Hidden Gems: Meet Jenny Garcia of Oui Smile Pediatric Dentistry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Garcia.

Hi Jenny, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story begins in Hollywood, California, where I was born and raised in the heart of the city. I was raised by my mother, a Guatemalan immigrant who navigated life as a single parent and instilled in me a powerful belief from an early age: I could become anything I wanted as long as I was willing to work hard for it. She taught me the values of perseverance, doing your best, and having the courage to try even when fear is present. Those lessons became the foundation of my life.
I went on to pursue higher education at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology. It was during my time there that I decided to pursue dentistry. Without much guidance, I was drawn to the field because it combined my desire to help others with the ability to build meaningful, long term relationships with patients.
I was accepted into the prestigious University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry, and it was there that I truly found my calling. I discovered a deep love for working with children, something I hadn’t fully realized until dental school. Wanting to understand every aspect of caring for young patients, from psychology to growth and development, I continued my training and completed my pediatric dentistry residency at the University of Southern California.
After several years working in private practices and serving as faculty at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, I took a leap of faith and decided to open my own pediatric dental office. I made this decision for many reasons, but most importantly because I had never found a space that truly prioritized relaxation for children. A child’s environment plays a critical role in how they feel, when surroundings are intimidating, fear naturally follows.
I envisioned a practice that would elevate and transform the dental experience for children. At Oui Smile Pediatric Dentistry, we use alternative relaxation techniques such as essential oils, calming music, and, most importantly, taking the time to truly listen to each child’s needs. This vision was deeply influenced by my own children, one of whom has special needs. I wanted to create a space where all children feel safe, understood, and comfortable enough to have a positive experience.
Now that Oui Smile Pediatric Dentistry has opened its doors, I am thrilled to welcome families with open arms and invite them to experience a new, more compassionate approach to pediatric dental care.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey to everything I’ve accomplished so far has been anything but smooth. One of the greatest challenges I’ve had to overcome is imposter syndrome—a struggle that, more than anything else, fueled my self doubt and at times kept me from taking action. It’s true that sometimes we can be our own worst enemies.
That doubt often stemmed from not seeing many people who looked like me in the dental field. Being a woman is one thing; being a woman of color adds another layer of complexity to certain encounters and experiences. Navigating those spaces required resilience, confidence, and a willingness to claim my place even when I felt unseen.
That’s why representation matters so deeply to me. When children see people who look like them in the fields they aspire to enter, it makes those dreams feel attainable. It creates a sense of belonging and acceptance, ultimately, the confidence to pursue their goals without hesitation.

As you know, we’re big fans of Oui Smile Pediatric Dentistry. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Oui Smile Pediatric Dentistry was born from the idea of creating a spa like dental experience designed specifically for children. My goal is to elevate and transform the way young patients experience dental care, shifting it from something feared to something welcoming and positive. Since the grand opening in October 2025, Oui Smile has remained a young but intentionally designed practice rooted in thoughtful care.
My experience as faculty at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, combined with years of working with children of varying abilities, helped shape the environment I wanted to create for both kids and their families. Dental anxiety is often shared between parents and children, so it was essential to design a space where everyone feels calm, comfortable, and at ease. When parents feel relaxed, children do too, and dental visits become something to look forward to rather than fear.
At Oui Smile, I prioritize connection. I take the time to truly get to know my patients, so they feel at home from the moment they walk in. Whether it’s their favorite TV show, preferred music, or simply being heard, I tailor each visit to the child. I also incorporate essential oils and other calming elements to promote relaxation and create a more soothing, enjoyable experience for every family I serve.
One of the many things that truly sets Oui Smile apart is a therapy dog, Zeno, who is available by request. Zeno is a five year old French bulldog with a big personality: he adores attention, hugs, and treats, very much in true Frenchie fashion. He has completed extensive training and passed multiple evaluations to earn his certification as a therapy dog, and his presence brings an immediate sense of comfort to our patients.
For children who need a little extra reassurance, Zeno is there as a calming companion:whether that means holding onto him, gently rubbing his ears, or earning a celebratory treat at the end of their visit. In fact, Zeno was the original inspiration behind the name Oui Smile and its branding, making him a meaningful part of our story.
Beyond Zeno, what also distinguishes Oui Smile is my approach to care. My experience working extensively with children with special needs, combined with being a parent to a child with special needs myself, has deeply influenced how I practice dentistry. This perspective allows me to thoughtfully accommodate each child’s unique needs with compassion and patience. I specialize in minimally invasive dentistry and tongue-tie treatments, ensuring care that is both gentle and effective for every child she serves.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
It truly takes a village to achieve anything meaningful. First and foremost, I am deeply grateful to my husband, my mother, and my in-laws, who have been instrumental in supporting me every step of the way. Their unwavering encouragement has allowed me to continue showing up as a mother to my children while also pursuing my dreams. Knowing they are always there, no matter what, has made all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ouismile.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ouismilepediatricdentistry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Oui-Smile-Pediatric-Dentistry-61578241390885/
• Other: https://share.google/RE5KKP729ZsaUcGFv