Dr. Leo Davis received his Associate of Science Degree from Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas, before going on to acquire a Bachelor’s Degree in Business at Austin College in Sherman. He then earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the Baylor College of Dentistry at Texas A&M University in Dallas.
Born in Fort Worth, Dr. Davis moved to Dawson when he was seven, and stayed there until he reached the age of fourteen. “My grandparents worked on a sharecropping plantation in Dawson,” he explained, “and we were there to help work the land, which was willed over to my grandparents shortly after we moved there.
“I went to high school in Corsicana,” he continued, “and I was a very quiet kid. I played football and worked at a local supermarket. I didn’t open up until my twin brother and I attended Navarro, where we spent a great deal of time mentoring students and building student relations on campus. We were also heavily involved in educational advocacy and cultural competence. These experiences helped me to become a well-rounded person. And they have added to the way I can relate to my patients with compassion and empathy.”
When asked what drew him to dentistry, he said, “My brother and I spent many nights in our room talking about the future. In high school, we were involved in a leadership conference, where we had the opportunity to explore multiple career paths. We mapped out our road to success, deciding that dentistry would be a great field for us because we were interested in science and anatomy. Another motivating factor was the fact that we had never met a black dentist, and we thought that would be very important in the future. Then, when we were in college, we were able to participate in shadowing programs, and we were mentored by local dentists and orthodontists. This helped us tremendously in confirming that dentistry was a great occupation.”
When asked what he finds particularly satisfying about dentistry, Dr. Davis replied, “People.” He went on to explain, “I have always had a passion for helping people wherever I can. It’s so important to have compassion and empathy. As a dentist, I have unique opportunities to meet and help people I did not previously know. Going to the dentist can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing. I take pride in breaking down those barriers and helping people attain great oral health.”
He continued, “My main motivation is the fact that God has given me the knowledge and ability to practice this science. I do not want to disappoint HIM as a servant. In Ecclesiastes, 9:10, it says, ‘Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.’”
Family for Dr. Davis includes two older sisters and his twin brother. His wife Natalia is a teacher, and they have two beautiful children named Ariella and Amiel. In his free time, he reads and engages in independent study on various topics, including currency markets and crypto currency. He enjoys watching boxing with his friends during the weekends.
Dr. Davis has worked in Lancaster since 2010. “It has been an honor to serve the families in these communities and watch the Greater Southwest area grow,” he said. “At my ribbon-cutting ceremony, I could already tell that our leaders are committed to bringing quality investment to the area. I hope to bring a relaxed, professional, fresh feel to this area and grow with the community. Right now I am focused on continuing to be a well-rounded general dentist,” he continued. “As our office grows, the services we provide will expand with it.”
Dr. Davis is a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Lancaster and Desoto Chambers of Commerce. While at Navarro College, he received the Student Advisors Award, and he was very heavily involved in mentoring in the nonprofit sector with V.O.I.C.E inc., in Corsicana.