A beautiful, healthy smile makes a great first impression. If your smile needs a little TLC, a cosmetic dentist at Smile Design Dentistry can help you achieve a gorgeous grin with customized veneers, teeth whitening, Invisalign braces, dentures, or any other dental service you need. As a family dentistry practice with several convenient locations, including in Tampa Palms, Citrus Park, St Petersburg, Dade City, Tarpon Springs, Spring Hill, and New Port Richey, Smile Design can also help your entire family maintain good oral health with regular teeth cleaning and other preventative services. Family-owned and operated, Smile Design is focused on providing personalized attention for each of our patients located throughout the Tampa Bay area, including communities such as Trinity, Tierra Verde, Lake Jovita, and Carrollwood. We believe in building a strong, trusting relationship with our patients.

Patient reviews

All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.

Overall rating

4.72

Wait time

4.33

Bedside manner

4.62

Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here

757 reviews

Most relevant

The appointment went smoothly and everyone was very friendly. Im so glad I found this office.

August 12, 2025Mellisa M.Verified patient

Very kind and professional. Straight to the point and was patient in giving me details about my teeth. Highly recommend

August 21, 2017Justin C.Verified patient

Complete professionalism. I would highly recomend Dr. Buckley and his staff. Thank you for the beautiful smile.

RAVerified patient

very friendly staff, very helpful, reassuring, and competent.

July 23, 2025Miranda W.Verified patient

Dr was absolutely amazing. Explained everything I needed done to me, took the time to ask what I wanted.

June 8, 2015Initials hidden

They didn't have my appointment in their scheduling. Not sure if it's Zocdoc's fault or their fault.

Initials hidden

Staff was very friendly and professional. It was the most enjoyable dentist visit I have ever had.

April 16, 2014Christopher S.Verified patient

Staff and doctor were great. Highly recommend to anyone. Very great staff and enjoyed the visit.

Peter B.Verified patient

Excellent staff. Very friendly. Appreciated explanation and rationale for treatment.

Donald H.Verified patient

Wonderful dentist! Great character! Honest and communicative. Great experience!

Initials hidden

Very professional! Excellent communication skills. Felt very comfortable.

October 2, 2015Daniel C.Verified patient

Very clean, professional. Friendly & informative. Highly recommended!!!

SRVerified patient

I had a great experience at this dentist and would highly recommend it.

August 4, 2014Initials hidden

ouystanding very thorough and profesipnal. im impressed.

August 20, 2014Waldemar F.Verified patient

Very friendly with great explanations about everything.

November 17, 2017Initials hidden

Awesome dentist, takes the time to explain everything.

May 28, 2015Alexander D.Verified patient

He was thorough and explained everything very clearly.

September 14, 2015Angela C.Verified patient

It was perfect!

October 2, 2025Mildred B.Verified patient

This was my first visit — I’m new to the area — and I was quite pleased with the whole experience, minus the novocaine! (Actually, didn’t much feel it!) I would unequivocally recommend.

September 18, 2025Linda F.Verified patient

At the time of my scheduled visit all they did was take X-rays and photos of my teeth. Then I was presented with a treatment plan and rescheduled to come back two hours later for the cleaning. Fortunately I was able to come back and have the cleaning but this isn’t what i expected from the scheduling process. The staff was respectful and knowledgeable and the office was clean

Initials hidden

Dr.Buckley is an amazing dentist, the only one I trust to do any of my dental work! I have always been super anxious going to the dentist, and have had several bad experiences in the past. Dr.Buckley made me feel super comfortable about getting a filling and a crown, he talked me through everything, I didn’t even feel the shot when he numbed my mouth. Getting the crown and filling was pain fee and I was comfortable through the entire procedure. Great dentist, would highly recommend!

Lauren C.Verified patient

Dr. Buckley was extremely attentive. He is passionate about his patients and took the time to explain the procedure and results with me. I will definitely be coming back!

May 9, 2019Lauren C.Verified patient

Dr Buckley has a great bedside manner. He gave a thorough evaluation and explained everything thoroughly. The office staff was polite, prompt and personable. This was the best experience I have ever had at a dental office!

February 4, 2019Brittani B.Verified patient

Dr. James was kind and funny. He had a wonderful bedside manner, was educational, and left me feeling at ease about my dental care. I have a complex health situation and see many doctors, so often times my dental care is overlooked. That was not the case with Dr. James! I was happy to leave his office knowing I had received comprehensive care and we had a plan of action. ??

October 4, 2018Phoebe M.Verified patient

Thorough, but conservative.

May 30, 2018Angela C.Verified patient

I visited the Tampa Palms office and it couldn't have gone smoother. Everything from check in to filling out a few forms to the actual procedure was very efficient. Everyone in the office introduced themselves to me and explained everything in detail so there was no misunderstandings. 100% would recommend!

April 2, 2017Timothy H.Verified patient

Wonderful visit!

March 24, 2017Melanie V.Verified patient

This was my first visit to this office. I left my other dentist because I was not comfortable there, the front desk staff was terrible and constantly screwed up the billing with my insurance. At James's office, I felt comfortable right away. Friendly and straight forward staff. I had scheduled an initial/cleaning visit, but some things popped up on my x-rays that needed some attention right away. He came and explained everything very thoroughly and gave me time to ask questions. He got to work right away and the hygienist got my follow up appointments scheduled quickly. I really like this office and would certainly recommend it.

Megan C.Verified patient

The dentist was fine but their office staff was terrible. While they were polite, they were not knowledgeable and did not understand insurance. Because of their lack of competence I ended up paying for what should have been covered by my insurance, and even more than if I had just done out of pocket.

Initials hidden

Everything was explained in detail. The plan was written so you know exactly what it will cost. Everybody was very pleasant I am returning!

Mary K.Verified patient

He's super nice and friendly! Thoroughly explains everything for your understanding. His staff is the nicest and most respectful. Very glad I chose him!

Carlos G.Verified patient

Young, knowledgeable, caring doctor

Initials hidden

I went in to have a possible cavity looked at, they tried to take xrays and it took the tech about 26 tries to get all of the shots (I counted). She did not seem to know what she was doing and had to re-do each xray a few times before it was clear. The dentist came in, and jumped right to pulling the tooth that I was complaining about because he didn't know how far down the cavity went, saying it could be surface or down to the root, but why bother waiting, just get it pulled and do the wisdoms at the same time to save time. He offered a pulling appointment right then and there.

June 15, 2016Crystal S.Verified patient

Outstanding service!

May 12, 2016Gerald G.Verified patient

He was such a nice person who explained everythign I needed to know about my teeth situation. I feel like I left more educated and fully aware of my medical situation!

Alyssa H.Verified patient

I love this place! Everyone is so friendly and very informative. I didn't get criticized for my bad dental habits, or anything negative remarks. They make me feel very welcomed, and they remind me on how to have better dental habits. Love them!!! Definitely recommend!

October 22, 2015China B.Verified patient

This dentist is very quick to give you an extensive list of treatment plan expenses. Getting a second opinion was the best way to go, and I found a much better dentist and effective treatment plan as a result.

Initials hidden

A little disappointed that DR. Buckley did not review my X-rays with me. He did with my husband. So, I spent very little time w the dentist, less than 5 minutes. That wasn't acceptable. Ashley & Wendy were great.

October 5, 2015Christine C.Verified patient

Dr. Buckley and the entire staff were pretty awesome. He was very friendly and easy to talk to. All of my questions were answered and explained. My hygienist, Wendy, was also incredibly nice and went out of her way to make sure I got my cleaning done today even though it was my first visit and things were running late. Great dentist and great staff!

September 11, 2015Christine N.Verified patient

James Buckley did such a good job. I am so glad I picked this place not only did they do a good job they are very professional. I finally found a great dentist!

September 1, 2015Jerica S.Verified patient

Very courteous staff. Completed my paperwork online so my wait time was less than 10min. Dr Buckley made me feel very comfortable and answered all my questions. The great attitude of him and his staff is welcoming. Will definitely recommend this dentist to others in my area.

August 20, 2015Kim N.Verified patient

I was in town for a few weeks for work and started having gum pain. I was able to make a same day appointment with Dr. Buckley and everyone in the office was extremely friendly and helpful. I got a quick diagnosis and they were able to set up a deep cleaning the following day with a recommended treatment plan. My gums now feel great. Awesome experience

April 25, 2015Initials hidden

Great place, great staff, and great service. Dr. Buckley and his staff are very knowledgable about oral health and its an added bonus that they can break down sophisticated terms to everyday common knowledge so that the patients can understand. I would recommend this place to the entire Tampa area!

October 20, 2014Ac M.Verified patient

It was amazing as always! He is the best!

August 13, 2014Mercedes M.Verified patient

It was very quick and detailed. He explained everything and suggested more things to consider. I have always had issues with my teeth so the dentist is no stranger to me. It's great to be treated and hopefully know that I am on my way to better teeth in the future. Also this dentist office takes a variety of discount dental plans which saved me over 900 dollars.

June 16, 2014Michelle J.Verified patient

Initials hidden