When I came into this world and met her, I never really saw her smile. Having a focus in rural areas is really important because sometimes they're scared to go to the dentist. I'm not able to restore my grandmother's smile, but with my patients, I treat them like they're my own family members. Just showing them love and care-having that small interaction-can really change their trajectory.
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.
