Dr Chinel Lee

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)

Style Observer (SO): Why dentistry?

Dr Chinel Lee (DCL): I have always loved everything medical. I was also very aware of the lifestyle I wanted for myself and my future family. Dentistry allows me to pursue my passion for health care while still maintaining a social life, so I can be present for my husband and children when I do have them.

Medicine is incredibly demanding of one’s time, and while I love the idea of saving lives, dentistry gives me that same fulfilment in a different way. Every day I improve someone’s health, confidence, and quality of life. It truly feels like the best of both worlds — a win-win.

SO: How long have you been in the profession and where did you study?

DCL: I graduated in November 2017 from the University of Technology, Jamaica, and began practising in January 2018.

My first year in practice was intense, I worked extremely hard and focused on paying off my student loan. By 2020, I opened my own practice, 360 Dental, which has been one of the most rewarding milestones of my career.

SO: Why are so many adults afraid of the dentist?

DCL: For many people, dental fear begins in childhood and follows them into adulthood. It can stem from past painful experiences, fear of the unknown, lack of control, or simply stories they’ve heard over the years. The anticipation is often far worse than the treatment itself.

SO: How do you help to allay your patients’ fears?

DCL: By meeting patients exactly where they are, emotionally and physically. Communication, patience, and trust are everything.

One of my most memorable patients had an extreme fear of the dentist. At her very first appointment we didn’t even touch her teeth. We simply allowed her to sit in the chair and cry. That was it.

At the second visit, we did her exam.

At the third, we finally began treatment.

Today, she comes every year; her anxiety [level] has significantly improved, and she keeps all of her appointments. I consider that a true success, not just clinically, but humanly.

SO: Were you to respond to a group of newly minted dentists what would your advice be to allay the fears of prospective patients?

DCL: Build trust before you build treatment plans.

Listen more than you speak.

Never minimise fear; acknowledge it.

Explain each step, and move at the patient’s pace.

Skill matters, but compassion is what patients remember.

SO: Much has changed in the profession, but not the quest for the perfect smile! What are the latest trends to facilitate same?

DCL: Digital Smile Design, Invisalign, minimally invasive veneers, 3D imaging, and same-day restorations are transforming dentistry. Technology now allows us to plan, preview, and execute treatment with incredible precision, comfort, and efficiency.

SO: What further advances are you looking forward to in dentistry?

DCL: Artificial intelligence for smarter diagnosis, regenerative dentistry, needleless injection, and even more biocompatible materials are shaping the future of care.

As chairperson of the Jamaica Dental Association 2026 Convention I’m especially excited that we’ll be hosting lectures on artificial intelligence in dentistry, giving local dentists access to cutting-edge knowledge and global innovation.

SO: Were you to be given the opportunity to speak to the population about the importance of dental care, which three points would you stress?

DCL: 1) Oral health is directly connected to overall health.

2) Prevention is always better, and more affordable, than cure.

3) Your smile impacts your confidence, relationships, and opportunities.

SO: Switching gears now… what does Chinel do to unwind?

DCL: Spending time with my dogs is my therapy. I also love the gym, travelling, going to the spa, and rewatching episodes of Grey’s Anatomy. Balance keeps me grounded.

SO: Where are a few of your favourite chill spots?

DCL: Honestly? My bed! But also anywhere near the ocean — Negril is my happy place. I love cosy cafés, rooftop lounges, and anywhere with a beautiful sunset.

SO: How would you describe your personal style?

DCL: Effortlessly polished — clean, minimal, feminine, with a touch of luxury.

SO: Which fashion labels are you invariably attracted to?

DCL: Chanel, Dior, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Zara’s tailored collections.

SO: Heels or flats?

DCL: Heels for the photo-op… flats close by.

SO: An evening in or out?

DCL: A mix — intimate dinners in, a nice party out.

SO: What are you drinking?

DCL: Appleton Estate Daiquiri

SO: Given the opportunity, which five women living or dead would you love to sit with and pick their brains?

DCL: Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé, Princess Diana, and Lisa Hanna.

SO: Which musical genres are you currently obsessed with?

DCL: I’m currently loving R&B — Summer Walker, SZA, Billie Eilish, H.E.R.,

Dancehall — Masicka, Shenseea, Skippa to name a few; and Gospel — CeCe Winans, Tasha Cobbs, and Charles Jenkins — which I listen to on Sundays or in the mornings to start my day.

SO: What’s on your 2026 travel itinerary?

DCL: Maybe Greece or Dubai, and then a tropical escape, maybe Turks & Caicos or St Barths.

SO: What’s your go-to motivational verse?

DCL: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

— Philippians 4:13

Words to live by….

Dr Chinel Lee says she could pick the brains of five women, living or dead, it would be: Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé, Princess Diana, and Lisa Hanna.

Dr Lee’s 2026 travel itinerary may take her to Greece, Dubai, or St Barths.

Appleton Estate Daiquiri 2 oz Appleton Estate Reserve Blend 1 oz Lime juice 0.5 oz Simple syrup (Photo: Naphtali Junior)