Cosmetic & General Dentistry
Dental School: Meharry Medical College
Years in Practice: 11
You were inspired to pursue dentistry after getting braces as a teen. How was it transformative?
Braces literally changed my life. It increased my confidence tenfold and allowed me to embrace who I was. That inspires me to provide that to others.
You work at a practice called Italian Smiles. Is there a story behind the name?
The original owner of the practice was Italian. When my colleague and friend, Dr. Isaac LaVant, purchased the practice in 2016, he decided to keep the name since he is Italian and African American. To tie it all together, we give all of our new patients a homemade marinara sauce that is his grandmother’s recipe, called Mama Letizia’s Gravy.
What’s trending in cosmetic dentistry these days? Is there a fashionable look or smile?
Desiring straight, bright teeth will always be trendy. As a dentist, I strive to make smiles natural, with unique character, [and] that also never goes out of style. The biggest fad now is providing multiple cosmetic services that involve more than teeth, including Botox for those fine lines and wrinkles, fillers and even gum-brightening procedures.
You grew up in New Orleans and studied in Nashville, two of the country’s best food cities. Which dishes do you miss most? Have you found any spots in the Valley to satisfy those cravings?
I miss seafood gumbo, po’ boys and boiled crawfish the most. There’s a food truck in the Valley called Zydeco’s Louisiana Kitchen that has great Louisiana food.
You’re a U.S. Army brat. How did moving around a lot as a child impact you as an adult?
I believe moving around as a child made me value stability while also being able to adjust when necessary. I think that’s why my transition to Phoenix was smooth. I’ve had to learn to be flexible and open to new possibilities. I know that I can make it anywhere.
Providing dental care to underprivileged communities is one of your passions. What has been the most gratifying part of those experiences?
I think the most gratifying part is being able to show compassion, give a listening ear and provide quality care to those that look like me, [and] knowing that I made a small difference in their lives.
“If I wasn’t a dentist, I’d be a…”
DJ. I think I have a really good ear for music!
