive care for every age.
Emergency Care
Same-day relief for pain, swelling, and urgent concerns.
Free online consult
Improve your smile without leaving home
Our online consults haven't stopped. We're working hard to make sure your dental needs don't have to wait. Connect with us today and get all of your questions answered for free, in three easy steps.
- 1Upload a smile photo
Send a photo of your smile or the area you're concerned about.
- 2We create a personalized video
Our team records a video with recommendations made just for you.
- 3View it and schedule
Watch your video, then book the appointment that fits.
Sleep Through It
Get your dental care while sedated
Have dental anxiety? You're not alone, and you can sleep right through it. We offer three levels of sedation so your visit feels calm from start to finish.
- ✓ Laughing gas for light, easy relaxation
- ✓ Oral conscious sedation in a single pill
- ✓ IV sedation for deeper, monitored comfort
Relax during your visitCalm, monitored, and completely comfortable.
Your doctor matters
Meet the doctors behind your smile
Dentist
Dr. Jennifer Wynn Kernagis, DMD
A proud native Floridian, born in Tampa, Dr. Wynn pairs a warm chairside manner with a meticulous eye, so every visit feels personal, gentle, and reassuring.
Read moreThe rest of our team
Dr. Victor Bustos, DMD
General Dentist
Dr. Ryan Cyriac, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Anurag Gudeti, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Nadine Jean-Baptiste, DMD
General Dentist
Dr. Bart Knowles, DMD
General Dentist
Dr. Stephanie Loo, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Yashri Sanghani, DMD
General Dentist
Dr. Brent Waldman, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Leydi Barros, DDS
General Dentist
Patient stories
Our patients tell the best story
We're a patient-centric practice, focused on comfortable care, and our reviews say it best.
Skilled Doctor
Amazing Team
No Judgment
Affordable
★★★★★
"Of all the adult things, I hate the dentist most. I legit have panic attacks, and Dr. K and his team made me feel completely at ease…"
JK
Jess K.Verified patient · Google
★★★★★
"I have had the pleasure of being a patient of Dr. Richard Kernagis for over 20 years. Fantastic dentist and an even better team…"
WR
Wayne R.Verified patient · Google
★★★★★
"Dr. K is amazing. I finally found a dentist I can stick with who does a great job and genuinely cares about his patients…"
GA
Gare A.Verified patient · Google
Smile gallery
Transform your smile
Life-changing smile transformations. Drag any slider to reveal the before and after.
No insurance? No problem.
We accept all major insurances and work with your plan to get the most from your benefits. No coverage? Ask about our simple, transparent options.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Still curious? Give us a call, we're happy to help.
Is Tampa Dental Excellence accepting new patients? +
Yes, we welcome new patients of all ages. Your first visit includes a comprehensive exam and a chance to get to know your care team.
Do you offer sedation dentistry options? +
We do. Laughing gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation are available for patients with anxiety or for more complex procedures, so your visit stays calm and comfortable.
Do you offer emergency dental care in Tampa? +
Yes. We prioritize urgent concerns like severe pain, infection, and swelling. Call us and we'll get you seen as soon as possible.
What payment options are available? +
We accept most major insurance plans and provide clear, up-front cost estimates before treatment, with flexible options if you don't have insurance.
What should I expect during my first visit? +
A comprehensive oral exam, any needed diagnostic imaging, and a relaxed conversation about your goals. No pressure, no judgment.
The Dental Excellence family
Dental Excellence, nearby
Five trusted practices serving families across the bay. Find the Dental Excellence office closest to you.
Gibsonton
South Shore Dental Excellence
13145 Kings Lake Drive, Suite 105
Gibsonton, FL 33534
Lithia
Dental Excellence at FishHawk
5486 Lithia Pinecrest Road, Suite A
Lithia, FL 33547
Bradenton
Lakewood Dental Excellence
5255 Office Park Blvd, Ste 112
Bradenton, FL 34203
Bradenton
3D Dental Excellence
1842 Rye Road East, #106
Bradenton, FL 34212
Start today