We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Truvella Reese a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Truvella, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?

For years I have been restoring smiles for human trafficking survivors. Being able to bless them with the gift God gave me has fed my soul. However, it was one particular survivor that had been through severe abuse and had several broken and chipped teeth. Like most of the women I work with, she would smile and laugh with her hand covering her mouth or lower her head. Although she didn’t require extensive work, just a few fillings and a couple of crowns, her results were beautiful. After we had finished cementing the last crowns I handed her the mirror, like I always do. And she just began to sob, uncontrollable tears. Once she gathered herself she gave me the biggest hug and for the first time since I’ve known her a real smile. A few days later a simple note card was left on my desk. It read “Dr. Trudy, for the last 10 years I’ve had a reason to cry. I’ve had a reason to be mad. I have had a reason to fight. But it wasn’t until you helped me with my teeth that I had a reason to smile. Thank you.” It was from this simple note that I named my non-profit foundation. Although I had been doing this work since 2018, “Reasons to Smile” was official in 2023. It was this simple thank you that will always be etched in my heart.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey into dentistry was anything but traditional. In college, I was pre-med, dreaming of becoming a doctor, but financial hardships kept me from applying to medical school. Life took me in a different direction, and I spent years as a flight attendant, traveling the world and embracing adventure. However, after developing ear issues that made flying difficult, I knew it was time to return to my original goal: becoming a doctor. After shadowing many medical professionals, I was drawn to dentistry because of the work-life balance and the endless career possibilities. So, well after graduation, I made the bold decision to become a dentist.

Today, I not only run my own dental practice, but I also serve as the Dental Director for a national dental insurance company. My role as both a practicing dentist and an industry leader allows me to understand patient care and treatment options from multiple perspectives. What sets me apart from other dentists is my whole-person approach to treatment. I understand that dentistry can be expensive, so I provide non-traditional treatment options tailored to each patient’s financial situation, age, and long-term goals. I also grew up in a working-class household where my parents couldn’t afford to take off for multiple medical appointments, so I designed my practice to accommodate busy families. I block off time so that entire families can be seen together—something most dentists don’t do, but my patients truly appreciate.

Beyond my practice, I am passionate about mentorship and community service. As a female dentist in a traditionally conservative field, I aim to show young women that they don’t have to limit themselves. I run a non-profit, Reasons to Smile, where I restore smiles for survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. It’s my way of using the skills God blessed me with to create lasting change.

I am also honored to be Mrs. Nevada-America. Pageantry has been an unexpected yet powerful platform, allowing me to share my work with wider audiences and advocate for my mission. It has made me a more confident speaker, which directly translates to how I educate and present treatment options to my patients.

I am most proud of the fact that I don’t just dream—I make my dreams a reality. People seek me out not just because I’m a great dentist, but because they see that I live a life filled with passion, gratitude, and authenticity. Yes, I restore smiles, but more importantly, I help people feel seen, valued, and cared for. That is what truly sets me apart.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy in growing my dental practice from 1 patient to over 7,000 has been a steadfast commitment to honest, quality, and affordable care, coupled with the power of word-of-mouth referrals. I’ve never relied on external marketing- rather, I let my work and patient experience speak for itself. By fostering genuine relationships, prioritizing respect and compassion, and maintaining high ethical standards, my patients have become my strongest advocates. Their trust and confidence have fueled organic growth, as they eagerly refer friends and family who seek the same level of care. This referral-based model has not only expanded my practice but has also built a tight-knit community of loyal patients who know they will always receive the best from my team.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Early in my career, I worked in a corporate dental office where success was measured in production numbers, not patient well-being. I was a conservative treatment planner, recommending only what was necessary. that changed the day I was called into the corporate office and shown a spreadsheet comparing my diagnoses to my colleagues. The chief clinical officer pointed out that I was diagnosing 30-40% less than my peers- even the new graduates- and provided me with an outline to increase my numbers.

The first opportunity to apply this new “lesson” came with Donna, a woman in her early 60’s who was establishing care at our office. I convinced her that, although she wasn’t in pain, her existing dental work was showing signs of breakdown and should be replaced. I pointed out areas on her radiographs and intraoral photos, framing them in a way that justified a $5,000 treatment plan. She agreed, financing the cost out of pocket. The corporate office was pleased. But I wasn’t. I felt sick to my stomach, knowing I had convinced this woman to undergo unnecessary treatment for financial gain. I had violated her trust and my own ethical compass.

That day, I realized I had learned the wrong lesson. Success wasn’t about hitting quotas- it was about honesty, integrity, and putting patients first. I forgave myself for Donna’s case but vowed never to compromise my values again. When I eventually built my own practice, I returned to my original philosophy: only recommending necessary treatment, treating every patient with respect, and prioritizing quality care over profits.

Donna unknowingly changed the trajectory of my career. Because of her, I unlearned what that dental office tried to teach me and redefined success on my own terms-one built on trust, ethical care, and commitment to always doing what’s right.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.crownedentallv.com
• Instagram: @crownedental
• Linkedin: Truvella Reese

Image Credits

Mel B. Elder, Jr.
Drea Nicole Photography