Success didn't simplify my mission; it expanded my responsibility, teaching me that real success comes from educating, serving, and creating lasting change.
Dr. I. Lorena Bush · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About I.
Dr. I. Lorena Bush is a general dentist, entrepreneur, and patient-centered healthcare professional with more than 26 years of experience in comprehensive dental care. Originally from Venezuela, she earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the Universidad Central de Venezuela in 2000 before relocating to the United States, where she completed a General Practice Residency at the Universidad de Puerto Rico in 2008. Licensed to practice in the U.S. since 2009, she has been serving patients since 2010 and is now the owner of Smile Dental Spa and Wellness in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Her journey into dentistry was inspired by her own orthodontic treatment as a child, an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for helping others achieve healthy, confident smiles. As the founder of Smile Dental Spa and Wellness, Dr. Bush has reimagined the traditional dental office by creating a relaxing, spa-inspired environment that prioritizes comfort, empathy, and personalized care. Her practice combines general dentistry with advanced cosmetic and therapeutic services, including Invisalign, cosmetic and therapeutic Botox, and facial aesthetics. Certified in clear aligner therapy and facial aesthetics, she believes dentistry should enhance not only oral health but also overall well-being and self-confidence. Her philosophy centers on treating every patient as an individual, fostering trust and long-term relationships rather than focusing solely on clinical procedures. Beyond her practice, Dr. Bush is committed to professional excellence and community service. She is an active member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Clear Aligners, and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, and she volunteers with Operation Smile and charitable initiatives supporting communities in Venezuela. Guided by the values of empathy, respect, resilience, and authenticity, she encourages aspiring dental professionals to pursue their passions, remain adaptable, and embrace the diverse opportunities within dentistry. Through her combination of clinical expertise, holistic care, and compassionate leadership, Dr. Bush continues to redefine the patient experience while making a lasting impact on the communities she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with I.
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Just do what you love with passion. When you do what you love with passion, patients can tell and will respond positively. Be resilient and keep going.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Open your mind. Do what's good for you and what works for you. Don't try to do the same path that everybody is doing. Make the profession work for you in a way that makes you happy, whether through research, teledentistry, or other paths.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The field is changing with people trying to make money without empathy, turning dentistry into corporations that treat patients as numbers. This is a challenge for dentists who value patients, which is why I opened my dental spa to prioritize empathy and patient happiness.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Values like being a good person, having empathy, being respectful, happy, and resilient are very important. Everyone who works for me must share these values, as they are ones you take forever.
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