Dr. Leslie-Anne Fitzpatrick is proud to open a new modern dentist office in her community of Petworth. (photo courtesy of Solstice Smiles Dental)

Sponsored guest post

Dr. Leslie-Anne Fitzpatrick, or “Dr. Fitz” as she is affectionately known by her patients, is passionate about providing exceptional and comprehensive dental care serving patients of all ages in Petworth, Columbia Heights, Park View, Brightwood and the DC metro area. After launching her state-of-the-art dental studio Solstice Smiles Dental in Petworth at 3900 Kansas Avenue in December 2021, she reflected on the exciting but arduous journey that led her to one of her proudest accomplishments, with the hope of inspiring other local residents.

Dr. Fitz grew up in Trinidad & Tobago, a twin island republic in the Caribbean, and moved to the United States when she was just 18 years old to pursue her undergraduate degree at Columbia University. Inspired by her parents and family, Dr. Fitz always knew that she wanted to improve lives however she could. Dr. Fitz was inspired to enter dentistry due to her love for and desire to combine art with science.

Dr. Fitz completed her undergraduate studies in Environmental Sciences and a minor in French, all while being a varsity field hockey player, then went on to earn her Master's degree in Public Health from Columbia University. She pursued her goal of becoming a dentist by attending one of the nation’s top rated dental schools, the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. After graduating, she completed a General Practice Residency at Howard University Hospital. This was a major accomplishment given the fact that Black dentists in the US are significantly underrepresented and make up only 3.8% of the dental workforce (2020).

Dr. Fitz met her husband Cudjoe in 2006 during their graduate studies in New York City and have been inseparable ever since. They share their love of football (soccer), travel and community-mindedness. They moved back to Petworth in 2010 to support Cudjoe’s aging grandmother—who had been a long-time Petworth resident—until her passing. Dr. Fitz is also an avid cyclist, where she recently participated in a breast cancer awareness ride.

The new office at 3900 Kansas Avenue has all the latest and advanced technologies, delivering the best possible patient experience. (photo courtesy of Solstice Smiles Dental)

Outside of the dental office, Dr. Fitz and her family are very much a part of the Petworth community and you will likely see her at the farmers’ market, local gym, supermarket, restaurants and coffee shops. You’ll also almost always find her at local park with her young kids.

With the education, skills and experience she has, and the desire to create positive change, Dr. Fitz decided to open her own practice here in Petworth.

Her goal is to provide top-notch services to her community and where she feels a strong connection. With the COVID-19 pandemic hitting the community in 2020 just as she was planning to start her practice, this was a challenging feat. However, with the encouragement of her friends and family and her sheer determination, she steadfastly continued to pursue the idea of opening her own practice. Two years later, the effects of COVID-19 on supply chains are still in full effect, with multiple roadblocks delaying the opening of Solstice Smiles Dental. However, Dr. Fitz did not let these obstacles get in her way.

Dr. Fitz working with a patient at her office on Kansas Avenue (photo courtesy of Solstice Smiles Dental)

Along the way, there was some positive news with the arrival of her second child in February 2022. Unsurprisingly, her focus and perseverance could not be undermined, so with the blessing of a new member of the family as a new focus, she got a new burst of energy to make the new practice work.

Dr. Fitz is proud to offer a dental studio in Petworth with advanced technology and creating a clean and safe environment for her staff and patients. Most importantly, Dr. Fitz is thrilled to serve Petworth and the neighboring communities.

With advanced air filtration systems, comprehensive sterilization procedures and COVID-19 screenings, she’s confident that her patients will feel comfortable and reassured when visiting Solstice Smiles Dental. She uses modern technology such as a CBCT machine and iTero scanner to ensure her patients have a fast and comfortable experience at the dentist. These technologies also provide her with a far clearer insight into a person’s oral health than previously possible, so their treatment plans will be customized for their needs. Dr. Fitz is also a provider of Invisalign Clear Aligners.

“It’s hard enough opening the doors to a new business, but as a black, immigrant woman, the challenges are much larger” said Dr. Fitzpatrick. “The realization that I have come to is that it takes a huge amount of confidence and trust in yourself to pursue your dreams. And now I’ve successfully opened the doors to my beautiful dental practice. I'm eager to help others in the community reach their goals, too. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way to turn this dream into a reality.”

Make an appointment today at Solstice Smiles Dental and begin your dental journey with an expert, local dentist who is compassionate and cares about your health and well being.

Solstice Smiles Dental Practice
3900 Kansas Avenue NW, Suite T-2
(202) 983-5500

This is a sponsored guest post by Solstice Smiles Dental Practice.