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Smiles, Service, Celebration

Celebrating 20 Years of Exceptional Care & Community

Article by Angie Terry

Photography by Courtesy of Anna Dental

Originally published in Anna City Lifestyle

Anna Dental, one of the city’s first modern dental practices, recently celebrated 20 years of exceptional care, heartfelt service, and deep-rooted community connection. What began in 2004 with a single dentist and a simple vision has evolved into one of the region’s most trusted and respected dental homes. Today, they proudly reflect on two decades of brightening smiles, supporting local organizations, and growing right alongside the town it calls home.

From day one, founder Dr. Jeffrey Ludlow believed that Anna deserved access to high-quality dental care without having to travel to larger cities. His philosophy was straightforward yet powerful: combining leading-edge dentistry with the warmth, familiarity, and personal attention that define small-town life. As Anna has grown from a quiet community into a vibrant, fast-growing city, Anna Dental has also expanded while maintaining its commitment to excellence, compassion, and innovation.

When they first opened their doors, Dr. Ludlow’s goal was to create a place where patients of all ages felt welcome, understood, and genuinely cared for. Twenty years later, that vision has flourished into a practice known for expertise, comfort, and a family-friendly environment. Today, their team includes five experienced doctors whose combined 55-plus years of clinical experience allow them to deliver comprehensive care from preventive dentistry and restorative treatments to cosmetic transformations that change lives.

Their philosophy is simple: dentistry should be precise, advanced, and deeply personal. To support this mission, Anna Dental has continued to invest in state-of-the-art technology. Patients benefit from same-day crowns, digital X-rays, cone beam 3D imaging, and a host of modern tools typically found in major city practices. Yet despite its high-tech capabilities, the practice remains warm and welcoming, with a team known for building relationships that last for generations.

Families who visited in the early years now bring their children and grandchildren for everything from first checkups to full mouth restorations. Many staff members have been with the office for years, offering a sense of continuity that patients cherish. Generations of families return because the experience at Anna Dental goes well beyond clinical care. It is rooted in trust, familiarity, and genuine connection.

They are known for providing more than cleanings and fillings. Over the years, the practice has performed life-changing smile makeovers that restore confidence and brighten futures. Patients often leave with renewed self-esteem, knowing that their new smile will impact personal, social, and professional aspects of their lives.

But the impact of Anna Dental extends far beyond the dental chair. The practice has become a true community partner, donating more than $200,000 to local causes and providing millions of dollars in free dentistry to those in need. These efforts stem from a belief deeply embedded in the practice’s culture: caring for the community is just as important as caring for teeth.

One of its most meaningful traditions is the annual charity golf tournament, which benefits the Anna ISD Education Foundation. The event helps fund scholarships for graduating seniors, allowing students to pursue higher education and follow their dreams. Anna Dental also supports first responders, educators, local nonprofits, and families facing hardships. These acts of service reflect the practice’s genuine commitment to strengthening and uplifting the community it serves.

To commemorate the 20-year milestone, they hosted Smiles of Gratitude Week. The weeklong celebration was designed as a heartfelt thank-you to the community that has made the practice’s success possible. The special activities included complimentary Starbucks coffee for residents and a Chick-fil-A drive-through lunch giveaway. They also delivered meals to the Anna Police Department, Anna Fire Department, and Anna ISD Administration. Each gesture is meant to honor the people who help make the community safe, supported, and connected.

One of the most unique aspects of Anna Dental’s identity is its Signature Plan, an all-inclusive membership program that eliminates traditional dental insurance hurdles. For a simple monthly fee, patients receive comprehensive care without deductibles, copays, or surprise bills. The plan has become especially popular among families, offering transparency and peace of mind. Team members frequently express how meaningful it is to provide a service that feels honest, simple, and neighborly.

This patient-centered approach is a major reason the practice has earned more than 1,100 five-star Google reviews from residents of Anna, Melissa, Van Alstyne, and surrounding areas. Patients consistently praise the team’s friendliness, professionalism, and commitment to comfort. High-tech care, warm hearts, and an authentic small-town feel have become the signature of Anna Dental.

The heart of their success lies not in its technology or treatment offerings but in the relationships it has built over 20 years. Generations of families have walked through the doors, often greeted by familiar faces who know their names, their stories, and their milestones. Many describe the experience as visiting family rather than simply going to the dentist.

The practice’s commitment to community involvement is equally strong. From Wreaths Across America to teacher appreciation lunches, support for local first responders, and participation in local events and remembrance activities, Anna Dental continues to make service a core part of its identity. These efforts have helped shape a legacy built on gratitude, generosity, and genuine care.

As Anna grows, so does the practice’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of local families. The team remains focused on advancing dental care through ongoing education, innovative technology, and a steady commitment to making every patient feel known, supported, and valued. For Dr. Ludlow and the entire Anna Dental team, the 20th anniversary is more than a celebratory moment; it’s a reflection of thousands of shared memories, restored smiles, early-morning emergencies, community events, and friendships that have developed over two decades.

“Our goal is to continue providing exceptional care, supporting our community, and creating smiles that last a lifetime,” Dr. Ludlow says. As Anna Dental enters its third decade, one thing is clear: the next 20 years will be just as bright and just as full of smiles, service, and hometown pride!

“When we invest in new technology, it’s because we believe our patients deserve the very best care available.”

“Seeing the community grow while growing alongside it has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Anna has trusted us for 20 years, and we do not take that trust lightly.”