Meet Our Doctors

Dentist - Dr. Steven E. Ripple, D.D.S.

Doctor Ripple
Dr. Steven Ripple has been practicing pediatric dentistry since 1988. He is a New Orleans native and a graduate of Jesuit High School.  He attended Louisiana State University for his undergraduate degree and continued there in the LSU School of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree.  He also completed a Pediatric Dental Residency program at the University of Kentucky with extensive training in anesthesia, as well as treating medically compromised, handicapped and special needs children.

While at LSU, Dr. Ripple was the captain of the LSU Tiger Football Team and was awarded the Chancellor’s Award for highest scholastic average during his career and the Butch Duhe Memorial Award for the senior who typified all American youth.  During dental school, he continued to excel and was the recipient of the Academy of Operative Dentistry Award for outstanding achievement and also the American Society of Dentistry for Children’s Award for outstanding interest and proficiency in dentistry for children.  He also served as Student Body President for two years.

Dr. Ripple and his wife, Jan Meador, are the parents of three children and proud grandparents of nine grandchildren.

Orthodontist - Dr. Matthew Leftwich, D.D.S., M.S.

Dr. Matt

Dr. Matthew Leftwich, a New Orleans native, graduated from Ridgewood Preparatory School in Metairie.  He pursued his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from the University of New Orleans.  He received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from LSU School of Dentistry and graduated in the top 10% of his dental class.  While at LSUSD, he received a scholarship from the LSU Board of Regents and was awarded the respected Baldridge Scholarship.  He was inducted into the C. Edmund Kells Honor Society and was part of the Delta Sigma Delta Dental Society.

In order to be an orthodontic specialist, dentists must be accepted into an accredited residency program of at least two or more years after completing dental school.  Dr. Leftwich furthered his education by completing an orthodontic residency program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  During his residency, he also received a Master’s of Science Degree in Dentistry.

Being an orthodontist allows Dr. Leftwich the unique opportunity to treat a variety of dental problems, and help to positively influence his patient's self-esteem.  His goal is to maintain a fun, friendly environment where patients feel comfortable and respected.  Dr. Leftwich has a genuine love for people and enjoys making a positive difference in his patient's smiles and also their lives.

Dentist - Dr. Christopher Butler, D.D.S., M.H.S., M.S.D.

Dr Christopher Butler

Dr. Butler is a Plaquemine, LA native and a proud graduate of the award-winning Baton Rouge Magnet High School.  In 2014, he earned his Bachelors of Science (BS) in Biological Sciences from Louisiana State University.  Shortly after, Dr. Butler began attending Meharry Medical College, where, based on his exceptional scholastic ability, Dr. Butler was awarded the John and Rita Conroy Endowed Scholarship.  Dr. Butler obtained his first Masters of Health Sciences (MHS) in 2016 and Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 2020.  While attending Meharry Medical College, he served as Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and became a well-known Student Ambassador. In honor of his determination, he was presented with the Ewell-Neil Graduate Research Award for demonstrating outstanding achievement in creating fellowship amongst peers and promoting opportunities for research.

While pursuing his education, Dr. Butler gained experience assisting in family dentistry and found his true passion in pediatric dentistry.  Most recently, he received his second Masters of Dentistry (MSD) from the University of Louisville and completed his advanced training in pediatric dentistry.  There, he was inducted into The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement Honor Society.  To date, Dr. Butler is believed to be the first African-American male pediatric dentist in Louisiana.  For 14 years, Dr. Butler has participated in community outreach programs that ranged from providing oral healthcare education to performing oral screenings and dental services.

Outside of his white coat, Dr. Butler enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with his furry, four-legged son “Chapo”.  Dr. Butler also gets a thrill out of flying and, at the age of 12, began his formal training at Embry Riddle University.  He earned his private pilots license at the age of 17 from the Louisiana Regional Airport.  Looking towards the future, Dr. Butler’s goal is to serve as a positive role model for his young patients while promoting the importance of excellent oral healthcare.

Dr. John Sisney, M.D.

Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology
Board Certified Pediatric Anesthesiologist

Dr John Sisney

Dr. John Sisney is a true Louisianian who was born and raised in the New Orleans area.  He attended the best undergraduate school in the SEC, LSU (Geaux Tigers), before leaving the US to complete his medical degree across the world in Australia at the University of Queensland in Brisbane.

After his adventures abroad, he returned closer to home and completed his Anesthesiology residency at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Most recently, he finished a pediatric fellowship at Nationwide Children’s in Columbus, OH.  Dr. Sisney had his first exposure to outpatient pediatric dentistry while moonlighting independently in local dental offices during that time.

Now after spending many of his recent years away from his hometown, John is excited to finally be back in Louisiana with both his wife and golden retriever, Sir Jasper.  He enjoys traveling, playing golf, and fishing in his free time.  Both he and his wife are extremely excited to be welcoming their first child into the family later this year.

Dr. Sisney comes to our Prairieville location once a month for IV Sedations.  

Smile Stars Pediatric Dentistry

  • Baton Rouge Location - 10522 S. Glenstone Pl., Baton Rouge, LA 70810 Phone: 225-769-5377 Fax: 225-769-7910
  • Prairieville Location - 15097 Hwy. 73, Prairieville, LA 70769 Phone: 225-313-4245

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