Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr Loray Spencer.
Hi Dr. Spencer, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Lexington, SC. At the time there were no dentist in the area. Therefore, we rarely went to the dentist. We definitely did not see any dentists or other doctors of color. When I was in middle school, a black dentist moved to our church (Dr. Fred Sykes). He allowed me to shadow him in his office and I got to experience and see firsthand the ins-and-outs of dentistry. After high school, I attended the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College at Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC. I graduated with a B.S. in Biology and minored in Chemistry in 2004. I then attended the School of Dentistry at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. I graduated with a doctorate of dental surgery (D.D.S.) in 2008. I then completed the General Practice Residency Program at Meharry Medical College from 2008 to 2009. I served as the Chief Resident during my residency. I then worked at Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center in Nashville, TN from 2009 to 2011. From 20011-2014, I worked at Castle Dental in Antioch, TN where I served as lead Dentist. From there, I served as the Managing Clinical Dentist for Aspen Dental in Simpsonville, SC in 2014-2015. In April of 2015, My Husband (Dr. Harvey Spencer, Jr.) and I opened our dental office, A Healthy Smile Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Rock Hill, SC. Our goal was to open an office that services the whole family. We see both kids and adults.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been difficult getting our practice off the ground. We experienced several setbacks. Especially with obtaining a decent business loan. We experienced tremendous racism in the banking realm. As a 2 doctor practice, outrageous parameters were placed on us. We are also committed to serving the underserved. We are one of the few offices in the area that sees adults and children with Medicaid. We are committed to offering everyone in our practice exceptional dental care. It is difficult taking care of Medicaid patients because the Medicaid reimbursement is so low…which causes financial issues for the dental office. We also see high-end procedures like Smile Designs or Smile transformations, veneers, implants, crowns, bridges, etc. We have had setbacks with insurance company reimbursements. Many dental offices are no longer in-network with many dental insurance companies because the insurance companies do not pay claims in a timely manner or at all. We try to remain in network to financially help patients and allow them to use their benefits. It is hard because it requires us to have to chase down those insurance payments (which in the end, cost us more money). Starting a practice from the ground up is hard because you literally have no patients. There is a lot of cost for marketing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
A Healthy Smile PA has been serving Rock Hill, SC residents for the past eight years. We treat all ages, from young children to adults. Our dentist’s office is family owned and operated, with a husband and wife team here to tackle your dental issues. From basic cleanings to cosmetic work, you can count on us to create and maintain your smile. You don’t have to visit multiple dental practices for the dental work you need. You can ENJOY A FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE at A Healthy Smile P.A. At A Healthy Smile PA, you’ll find a fun, family atmosphere that your kids will love. They can play in our game room while they wait for their appointment.
A Healthy Smile PA offers a wide variety of dental services, including:
Bonding
Bridges
Crowns
Cleanings
Extractions
Fast Braces
Fillings
Gum treatments
Implant placement and restoration
Orthodontics
Root canals
Sealants
SmileDirectClub
Temporomandibular joint disorder treatments
Whitening
Wisdom teeth extractions
Veneers
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Dr. Loray is a native of Lexington, SC and a 2000 graduate of Lexington High School. She is the oldest child of Milton and Lorraine Davis. She attended Claflin University Alice C Tisdale Honors College in Orangeburg, SC where she graduated with honors and received a B.S. in Biology/Chemistry. She then attended dental school in Nashville, TN at Meharry Medical College. She completed the General Practice Residency program where she served as chief resident. Dr. Loray worked in public health for three years in Nashville. She subsequently served as the Lead Dentist and Managing Clinical Director in dental offices in both Nashville and Greenville, SC.
Dr. Loray has been married to Dr. Harvey Spencer, Jr. for several years and they have two sons (Trey and Daniel), and a daughter (Denise Danielle). Dr. Loray and Dr. Harvey, Jr. are the owners of A Healthy Smile Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Rock Hill, SC where they focus on dental care for the whole family. She enjoys spending time with her family, shopping, traveling, attending football games, and spending time at the beach.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ahealthyhappysmile.com
- Instagram: @drloraydentistry
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/drloraydentistry, www.facebook.com/ahealthysmilepa,
Image Credits
Denise Benson Photography Alvin Murdock Photography
