The moment you step into The Smile Studio at 3134 W Carefree Hwy #9, Phoenix, AZ 85086, you notice it immediately: this isn’t your typical dental office. Sunlight streams through large windows, bouncing off soft neutral walls and modern artwork. Earth-toned chairs complement sleek, clean finishes, creating a space that feels both sophisticated and inviting. Even from the dentist chair, the boutique experience continues: a personalized welcome appears on the overhead TV, greeting each patient by name. Small touches—offering a cozy blanket, providing headphones, or adjusting lighting—may seem minor, but they transform appointments into the most relaxed environment possible. It’s a space where every detail is intentional, and patients immediately feel seen, pampered, and at ease.
Dr. Alexandra Burnham, the practice’s founder, is there to greet you with a warm smile, exuding both confidence and calm. Her journey to opening this boutique practice is rooted in passion, skill, and an unwavering commitment to patient-centered care. Originally from Arizona, Dr. Burnham earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Glendale, AZ. From the beginning, she was captivated by the transformative power of dentistry—not just the aesthetics, but the profound boost in confidence a beautiful, healthy smile can provide.
After graduation, Dr. Burnham moved to Chicago for her husband’s medical training, spending five years refining her clinical expertise in general and cosmetic dentistry. A brief fellowship year in Fort Lauderdale expanded her perspective, but her heart remained in Arizona. In 2024, just one month before welcoming her baby boy, Roman, she fulfilled her lifelong dream: opening The Smile Studio, a place where patients feel truly cared for, understood, and confident.
From the start, Dr. Burnham made her vision clear: every patient should leave feeling like more than just a dental chart—they should feel seen, valued, and genuinely cared for. “I wanted a practice where patients experience dentistry as personal, comfortable, and elevated,” she explains. That vision is immediately evident in the team she has assembled.
Patient Coordinator Alana and Dental Assistant Gemeni form a tight, cross-trained duo that powers the practice. Their synergy is visible in every interaction: a gentle hand guiding a patient, a shared glance during a procedure that signals seamless teamwork, or laughter echoing through the office that feels authentic, not staged. “Patients can sense that we genuinely like each other,” Dr. Burnham says. “The ease and warmth in our interactions is intentional—it reflects the culture we’ve built.”
This culture is collaborative, family-like, and uplifting. The team supports one another naturally, especially on the busiest days. “We step in before anyone has to ask,” Dr. Burnham notes. “If someone is running behind, another team member jumps in. We communicate constantly and stay positive, reminding each other that our goal is the same: giving patients an exceptional experience.”
It’s this dynamic that transforms even the most intimidating procedures into calm, personalized experiences. One patient undergoing full-mouth rehabilitation arrived understandably anxious. Rather than rushing, the team created a cozy environment, moving with choreographed precision and care. Breaks were offered, fears addressed, and reassurances given at every step. By the end of her appointments, the patient was not only relieved but so comfortable she requested Gemeni specifically for future visits—and gave both a heartfelt hug. Moments like these embody the philosophy of The Smile Studio: dentistry is about connection as much as treatment.
Every detail in the patient journey is intentional. Before treatment begins, the team takes the time to learn about each patient’s life, preferences, and small comforts—favorite local restaurants, preferred blankets during procedures, or simply a chat about family. These gestures transform dental visits from clinical appointments into human connections. Patients notice. They feel acknowledged, understood, and genuinely cared for.
The boutique feel extends beyond these personal touches. It’s in the way the team moves through the office with unspoken coordination, the soft lighting that soothes rather than startles, and even the curated music that plays gently in the background. The Smile Studio feels elevated yet approachable, luxurious yet warm—an intentional reflection of the culture Dr. Burnham has cultivated. “It doesn’t feel like we’re going into work,” she says. “It feels like a second home.”
The energy and warmth of The Smile Studio doesn’t stop at the office doors. Their Instagram is equally entertaining and fun, offering glimpses into the team’s personalities, patient stories, and behind-the-scenes moments. Followers can experience the same laughter, camaraderie, and creativity that make every in-office visit vibrant, welcoming, and unforgettable—a digital extension of the boutique experience. Follow them at @thesmilestudioaz to see the team in action.
Leading a team like this requires intentionality and heart. Dr. Burnham emphasizes daily check-ins, celebrates wins both large and small, and addresses challenges with openness. She leads with gratitude, ensuring her team feels valued, motivated, and supported. “When a team genuinely cares for each other, it shows in the care they provide,” she explains. This approach fosters alignment and creates a ripple effect that patients feel immediately.
Genuine kindness is the cornerstone of the practice. Skills can be taught, but empathy and warmth cannot. Alana and Gemeni demonstrate this daily, whether offering comfort during treatment, explaining procedures patiently, or remembering personal details about patients’ lives. These small but meaningful gestures make the experience memorable and affirm the boutique philosophy: patients are treated as people first, smiles second.
The recent photoshoot that inspired this editorial captured the spirit of The Smile Studio beautifully. It wasn’t just about polished smiles—it was about energy, authenticity, and teamwork. Laughter shared between staff, the confident but gentle presence of Dr. Burnham, and the attentive gestures toward patients all came through vividly in the images. The photos tell a story: this is a practice where care is intentional, connection is paramount, and every smile reflects a team working in perfect harmony.
Dr. Burnham’s clinical expertise complements this culture of care. Her focus spans full-mouth rehabilitation and cosmetic dentistry, helping patients regain confidence through natural-looking, customized smiles. She enjoys treating patients of all ages, often seeing grandparents, parents, and children in the same day—a continuity that allows for personalized care and lasting relationships. Each treatment plan is tailored not only to the patient’s oral health but also to their comfort and emotional well-being, further enhancing the boutique experience.
Beyond the technical expertise and boutique environment, what truly defines The Smile Studio is the human connection at every level. Patients consistently remark on how the team remembers small details, anticipates needs, and creates an atmosphere of comfort and trust. From shared laughter to thoughtful gestures during procedures, the office operates like a well-coordinated family, where each member supports the other without hesitation. It’s this blend of skill, compassion, and genuine joy that transforms routine dental appointments into meaningful, memorable experiences—leaving patients not just with brighter smiles, but with hearts equally warmed.
Looking forward, Dr. Burnham envisions thoughtful, sustainable growth. She plans to add talented team members who share the practice’s family-like culture and commitment to exceptional care. Education, personal development, and refinement of the boutique experience remain central to her vision. “Our goal as we grow is to remain warm, intentional, and relationship-driven,” she says. Every new addition to the team is carefully considered, ensuring alignment with the studio’s core values and the culture that makes it unique.
For Dr. Burnham, the ultimate reward is simple but profound: “When a patient gives me a hug at the end of treatment, I know we’ve made a difference—not just in their smile, but in their life.” That philosophy informs every aspect of the practice, from leadership style to daily interactions, and ultimately defines the patient experience.
At The Smile Studio, dentistry transcends routine care. Patients are treated with thoughtful precision, and every touchpoint reflects the practice’s culture of compassion, collaboration, and intentionality. The boutique feel, the small but mighty team, and Dr. Burnham’s purposeful leadership converge to create a practice where patients feel at home, valued, and supported. Every smile, every conversation, every appointment is approached with the same care, ensuring that each experience is not only successful but meaningful.
The photoshoot, the office ambiance, and the team’s visible connection all tell a story: The Smile Studio is not just about dentistry—it’s about people, relationships, and genuine human care. From the moment you step into the office, it’s clear that Dr. Burnham’s vision has been realized: a space where expertise meets empathy, and every patient leaves with more than just a smile—they leave with their confidence restored, and the rare feeling of being cared for with genuine compassion.
“Patients can sense that we genuinely like each other. The ease and warmth in our interactions is intentional—it reflects the culture we’ve built.”
“Every small detail, from blankets and headphones to personalized greetings, transforms a dental visit into a relaxed, thoughtful, and truly memorable patient experience.”