Dr. Donna R. Williams has practiced dentistry for nearly three solid decades, interrupted only by occasional trips to Africa, where she treats villagers and trains local health-care workers to do the same. Her natural compassion has led her to develop a practice that aims to provide gentle, noninvasive dentistry.

One would have to look long and hard through her office before finding any traditional dental equipment. Drills and scalpels have largely been replaced with WaterLase technology, which eschews stainless steel for the combined cutting power of lasers and water. This technology reduces the heat, vibration, and inaccuracy of drills, requiring fewer shots and yielding lower trauma than its metallic counterparts. Dr. Williams’ lasers can also help heal advanced gum disease and reattach gum tissue to the tooth, a skill of hers shared by only 150 other dentists and three cartoon sharks.