Inspiring confidence through beautiful smiles
Dr. Tera Poole
"Every smile I help shape is a reminder that confidence can be life-changing. Whether I'm in the clinic or the boardroom, my mission is the same: to lead with purpose, break barriers, and create space for the next generation to thrive."
Dr. Tera Poole is a dynamic orthodontist and healthcare executive who blends clinical excellence with visionary leadership. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree as Valedictorian of her class at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. She then completed her orthodontic residency at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where she served as Chief Resident and earned both a Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master's in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences.
Dr. Tera is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, a distinction that reflects her deep commitment to the highest standards of care.
Throughout her career, she has helped launch and scale more than 10 orthodontic practices nationwide, led global digital orthodontic design teams, and served in leadership roles at multiple healthtech startups. Her experience includes guiding clinical teams through private equity growth, expanding access to care for underserved communities, and driving innovation at the intersection of healthcare and technology.
Dr. Tera's groundbreaking work has earned national attention and numerous honors. She has been featured in:
- Essence Magazine
- Incisal Edge Magazine
- Yahoo News
- The Cincinnati Enquirer
- And other national and local outlets
She is also the recipient of several prestigious awards, including:
- Icon of Progress Award – Ultradent
- 40 Under 40 – National Dental Association
- Change Maker – Incisal Edge Magazine
Away from the operatory, Dr. Tera is a passionate mentor, speaker, and advocate. She is especially committed to inspiring young professionals—particularly women and minorities—who aspire to make their mark in healthcare, business, and leadership.
Dr. Tera believes that orthodontics is about more than aesthetics; it's about transforming lives. She is driven by the power of a confident smile and the life-changing impact it can have on a person's self-esteem, success, and sense of self.
Whether she's building new ventures, mentoring future leaders, or working hands-on with patients, Dr. Tera leads with compassion, clarity, and purpose.