Mentorship

Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry | Smile Design | No-Prep Veneer Philosophy

My journey with Dr. Thomas Nabors began during my undergraduate years at Vanderbilt University, where I first shadowed him in his private practice in downtown Nashville. What began as an introduction to clinical observation quickly evolved into an ongoing mentorship that has shaped my understanding of what it means to be both a clinician and an artist.

Dr. Nabors is a pioneer in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, known internationally for his mastery of no-prep veneers, a technique that preserves the natural enamel while achieving transformative aesthetic results. Under his guidance, I learned to see dentistry not just as a science, but as a living art form, one that blends precision, technology, and creativity to enhance confidence and change lives.

Over the years, I’ve observed how his work balances biological preservation with artistic expression, giving patients new smiles without unnecessary tooth reduction or aggressive preparation. His philosophy of creating beauty while respecting biology deeply resonates with me and continues to inspire my long-term goal of specializing in minimally invasive aesthetic dentistry.

No-Prep Porcelain Veneer CE Course: A Live Learning Experience

In July 2025, I participated in a two-day live continuing education course led by Dr. Thomas Nabors in Nashville, Tennessee, centered around his innovative approach to no-prep porcelain veneers.

This experience was profoundly unique; not only did I attend as a student learning the full process from start to finish, but I also served as the live patient for the course.

Being both learner and patient gave me a rare perspective: I was able to experience and analyze every phase of the no-prep veneer workflow, from digital case planning and smile design to shade selection, placement, and final cementation, while surrounded by a group of practicing dentists observing and learning alongside me.

The course was hands-on and immersive, teaching the philosophy, preparation protocols, and artistry that define the Smile Art™ approach created by Dr. Nabors.

I gained firsthand understanding of:

• Case selection and treatment planning for no-prep veneers

• Digital smile design and custom veneer fabrication

• The research behind no-prep porcelain veneers

• Shade matching and translucency balance in porcelain materials

• Cementation protocols and long-term maintenance considerations

• The emotional and psychological impact of smile transformation on patients

• Smile design photography

As a live patient, I was able to truly feel what patients experience, the anticipation, vulnerability, and ultimately the transformation, which deepened my empathy for future cosmetic patients. Experiencing my own smile transformation has given me a personal understanding of the artistry and trust that this process requires. That experience didn’t just give me beautiful new veneers; it gave me a new perspective on dentistry. It confirmed that cosmetic dentistry, when done thoughtfully and conservatively, has the power to change a patient’s confidence and self-image in the most profound way.

Impact of Mentorship

Learning directly under Dr. Nabors has fundamentally shaped how I see dentistry as a balance between science, design, and human emotion. His mentorship has taught me the importance of:

• Respecting natural tooth structure and prioritizing enamel conservation.

• Using advanced digital tools to create precision-driven, aesthetic restorations.

• Understanding that every smile has an emotional story and that cosmetic dentistry is about restoring that story, not replacing it.

Beyond clinical techniques, Dr. Nabors has also mentored me in the business and leadership aspects of running a successful dental practice, showing me how to build patient trust, lead a motivated team, and continually evolve with new technologies and materials. His influence continues to guide my career aspirations, pushing me to one day offer minimally invasive aesthetic dentistry that combines innovation, empathy, and artistic excellence.

My mentorship under Dr. Nabors has been the most defining experience of my professional journey thus far. I hope to carry forward his philosophy, that dentistry should never destroy what nature has built, but rather enhance it, and to one day mentor others with the same generosity and guidance that he has shown me.

Academic Mentorship at Vanderbilt University

During my undergraduate studies at Vanderbilt University, I was fortunate to be mentored by two outstanding professors who shaped my academic growth and research development.

Dr. Jaime Bruce, my Honors Thesis Advisor, guided my research on Racial and Ethnic Oral Health Disparities in the United States, challenging me to think critically about the intersection of healthcare systems, policy, and equity. Her mentorship refined my analytical skills and deepened my understanding of how social structures impact oral health outcomes.

Dr. Kristen Rose, my Independent Study Advisor, supervised my research on Ethical and Access Disparities in the Egg Donation Process for LGBTQ+ Couples. Her guidance encouraged me to connect my personal experience as an egg donor with broader public health and ethical implications, teaching me the importance of compassion and inclusion in scientific research.

Both mentors profoundly influenced my professional philosophy: to lead with empathy, integrity, and a commitment to advancing equitable healthcare for all.

Learn more about my research here: