Smile, there’s a new dentist in town

Dr. Michael Battle, DDS

BY KARIN DAVIS-THOMPSON, Staff Writer

ST. PETERSBURG – Patients of the Ligon and Ligon Dental Group may have noticed a new, yet familiar face in the office. Dr. Michael Battle, DDS, a new dentist on staff with the group, is returning to St. Petersburg after a 10-year absence from the area.

Battle and his family were members of the community from 1994-2006 when he practiced dentistry in St. Petersburg.

“I enjoyed my stay here,” he said.  “My kids grew up here. My daughter attended Boca Ciega High School and my sons played for the Lakewood Spartans football team.”

After enjoying the Florida sun for more than 20 years, Battle moved to North Carolina to practice there, and while he did enjoy it, he said he didn’t realize just how much he would miss the Tampa Bay area.  He decided Florida would be a great place to return to and practice dentistry until he is ready to retire.

“You know it’s funny,” Battle said, “you never know how much you miss Florida until you leave. I decided St. Pete would be a good place to finish my career.”

 Battle is a general dentist and can perform a variety of necessary procedures including implants, root canals, fillings, etc. He said he wants to encourage the community and his patients to visit the dentist regularly.

Dr. Michael Battle, DDS

“Your oral health is tied to your overall health,” he said.  “If you practice routine visits, you can stop things before they become a real problem.”

Along with practicing at Ligon and Ligon, Battle said he is eager to get active in the community again and is ready to encourage people to make oral health a priority.

“Dentistry is always a way to give back,” he explained. “It is a way to be of service to my community and an opportunity to help others.”

Battle is a graduate of Howard University with a degree in zoology. He also attended Meharry Medical College and received a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) in 1983.

“I am excited to rekindle old friendships, see old faces and even meet new people,” said Battle, who is currently accepting new patients.

For more information on his availability, call (727) 323-8176.