Dr. Lauren Stennis is a New Orleans-born general dentist and owner of Smile Philosophy Dental Care, a Black-owned practice serving the Bayou St. John and Mid-City areas. Her career reflects a continued focus on building trust, improving access and leading a people-first healthcare company.
She spent her early childhood in Atlanta before returning to New Orleans, where community and culture played a central role in her upbringing. This background continues to shape her approach to leadership and patient care.
Dr. Stennis attended 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 with a wide range of patient needs.
She later founded Smile Philosophy Dental Care to create a practice based on clarity, consistency and respect. The clinic offers general, cosmetic and family dentistry, but its structure reflects something deeper. Dr. Stennis values education, prevention and long-term relationships.
Beyond the clinic, she leads community outreach efforts, including free dental checkups, school-based oral health workshops, and partnerships with local nonprofits that serve uninsured residents. Her leadership style is practical and calm. Her focus is on clear communication, high standards and continuous improvement.
Dr. Stennis also strives to stay current with new dental technologies that improve comfort and results. Her work positions her as a grounded, community-oriented leader in modern dentistry.
In conversation with Dr. Lauren Stennis
Q: You grew up between New Orleans and Atlanta. How did that influence you early on?
I think it gave me balance. Atlanta showed me greatness and ambition. New Orleans taught me relationships and culture. Both are important in healthcare. People remember how you treat them, not just what you do.
Q: What attracted you to the career of dentistry?
Dentistry felt practical. You can solve real problems quickly. I liked this mix of skills, communication and responsibility. I noticed early on how much trust patients place in you.
Q: How did your training prepare you for future leadership?
Xavier taught discipline and responsibility. At the University of Tennessee I learned how systems work. The Dean’s Certificate meant a lot to me, but even more important was learning how to remain consistent under pressure.
Q: Why did you decide to return to New Orleans after training?
This is home. I saw gaps in care, particularly among families and older residents. I felt a responsibility to bring what I had learned back here rather than building something somewhere else.
Q: What made you decide to open Smile Philosophy Dental Care?
I wanted to have control over how care was delivered. Time is important. Listening is important. I wanted a practice where education was part of every visit and not an afterthought.
Q: How would you describe your leadership style?
Clear and calm. I explain expectations. I stay organized. Patients and staff respond well when everything is calm and respectful.
Q: Community work plays a large role in your practice. Why?
Access is not just about cost. It’s also about comfort. When we host school workshops or free demonstrations, people ask better questions later. That changes the results.
Q: What challenges do you see in dentistry today?
Burnout and rushed care. Dentistry is getting faster, but health won’t improve if people feel confused or ignored.
Q: How do you stay current in the industry?
I read constantly. New tools are important, but only if they reduce pain, time and confusion. Technology should support people, not replace connection.
Q: What does success look like to you now?
Patients return informed and confident. Employees stay long-term. A practice that runs well without losing its values.
Q: What motivates you?
Seeing someone leave less afraid than when they arrived. This never gets boring.
