A Legacy of Smiles: The Father-Daughter Duo of Mark and Ava Ventress at LSU

For the Ventress family, LSU is more than just a university—it’s a legacy of learning, passion, and community.

Mark Ventress, DDS, an LSU alumnus, has built a thriving career in dentistry. Today, his daughter, Ava Ventress, follows in his footsteps as a junior in the College of Science, majoring in Biological Sciences with aspirations of becoming a dentist herself. Their journey reflects not only a shared career path but also a deep connection to the LSU experience.

A Family Rooted in LSU Tradition

Growing up in Baton Rouge, Ava was surrounded by all things LSU. Her father, Dr. Mark Ventress graduated in 1994 with a degree in General Studies with a concentration in chemistry before attending LSU’s School of Dentistry. From an early age, Ava was immersed in the world of healthcare, watching her father work with patients and seeing firsthand the impact that dentistry can have on people’s lives.

Mark’s journey into dentistry was sparked by childhood visits to his own dentist, where his fascination with the profession began. His time at LSU provided the academic foundation he needed. He says, “LSU did an amazing job of preparing me for dental school. I can’t say that dental school was easy, but I can say I was well prepared.”

He even credits his first inorganic chemistry professor, Dr. George Stanley, for sparking his love for the subject. “Had I not gotten into dental school, I probably would have pursued a career in chemistry,” he says.

"LSU did an amazing job of preparing me for dental school. I can’t say that dental school was easy, but I can say I was well prepared." - Dr. Mark Ventress

Ava’s Path to Dentistry

For Ava, the decision to attend LSU was a natural one. With deep family ties to the university—both of her parents are LSU alumni—she eagerly embraced the opportunity to carry on the tradition. However, her passion for science and dentistry was uniquely her own.

Growing up surrounded by her father and the friends he made during his time at LSU's dental school gave Ava a clear perspective on the path she wanted to pursue. "My father is definitely my science role model," Ava says. A pivotal moment in her journey occurred in fourth grade during a science lab experience. "We were dissecting a sheep’s brain, and my partner and I found a brain tumor and successfully removed it. It was fascinating!" That early exposure to hands-on science sparked her curiosity, and by high school, she was conducting her own experiments, such as testing how veneers and real teeth react to coffee stains.

During high school, Ava also had the opportunity to shadow a variety of dentists over four years, which further solidified her passion for dentistry. "This experience really opened my eyes to the field. I met amazing dentists who absolutely loved their work. Watching Dr. Gwenn Corbett, a specialist in Endodontics, perform a root canal was one of my favorite shadowing experiences."

Now an LSU student, Ava is actively involved in the Pre-Dental Society and Pi Beta Phi Sorority and is running for a senate position in the College of Science. She also works in a dental office, gaining invaluable real-world experience that strengthens her commitment to a career in dentistry. Alongside her passion for dentistry, Ava’s favorite hobby is skiing!

The Rewards of Dentistry and Giving Back

Dr. Mark Ventress has built a successful career as a dentist and business owner, running Cosmetic Dentistry of Baton Rouge LLC. His work has been about more than just dental procedures—it has been about changing lives. "One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had was restoring the smile of a young woman whose teeth had been broken in a domestic dispute. When she saw her new smile and started crying, I knew I was in the right profession," he says.

Mark’s dedication extends beyond his practice. He is a member of several professional dental associations and actively volunteers to provide dental care to those in need. "Giving back is important. LSU gave me so much, and I want to pay it forward," he adds. 

His daughter, Ava, shares her father’s commitment to community service. "For the past five years, I have volunteered regularly with special needs children, and this has been an incredibly formative and rewarding experience in my life," Ava says. 

A Shared Legacy 

As Ava continues her academic journey, she remains eager to explore the different specialties within dentistry. Inspired by her father’s dedication to patient care and community service, she hopes to not only build a successful career but also use her skills to make a positive impact—perhaps through mission work or by pioneering new advancements in dental health. "I want to help people in a meaningful way, just like my dad has," she says.

Dr. Mark Ventress also reflects on his daughter’s path with deep pride: "It means a lot to see Ava following in my footsteps, a huge compliment and an honor. Dentistry has been very satisfying and rewarding to me in a lot of ways. To see Ava pursuing a path in dentistry is very exciting." He hopes that Ava finds her passion within one of the dental specialties and enjoys her career as much as he has. 

"I want to help people in a meaningful way, just like my dad has." - Ava Ventress

For the Ventress family, LSU has been more than just an alma mater; it has been the foundation of their passions, careers, and lifelong connections. With Ava carrying forward the family tradition, their LSU legacy continues—one smile at a time.