Second-generation dentist Dr. Drew Bell is carrying forward a 40-year legacy at Bell Dental Studio. Here, he discusses growing up in the practice, the Austin community that inspires him, and the family values guiding patient care today.
What was it like growing up around the practice your father built, and what inspired you to follow in his footsteps and take it over as the second generation?
Growing up, the practice was always a part of my life. I watched my father build relationships with patients that lasted for decades, and I saw firsthand the trust people placed in him. What stood out most wasn’t just the dentistry—it was the impact he had on people’s lives and the sense of community he created.
As I got older, I realized that dentistry offered a unique opportunity to combine science, problem-solving, artistry, and personal connection. Taking over the practice as the second generation felt like both an honor and a responsibility. My goal has always been to preserve the values my father built the practice on while continuing to evolve and improve the patient experience for today’s families.
As someone born and raised in Austin, how has the city — and specifically the Barton Hills/Westlake community — shaped the way you practice dentistry today?
Being born and raised in Austin gives me a deep connection to this community. I’ve watched the city grow and change, but what I love most is that Austin still values relationships and authenticity.
The Barton Hills and Westlake communities are filled with families, professionals, and longtime residents who genuinely care about their health and well-being. That has shaped the way we practice. We focus on building trust, educating patients, and providing care that is personalized rather than one-size-fits-all. Many of our patients have been with us for years, and caring for multiple generations of the same family is something we don’t take for granted.
You’re a family man with your wife Whitney and daughters Hogan and Goldie. How does that part of your life influence the way you approach patient care or the culture of the practice?
Becoming a husband and father changed my perspective in a lot of ways. When you’re a parent, you think differently about trust, comfort, and the experience your family has when receiving care.
At Bell Dental Studio, I try to create the kind of environment that I would want for my own family. We want patients to feel welcomed, respected, and cared for from the moment they walk through the door. Whether we’re treating a young child, a busy parent, or a grandparent, we try to make every visit feel personal and comfortable. Family also reminds me how valuable people’s time is, so we work hard to provide efficient, high-quality care while never making patients feel rushed.
The practice has been “exceeding expectations for over 40 years.” How would you describe the guiding philosophy you and the team carry forward today — especially the balance of advanced technology with genuine, personalized relationships?
Our philosophy is simple: provide exceptional dentistry while treating people the way we’d want our own family treated.
We invest heavily in technology because it allows us to deliver more accurate diagnoses, more comfortable treatment, and better long-term outcomes. But technology is never the goal—it’s simply a tool that helps us serve patients better.
The heart of our practice is still relationships. We take time to listen, understand each patient’s goals, and develop solutions that fit their needs. The combination of modern dentistry and genuine personal connection is what allows us to continue exceeding expectations.
You have a strong focus on building lasting relationships. Can you share what that looks like day to day, or a general example of how that approach has made a difference for patients?
One of the most rewarding parts of dentistry is seeing relationships develop over time. We often care for multiple generations within the same family, and over the years you get to celebrate milestones alongside your patients.
Day to day, relationship-building means remembering what’s important to people. It’s asking about their kids, their careers, their vacations, or significant events happening in their lives. It means taking the time to truly know the person behind the patient.
When patients trust you, they’re more comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and actively participating in their care. That trust leads to better experiences and often better long-term outcomes. Those relationships are one of the things that makes dentistry so fulfilling.
What brings you the most satisfaction in your work these days?
The most rewarding part of my work is helping people feel more confident and improving their quality of life.
Sometimes that’s restoring someone’s ability to chew comfortably, helping a patient overcome years of dental anxiety, or creating a smile they’re proud to share. Other times it’s simply seeing patients return year after year and knowing we’ve earned their trust.
The relationships we’ve built over the years and the opportunity to positively impact people’s lives continue to be the most meaningful part of what I do.
"I try to create the kind of environment that I would want for my own family."