Page 140 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2024

presented by South Mississippi Living magazine
Front row: Marcia Johnson, Dr. Courtney Jones DMD, Dr. Kinyatta Bennett DMD,
Dr. Paige Warren DDS, Julissa Silva RDH, Ana Thompson
Standing: Corey Evans, Alyssa Ladner, Ann West, Dominique Payton, Ana Da Silva, Michelle Magee, Jennifer Jamison RDH, Laura-Jae’ Brooks, Jasmine Burton, Navneet Kaur
Kinyatta Bennett, DMD, Owner
Dr. Kinyatta Bennett is changing family dental care for the better, right here in South Mississippi. At Healthy Smiles family dentistry, Bennett and her staff go above and beyond to create a welcoming environment for patients of all ages. With waiting areas for both adults and children, their state-of-the-art facility is a par- ent’s best friend.
Bennet was inspired to pursue a career in dentistry after reading an article in Essence magazine. “The article discussed the need for more women in dentistry and how rewarding a career in dentistry can be as a mother,” she recalls. “I felt as if that article was written just for me. I began to research what was needed for me to obtain this career that I found interest in and wanted so badly. I didn’t stop until I achieved it and I am so thankful for the opportunity to take care of my patients.”
In addition to adding a location in Pascagoula, Healthy Smiles has also grown its team. “We have Dr. Paige Warren, DMD prac- ticing in our Gulfport location,” says Bennett. “We also have Dr. Courtney Jones, DMD as the primary provider in our Pascagoula location. These are two amazing dentists who are very skilled in dentistry. We also host the Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy to bring more dental assistants into the field.”
Healthy Smiles is committed to giving back to the community,
carrying on the dream shared by Bennett’s late husband and partner, Dr. Christopher Bennett. “Over the past eight years, I have hosted the Dr. Christopher Bennett Back to School Giveaway where we give away book bags with school supplies to the children in our community,” Bennett says. “I also host a Breakfast with Santa event every Christmas. We have held this event over the
past seven years. It’s an opportunity for other entrepreneurs in the community to join with us to give back by providing breakfast, pic- tures with Santa, and multiple crafting tables for the kids to enjoy all at no cost to the families.”
Bennett says her greatest success has been being a mother and raising her three children, Laura-Jae, Briana, and Chris Jr. Their family also includes two fur babies, Cash and Halo.
www.healthysmilesgulfport.com Facebook @Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry
140 | September 2024 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living