RAINES FAMILY DENTAL

When Dr. Stephen Raines talks about dentistry, he doesn’t just talk about teeth. He talks about art, science, and innovation. Most importantly, he talks about eliminating fear.

“I love dentistry because I get my science and artistic fix all in one. I love working with my hands and getting to use my creativity.”

At 35, the Benton-based dentist represents a new generation of practitioners blending small-town roots with cutting-edge technology. Along with his wife, Lauren, he owns Raines Family Dental, a practice known for its calm, welcoming atmosphere and modern touches, including the use of artificial intelligence and 3D printing.

But the story begins much farther south. Raines, the son of a dentist, grew up in Camden. Dentistry was not just a career choice; it was part of daily life. “My dad was a dentist while I was growing up, so that’s kind of how I got into the dental field,” he said.

He attended Ouachita Baptist University, where he met Lauren. At the time, Raines said he planned to attend medical school, and Lauren was planning to attend dental school. In an unexpected twist, they changed directions.

“She went into hygiene, and I went to dental school,” he said.

After attending school in Tennessee, they returned home to Arkansas. Raines worked three years in Hot Springs Village while commuting from Saline County. Eventually, the couple decided to plant roots closer to home.

“We like this area because there are good public schools, and it’s the fastest-growing county in Arkansas,” he said. “We figured it would be a good place to put down roots.”

“We took a leap of faith and opened our clinic in 2020 at 216 E. Carpenter Street in Benton when the world was shutting down because of COVID-19. God had opened doors for us to start our very own clinic from scratch, so we just sat back and trusted in His plan and His timing.”

The couple waited through the uncertainty until May 2020, when they officially opened Raines Family Dental with a small but determined team that included Stephen, Lauren, one assistant and one front-desk team member.

Today, the office has grown to six team members and continues expanding its services. That early season shaped the culture of the practice as steady, focused, and intentionally personal.

“We’re not a chaotic, giant office that’s just trying to get people in and out as fast as possible,” Raines said. “Everything’s very calm, very peaceful. We want each person to feel valued and confident in our care as a dental team.”

And that atmosphere certainly helps when you consider that almost all dental patients have a phobia or general dislike of the same thing: shots. That’s why Raines decided early that pain reduction would be a cornerstone of his practice.

“The main thing that hurts about a shot is that it burns because it’s acidic,” he said. “We use buffered anesthetic, which neutralizes the pH. So, whenever we give shots, they’re virtually painless for most people.”

“We hear all the time, ‘I didn’t even feel that. That was the best shot I ever had,’” he added.

While Raines Family Dental offers a full range of general services, including cleanings, fillings, implants, extractions and same-day crowns, cosmetic dentistry is a clear distinction.

“We mostly focus on cosmetic dentistry,” Raines said. “Veneers, Botox and that sort of thing. But we do general dentistry as well. It’s a full range.”

The practice offers same-day crowns using in-office milling technology, meaning patients do not leave with temporary crowns. Where the office stands apart, however, is its use of 3D design and printing.

“I’ll take a digital scan, design prototype veneers on the computer, and then 3D print them,” he said. “They come back, try them in, and look in the mirror. It’s kind of a try-before-you-buy situation.”

“When people ask about veneers, they say, ‘I want them, but I don’t want you to drill my teeth down to nubs,’” he added. “In most cases, we don’t have to.”

Perhaps the most forward-thinking element of Raines Family Dental is its integration of artificial intelligence. The office frequently treats patients with TMJ issues and grinding. Instead of traditional molds and long waits, Raines uses a digital alternative.

“I’ll take a digital scan of someone’s mouth, upload it to a partnering company, and the AI designs the night guard in about five minutes,” he said. “It sends me a digital file, and then I can 3D print it in about 20 minutes.”

Looking ahead, Raines expects even more AI-driven efficiencies. “Eventually, I’ll be able to scan, upload it, and let the AI design the crown instead of me,” he said. “It speeds up the process and takes a little strain off the staff.”

Interestingly, older dentists, including his father, are impressed by the modern advances. “Every older doctor I talk to loves it and thinks it’s the coolest thing ever,” he said. “But they don’t want anything to do with it.”

At home, Stephen and Lauren are raising two young children, Micah and Nora Grace. Lauren now works part time at the office while balancing family life. “It’s a great work-life balance, and she’s amazing,” he said of Lauren.

That balance mirrors the philosophy of their practice. They are not building a corporate chain. They are building a long-term presence in the community they love. “We both grew up in the South, and this is our home,” he said. “We’re excited about the future and can’t wait to see what’s next for our family and our business.”

For more information about Raines Family Dental, visit rainesfamilydental.com or call 501.575.6300.