Jennifer Huynh, DMD, MPH, MS

Jennifer Huynh, DMD, and her team at Jenuine Smiles Orthodontics specialize in orthodontic care for children, teens and adults. Dr. Jen was a premedical student in Philadelphia when she witnessed the multidisciplinary treatment of a child’s cleft lip and palate involving an orthodontic specialist. She knew then that she had found her calling and soon after transitioned to the field of orthodontics.

Dr. Jen earned her master’s degree in health sciences from Drexel University, a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry as well as a Master of Public Health from the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, and completed her postgraduate advanced education in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics at New York University. She started Jenuine Smiles Orthodontics in 2023.

Tell us about your practice. 

I consider myself a lifelong student and am dedicated to learning the latest cutting-edge orthodontic technology, products and research. I specialize in orthodontic care for kids, teens and adults using a variety of treatment modalities including Invisalign^® clear aligners, metal and clear braces, and 3D digital scans to treat mild to complex cases. Patients have different needs; therefore, I enjoy being a small private practice where I have the time to connect with every patient and treat each one as a person deserving undivided attention and compassion.

What inspired you to pursue a career in dentistry?

My mom’s physical and emotional struggle with her TMJ jaw disorder inspired me to pursue a career in dentistry. As Vietnamese refugees in the 1980s, my grandparents did not have the financial means to fix her disorder. As I grew up, I watched my mom struggle to eat and chew her food, which affected her quality of life. While I was doing an internship with the craniofacial team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, I witnessed an orthodontist help correct a child’s jaw and teeth after a cleft lip and palate surgery. This moment solidified my career pursuit in orthodontics.

How did you choose the business name Jenuine Smiles?

My first name is Jennifer, but most of my friends call me Jen. My husband’s last name is Nguyen, and most people pronounce it “New-In.” So together it’s “Jen-New-In.” Beyond the name, the vision of Jenuine Smiles Orthodontics stemmed from my graduation project at NYU. We were to create a business proposal to be pitched to a panel of investors. Little did I know that what was a simple assignment would become my reality!

What would you like new patients to know about the atmosphere at Jenuine Smiles Orthodontics?

I have an uncanny ability to break an awkward silence in any room and crack a smile from even the shiest person. My team and I are committed to providing a comfortable and enjoyable treatment experience in a sophisticated and fun environment. We are not only committed to creating beautiful smiles, but we strive to create an environment that encourages, motivates and improves the lives of our patients and families. 

Tell us about your family and team.

My team has truly become like family. They have been with the practice for over five years—even before I came on board. When I took over the practice in January 2023, the business side of a dental office was very new to me and it was quite overwhelming. My brother Henry had worked in the restaurant business for over 10 years and saw an opportunity for a career change when I told him about my new venture. He had no medical or dental background but took on the challenge of being the office manager/ insurance and treatment coordinator. Our patients have come to really relate to him and are impressed with his communication skills and compassionate demeanor.

My husband is a general dentist in El Segundo. One of the perks of having a partner in the same profession is that I can collaborate and discuss multidisciplinary treatment plans with him. We have been together for over 12 years and will be welcoming our first child early next year!

In what ways do you stand out in your market?

When you walk into our practice, you will always be greeted by your first name. The traditional family practice is few and far between these days. I strive to maintain the vibe where patients do not feel rushed and leave with a greater understanding of their oral health. Each patient is treated as an individual because I believe that a person is connected to a family and that this family is connected to the community. We are all here to do good in our community.

How long have you lived in this community?

I’m originally from the Philadelphia area, and I moved to Los Angeles in July 2020 to join my husband, who is a SoCal native. After exploring different cities in the L.A. area, we both fell in love with the South Bay community. We currently reside in Redondo Beach and have lived here since 2021.

Photographed by Fabien & Laura Castro