Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Stephan.
Hi Stephanie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I was always drawn to both science and math. I loved understanding how things work and solving problems but I was equally drawn to visual arts and anything that let me work with my hands. Dentistry ended up being the perfect fit, combining technical precision with creativity and artistry. After finishing dental school, I had the opportunity in 2018 to purchase a practice from retiring doctors, and that was a turning point for me. I took a space that had been around for years and made it my own – refreshing the design, creating a fun and welcoming environment, and expanding the services to include more esthetic treatments like veneers, bonding, teeth whitening, and Botox.
Over time, I’ve built a practice that reflects my personality and approach: professional yet approachable, precise yet creative. I love being able to offer patients comprehensive cosmetic and restorative care in a space that feels comfortable and inspiring. Growing the practice while also raising three young children has been a balancing act, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Being able to merge my love for science, artistry, and patient care in a space I created has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For the most part, my educational path to becoming a dentist was smooth. I decided I wanted to enter the dental world as a pre-teen in braces and everything went according to plan and right on schedule. After graduation, I spent a few years working as an associate for other doctors, and that experience was valuable and steady until my mentor sold his practice to a corporate group. Around the same time, I realized that the flexibility I wanted, especially as a newlywed, just wasn’t possible working for someone else. That’s when I decided to buy my own practice and it ended up being the perfect decision.
The practice I purchased was a boutique-style office, which gave me the best of both worlds. It wasn’t overwhelmingly busy or high-stress, with endless HR headaches and triple-booked columns, but it had plenty of room to grow and evolve into something that truly reflected my style. I updated the look and feel of the space, added more esthetic services, and made it my own. The transition went surprisingly smoothly. My husband was incredibly supportive and I surrounded myself with the right experts to help handle everything from finances to equipment updates. It was one of those rare moments in life where everything just aligned. And, even though it’s not always rainbows and butterflies, I’m so grateful for how it all came together.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Hills Dental Studio?
What really sets us apart is the personalized, boutique experience we offer. We never double-book, so every appointment is reserved entirely for you. You’ll always see the same friendly, familiar faces, which helps build comfort and trust. We set aside time to truly listen to patients’ goals and concerns, and we take pride in creating an environment where people feel cared for rather than rushed.
Our patients often tell us they’ve never felt this relaxed in a dental chair – so much so that we actually stopped offering nitrous because almost no one needed it anymore! It just didn’t make sense to keep it on hand. In the rare case that a new patient still feels a little anxious, we offer gentle oral sedation to help them ease into treatment. We know dental visits can feel intimidating, so we go out of our way to make sure our patients never feel judged or self-conscious. We celebrate progress, we educate without pressure, and we meet everyone exactly where they are.
Esthetically, I take a full-face approach to every case – it’s not just about perfect teeth but about creating facial harmony and confidence. My background in both science and art plays a big role in that balance. Our space itself reflects the same philosophy – it’s modern, bright, and welcoming, more like a boutique studio than a clinic. And when there’s downtime, like a last-minute cancellation, we make the most of it by creating fun, educational reels for our Instagram page.
Ultimately, what defines us is the combination of artistry, precision, and genuine care. We’re serious about the quality of our work but keep the atmosphere lighthearted, positive, and human. Patients leave feeling not just transformed, but seen, heard, and valued and that’s exactly the experience I always wanted to create.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that technical skill alone isn’t enough. Dentistry is just as much about emotional connection as it is about clinical precision. Early in my career, I focused on perfecting procedures. But, over time, I realized that truly exceptional results come from listening deeply to patients, understanding their motivations, and earning their trust. When patients feel heard and cared for, their confidence transforms along with their smile. And dentistry is a team sport. No matter how skilled you are clinically, you can’t create a great patient experience without a motivated, aligned team. Leading with empathy, setting clear expectations, and supporting your team’s growth have a direct impact on the quality of care we deliver and how patients feel in our office.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TheHillsDentalStudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehillsdentalstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drstephaniestephan/
