Meet Dr. Jerri Hines- Florida’s Top Black Maxillofacial Surgeon!
Dr. Jerri D. Hines has extensive experience in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery. Her educational background, professional experience, and dedication to continuing education significantly add to her commitment to clinical excellence and providing patients with the highest level of care.
After graduating from Tuskegee University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, and Howard University with her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, Dr. Hines completed her Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Dr. Hines served 10 years in the United States Army prior to opening Ambiance Surgical Arts Center. Dr. Hines is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Fellow of American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Fellow of American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and is on the American Dental Society of Anesthesiologists, American Dental Association, National Dental Association, and Florida Dental Association.
Dr. Hines recently sat down with 1925 Consulting to give some insight into her life as a Maxillofacial Surgeon!
How did you get into dentistry?
I became interested in Dentistry as a typical child getting braces. I was so intrigued by the doctors’ instruments and in everything he was doing that he allowed me to volunteer with him during my summer breaks. That passion and desire has stuck with me ever since.
For those of us that don’t know, what does Maxillofacial mean?
Maxillofacial comprises the Mouth, Jaw, and Face.
What do you enjoy most about being a Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon?
I love love being an Oral Surgeon. I love meeting people and it gives me so much joy, gratitude to help others whether cosmetic, function or helping alleviate pain.
What’s your top specialty?
Wisdom teeth removal, Full mouth extraction and Dental Rehabilitation with Implants, Oral Pathology, Exposure of Canines for Orthodontic Braces
What has been the toughest thing you’ve had to overcome in your industry?
Getting Board Certified. The Intensity in Preparation, The Intimidation by experiences colleagues, The grit and grind to become one of the best mentally, intellectually was so challenging, yet rewarding. In the end gaining an elite status and achieving such a level of success has been one of the toughest accomplishments and yet one of the most gratifying. Sometimes I go and just look at my certification on the wall, smile and say “you did it!!”
How did Ambiance Surgical Arts Center come about?
Ambiance has been a long desire I’ve had since I served in the military. I wanted to create a place that people could look forward to coming to that was inviting, upscale but calming. Dental surgery can be scary and I wanted to create an AMBIANCE that made people as comfortable as possible!
What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
My most memorable moment is when I encountered a military Vietnam veteran who despite had all these accolades in their life through this service for our country, he didn’t have the means of healthcare to get adequate dental care because it wasn’t cost conducive. I was able to work with another doctor and we were able to facilitate rehabilitation of his mouth by removing all the systemic concerns (decayed and diseased teeth) and place dental implants as well as a prosthesis. Oh my goodness he was so elated we changed his profile, appearance, his smile, and most importantly his ability to chew. He could eat, sleep, improve his quality of life without being in pain. It was very very rewarding.
What is a word of advice you’d give to other women of color that strive to be in medicine/dentistry?
The key words are Persistence and Perseverance. Never let anyone tell you cannot and are not capable, because you are capable of anything. My favorite scripture is “With God, nothing is impossible!” Being not only a minority, but also a woman in a society and class of elite men can trigger you to feel incompetent even less than capable, but mental agility,
affirming your knowledge and your strength, are distinctive qualities you have to practice daily in order to succeed.
What advice would you have for aspiring Entrepreneurs in general?
My current motto is “YOU WERE BUILT FOR THIS”. There will be highs and lows and emotional agility will be your strength, but the reward is so extraordinary and fulfilling to be able to accomplish your passion on your own terms.
What’s next for Ambiance?
Well I’m super excited to announce that we recently added some cosmetic services to our list of services! We’re now helping patients reverse the effects of aging with our non-invasive offerings including Morpheus8 and Evoke. These procedures allow us to help with everything from facial remodeling, skin tightening, scarring and even hair restoration!
For more information on Dr. Hines and Ambiance Surgical Arts Center, visit www.AmbianceOMS.com and follow on Instagram @AmbianceOMS.
