Dr. Steven Ripple has been practicing pediatric dentistry since 1988. He is a New Orleans native and a graduate of Jesuit High School. He attended Louisiana State University for his undergraduate degree and continued there in the LSU School of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree. He also completed a Pediatric Dental Residency program at the University of Kentucky with extensive training in anesthesia, as well as treating medically compromised, handicapped and special needs children.
While at LSU, Dr. Ripple was the captain of the LSU Tiger Football Team and was awarded the Chancellors Award for highest scholastic average during his career and the Butch Duhe Memorial Award for the senior who typified all American youth. During dental school, he continued to excel and was the recipient of the Academy of Operative Dentistry Award for outstanding achievement and also the American Society of Dentistry for Childrens Award for outstanding interest and proficiency in dentistry for children. He also served as Student Body President for two years.
Dr. Matthew Leftwich, a New Orleans native, graduated from Ridgewood Preparatory School in Metairie. He pursued his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from the University of New Orleans. He received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from LSU School of Dentistry and graduated in the top 10% of his dental class. While at LSUSD, he received a scholarship from the LSU Board of Regents and was awarded the respected Baldridge Scholarship. He was inducted into the Edmund C. Kells honor society and was part of the Delta Sigma Delta Dental Society.
In order to be an orthodontic specialist, dentists must be accepted into an accredited residency program of at least two or more years after completing dental school. Dr. Leftwich furthered his education by completing an orthodontic residency program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. During his residency, he also received a Masters of Science Degree in Dentistry.
Being an orthodontist allows Dr. Leftwich the unique opportunity to treat a variety of dental problems, and help to positively influence his patient's self-esteem. His goal is to maintain a fun, friendly environment where patients feel comfortable and respected. Dr Leftwich has a genuine love for people and enjoys making a positive difference in his patient's smiles and also their lives.
Reviews
Rating 4.1 out of 5 based on 127 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestShanterria Ringo
a year ago
I highly recommend this dentist office. My son has autism and it's hard to find an office that handles special needs children and they have exceeded my expectations. Nice play area for the kids to play with. VERY PATIENT AND KNOWLEDGEABLE.
JIMMY LEE
a year ago
Love the staffs, my kids actually look forward going to their dentist.
Tabby Neal
a year ago
So chaotic and rowdy. Other children rome and run free all around your child while they are getting their teeth cleaned etc. It's absolutely ridiculous. Their first and last visit omg. The staff is so sweet and friendly I hate to pull them out already! But omg I've never been any chaos like this in a dentist office.
Krystle Turner
a year ago
Loved Dr. Matt and his nurses are amazing. My son said he wants that nurse all the time. They talked him through every stepI don't know her name but my son officially loves going to the dentist because of her
Candace D
a year ago
The staff was extremely nice. My son had to get some crowns, fillings and a extraction so they gave him the medicine that makes him woozy then they did the work while he was awake, which was fine. They told me don't mention the procedure to him after if was done and don't go into detail about what's going to happen before the procedure. My child has a good understanding so I can explain the process if I want. My son is 6 and the doctor told him to "be quiet I can't hear my music" very unprofessional especially to talk to a kid like that who is under sedatives. So that's why they don't let parents back. I called and confronted them and the Nurse says that's his technique of getting the kid to calm down. It's a No for me bc at the end of the day they are getting paid from my insurance and don't talk to my kid that way.
Devin Gonsalves
2 years ago
We are so scared of the dentist. But smile stars did an amazing job. They kept my daughters 4 front teeth after the people before them said they'd take them all, and they would have to put her under! Smile stars did a conscious sedation surgery that went smoothly and our daughter is doing great. We got smoothies afterwards and her teeth look beautiful. Today is an amazing day. Thank you smile stars and Dr Ripple! Thanks to you my daughter gets to keep her precious little spongebobs
Sarelda James
2 years ago
Thank you for taking care of my granddaughter, and for being so professional and friendly. I love the atmosphere. She loves to come for her visits. She was so afraid when she started but, your staff helped her relax. Love it!!
Rita Cole
2 years ago
Smile Stars is an exceptional dental practice. Dr. Ripple is full of knowledge and compassion. He treats everyone with dignity and respect. Dr. Matt (orthodontist) will have your child's smile good enough to be a Hollywood super star. The entire team constantly goes above and beyond to make the dentist a place that a child looks forward to going. They are absolutely wonderful!!
Shannon Culotta
2 years ago
Everyone is great there! Start of the braces journey!
Erin Landry
2 years ago
I have been bringing my kids here for over 10 years we love them!! Extremely helpful when we had a tooth emergency. Extremely nice and Friendly never ugly or mean.
Kimiko Gauthier
2 years ago
One of the main reason I picked this orthodontist is because I love they way the staff interact with the children. Dr. Matt remembers each child that walks through the door name and also their nick names. He also ask him how they're doing in school and remember what sports they're playing. That's a 10 star for me all day. He also talk to the parents if they come in with the children about different things and he makes them feel right at home. I am truly pleased with my decision and Timothy Johnson ( TJ) braces looks amazing on him. Thank you so much the staff at Smile Stars
Valarie Selders
2 years ago
Dr. Matt and his staff were friendly and answered every question though out the process. They are a great group of people.
Nasser Mohammed
2 years ago
Very nice staff, and very short wait time.
Janet Blankenship
2 years ago
I love Dr Matt and Dr Ripple. I have autism and they are so good to me and have lots patience with me. I've been going to Smiles Stars for 2 years - and I just love them. - Preslee
Madyson Yarbrough
2 years ago
I have been with Dr.Ripple for years since i was a baby and he just recently kicked me out he has been torturing me for years and probably more than i know. i went to his office yesterday and he told me that i have many problems with my teeth then proceeded to tell me my grades are just as bad as my teeth. i do not recommend you or your children going to smile stars the nurses are nice and gentle but before you leave Dr.Ripple has to visit you and that's where the pain began. a few years back me ad my sister went in there for a check up to go get our teeth cleaned and with out my mom knowing they removed one of my sisters teeth leaving my sister in pain, and a while back when i was getting filling he had already put 8 shots in my mouth but i could still feel it in my mouth not pain but the drilling in my mouth so i said hold up and he said are you still feeling pain i said no i can just feel my mouth vibrating so he continuously put more and more shots in my mouth leaving it numb for almost 7 hours
Stephanie Young
2 years ago
Finally built myself up to write a review. I took all 4 of my kids to get cavities done and cleaning. My oldest 18 no cavities perfect cleaning done. My 15 year old son was numbed by an assistant. Soon as the dentist started he immediately has to stop him he was definitely not numb. The way "he" numb people is horrible. Constantly sticking the gum over and over in the most non chalant way my son was sore for 3/4 days. Ive NEVER seen or had this issue going other places. Moving on to my 2 daughters. The worst traumatic experience EVER!!! I told him allow me to hold her until she was completely sedated. He argued and fought with me and refuse to allow me to be in the room with my daughter. She screamed yelled and everything you could imagine because she was not familiar with people and she was strapped to a table. Then comes back abs says wow you were right! No work was completed. My precious 9 year experienced pain the entire cavity filling. She was numb by the same assistant. He began the work she experienced pain "HE" denied her of feeling pain. I repeatedly told him she was having pain he finally acknowledged it and began sticking her the same way as my son she was screaming but he had already opened up the tooth so I had to sit in ache until she was done. My kids are traumatized. It will be a long time before I will be able to take my 9&7 year old to a dentist again. Instead of him listening to a parent who has had her kids all her life all he wanted to express how long he been doing this job and how his grandkids are. His grandkids are not my kids abs that's the problem is years of experience has cause him to have no table side manners. 1 STAR for his staff that's the best I can give
Brooke Ryan
2 years ago
Brought my daughter in yesterday for x-rays and exam. Will not be bringing her back. When they put the x-rays in her mouth, I watched them physically close and hold her mouth closed to do x-rays. Also was told I am not allowed in the back when they do do a filling for her cavity.(raised red flags when I was made to sign a consent form) Got home and looked them up. I have found several reviews on Dr. Ripple and how he has held kids down during procedures.
Alecia Victorian
2 years ago
We love Dr. Ripple and the staff. The first time we walked in we fell in love with the kid-friendly environment. I think it makes it more relaxing for my daughter. We did live 5 minutes away but we moved to Zachary and I didn't want to change dentist for convenience because they take good care of my daughter and they are always friendly and helpful. Dr. Matt is a wonderful addition to the staff. You will be very happy with the doctors, staff and the cute and clean office.
Jessica Luo
2 years ago
When I first walked in , I felt the waiting room was completely chaos. There was no enough space to sit or stand inside. I had a teeth cleaning appointment for my kids, but the waiting time was so long. We waited outside for one hour and waited another 30 mins in the back to finally get a cleaning. I have been to many dentist office before but never have this experience.
Taiyler Johnson
2 years ago
Dear Smile Stars, I've been going here for braces for a while now and everything was ok until I got braces. The orthodontic assistants are very nice and supportive, the only problem I have is with the orthodontist Dr.Matt. When I called and addressed my problems to him he showed no understanding and acted as if he didn't want to hear anything I had to say. He was very rude and short patient but on top of his disrespectful attitude while on the phone he also pretended as if he hadn't seen my face before. He aggressively spoke to me over the phone and he's not much better in person either. He's not friendly, he's insensitive and he's self centered. I don't think anyone should go here and get treated for braces solely because of him. I'm very sorry to anyone who has went here and has been mistreated by him or didn't like the ending results of your braces because he is not good at all. I do not recommend anyone to this place.
Load more