We were lucky to catch up with Mary Ann Landry recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mary Ann thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?

“My first role in the field I practice in today didn’t begin in dentistry at all—it began in aviation. I was serving as the Director of Inflight Training for a U.S. international airline, responsible for shaping the experience of thousands of passengers through the people we trained. My world was centered around precision, service excellence, safety, and creating elevated, memorable experiences at 35,000 feet.

At that time, I was deeply driven by one core belief: that every interaction matters—and that with the right training, vision, and culture, you can transform an ordinary experience into something exceptional. I was passionate about developing people, building systems, and casting a vision that others could step into with confidence.

Then, life introduced me to my husband, Dr. Michael Landry—and that’s where everything shifted. As we shared our professional worlds, we began to see a powerful opportunity. Dentistry, while clinically advanced, often lacked the intentionality around experience, environment, and emotional connection that I had spent years cultivating in aviation.

Together, we envisioned something entirely different—what we now call “Fusion Dentistry.” A place where high-tech, highly skilled clinical care meets a calm, luxurious, and deeply personalized patient experience. At the time, this approach was virtually unheard of in dentistry.

I remember thinking: ‘What if patients felt the same level of care, confidence, and comfort in a dental office as they would in a first-class cabin?’ That question became the catalyst.

The transition wasn’t a traditional recruiting process—it was more of a calling. I brought my strengths in vision casting, training, team development, and experience design into the practice. We built something from the ground up—intentionally shaping every detail, every interaction, every touchpoint.

Looking back, I couldn’t be more grateful for where I started. Aviation gave me the framework for excellence, and dentistry gave me the platform to reimagine it. Today, I’m proud to say we’ve created an environment where patients don’t just receive care—they feel seen, valued, and elevated. And that all started with saying yes to a vision that didn’t yet exist.”

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

What we provide goes far beyond traditional dentistry. We specialize in comprehensive smile rejuvenation—everything from smile design with porcelain veneers to full mouth reconstruction for patients whose teeth have worn down over time. We also focus on TMJ therapy, including regenerative approaches like PRF, helping patients find relief from chronic discomfort while restoring function and balance.

But at the heart of everything we do is transformation. Patients often come to us unsure, overwhelmed, or even fearful. We meet them where they are, understand their current oral health reality, and then guide them forward through a clearly defined, customized Pathway to Health. Our role is to be their advocate—ensuring they feel confident, informed, and empowered to make decisions that support not just their smile, but their long-term health and longevity.

What truly sets us apart is the intentionality behind every detail. We hand-select and develop a highly trained team who share our commitment to excellence, communication, and trust. We don’t just treat teeth—we build relationships, we create clarity, and we elevate the standard of care.

Equally important to me is the impact we make beyond our walls. As a breast cancer thriver, my partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation is deeply personal. Through our events and outreach, we support patients and families navigating that journey. Additionally, our ‘Gift of Dentistry’ 501 (c) (3) charity initiative allows us to provide free days of care to individuals in need—because we believe access to health and confidence should never be limited by circumstance.

What I’m most proud of is that we’ve created something that didn’t exist before—a place where clinical mastery, human connection, and purpose-driven care come together seamlessly.

For anyone considering our practice, I would want them to know this: you are not just a patient to us. You are someone we are committed to guiding, supporting, and advocating for—every step of the way toward a healthier, more confident life.”

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

“Beyond training and knowledge, I believe the most important factor for success in my field is the ability to build genuine relationships rooted in trust. Clinical excellence is essential—but it’s not enough on its own. People don’t move forward with care based on information alone; they move forward when they feel understood, safe, and confident.

For me, that starts with curiosity. Taking the time to truly understand where someone is—not just clinically, but emotionally. What are they thinking? What are they feeling? What’s been holding them back? When you approach patients with that level of intention, you create space for real connection.

From there, trust is built. And trust is what allows patients to say yes—not to us, but to themselves. Yes to their health. Yes to their confidence. Yes to a better quality of life.

In our practice, we don’t see ourselves as just providers—we see ourselves as advocates and guides. When patients feel that, everything changes. Conversations become easier, decisions become clearer, and outcomes become more meaningful.

So while skill and knowledge set the foundation, it’s relationships, trust, and emotional intelligence that truly drive success in what we do.”

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

“For me, managing a team and maintaining high morale comes down to one core principle: respect—consistently demonstrated through action.

It starts with genuinely valuing your team’s voice. I believe in asking for input, inviting ownership, and allowing people to make meaningful decisions. When individuals feel trusted and empowered, they don’t just show up—they engage, contribute, and take pride in their work.

Creating a culture of trust is essential. That means walking the talk as a leader—modeling the standards, the communication, and the accountability you expect from others. Teams are incredibly perceptive; they don’t follow what you say, they follow what you consistently do.

Connection also plays a big role. Taking the time to know your team members as people—not just in their roles—builds loyalty and a sense of belonging. At the same time, I believe strongly in respecting personal time. When people feel balanced and valued outside of work, they bring their best selves to work.

And finally, consistency through regular communication—structured meetings, clear expectations, and shared wins—keeps everyone aligned and motivated.

When you combine respect, trust, ownership, and genuine care for your people, you don’t just manage a team—you build a culture people are proud to be part of.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.houstonsmilespa.com
• Instagram: @consultantsindentalaesthetics
• Facebook: Consultants in Dental Aesthetics-Michael J. Landry DDS