New Orleans Dentist Calls for Greater Investment in Accessible Oral Health Education and Preventive Care
NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / December 16, 2025 / Dr. Lauren Stennis, leader of Smile Philosophy Dental Care and one of the few Black-owned general dentistry practice owners in New Orleans, has been featured in a new in-depth interview exploring her journey, mission, and commitment to expanding oral-health access across underserved communities.
The feature highlights Dr. Stennis' unique blend of clinical skill, cultural awareness, and community-centered leadership. Now, Dr. Stennis is using the spotlight to call for broader awareness and support around preventive dental care-especially for children and low-income families in New Orleans.
"Access isn't just about money. It's about trust, comfort, and representation," Dr. Stennis said in the interview. "People are more likely to seek care when they feel seen and respected. That's why community-based dentistry matters."
Raising Awareness About a Growing Health Gap
According to the CDC, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States-five times more common than asthma.
In Louisiana:
41% of third graders have untreated decay
Adults in low-income households are twice as likely to avoid dental visits due to cost
Gum disease affects almost half of adults over 30
"These numbers tell a clear story," Dr. Stennis said. "If we don't step in early with education and preventive care, we're going to see long-term health issues that could have been avoided."
She emphasized that oral health is closely linked to overall health, including heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy outcomes.
A Leader in Community-Based Dental Outreach
In the spotlight article, Dr. Stennis shared examples of her ongoing outreach work through Smile Philosophy Dental Care. Her practice regularly hosts free screenings, teaches oral-health workshops in schools, and partners with nonprofits to reach uninsured and underinsured residents.
"We meet people where they are-churches, schools, community centers. If you remove barriers, people show up," she said.
Her efforts reflect a growing movement among healthcare leaders who believe that traditional in-office models don't reach the people who need care most.
Why Preventive Education Matters
The American Dental Association estimates that more than $45 billion is lost in productivity each year due to untreated oral disease.
"What people do at home every day matters even more than what happens in a dental chair," Dr. Stennis said. "If we can teach families simple habits now-brushing, flossing, routine checkups-we can prevent 80% of the problems we see later."
She stresses that early education, especially in schools, can dramatically reduce future illness.
Dr. Stennis' Call to Action: Small Steps Start at Home
While she encourages systemic support, Dr. Stennis believes real progress starts with individual action. She urges households, schools, and community organizations to prioritize small but meaningful steps:
Her recommendations include:
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
Floss daily, starting in childhood
Reduce sugary drinks that accelerate decay
Schedule routine checkups every six months
Teach children early, even before their first tooth erupts
Share accurate oral-health information within families and communities
"Everyone can do something. You don't need a degree or a big budget to protect your health or your child's health," she says. "A toothbrush, clean water, and five minutes twice a day can change a life."
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Dr. Lauren Stennis
Dr. Stennis is a New Orleans native, Xavier University of Louisiana alumna, University of Tennessee-trained dentist, and recipient of the Dean's Certificate of Achievement. She leads Smile Philosophy Dental Care, a general dentistry practice centered on culturally aware, relationship-driven care.
In her own words: "We're here to help New Orleans smile-strong, proud, and pain-free. But we can only do it together."
Media Contact
SOURCE: Dr. Lauren Stennis
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
