Exploring Life & Business with Pooja Makam of Lumina Dentistry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pooja Makam.

Hi Pooja, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started with a simple but powerful goal — to create a dental practice where patients truly feel cared for like family. After earning my dental degree and working in a variety of practices, I realized that while dentistry is about science and skill, it’s equally about trust, relationships, and creating a positive experience. That vision inspired me to start Lumina Dentistry from the ground up here in the Research Triangle area.

It’s been an exciting and challenging path — from finding the right location and building out a space that feels bright and welcoming, to assembling a team who shares my passion for patient-centered care. We opened our doors in mid-2025, and since then I’ve been focused on growing a practice that not only delivers high-quality clinical care, but also serves as a positive, community-driven space.

I’ve always believed that dentistry can be more than checkups and cleanings; it can be about empowering people, supporting local families, and making even a dental visit something to look forward to. That’s the heart of how we got to where we are today.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but every challenge has shaped me into a stronger leader and made Lumina what it is today. Starting a dental practice from scratch, especially in a competitive area like the Triangle, came with countless hurdles — from navigating construction delays, permits, and financing, to recruiting the right team and building awareness as a brand-new office.

There were moments of uncertainty and exhaustion — especially balancing the demands of business ownership with family life and raising young kids. There were nights spent reworking floor plans, weekends at design stores, and endless phone calls managing vendors, marketing, and operations all at once.

But through it all, I kept coming back to my ‘why’: creating a space where patients feel genuinely cared for, and where my team feels proud to come to work every day. Those values carried me through the toughest days. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade the challenges — they gave me resilience, clarity, and a deep appreciation for the community that’s supported Lumina from day one.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Lumina Dentistry?
Lumina Dentistry is a modern, family- and cosmetic-focused dental practice located in Morrisville, North Carolina. We specialize in comprehensive care — from preventive cleanings and checkups to Invisalign, whitening, and smile makeovers — all in a comfortable, welcoming environment designed to make patients feel truly cared for.

What sets us apart is our deep focus on connection, artistry, and community. We not only love transforming smiles through cosmetic treatments like Invisalign, whitening, Botox, and filler — which can be both aesthetic and therapeutic — but also pride ourselves on creating an experience that feels personal and uplifting at every visit.

Community involvement is at the heart of our brand. We are proudly partnered with the Helene Foundation, a local nonprofit that supports mothers undergoing cancer treatment. As part of our commitment to being a community-driven practice, a portion of every new patient appointment is donated to the Helene Foundation to help provide comfort and care to families in need.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Lumina has come to represent light, compassion, and confidence — both in our patients’ smiles and in the way we support our local community. Lumina Dentistry is more than a dental office — it’s a place where clinical excellence meets heart, and where every patient can feel seen, supported, and empowered to shine their brightest.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I would say perseverance paired with genuine compassion. Building a practice from the ground up required an incredible amount of patience, resilience, and problem-solving — but just as important was leading with heart. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about how well you can execute a business plan; it’s about how you treat people along the way — your patients, your team, and your community. Staying true to kindness, empathy, and a commitment to doing the right thing, even when it’s hard, has been the foundation of Lumina’s growth and the reason people trust and connect with our brand.

Pricing:

• $357 yearly membership
• $99 New patient special

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.luminadentistryNC.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luminadentistry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575688889108
• Other: https://share.google/BdekpRAuFisNDNZn3