Her Story

Some journeys begin with a childhood dream. Others take unexpected turns. Dr. Amanda Newcity's path to opening Riverview Pediatric Dentistry included Harvard, military service, motherhood, and ultimately returning home to serve the community she loves.

Dr. Amanda Newcity's journey back home took her from Pinellas County to Harvard, through nearly a decade of military service, and ultimately to opening Riverview Pediatric Dentistry with a simple goal: helping every child feel safe and confident at the dentist.

While attending the University of South Florida, Amanda developed a broad interest in healthcare. She considered several paths, including medicine and physical therapy, before discovering that dentistry offered the combination of science and art she was looking for. That decision eventually took her to Harvard School of Dental Medicine—but Harvard was never part of some carefully mapped-out plan. Amanda applied with encouragement from her mother, even though she considered it a long shot and wasn't convinced she wanted to trade Florida for Boston winters. When the acceptance came, the decision suddenly became real: she had been given an opportunity she never expected, and she decided to take it.

"For me, dentistry just had the perfect combination of science and art. I think a lot of people don't realize all the art that's involved in dentistry—it really gets those creative juices flowing."

— Dr. Amanda Newcity

The Turning Point

Amanda always knew she wanted to work with children. She loved their energy and unpredictability, knowing every day would bring something different. When she decided to serve in the military, the Army National Guard offered the right balance: she could contribute as a dentist while continuing her full-time civilian career in pediatric dentistry. After residency, Amanda and Zack returned to the Tampa Bay area. Wanting to be closer to family—especially her older sister, who was already living in Brandon—Amanda accepted a position at Suncoast Community Health Centers, where she spent the next eight years caring for children before opening her own practice.

Today, Amanda brings all of those experiences together in her own practice. Whether she's caring for a toddler during a first visit or helping an anxious child feel more comfortable, her goal is the same: to build relationships with families and create a positive dental experience that keeps children smiling for years to come.

Building Riverview Pediatric Dentistry

After eight years there, Amanda realized she wanted to create a practice that reflected her own philosophy of care. She and Zack initially began looking for a space to lease, but nothing they saw felt right. Then their realtor told them about a new office in Bell Creek Professional Park that would be available to purchase. Amanda immediately thought, "There's no way we'll qualify for that." Her realtor encouraged her not to reject herself before applying: let the bank make that decision. She applied—and was approved. What began as a search for leased space became the opportunity to build a practice of their own—one centered on relationships, trust, and helping children feel comfortable from the moment they walk through the door.

A Different Kind of Dental Experience

Ask Amanda what she enjoys most about pediatric dentistry, and she'll tell you it's the children. As she puts it, "They're fun, they're chaotic, in the best possible way. They keep me on my toes. I never know what they're going to say or do." Every child has a different personality, and every appointment brings something new.

Amanda believes positive dental experiences begin early. By getting to know each child as an individual and building relationships with families, she hopes to help children develop healthy habits and confidence that last a lifetime.

Rooted in the Community

For Amanda and Zack, returning to the Tampa Bay area wasn't simply about opening a dental practice—it was about raising their family in the community they love.

Today, their children attend local schools, and Riverview Pediatric Dentistry continues to grow one family at a time. For Amanda, practicing in the community where her own family lives makes every relationship more meaningful, as she has the opportunity to care for neighbors and watch many of her young patients grow over the years.

Becoming a mother gave Amanda a new perspective on pediatric dentistry. Experiencing parenthood herself deepened her appreciation for the trust families place in their child's dentist and reinforced her commitment to treating every child with the same care and attention she would want for her own children.

"I like the idea of having a smaller type practice, really forming relationships with my patients. I think the hard part that a lot of the bigger dental practices have is kind of losing that nice family touch, and that's something that I really want to try to avoid."

— Dr. Amanda Newcity

Why Families Choose Riverview Pediatric Dentistry

Choosing a pediatric dentist is an important decision for any family. Parents want someone with the training and experience to provide excellent care, but they also want someone their children feel comfortable seeing year after year.

Dr. Amanda Newcity brings together a Harvard dental education, specialized pediatric training at the University of Florida, eight years caring for children at Suncoast Community Health Centers, and nine years of service in the Army National Guard. Those experiences, combined with her perspective as a mother, have shaped the way she cares for children and the relationships she builds with families at Riverview Pediatric Dentistry.