From an early age, Dr. Patti Swaintek-Lamb, owner of Proud to Smile Dentistry, was drawn toward healthcare, even if the exact path was not immediately clear. She explains that the desire to help people feel better, healthier, and more confident was always present.
Dentistry entered her life unexpectedly, through a family decision that ultimately shaped her career. When her longtime family dentist retired, her family transitioned to a newly trained practitioner whose approach left a lasting impression. According to Swaintek-Lamb, the warmth of the environment, the modern technology, and the ease she felt in that space stood in stark contrast to her earlier experiences and quietly reframed what dentistry could be.
That experience stayed with her. She later worked for that same dentist while in college, an opportunity that became formative both professionally and personally. From her perspective, mentorship played a defining role in shaping how she would eventually practice. He emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, continual education, and investing in both skill and technology. "If you really want to enjoy your profession, you have to commit yourself to always learning," she says. "Dentistry, like healthcare as a whole, is constantly evolving, and the people who grow with it are the ones who stay engaged, fulfilled, and effective over time."
That commitment guided her through years of continuing education, travel, and collaboration with other clinicians. Swaintek-Lamb explains those experiences as relationship-driven, rooted not only in patient care but also in the community of professionals who taught her along the way. Over time, that sense of connection sparked a desire to give back. "I want to leave the profession even better than I found it," she says. "So much of who I am as a dentist comes from the mentors and colleagues who invested in me, and I feel a responsibility to carry that forward for the next generation."
Today, that philosophy extends beyond her private practice. In addition to caring for patients, Swaintek-Lamb is actively involved in dental education, coaching, and instruction. She works closely with dentists and orthodontic professionals through webinars, in-person programs, and hands-on mentorship, focusing on restorative dentistry and orthodontics. According to her, the goal is to help other dentists feel confident using modern techniques while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible. She emphasizes conservative preparation and predictable outcomes, supported by advanced digital tools that aim for careful planning and long-term results.
Her educational work also includes individualized coaching, where she visits practices to guide dentists and their teams through real cases. From her perspective, teaching extends beyond technique. It includes mindset, communication, and understanding how technology can support better outcomes for both clinicians and patients. These efforts reflect her broader belief that dentistry thrives when knowledge is shared openly and responsibly.
That same belief informs her own practice, Proud to Smile Dentistry, which she has led for more than 25 years. What began as a small office with two chairs has grown steadily over time, reflecting both patient trust and a clear vision. Swaintek-Lamb explains that growth was never about expansion for its own sake, but about creating a space where patients feel seen, heard, and cared for. She notes that every element of the practice, from the physical environment to the flow of appointments, is designed to support comfort and clarity.
For her, patient experience starts with listening. She explains each visit as a conversation centered on alignment, understanding goals, expectations, and concerns before any treatment begins. "When someone walks through our door, I want them to feel that it's about them," she says. "That approach builds trust and allows patients to move forward with confidence, especially when treatments are designed to last for many years."
As her career has evolved, Swaintek-Lamb says her goals have become increasingly outward-focused. "My goal is really to help other people achieve their goals," she says. "Whether that's a patient feeling confident in their smile or a colleague growing in their abilities, being able to contribute in a meaningful way is what continues to motivate me."
Looking ahead, she continues to balance clinical work, education, and mentorship, guided by a simple but enduring belief. She explains that the first thing people see each morning is themselves, and the smile reflected back can shape the entire day. "Helping patients and fellow dentists reach their goals is what gives my work meaning," she says. "That's what keeps me excited to keep learning, teaching, and giving back."
