Dr Lauren Stennis on Building Trust in Modern Dentistry

Dr Lauren Stennis is a New Orleans–born general dentist and the owner of Smile Philosophy Dental Care, a Black-owned practice serving the Bayou St John and Mid-City areas. Her career reflects a steady focus on building trust, improving access, and running a people-first healthcare business.

She spent her early childhood in Atlanta before returning to New Orleans, where community and culture played a central role in her upbringing. That background continues to shape how she approaches leadership and patient care.

Dr Stennis studied at Xavier University of Louisiana before earning her dental degree from the University of Tennessee, where she received the Dean’s Certificate of Achievement. After completing her training, she returned home to work in family and general dentistry, gaining hands-on experience across a wide range of patient needs.

She later founded Smile Philosophy Dental Care to create a practice built on clarity, consistency, and respect. The clinic offers general, cosmetic, and family dentistry, but its structure reflects something deeper. Dr Stennis places strong emphasis on education, prevention, and long-term relationships.

Beyond the clinic, she leads community outreach efforts, including free dental screenings, school-based oral health workshops, and partnerships with local non-profits serving uninsured residents. Her leadership style is practical and calm. She focuses on clear communication, high standards, and steady improvement.

Dr Stennis is also committed to staying current with new dental technologies that improve comfort and outcomes. Her work positions her as a grounded, community-focused leader within modern dentistry.

In Conversation with Dr Lauren Stennis

Q: You grew up between New Orleans and Atlanta. How did that shape you early on?

I think it gave me balance. Atlanta showed me scale and ambition. New Orleans taught me relationships and culture. Both matter in healthcare. People remember how you treat them, not just what you do.

Q: What first drew you to dentistry as a career?

Dentistry felt practical. You can solve real problems quickly. I liked that mix of skill, communication, and responsibility. Even early on, I noticed how much trust patients place in you.

Q: How did your education prepare you for leadership later on?

Xavier taught discipline and accountability. At the University of Tennessee, I learned how systems work. The Dean’s Certificate meant a lot, but more important was learning how to stay consistent under pressure.

Q: Why did you choose to return to New Orleans after training?

This is home. I saw gaps in care, especially for families and older residents. I felt a responsibility to bring what I learned back here rather than build something elsewhere.

Q: What led you to open Smile Philosophy Dental Care?

I wanted control over how care was delivered. Time matters. Listening matters. I wanted a practice where education was part of every visit, not an afterthought.

Q: How would you describe your leadership style?

Clear and calm. I explain expectations. I stay organised. Patients and staff respond well when things feel steady and respectful.

Q: Community work plays a large role in your practice. Why?

Access is not only about cost. It’s also about comfort. When we do school workshops or free screenings, people ask better questions later. That changes outcomes.

Q: What challenges do you see in dentistry today?

Burnout and rushed care. Dentistry is becoming faster, but health does not improve when people feel confused or ignored.

Q: How do you stay current in the field?

I read constantly. New tools matter, but only if they reduce pain, time, or confusion. Technology should support people, not replace connection.

Q: What does success look like for you now?

Patients returning informed and confident. Staff staying long-term. A practice that runs well without losing its values.

Q: What keeps you motivated?

Seeing someone leave less anxious than they arrived. That never gets old.