Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Vera.
Hi Stephanie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, I always knew I wanted to go into healthcare. For some reason, dentistry called to me from a young age — I was about 12 years old when I decided I wanted to be a dentist when I “grew up,” and I never strayed from that goal. In middle school, I remember interviewing my orthodontist for a project for how math was used day to day at our dream job. In high school, I was part of clinical rotations and got to visit dental offices to shadow and observe dentists work. And in college, I was active in the pre-dental society to prepare for applying to dental school. It wasn’t until I was in the middle of dental school applications that I realized I probably needed a back-up plan; it had never occurred to me that I’d be doing anything other than dentistry. It had been my dream for so long. Luckily, I got into dental school (I attended Baylor College of Dentistry) and the rest is history, as they say!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think most dentists will agree that dentistry is rewarding, but not without its challenges. I’m not too proud to admit that the four years of dental school were the toughest years of my life, but I absolutely love what I do! And it’s not necessarily the clinical work — it’s the people that make it worthwhile.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Lone Star Smiles?
After working in cooperate dentistry, owning with partners, being an employee in private practice, it’s really given me a chance to develop my own philosophy and outlook for patient care. Being in dentistry for 10 years means I have seen patients grow up, graduate high school, get married, have children, and I love being able to serve families in the community where my own family lives. That’s why I opened Lone Star Smiles, a family dental office focused on people – not profits (dentists get a bad enough reputation as it is) – to guide patients in strong preventive care and education. And when treatment is needed, patients should feel assured that they’ll be treated with compassion; I want everyone who walks through the doors of Lone Star Smiles to feel like they’re being treated like they’re a member of my own family.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
No – I’m a mother of 3 boys; I hardly have time to think, eat, and sleep! I’m not listening to podcasts or reading books, etc.
Pricing:
- In network with PPO Dental Insurance Providers
- Offer in-house Membership for uninsured patients
- Accept Care Credit and other 3rd party financing payment options
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TXLoneStarSmiles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/txlonestarsmiles/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Lone-Star-Smiles-Dr-Stephanie-Vera-DDS-100092364048773/
- Other: https://TXLoneStarSmiles.com/Blog
Image Credits
Amanda David Photography
