All Smiles

Drs. Janée and Jeff Atkinson talk service, marriage, and dentistry
By Madeline Haak

Photo by shane darby.

Most couples build lives together. Drs. Janée and Jeff Atkinson have built both their lives and careers together, sharing a common desire to serve others in the field of dentistry. 

“It’s been really fun building careers in the same profession while building a life together,” Janée said. “Sharing the same field made it easy to grow together and enjoy the journey along the way.”

Jeff and Janée met in 1991 while they were both attending dental school, and they married after Janée’s graduation in 1995. After marrying, they moved home to begin their work. Jeff joined his father at his practice in New Boston, while Janée associated with a dentist in Texarkana before moving across town to open her own practice in 1998.

“Having two separate offices gave us the freedom to practice according to our own personalities and helped prevent disagreements,” Jeff said. “We do a good job of leaving work at the office and not bringing it home. We do vent to one another after frustrating days, and it helps to understand exactly what the other spouse is going through.”

The Atkinsons’ teamwork doesn’t stop there. In 2010, they felt a calling to give back in some way to their community in New Boston, so they partnered with Dentistry from the Heart, a nonprofit organization making free dental service accessible to those in need.

“I remember a sermon from our preacher about giving back to the community,” Jeff recalled. “Around the same time, our friends from Tyler hosted a similar charity event, and we traveled there to observe how it operated. I had always dreamed of doing charity work in another country, but I realized I could serve just as meaningfully in my own hometown.”

The Atkinsons, along with dedicated colleagues, held the annual event for seven years. The couple agreed that the greatest reward from their experience hosting these free-care events was seeing how people united for a common cause and provided a service that improves lives.

Janée and Jeff, with children Kyle and Emily, took a family trip to Florida. submitted photo.

“It was fun to have all of our colleagues get together for a great cause and see the community come together to help the people. It was also neat to see other businesses get involved to give back,” Janée said. “It made me feel good, and we could see the appreciation in their faces, and we knew we were doing a great thing.”

Aside from helping people, Janée, who was one of the first female dentists in this area, is driven to practice her craft because of the artistry it involves. As an avid painter, Janée appreciates the cosmetic and aesthetic sides as well as the science of dentistry.

Janée painted this portrait of one of the family pets. submitted photo.

“I love the creativity about it. I like seeing people smile, and I like establishing lasting relationships with my patients,” she said. “Dentistry is a great profession. It has been very rewarding and has allowed me to show my artistic and creative abilities. I have also met a lot of wonderful people along the way.”

For Jeff, the relationships built with his patients keep him focused on the care he delivers, and he also enjoys the dynamic nature of the job.

“Every day in dentistry is different. Getting people out of pain or helping them with cosmetic concerns is very rewarding. Getting to know patients is probably the best part,” he said.

While the Atkinsons have never shared a practice, their marriage has been a rewarding partnership and has included many adventures and blessings.

“Janée has exceptional leadership skills. A friend once told me she was a champion for women. In our early years, she was truly superwoman, managing a full-time practice, leading her staff, and being a great mom,” Jeff said. “To young couples, I would say to support each other by listening. The early years may be challenging, but that is how you grow.”

Janée said that Jeff has done an exceptional job as both a father and dentist, and she encourages focusing on teamwork and shared experiences in any relationship, personal or professional.

“I think, in order to make it 30 years in marriage, you need to be friends with your partner and have mutual respect. You need to laugh a lot,” Janée said. “We support each other by sharing challenging cases, exchanging ideas for running our practices, learning from one another’s experiences, and offering both professional and emotional support.”

Jeff and Janée remain grounded thanks to their family and friends, as well as their faith. The couple understands the importance of living life outside of work, even though they share a career they both love. Now, their focus remains on helping others through dentistry, sharing quality time with each other and their loved ones, and reflecting on memories made while looking forward to the future. Together, they have shaped careers and a life that they hope reflects their efforts to always do their best.

“When I look back on our careers and our life together, I hope people remember that we tried to be good servants, faithful to the calling God placed on our lives,” Jeff said. “And I hope we were good stewards of the dental profession, leaving it just a little better than we found it.”