Meet the Team
Compassionate, gentle, and fun dental care for your family.
More Than Just Teeth
At Little Smiles, we believe that a visit to the dentist should be a positive, confidence-building experience. We have designed our offices to feel less like a clinic and more like a "Dental Home"—a place where you and your child are treated with patience, kindness, and respect.
Dr. Luis Cruz
Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Cruz grew up in Puerto Rico where he met his wife, Doushka. He attended the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, and earned his bachelor's degree in biology in 2000. He received his Doctorate in Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) in 2004 from the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus.
After dental school, Dr. Cruz moved to New York to pursue a pediatric dentistry specialty program at New York University, where he finished in the summer of 2006. While at NYU, Dr. Cruz participated in numerous research projects in oral medicine and clinical trials. Dr. Cruz is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association.
Outside the office: Dr. Cruz lives in St. Augustine with Doushka and their children Lucas and Pablo. He enjoys surfing, jogging, outdoor sports, and spending free time with his family.
Dr. Natalia Caballero
Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Natalia grew up in Puerto Rico. She earned her bachelor's degree in Biology at Penn State University and then earned her Doctorate in Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) at New York University. After earning her D.D.S., she completed her pediatric dental residency at the University of Kentucky.
In 2021, Dr. Natalia earned the Richard C. Pugh award which honors those who score in the top 3% of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry written examination. She is board-certified in pediatric dentistry and is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Outside the office: Dr. Natalia lives in St. Augustine with her husband Oscar, her twin girls, Amelia and Paulina, and two golden doodles, Luna and Nova. She enjoys exercising, traveling, watching the sunsets, and going to the beach.
Dr. Emma K. Dionise
Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Emma is a proud St. Augustine native who loves caring for children in the community where she grew up. She graduated magna cum laude from Davidson College and earned her dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, where she graduated with research honors. Dr. Emma then completed her specialty training in pediatric dentistry at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.
She is a board-certified pediatric dentist, a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Dr. Emma is passionate about creating positive, comfortable dental experiences for children and building lasting relationships with families.
Outside the office: Dr. Emma lives in St. Augustine with her husband, Zach, and their daughter, Grace. In her free time, she loves discovering new restaurants, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with family and friends.