The Real Joy in Cosmetic Dentistry (Dr. Mikenah Joy Vega) | Smile with Jamie Podcast | Ep.3

Welcome to Smile with Jamie Podcast - where we dive into the world of cosmetic dentistry!

In this episode, Dr. Mikenah Joy Vega (  / drjoyy  ) shares her unique journey where she dove head into becoming a cosmetic dentist in Houston, Texas! She also shares the secret to achieving excellence in cosmetic dentistry. Her story is truly inspiring and her vibrant, joyful energy is definitely contagious!

I promise, it will be a fun one ;)

Connect with me on IG: ⁠  / withjamie.dds  

Timestamps
0:00 Intro
1:15 Moving to Houston
2:02 Surviving dental school
2:30 First few years as a dentist
2:58 How Dr. Joy met Dr. Simone Ellis
3:20 How Dr. Joy ended up working for Dr. Simone Ellis
4:10 Diving into the world of cosmetic dentistry
5:24 Importance of a good foundation as a cosmetic dentist
5:54 Everyone’s journey is their own
6:41 Investing in dental continuing education
8:09 Business & psychology of cosmetic dentistry
8:22 “So you wanna be a cosmetic dentist”
9:33 Dr. Joy’s mentors in cosmetic dentistry
12:17 Challenges in cosmetic dentistry
13:47 Dr. Joy’s thoughts on learning at the Kois Center
14:29 Dr. Larry Rosenthal’s Aesthetic Advantage Program
16:05 AACD
16:45 Different standards of beauty in cosmetic dentistry
18:53 How Dr. Joy sets patient expectations
20:25 Learning through failures
21:33 Communication with patients in cosmetic dentistry
22:25 Dr. Joy’s experience as a Black female cosmetic dentist
25:49 Finding a dentist is like finding a therapist
27:17 How to build confidence in the early days
28:10 Advice for young, aspiring cosmetic dentists
28:57 Don’t ever do six teeth
30:19 “Selling” confidence
31:20 Dr. Joy’s journey of pursuing dentistry
33:34 Being yourself inside & outside of the office
34:50 Authenticity will set you free
36:58 Dr. Joy’s passions outside of dental office
37:49 Advice to young, new grad Dr. Joy
38:44 Outro: “Dentistry is a journey”


About ME // Hi! I'm Jamie - I'm a dentist and a content creator in Canada. In pursuing my passion for cosmetic dentistry, I wanted to gain insights and clues into becoming a successful cosmetic dentist by hearing each cosmetic dentist's unique journey to their success. Behind every success there is an unseen hard work, sacrifice, and persistence. I started this podcast series to share their inspiring stories with you all! I hope you leave empowered & inspired!