About
A neighborhood practice built around one idea: going to the dentist should feel calm, kind and easy.
Our story
A dental office that feels like a deep breath
Dr. Maya Chen opened Lumen in SouthPark after years of hearing the same thing from patients: “I know I should go, but I dread it.”
So she built the practice she’d want for her own family — bright rooms instead of beige ones, longer appointments instead of rushed ones, and a team that explains instead of lectures. Dr. James Okafor joined soon after, bringing his calm chairside manner and a love of restorative work.
Today we care for hundreds of Charlotte families, from toddlers getting their very first checkup to grandparents getting a brand-new smile. The name says it all: we want every visit to leave you feeling a little lighter.
What we believe
Kindness first
No lectures and no judgment — just honest, friendly care.
Clarity always
We show you what we see and explain every option and price.
Your time matters
We run on schedule and keep visits efficient.
Care for every age
Grandparents, parents and toddlers, all in one place.
Our team
Friendly faces you’ll be glad to see
Small on purpose, so you’ll see the same people every visit.
Dr. Maya Chen, DDS
Founder & lead dentist
Maya is known for her gentle hands and for explaining everything in plain English.
Read more about Dr. Maya Chen, DDS
She has a special interest in cosmetic dentistry and in helping anxious patients feel at ease. When she’s not at the office, she’s usually on the greenway with her two kids and a very energetic beagle.
Dr. James Okafor, DMD
Dentist
James focuses on crowns, implants and same-day restorations — and on keeping things relaxed.
Read more about Dr. James Okafor, DMD
Patients say he has a knack for turning a nervous visit into an easy conversation. Outside work he coaches youth soccer and is always testing a new barbecue recipe.
Renee D.
Registered dental hygienist
Renee makes cleanings comfortable, thorough and surprisingly fun.
Read more about Renee D.
She loves teaching kids to brush “like a superhero” and has a great playlist ready if you forget your headphones.
Sofia M.
Patient coordinator
Sofia handles scheduling, insurance checks and every “quick question.”
Read more about Sofia M.
She’s the friendly voice on the phone and will happily untangle your benefits so you know exactly what to expect before you arrive.
Tasha W.
Dental assistant
Tasha keeps every visit running smoothly and makes sure you’re comfortable.
Read more about Tasha W.
She’s first to offer a warm blanket and loves seeing nervous patients leave with a smile. Weekends find her at a pottery wheel.
Office tour
Take a look around
Natural light, comfy seating and calm colors — select any photo to see it larger.
In the community
Proud to be your SouthPark neighbors
Healthy smiles start long before anyone sits in our chair, so we spend time where Charlotte families already are.
School smile days
Brushing lessons and goodie bags for local elementary classrooms each spring.
Annual community care day
One Saturday a year we open our doors for free cleanings for neighbors without insurance.
Greenway cleanups
Our team swaps scrubs for gloves at local park and greenway cleanups.
Ready for an easier kind of dental visit?
Request a time online in about a minute, or give us a call — a real person answers during office hours.