Today we’d like to introduce you to Armando Reid.
Hi Armando, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Since graduating from Howard University in 2009, my career has been defined by a commitment to both clinical excellence and ethical leadership. After finishing a general practice residency in New York (2009–2011), I spent several years as an associate, intentionally treating that time as an apprenticeship in the business of dentistry. I wanted to understand not just how to treat teeth, but how to build an experience that patients actually value. This vision came to life when I moved my family to the Austin area to establish #thesmiledoc. By prioritizing the Golden Rule above all else, I have been able to grow a successful practice that proves you don’t have to choose between high-end dentistry and a compassionate, person-first approach
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been many things, but ‘smooth’ isn’t the word I’d use to describe the journey. The transition from being a clinical associate to the founder of #thesmiledoc was a trial by fire. While my residency in New York prepared me for the most complex dental cases, nothing quite prepares you for the ‘business’ of dentistry—managing overhead, navigating insurance, and building a team culture from the ground up.
Moving to a new city north of Austin meant starting at zero. I didn’t have a built-in reputation or a legacy patient list; I had to earn the community’s trust one person at a time. Doing this while simultaneously growing my family meant that ‘work-life balance’ was often a myth. There were long nights spent analyzing spreadsheets and early mornings with the kids, but these struggles were essential. They forced me to lean harder into my philosophy of the Golden Rule. When things got difficult, I simply focused on taking care of the person in the chair, and that’s what eventually turned the obstacles into a solid foundation.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At its core, #thesmiledoc is a modern, high-tech general dentistry practice built on a philosophy of providing 5-star customer service to the Average Joe. The practice was born out of a desire to correct the impersonal, “take-a-number” experiences many patients face in healthcare. We strive to treat every patient with the maximum amount of empathy, putting ourselves in their shoes from the moment they walk through the door.
We are currently in a phase of exciting growth. Established in Leander, Texas, we are expanding with a brand-new, state-of-the-art location in Hutto, Texas, scheduled to open in early 2026. We operate as a comprehensive dental home that combines advanced clinical capabilities with a warm, non-clinical atmosphere. We handle a vast array of procedures in-house so patients rarely need to be referred out to specialists. While we are a general dentistry practice, our team is skilled in:
Comprehensive Restorative & Cosmetic Care: This includes everything from composite fillings to veneers and full smile makeovers.
Advanced Surgical & Endodontic Procedures: We perform root canals, oral surgery (including wisdom teeth), and dental implant placement using 3D CBCT technology for precision planning.
Orthodontics: We offer clear aligner therapy, specifically utilizing SureSmile and Invisalign.
Biological Dentistry: We are known for the SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) protocol, which utilizes rigorous safety measures to protect patients and staff from mercury exposure during the removal of old silver fillings.
What sets you apart from others?
#thesmiledoc difference is defined by three distinct pillars: Transparency, Comfort, and Accessibility.
1. Diagnostic Transparency: We believe seeing is believing. We do not use pressure tactics. Instead, we use high-definition intraoral cameras to show the patient exactly what we see—if a patient doesn’t see the problem on the screen, we don’t treat it.
2. Unmatched Amenities: We have curated a “safe space” for anxiety-free dentistry. Our offices feature heated massage chairs, ceiling-mounted TVs with Netflix, custom music selection for each patient, and a beverage station. We also offer complimentary nitrous oxide and oral sedation options to ensure comfort.
3. The #smiles4life Membership: We differentiate ourselves by offering an in-house membership plan for uninsured patients. This subscription covers cleanings and exams and offers significant discounts on treatment, removing the barriers and headaches of traditional insurance.
What are you most proud of brand-wise?
We are incredibly proud to be a recipient of the Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce (GABC) 2022 Business of the Year Award. This accolade validates our commitment to promoting inclusive workspaces and diverse hiring practices.
We take immense pride in our culture of inclusivity. Dr. Reid and our new associate, Dr. Thembi Evans, share a West Indian heritage, and we strive to ensure that every patient—regardless of race, background, or economic status—is treated with dignity and respect.
Our team of doctors brings over 50 years of combined experience to the chair, offering a comprehensive suite of services including cosmetic and family dentistry, dental implants, root canals, extractions, and Invisalign. For those who feel uneasy, we offer oral sedation to ensure a comfortable, anxiety-free experience.
Additionally, we are proud of our authentic reputation. We do not buy reviews; the hundreds of detailed, 5-star reviews we have received are genuine testimonials from patients who have experienced our unique level of care.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc.?
We want readers to know that we stand behind our work with tangible guarantees. Unlike many medical providers, we offer a Lifetime Warranty on our Zirconia crowns and porcelain veneers, provided the patient maintains their regular hygiene visits.
We are also a technology-forward practice. We have moved beyond “goopy” impressions to digital scanning with the Primescan scanners, and we utilize diode lasers for less invasive gum therapy and surgeries.
Ultimately, we want the community to know that #thesmiledoc is a place where high-tech dentistry meets human connection. Whether a patient is looking for a routine cleaning, a complete smile makeover, or a second opinion they can trust, we are designed to be their long-term dental home.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
My Philosophy: Risk vs. Dilution I view risk through the lens of opportunity cost. Sometimes, the “safe” path—like keeping a steady part-time job—is actually the riskier choice because it dilutes your energy and prevents a new venture from gaining the momentum it needs to survive. I believe in taking concentrated risks once I have a clear vision of the goal.
The “Major Risk” Example: Launching the Office
The Situation: When I was launching my new office, I reached a crossroads. I could either work part-time elsewhere to maintain a guaranteed income while running the office on the side, or I could quit my job and commit 100% of my time and resources to the new business.
The Risk: Choosing the latter meant I had no safety net. If the office didn’t gain traction immediately, I wouldn’t be able to cover my personal bills, let alone meet payroll for my staff. It was a “sink or swim” scenario.
The Calculation: I analyzed the market and realized that for the office to succeed, it needed a leader who was present four days a week to build culture and drive sales. I decided that:
The risk of financial instability was temporary and manageable with a lean budget.
The risk of mediocrity (running a half-baked business) was permanent and would eventually lead to failure anyway.
The Outcome: I forged ahead, opened the office four days a week, and poured every ounce of focus into the growth strategy. Because I wasn’t distracted by a “backup plan,” we were able to scale quickly. We hit our targets ahead of schedule, met every payroll, and we haven’t looked back since. It taught me that sometimes eliminating your safety net is the fastest way to ensure you learn how to fly.
Pricing:
- #smiles4life Membership Plan:
- Adult Membership: $32/mo
- Child Memebrship: $29/mo
- Periodontal Membership: $46/mo
- Members: $500 of an Implant
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thesmiledocatx.com/
- Instagram: @thesmiledocatx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesmiledocTX/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesmiledoc/
- Twitter: twitter.com/thesmiledocATX
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@thesmiledoc8387
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-smile-doc-leander
Image Credits
Teshorn Jackson
