Focusing On Family

When Dr. Matthew Artho opened Country Lakes Family Dental ten years ago, his focus was always on family. Not only did he seek to provide quality care for the entire family, but he made it a personal mission to treat each patient like part of the family. When family friend and neighbor Dr. Lauren Smits joined the team two years ago, it only accentuated the family-oriented goal of utmost quality dental care. A continuously growing family practice, Country Lakes Family Dental is an award-winning, state-of-the-art dental clinic with endless treatment options for the entire family.

This neighborhood full-service dental practice offers world-class care. They strive to form relationships built on trust with every patient, beginning with the first visit. That desire to treat patients like neighbors and family continuously sparks the team’s passion for relationship-based dentistry. Dr. Matt Artho, Dr. Lauren Smits, and their team believe dentistry is not only part of the healthcare profession. “We’re part of the community, here to take care of people and give them the smile of their dreams,” said Dr. Matt. They proudly fulfill that objective on a daily basis.

The practice is very family-friendly, with generational patients ranging from young children to seniors. “That includes those with special needs, geriatric, and we accommodate those accompanied by caregivers,” Dr. Matt explained. “I see a variety of ages in one day.”  A key element that allows Dr. Matt and his team to see such a wide range of patients is their constant commitment to advanced technology. The practice is outfitted with the latest dental techniques and equipment, such as digital X-rays, 3D imaging, dental lasers, and same-day crowns.

In addition to valuing every patient who walks through the door, Dr. Matt has an impressive background of education, experience, and expertise to fulfill your dental needs and desires. He initially earned a degree in electrical engineering from Texas A&M but was drawn to a more service-oriented career. His new path included serving in the Texas Army National Guard, receiving his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from Baylor College of Dentistry, followed by an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency, an accomplishment only some five percent of dentists achieve. “In 2020 I was accepted as a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD),” Dr. Matt added.

Dr. Matt has had great success in his career, but he couldn’t have done it alone. “I pretty much owe my career choice to my wife Leigh Ann,” Dr. Matt confessed. The two met early on at Texas A&M, where Leigh Ann earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a full scholarship to dental school. Once married, Leigh Ann set her sights on motherhood instead, while Dr. Matt was motivated by enthusiasm for the dental profession. Nearly twenty years of marriage has blessed them with nine children, ranging from a 2022 Argyle High School graduate to a toddler at home! Leigh Ann is also involved with multiple organizations devoted to service, including National Charity League, Ranch Hands Rescue, Grace like Rain, and many more.

Dr. Lauren Smits joined the practice in May of 2020. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Lauren also felt the desire to contribute to the community through dental care. She went on to earn her degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry and led her own general dentistry practice in The Woodlands, Texas. She is thrilled to now be a part of the family at Country Lakes Family Dental to continue delivering quality care in a friendly, welcoming environment.

Married twelve years, Dr. Lauren, her husband Bryan, and their three children moved to Argyle in 2019. She was first introduced to Leigh Ann when both attended a neighborhood women’s luncheon. “I had been searching for a dental practice that focused on family and was involved in the community and school where we live,” Dr. Lauren explained. “Leigh Ann told me, ‘Country Lakes would be a great fit for you,’ and she was absolutely right.”

The focus on family values in the practice merges well with both Dr. Matt’s and Dr. Lauren’s personal lives and families. Coincidentally, both households happen to live in the same Argyle neighborhood, attend the same church, and now consider themselves close friends. “Our kids attend the same school, so it is fun to see them together at school functions and games.” Dr. Lauren mentioned.

Dr. Matt and his talented staff continuously seek to improve the patient experience and build a foundation of trust. Their skill and devotion to their patients have earned them Best of Denton County accolades for the past nine years in a row! “Community involvement has always been important to us,” Dr. Matt proudly pointed out. “We love giving back.”