Page 133 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2025

Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry
Dr. Kinyatta Bennett always knew she wanted to be a doctor, but it wasn’t until high school that she discovered her passion for dentistry. She recalled an older woman
telling her to “keep on smiling” because her smile would take her far in life. That moment stayed with
her, inspiring a career dedicated to helping others find reasons to smile.
This year marks a major milestone—10 years in business. Bennett admitted she was
terrified on day one, opening the practice just a year after losing her husband and business
partner, Dr. Christopher Bennett. “Every ‘what if’ was running through my head,” she said, “and
here we are, 10 years later, growing our team and making a difference.” She credits her faith and
spiritual journey for guiding her both personally and professionally.
Losing her mother at a young age shaped her drive
to succeed, and being a teenage mother fueled her determination to defy the odds. Today, her proudest roles are being mother to her three children, Laura-Jae, Briana, and CJ, and leader of two thriving practices.
Outside of work, Bennett enjoys traveling, listening
to live music, riding four-wheelers, and fishing with her son—though she admits she’s not yet ready to bait the hook or touch the fish she catches. She’s also an avid cook, especially of soul food.
Her advice to young female entrepreneurs is simple. “Keep your faith—sometimes it’s all that you have to keep you going.” She believes in supporting other women in business, knowing firsthand the perseverance it takes to succeed. For Bennett, each smile she helps create is proof that resilience, faith, and community can turn even the hardest beginnings into something beautiful.
13179 Three Rivers Rd. Gulfport 228.832.1000
3804 Hospital Rd. Pascagoula 228.696.2611
www.healthysmilesgulfport.com
presented by South Mississippi Living magazine
Dr. Kinyatta Bennett, D.M.D
Laura-Jae’ Bennett
Dr. Kinyatta Bennett
Christopher Bennett, II