Meet OUR DOCTOR

Dr. Marai Vales

Dr. Marai Vales provides expert pediatric dental care in St. Petersburg, FL, with a warm, family-focused approach and services for every stage of childhood.

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Sunny Smiles

About Dr. Vales

I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Puerto Rico in 1988, then enrolled at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, where I earned my doctorate degree in dental medicine.

After working in Connecticut as a general dentist, I moved to Pittsburgh to further my training. In 1994, I completed a pediatric dentistry residency through the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Originally from Puerto Rico, I relocated to Florida in 1997 to continue practicing pediatric dentistry, be closer to my family, and enjoy the warm weather. In my free time, I love traveling to new cities with my daughter and participating in races that support children’s causes. Helping children brighten their smiles is my greatest passion.

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Kindness and Care

My Philosophy

I am committed to providing the best dental care for children in a friendly, stress-free, and family-oriented environment. I treat every child and family with kindness and care, starting with the very first phone call.

My goal is to educate and support children through prevention and appropriate treatment, always treating each child as if they were my own. At Sunny Smiles, we are one big family.

Pediatric

Dental Services

I offer a full range of services to support your child’s oral health and comfort, including:

Routine exams and cleaning

Dental fillings

Dental crowns

Silver diamine fluoride

Dental sealants

Extractions

Tongue and lip tie surgery

Sedation dentistry

Baby root canal (primary nerve treatment)

Space maintainers

Teeth whitening for teens

Special needs dentistry

I also provide individualized care for children with dental anxiety, sensory needs, or special healthcare considerations. Every visit is designed to be supportive and child-focused from start to finish.

      
 Excellent4.8621 reviews
 4.8
 Excellent621 reviews
  Write a review 
 
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Maura McLean 
 30 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Hands down amazing experience every visit. I have 3 daughters and have been coming to this wonderful place for 4 years or so. Just coming to appointments makes me want to work there!! Would highly recommend.
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Erin McAuliffe 
 29 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Great experience taking my 3 year old for his first cleaning. The staff was great and made my son feel comfortable.
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Aimee Matsko 
 25 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  My son might be their biggest patient! He has loved going to Sunny Smiles for years!!! Dr. Vales and her staff take great care of their patients! I've only seen smiles coming in and out, and that's on the littlest patients too!
  
 
 
 
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