Meet our team

Our team was built with a shared goal - to give patients their dream smile. Get to know us!

We’re proud to serve Germantown and our local community. Visit us at 9407 Poplar Ave, .

"The way I see the practice of dentistry, is that it is a wonderful opportunity to support the health of the community. As I work to make others stronger, I am made stronger in the process. Partnering with my skilled and friendly team, we see lives transformed by bringing healthy, attractive smiles to our patients."

-Michael A. Smith, DDS

Meet the doctor

Michael A. Smith, DDS

Dr. Smith is an active member of the American Dental Association, the American College of Prosthodontics, the Tennessee Dental Association, the Memphis Dental Society, and the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. "My community is very important to me. I am actively involved in my local church, Bellevue Baptist, and participate in a mobile dental clinic, providing dental care to low-income families."

Experience

"After completing my dental training at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in 1977, I was invited to teach in the pre-clinical and clinical settings. It was only a year and a half into teaching that I was invited to enter the prosthodontics residency at the V.A. where I completed the 2 years post-doctoral program in 1981. I returned to teaching for 20 years and built a private practice in Dentistry. I love to learn, teach, and care for others. Staying informed of new information is very important for providing my patients with the greatest level of care. To keep on the cutting edge of restorative dentistry, I attend continuing education courses annually. Staying involved with the greater dental community is also a great asset. I was born in eastern Tennessee and raised in a medical family. I am one of seven children, and six of us are involved in some aspect of the field of medicine. I currently reside in Memphis with my wife, Rene. We have three grown children, Brandon, Anna, and Stuart, a daughter-in-law, Ashley, a son-in-law, Larry, and a daughter-in-law, Nina. When I'm not in the office I enjoy grilling and gardening."

Education

Doctor of Dental Surgery

University of Tennessee College of Dentistry - Memphis, Tennessee

1977

"There is no greater feeling than hearing our work had a positive impact on a patient’s life, be it the confidence provided by a new smile or the comfort of a healthy mouth. The opportunity to create the next success story motivates my team every day. I work to create an upbeat and safe environment where the patients become part of our family. I have over a decade of experience as a practicing dentist and use cutting-edge technology to improve the patient’s treatment. I want you to leave Great Southern Smiles thinking that this wasn’t your typical dental experience."

-Lindsey J. Pedersen, DMD

Meet the doctor

Lindsey J. Pedersen, DMD

"After completing 500 hours of continuing education, I was named a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry. I’ve participated in the Dawson Academy for full-mouth rehabilitation and the Engel Institute for implant studies. I’m committed to staying up to date on the latest innovations in dentistry."

Experience

"I graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor as a Spanish major with a pre-dental concentration and went on to earn my doctorate in dental medicine at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and was captain of my high school field hockey team. I’ve run a marathon, completed yoga sculpt teacher training, and enjoy attending barre classes with friends. I remain fluent in Spanish and relish opportunities to speak the language with patients. I live in Germantown with my husband, 2 sons, and our dog, Southern. I’ve been to Europe, Asia, and Africa and enjoy learning about different cultures."

Education

Doctor of Dental Medicine

Nova Southeastern University - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Undergraduate Degree in Spanish, Pre-Dental Concentration

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Michigan

“My mission is to make going to the dentist no longer a scary thing for patients, and to give everyone the smile they want and deserve.”

-Lauren Thompson-Williams, DDS

Meet the doctor

Lauren Thompson-Williams, DDS

Dr. Thompson-Williams completed a General Practice Residency at Woodhull Medical Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Away from dentistry, Dr. Thompson-Williams loves to travel and explore new places with her husband and son. She is a self-proclaimed “foodie” and loves to try new restaurants and stumble across hidden local gems.