Known for her captivating smile and her honest yet realistic perspective in dentistry, Dr. Simone Ellis is The Real Deal! With over 12 years as owner of Smile Design Studios in Missouri City, Texas, Dr. Ellis has established herself in her community as an authority in cosmetic dentistry, aligned therapy, and practice management. Simone was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas, and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Xavier University of Louisiana and her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Rutgers University School of Dentistry formerly, the University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey. This vivacious leader is the co-founder of Smile Design Society, a mastership program focused on tools needed to be successful and driven as a dentist. She also was the founder and president of the Houston Minority Dental Society and is an active member of the American Dental Association (ADA), National Dental Association (NDA), American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) and the Greater Houston Dental Society (GHDS). She also previously sat on the Board of Educators for the Dental Assisting School at the University of Everest, Houston Campus. Additionally, Simone has served as a certified clinical evaluator for The Clinician's Report and a candidate for Diplomat with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Her colleagues call her knowledgeable, dependable, and lighthearted. Her patients call her personable and genuine in nature, while her community calls her a hero. Dr. Simone Ellis actively volunteers with the Houston Make a Wish Foundation and the American Dental Associations’ Give Kids a Smile Day. Annually, through her practice, Smile Design Studios, Dr. Ellis gives back to her community through various outreach initiatives. Most notably, the free dentistry and health fair. This program targets families within the Missouri City radius and offers free dental services, eye exams, and health screenings to over 50 families. Also, the office host an annual Smile Makeover Contest she awards to an individual in the community up to $25,000 worth of dental work. Further, Smile Design Studios offers a mentorship program called Smile Design Students, which allows high school and college students to learn more about the field of dentistry while actively shadowing dental professionals. Smile Design Studios also adopts a family for the holiday season and delivers food and supplies to families in need.

Dr. Simone Ellis has recently been recognized for her outstanding dedication to her profession, community, and high school and collegiate alma mater. In 2021 she was showcased in Incisal Edge Magazine as Entrepreneurs To Watch. Her office and design were also featured in several publications for their high standards in dentistry. She was also recognized among her peers in the 9th annual Top Professional and Entrepreneurs of Texas. Dr. Ellis was awarded the Reason to Believe Award for her outstanding representation of success in her community and profession by the Kansas City, Kansas School District. In 2015, Simone was awarded the prestigious Xavier University 40 under 40 award and the Texas School of Business Dental Assistant Recognition Award for her outstanding contribution to her profession. Dr. Ellis has been featured in Dentaltown Magazine, Dental Graduate of Dental Economics, Houston Style Magazine, and Living Magazine and has been classified as one of nine successful Black Women CEOs and Entrepreneurs You Should Know by ForHarriett.com.

Dr. Simone Ellis is not just a community-driven practitioner, she is a leading authority on dental practice management. Her dynamic teaching style brings a fresh perspective to one of the world's oldest medical professions. Dr. Ellis stands by her belief that "It is important not only to inspire people, but also get them to want to take action and change the course of their life!" Employing a carefully crafted and highly focused blueprint, Dr. Simone Ellis created "You've Graduated Now What?" a training program that inspires dental professionals through a realistic and honest lens on how to succeed in and navigate the dental industry. This program will inform the newly graduated dental professional and transform their view on the scope of the practicing dentist. As a bonus, this high

The energy training program provides guidance for those looking to grow from an associate doctor of dentistry to gainful practice owners.

Dr. Simone Ellis is a proud alumnus of the Epsilon Tau chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and is an active member of the Mu Kappa Omega Chapter in Missouri City, Texas. She is happily married to two yorkies fur babies and can be spotted transforming lives through her speaking engagements in a city near you.

Dr. Caylin Frye is a general dentist, with a focus in cosmetic dentistry, practicing in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is in the top 1% of Invisalign doctors in the world as a Diamond Invisalign provider and also serves as the youngest appointed Board member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners (AACA). Since graduating from Howard University College of Dentistry, Dr. Frye has developed a love for cosmetic dentistry and a passion for helping patients feel beautiful and confident behind their smile. A certified speaker for Invisalign and a growing presence within the cosmetic dental community, Dr. Frye feels she is just getting started on the mark she hopes to leave on this wonderful field of dentistry.

Introducing Dr. Joshua Golden, born and raised in Miami, Florida. After obtaining his Dental degree from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, he made a pit stop in New York City for a General Practice Residency at Montifore Hospital. Dr. Golden’s primary focus is transforming lives by transforming smiles and as the Owner Dentist of West Sunrise Dentistry he goes above and beyond for his community. Dr. Golden has always been passionate about giving back and serving others; so, he founded his own nonprofit “The Golden Foundation” to introduce the field of Dentistry to Black and Brown communities which are lacking representation.

If he’s not connecting with patients chairside, volunteering dental services, or mentoring future Dentists, Dr. Golden can be found connecting with others on social media, especially on Instagram

Dr. Selena Gray grew up throughout the Midwest with her parents, Bennett and Donna Gray, as one of six children. She attended college at Xavier University of Louisiana, where both her cancer research and honeybee behavior research were published. Dr. Gray graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. She then matriculated to UCLA School of Dentistry to complete her Doctorate in Dental Surgery. While at UCLA, Dr. Gray was an active SNDA leader, participated on UCLA’s admissions committee and DEI committees, and became the founder of Scrub Hub Inc, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to care for underserved communities.

“As a dentist, much of my fulfillment stems from community service, educating patients, and providing mentorship. You can make an impact in someone’s life just by giving your time and compassion, and people deeply appreciate it. My mission is to uplift those around me whether it’s clinically, professionally, or emotionally.” Dr. Gray has recently completed her residency in Advanced General Dentistry at UCLA and plans to work in private practice and community clinics while expanding Scrub Hub Inc. locally and internationally.

Dr. Ryan Grier is the Program Director of the Harbor UCLA Medical Center General Practice Residency Program. He has been with Harbor-UCLA Medical Center since 2016. He started as an Attending Faculty Member and proved to be a resourceful, enthusiastic, and creative clinical educator and leader. In the middle of 2016, he became Assistant Program Director before taking the helm as Program Director in the beginning of 2017. He successfully led the GPR Program through a CODA Site Visit in 2018 and has since served as a Site Visitor for CODA as well. He is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and an incoming member of the Pierre Fauchard Academy.

Dr. Grier has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Morehouse College; a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from Howard University College of Dentistry; a General Practice Residency Certificate from LAC+USC Medical Center; and a Master of Business Administration degree from The UCLA Anderson School of Management.

He serves as Co-Chair of the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Graduate Medical Education Committee’s Sub-Committee on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-racism. He also serves as Co-Chair for the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Department of Surgery’s Committee on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Antiracism. Dr. Grier is also a Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor Step 1 at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

Prior to Harbor-UCLA, Dr. Grier was an Associate Dentist in private practice. Prior to dentistry Dr. Grier taught High School Biology in the Watts Community of Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Grier has continued to work diligently with community leadership to serve in and develop volunteer and outreach opportunities.

Dr. Mia Harrison is a public health dentist that has dedicated her career to providing oral health education and comprehensive, quality dental care to underserved communities. Dr. Harrison received her Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC in 2015. During her studies she coordinated oral health education visits to local elementary schools, provided dental care to children through the USC Mobile Clinic, and participated in a dental mission to Peru through AYUDA International. After graduating from dental school, she completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry at Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health.

For four years Dr. Harrison provided dental care at Open Door Community Health Centers in Humboldt County. During her time there, Dr. Harrison had the opportunity to help the organization open a new dental clinic in Fortuna, CA.

In 2019, Dr. Harrison was presented with the rare opportunity to open a dental clinic in South Central Los Angeles. A community where her father grew up and still resides. Over the last three years, Dr. Harrison has been the Dental Director at Central Neighborhood Health Foundation Dental Clinic, providing comprehensive high-quality dental care in a relaxing and welcoming environment. She educates her patients on their dental needs so they can make informed decisions and be active participants in maintaining their oral health.

This year, Dr. Harrison completed her Master’s in Public Health from A.T. Still University and looks forward to continuously advocating for underserved communities and dentistry in the public health space.

Dr. Christopher Cathey is 33 years old and is from Senatobia, MS. He currently resides in Hernando, MS, and practices dentistry in the north Mississippi region. Growing up, he was around the dental profession a lot due to his father being a general dentist; his father has been in private practice for approximately 28 years. Dr. Cathey credits his father as the one that originally piqued his interest in dentistry at a young age. Dr. Cathey was very active in sports and clubs all throughout grade school and high school, but academics were always first on his priority list. He received an academic scholarship upon graduating high school in 2008 to Jackson State University where he majored in Biology. After graduating from JSU, he enrolled into the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry in the fall of 2012. Dr. Cathey received his Doctor of Dental Medicine from UMMC in the spring of 2016. He then went on to complete a general practice residency at the New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry. As previously mentioned, Dr. Cathey is currently practicing dentistry in the North Mississippi region; he is in private practice with his father and practices dentistry at various health centers in the area as well. He thoroughly enjoys his profession as he often refers to it as his “opportunity to serve his community in a much-needed compacity.” Dr. Cathey is a confident, fun, and loving person that simply loves what he does. What he enjoys most about dentistry is the immediate gratification that comes with relieving someone of pain or building their confidence by improving their smile. He is devoted to lifelong learning and education in dentistry, as he seeks continuing education in the latest technological advances in dentistry to enhance his clinical skills as he strives to provide exceptional care to his patients. Aside from dentistry, Dr. Cathey enjoys travelling, mentoring, and spending quality time with his wife, Arlinda, his family, and friends.