Howard University Alum Dr. Ashandra Batiste Is Behind A Tech-Enabled Dental Practice With A Team Of All Black Women Dentists – AfroTech
Dr. Ashandra Batiste is leading a dental practice embracing technology.
At 11 years old, Batiste already knew she wanted to become a dentist. The decision stemmed from an accident in which she hit her two front permanent teeth while getting out of a pool. Her longtime dentist restored her smile and confidence. That moment was her career epiphany.
In 1998, Batiste enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin and obtained a bachelor’s degree in human development and family sciences. She worked as a dental assistant while in undergrad, spending half days in the office three days a week.
In 2003, she enrolled at Howard University College of Dentistry. Reflecting on her experience, she told AFROTECH™ that the program fostered a sense of collective ownership among peers that she said can’t be replicated at a predominantly white institution, and demanded high standards, required rigorous training, and had no room for cutting corners.
Elite Dental Wellness
Batiste credits the university’s standard of excellence with playing a key role in her approach to Elite Dental Wellness, a multi-million dollar Houston-based dental practice led by Batiste and a team of Black women dentists, including Dr. Lindsey Sinclair Miller, Dr. Sarah Glenn, and Dr. Tamaara Willis.
“There’s still this disparity in healthcare where people are like, ‘I didn’t even know that you guys existed’ … That is insane to me that in the year 2026, people are still like, ‘Wow, there’s Black female dentists,’” Batiste explained.
According to its website, Elite Dental Wellness offers a range of services spanning restorative, preventive, cosmetic, sedation, and emergency dentistry, as well as tooth extractions, oral surgery, dental implants, and orthodontics. At the center of the practice is a mission to reduce barriers to “stellar dental care,” including for patients without traditional insurance or for those who choose not to use their current coverage.
Technology is also central to how Elite Dental Wellness delivers care, shaping nearly every part of the patient experience. Among the tools used is the portable Nomad X-ray system, which can reduce radiation exposure, improve efficiency, and minimize waste compared with traditional imaging systems. For more advanced periodontal care, the practice uses the PerioLase MVP-7 to perform LANAP laser gum therapy, a minimally invasive treatment for severe gum disease that can eliminate the need for traditional scalpel-and-stitch surgery. Willis, the office’s periodontist, is the only dentist in the practice who performs the procedure. She specializes in both dental implant procedures and LANAP therapy.
“You have some periodontists who don’t use it … But then again, where’s the empathy at? How are you thinking about your patients,” Willis told AFROTECH™. “You’re gonna take them through all that pain, you’re gonna take them through the sensitivity, you’re gonna take them through their teeth looking long like piano keys just because you can get the same result when it’s unnecessary?”
The practice also incorporates a Cone Beam Computed Tomography X-ray system, which provides 3D imaging that allows the team to evaluate bone width and height, assess tooth positioning, and identify potential pathology or trauma. The practice also houses an in-office 3D printer for creating temporary crowns, mouth guards, and bleaching trays.
Additionally, the iTero Lumina scanner captures a real-time digital view of a patient’s teeth and gums, allowing providers to see everything from tartar buildup to tooth alignment and gum health during the appointment.
“I use the iTero a lot. That’s my favorite gadget personally here in the office,” Miller, a graduate of Meharry Medical College, explained.
The scanner also plays a key role in treatment planning, using AI-powered technology to instantly simulate how teeth may look after Invisalign treatment, crowns, or veneers.
“AI is playing a role in dentistry these days. You have to keep up to be able to provide the type of quality care that the patient deserves,” said Batiste.
Looking ahead, the dentists will soon be hosting an event that merges health, beauty, and wellness. The Glam & Glow will feature a range of women-owned vendors offering services including eyelash extensions, eyebrow grooming, full glam services, and nutrition consulting.
The event will be held on May 9 at Elite Dental Wellness’ office at 9296 Westheimer Rd Ste 170, Houston, TX 77063 and requires an RSVP to attend.
