A Warm Welcome
All professionals at The Smiling Turtle maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in the medical field. Read on to learn more about our staff’s experience and training.
Meet Our Team
Neidre Banakus, DDS – Board Certified Pediatric Dental Specialist
Dr. Banakus received her dental degree from West Virginia University School of Dentistry. While at WVU, Dr. Banakus was the Student Research Body President, a member of the Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity, and inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. Upon graduation, Dr. Banakus received the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiography Award and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Student Achievement Award.
After dental school, Dr. Banakus completed a General Practice Residency at Lutheran Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. At this Level-1 Trauma Center, she received the Resident of the Year Award. While in New York, Dr. Banakus met her husband Dan.
At the completion of her General Practice rotation, Dr. Banakus completed a two-year pediatric dental residency at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, where she served as Chief Resident. While in the Pediatric Dental Program, Dr. Banakus received several awards for her research, including an award for excellence in pediatric dentistry from the Kentucky Dental Association.
Upon completion of her residency, Dr. Banakus, her husband & their pets moved to Novato, CA and established a pediatric dental practice that serves the Bay Area and its wonderful children. Novato Pediatric Dentistry & Tuga,
Dr. Banakus is a Diplomate in the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is also a member of the American Dental Association, North Carolina Dental Association, the North Carolina Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She holds certifications in Oral Conscious Sedation, as well as Basic and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.
Dr. Banakus loves spending her free time playing with her husband and children, Ashton and Fielden, and also enjoys running, spinning, golfing, swimming, hiking and reading. Dr. Banakus also enjoys working in the community and giving back in any way she can. She is active in the children’s program at her church. Dr. Banakus is an Appalachian child at heart and has always been eager to give back to children just like her. In 2019, she decided it was the perfect time to pursue her dream of giving back to kiddos in an area that is near and dear to her heart. With her family, she brought The Smiling Turtle to charming and wonderful North Carolina.
Dr. Banakus’ words reflect her passion to serve children in life:
“Children are amazing and constantly keep me smiling and laughing. I feel like I connect with children in a way that helps me understand their anxieties and fears and allows me to help comfort them. I take great pride in my relationships with each individual patient and their teeth. I love helping groom kids into happy dental patients, with good oral health care, that will lead to a life-long positive attitude toward dental care and healthy habits. I treat every patient as if they are my own child. I love teeth and I love children – from infancy through their college years. My relationships with my patients go well beyond dental exams twice a year. I am from a very small town originally and I strive to treat each of my patients with my small-town values.”
Dalilah Romero, DDS
Dr. Romero attended college at The University of Central Florida. She then went on to attend Virginia Commonwealth University where she received a degree in Doctor of Dental Surgery. She completed her pediatric dentistry residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, where she received her Certificate of Pediatric Dentistry and a Master of Science in Dentistry.
Dr. Romero comes from a large family and grew up surrounded by children. Her passion for helping kids is what inspired her decision to become a pediatric dentist. This desire is what motivates her to make every patient feel special and important. Dr. Romero is known for treating her patients like family, always exhibiting kindness, patience and understanding. She is a great listener and has a fun and friendly demeanor that kids just love.
Her philosophy on dentistry is that it should be both a partnership and support system for patients and families. Dr. Romero believes that because most dental disease is preventable her biggest role is helping families in addressing the root cause and offering long-term solutions.
When Dr. Romero isn’t working, she loves to spend quality time with her husband and daughter. Her passion for travel and adventure, means spending time in the mountains and hiking through Red Rock Canyon and Death Valley. Owning a home in the mountains one day, are among the top things on her bucket list.
Shannitta Bridgers, DDS MS
Dr. Bridgers attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science. She continued her education at the University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry, obtaining a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with Distinction in Research. She completed her pediatric dentistry residency at UNC and received her Certificate of Pediatric Dentistry and a Master of Science in Dentistry.
While in dental school, Dr. Bridgers was inspired to specialize in pediatric dentistry after learning that many of the adult patients she treated were fearful of the dentist due to childhood dental experiences. She strives to create a comfortable, enjoyable and trusting environment for children and parents. She understands that oral health is an important part of overall health and desires to help both patients and parents develop the skills necessary to establish the foundation for healthy smiles.
Her philosophy of pediatric dentistry focuses on providing individualized, patient-centered care. Dr. Bridgers believes that every child is unique and she desires to connect with each one in a way that makes them excited about their dental visit and eager to return for future visits. She finds joy in helping children grow into happy and confident dental patients who are proud of their smiles.
When Dr. Bridgers isn’t treating patients, she loves spending quality time with her loving husband and two amazing sons. She enjoys music, singing and traveling with her family and friends. She views each day as an opportunity to learn and experience something new.
Dr. Anna Au – Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Anna Au (pronounced like “ow”) was born and raised in Southeast Florida. She is a proud “Triple Gator,” having earned her undergraduate, doctoral, and Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry degrees from the University of Florida. During her residency, she served as Chief Resident, honing her skills in providing specialized care for children of all ages, including those with special healthcare needs.
Before specializing in pediatrics, Dr. Anna spent 2.5 years practicing as a general dentist at a Federally Qualified Health Center, where she dedicated her work to serving children and families in need. Her passion for helping kids and her warm and approachable demeanor make her a natural in creating a positive dental experience for every patient.
In 2015, Dr. Anna visited North Carolina for a wedding and immediately fell in love with the state’s beauty and seasons. After nearly a decade of dreaming about it, she has finally made the move and is excited to embrace the outdoors, explore the mountains, and enjoy a change from Florida’s heat and humidity.
When she’s not caring for patients, Dr. Anna enjoys cooking, discovering new restaurants, playing board games, traveling, and sharing fun facts. She also has a soft spot for animals and a love for delightfully corny dad jokes. Whether on an outdoor adventure or relaxing at home as a self-proclaimed “part-time couch potato,” she brings the same warmth and humor to her personal life that she shares with her patients.
To request an appointment, call us at (919) 200-0463 or fill out the Appointment Request Form
