Meet the team
Meet Sara K. Spurlock, DDS
The Backstory
I knew from an early age I wanted to become a healthcare provider; however, I was not certain in what capacity I would find my calling. It is a culmination of life experiences that began initially as a young child when I accompanied my dad, who needed to replace a missing front tooth, to the dentist, to being surrounded by family in the dental field. Five of my family members are currently in dentistry, which greatly influenced my decision. Finally, my childhood dentist, Dr. Jim Kessler, made a huge impact on my decision to head to dental school.
Pursuing Dentistry
After completing my B.S. in Zoology at the University of Oklahoma, I began dental school at the OU Health Science Center in the summer of 2004, and I have never questioned my decision to become a dentist. I cannot envision a better career. The ability to impact lives through our work is incredibly rewarding--so much so that we readily welcome young adults who are considering dentistry as a career choice to gain experience and observation hours at our practice. What other career enables you to be an artist, doctor, educator, engineer, counselor, and cheerleader all in a day's work?
Dental Design
Immediately after graduation and following the birth of my first child, Anna, I was fortunate to be able to join the practice of Dr. Susan Whiteneck. While Dr. Whiteneck was transitioning toward retirement, my very best friend from dental school, Dr. Jennifer Jenkins, joined our practice to assist in the transition during my maternity leave. That laid the foundation for the birth of Dental Design as Dr. Jenkins and I share a heart for serving, passion for our profession, the same sense of humor, and the same values.
Love to Learn
I am passionate about learning, researching and studying everything from cosmetic dentistry to airway function and integrative oral medicine. I regularly attend continuing education courses throughout the United States, learning from the best of the best in my field in order to stay current with new information and techniques to better serve our patients.
My passion for learning is not limited to dentistry--I love to read and learn. I enjoy reading both fiction and nonfiction; often, in my spare time or driving to and from work you will either find me reading a book or listening to one. I particularly enjoy historical fiction and love watching documentaries on Netflix. I also enjoy cooking. We are a team of foodies, and we always enjoy trying new recipes our patients share with us!
Family
My husband Jay, who is my high school sweetheart and the biggest supporter and encourager of me, our practice and my endeavors have three children and two dogs we adore. In my time away from the office, you can most likely find us at one our three kiddos’ (Annie, William, and John Henry) activities. We are also involved at our church, St. Thomas More. Family is important to us, my mom lives with us and we have aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and a brother nearby. We host family gatherings and Thanksgiving annually for 30-50 relatives and friends.
Heart to Help
I passionately believe in a life of service, commitment to my community, team, patients and family. I desire to live by Ralph Waldo Emerson's words: "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well."
Serving the Community
Giving back to our community that has given us so much is at the core of our mission at Dental Design Studio. We are fortunate to be able to donate a portion of our profits to our community, as well as our skills in donated dentistry. We participate in free dental clinics in Norman, OKC, and with the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy. We are also community partners with Lincoln Elementary School and support numerous other area schools and local nonprofit organizations.
In the End…
We value the relationships we build with our patients while creating and maintaining healthy, beautiful smiles. We take our work seriously and seriously like to have some fun, but we never lose sight of the impact we can have on your day and possibly your life. We are here to listen, understand, guide, encourage, support and serve. We provide a positive, non-judgmental and nurturing environment so we can best meet your needs. We have a team of supportive, compassionate all-stars who all share the same values and vision and we recognize them for all they do to make the days run smoothly and our patients comfortable and cared for. We are grateful for the opportunity to care for our patients, families, and friends and welcome new patients to our patient family.
Meet Jennifer M. Jenkins, DDS
The Backstory
I remember it well! The year was 1990, and I was in third grade in Edmond, Oklahoma. Playing make-believe doctor or teacher with my friends was one of my favorite pastimes. However, after my first orthodontist appointment with Dr. Mike Steffen, I started playing “dentist.” Dr. Steffen and his office staff were incredibly professional, and I was captivated by all things dentistry. His office seemed like such a welcoming place to work, and my first visit to the orthodontist sparked my interest in dentistry. As I grew older, I knew for sure that I wanted to work in healthcare, and dentistry was always at the top of the list.
Pursuing Dentistry
I graduated from Edmond North in 2000 and decided to pursue a career in dentistry. I enrolled at the University of Oklahoma and graduated in 2004 with a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in Zoology. In the summer of 2004, I started dental school at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center. While attending dental school, one of my greatest blessings was meeting my classmate, Dr. Sara Spurlock. We both graduated in 2008 and headed out in different directions to practice dentistry.
Getting started
My husband, Justin, and I married during my second year of dental school. We lived in my hometown of Edmond for a few years after dental school, and I bought a dental practice in South Oklahoma City, practicing alone for seven years.
The Surprise that changed my life
Then, my life took a fortuitous turn after receiving a phone call from Dr. Susan Whiteneck asking me to meet her for lunch. During lunch, she asked me a question that I will never forget: “Would you be interested in joining Dr. Spurlock’s and my practice in Norman and assisting with my transition toward retirement?” There was no hesitation with my affirmative response as it was a dream come true. I would have the opportunity to practice with my best friend in a town that I love--Norman. I sold my practice in Oklahoma City and moved to Norman with my husband and our two sons, Jase and Jax. It was the best decision I could have ever made.
A Beautiful Partnership
My partnership with Dr. Spurlock is symbiotic: we share so many of the same values and philosophies in life. We strive to make this world a better place and both love dentistry and people. Combining our shared philosophies and desiring to give our patients state-of-the art, compassionate care have been the cornerstone of our practice. Additionally, Dr. Spurlock and I enjoy continuing our education and traveling to seminars together. Most importantly, however, we like to create opportunities to spend time together building our relationships, our dental practice, and enjoying life. I am so grateful that I have a career that allows me to blend all the parts of my life together.
Family
I love spending time with my family (which includes my extended family, the Spurlocks). My husband and boys love going to OU sporting events (especially football and gymnastics), riding bikes around campus, going out to eat, shopping and going to the movies.
Passion fuels purpose
Dr. Spurlock and I are lead volunteers with the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy and serve on the Children’s Hospital Foundation Board of Advisors. We are both highly active in professional and community organizations, such as the Oklahoma Dental Association and the Oklahoma Association of Women Dentists. Dentistry is an ever-changing field, and it is vital that we focus on growth and learning, keeping abreast of the latest technology and techniques. It is exciting to bring new knowledge home to our team and patients. I’m immensely thankful for all the love and support from our families, patients, and Dental Design Studio.
Meet Lauren N. Parker, DDS
The Backstory
I was born and raised in Norman, Oklahoma and graduated from Norman North High School. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. If you had asked me at age five what I wanted to be, I would have responded confidently “a baby back doctor.” My costume for my pre-k Halloween party was even a white lab coat complete with a “Dr. Kaufmann” name badge and a borrowed (very large) stethoscope. I initially considered a career in pediatric medicine, having discovered that “a baby back doctor” is not a real thing. But after many wonderful experiences, conversations and mentorship, my path led me to dentistry, and I am thankful it did!
Pursuing Dentistry
After graduating from Norman North High School, I packed up and moved across town to attend the University of Oklahoma. I graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and began dental school at the OU College of Dentistry in the summer. I immediately fell in love with dentistry all over again. After dental school, I was accepted into the Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at OU. The AEGD residency is a one-year program where I was able to further my training in oral surgery, dental implants, and advanced comprehensive restorative and rehabilitative dentistry.
Dental Design
I grew up as a patient at Dental Design Studio and always admired Dr. Spurlock, Dr, Jenkins, and the culture of the practice. When the opportunity arose for me to be a part of this amazing practice, it was an easy decision. Their compassion and care for patients is something I have always hoped to emulate. I am thankful and honored to get to be a part of this wonderful team and strive to care for our patients with the same standard of excellence that I have gotten to witness firsthand as a patient all these years.
Passion for People
I have a passion for people and feel blessed to be a part of a profession that combines all my favorite things: science, artistry, attention to detail, and, most importantly, the opportunity to form lifelong relationships. As a lifelong learner, I am also dedicated to continuing my education and staying up to date on the latest research and findings to provide the best possible care for everyone that walks through our doors. I love meeting and interacting with patients beyond dentistry.
Husband & Puppy
I met my husband, Daniel, during my third year of dental school. We got married in August of 2023 and he is my biggest encourager and supporter. We live in Oklahoma City, and he works for Simple Modern. He’s a graduate of Oklahoma State, and though we may be a house divided, we both agree on our love for attending college football games, no matter the team. We also love Thunder basketball. We just got our first puppy, Millie. She is a miniature golden doodle, and the perfect addition to our little family!
Fun Times
I love spending time with friends and family, going on walks, enjoying time outside, attending yoga classes, reading, traveling, and exploring new places. Being outside is one of my favorite ways to destress. I also enjoy sitting on a patio, spending time at the lake, long walks with friends or listening to a good audio book or podcast.
Cooking & Dancing
Cooking and baking are also high on my list as it reminds me of some of my sweetest memories with my mom and grandma in the kitchen. Whether it be sourdough, baked goods, or simply hosting people for dinner, you can find me in my kitchen often, making treats for friends and family. I believe cooking for someone is one of the simplest ways to show your love and gathering around a table to share a meal is one of my very favorite things.
I grew up dancing, was a competitive dancer for 14 years, and continued that passion doing with my sorority at OU. While I don’t dance much anymore, it left a huge love and appreciation for music, musicals and shows. I love attending shows every chance I get, and connecting with people over different music, shows, and art.
Family, Faith, & Community
Family, faith, and community are extremely important to me. My parents instilled in my brother and I a firm foundation rooted in faith that I still stand on today. I believe that we are shaped by who we spend our time with, and I am thankful to have had my family guiding me along the way. My parents still live in Norman and my brother, and his wife live down the street from Daniel and I in Oklahoma City. I cherish time with them. While I may live in Oklahoma City now, Norman will always be home to me, and I am grateful to get to be back in the community that has given me so much.
“great & friendly team”
Every time it’s a new experience. They make you feel like you’re in a spa I love it! They even have Netflix and blankets Available to make you comfortable while working on your teeth.
Hello!
Call 405-321-6166 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
