Who We Are
Leifeste Dental is a Second Generation, Family-Owned Dental Practice, Serving all of Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana for over 50 years and counting!
Excellence is at the heart of everything we do. Through education and top tier patient care and support, we treat patients of all ages with the highest standard of care and service. Above all, we express this excellence through the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral disease and health issues.
A Legacy of Family Dentistry in Southeast Texas
Leifeste Dental has proudly served patients across Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana for more than 50 years. Our longevity reflects a deep commitment to ethical care, clinical excellence, and long-standing patient relationships built on trust.
Generations of families have relied on our team for consistent, high-quality dental care delivered with integrity and compassion. While dentistry has evolved over the decades, our core values remain unchanged—treat every patient with respect, provide honest recommendations, and deliver care that supports lifelong oral health.
Clinical Leadership Rooted in Experience and Service
Dr. Nina S. Leifeste brings decades of clinical expertise, advanced training, and a passion for service to every aspect of patient care. Her leadership reflects a balance of technical excellence and genuine compassion, ensuring patients receive thoughtful, individualized treatment in a supportive environment.
Her dedication to continuing education, mentorship, and professional involvement allows Leifeste Dental to remain at the forefront of modern dentistry while maintaining a personalized, relationship-driven approach.
Education
Dr. Nina Scales Leifeste was born and raised in Orange County. She graduated with highest honors from Bridge City High School and attended Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1984.
Dr. Leifeste attended dental school in Houston, graduating with honors from The University of Texas Dental Branch (UTDB) Houston, with her Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 1988. She then completed a post-doctoral fellowship in General Practice and Hospital Dentistry through Hermann Hospital.
Professional Organizations:
- The Academy of General Dentistry: Dr. Leifeste achieved Fellowship status with a commitment to career long continuing education.
- The American Dental Association: Life Member
- The Texas Dental Association
- The Dental Society of Southeast Texas
Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Clinical Excellence
Dentistry is constantly evolving, and Dr. Leifeste’s commitment to lifelong learning ensures patients benefit from the latest advancements in dental science and patient care. Through ongoing education and professional involvement, she remains current with modern techniques, materials, and treatment philosophies.
This dedication translates into precise diagnostics, conservative treatment planning, and outcomes designed to support long-term oral and overall health.
Community Outreach as a Core Mission
Community service is not an extension of our mission—it is a central part of who we are. Leifeste Dental is deeply invested in improving access to dental care for underserved populations through education, outreach, and hands-on service.
By supporting mobile dental programs, student mentorship, and charitable initiatives, Dr. Leifeste and her team work to close gaps in access to care while helping future dental professionals develop both skill and compassion.
Philanthropy
Dr. Leifeste is passionate about serving her community and beyond. This commitment can be seen in projects such as The Nina S. Leifeste, DDS Community Outreach Endowment, which supports the ongoing operation of the UT Health Mobile Dental Van in numerous areas of service.
The Mobile Van offers community outreach services to Give Kids A Smile, providing much needed dental care for children from low-income families, as well as Give Vets A Smile, serving our veterans without dental insurance or access to care.
The Mobile Van also provides hands on dental care and community learning experience for UT Dental Students directly to underserved populations in the Greater Houston area and rural East Texas, delivering free preventive care and treatment services to people who may not receive it otherwise.
Philanthropic Partnerships & Endeavors:
- Assistant Professor at UT Health Houston School of Dentistry for over 30 years; clinical teacher/mentor to senior dental students;
- Orange Christian Services Volunteer Dentist for over 13 years: staffing the Mobile Dental Van in collaboration with OCS and UT Health School of Dentistry
- Established the Dr. William "Sam" Leifeste, DDS Memorial Scholarship @ UT Health Houston School of Dentistry; awarded annually to senior dental students exhibiting excellence in the discipline of Prosthodontics.
- Established The Nina S. Leifeste, DDS Community Outreach Endowment
- Co-Established The General Practice Residency (GPR) Endowment in Dentistry; Directed for the use and support for the advancement of education, patient care and research within the General Practice Residency Program, in the Department of General Practice and Dental Public Health
Thoughts from past Dr. William "Sam" Leifeste, DDS Memorial Scholarship recipient
“I enjoyed and appreciated learning more about dentistry and important life lessons from you on the mobile van in Orange. Thank you again for your generosity and support through the lessons in practice ownership, patient management, and in life…. that you give out so freely. It truly means a lot.”
Awards
Recognition & Honors:
- Distinguished Alumnus: Outstanding Alumni Award; Bridge City High School Alumni Association
- Texas Academy of General Dentistry: Texas Dentist of the Year Finalist
- Alumnus of the Year Nominee: UT School of Dentistry
- Fellowship Award: The Academy of General Dentistry
- Omicron Kappa Upsilon: Dental Honor Society
- Meritorious Service Award: The American Dental Association
- "Woman of the Year" Greater Orange Altrusa
- "Business of the Year" Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce
BOARD APPOINTMENTS & POSITIONS:
- The State Bar of Texas Grievance Committee
- UT Health Houston Development Board
- Lamar State College Orange: Foundation Board
- UT Health Houston School of Dentistry: Dean's Advisory Counsel/Strike Force
Missions
“International missions are a vital part of my life as a dentist. Whether my travels take me as far as the remote reaches of India or Latin America, I am blessed to be able to serve the underserved; to improve the health of individuals and families who have no access to much-needed dental care.
My life is so much richer, by using my talent and skill set to better the lives of those I am honored to serve. My humanitarian opportunities have left me speechless at times, recharged always, and humbled daily.
Our long-held family mantra/notable scripture has always been: (Luke 12:48) ‘To whom much is given… much is required.’ I have made this mandate my life’s quest and am blessed richly in the process.”
– Dr. Nina Scales Leifeste
A Collaborative Team Approach to Patient Care
Exceptional dentistry is achieved through teamwork. At Leifeste Dental, our clinical and administrative team works collaboratively to ensure every patient experience is seamless, informative, and comfortable.
With 146 collective years of dental experience, our team brings consistency, familiarity, and professionalism to every visit. Patients benefit from coordinated care, clear communication, and a supportive environment where their comfort and confidence are prioritized.
Meet the Team
Leveraging 146 Collective Years of Experience to Provide You Exceptional Dental Care
Jessica Reinhardt
Registered Dental Hygienist
Jessica has been a dental hygienist for over twelve years and has had the pleasure of working with Dr Leifeste for the past three years. Jessica graduated with honors from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry with a bachelor degree in dental hygiene, where she served as Vice President of her class.
She enjoys spending time with her family and the outdoors, being active in her son’s school, staying busy with her sons sports including football, baseball, and basketball, attending Houston Astros baseball games, deer hunting, cooking, baking, and attending church.
Jessica resides in Orangefield with her husband Micah and their three sons, Mason, Jackson, and Memphis who are proud to be Orangefield Bobcats! She is a highly skilled hygienist who is very passionate about oral health and the link to overall systemic health.
Sheri Watson
Registered Dental Assistant
Sheri graduated from Wayne Community College in North Carolina with an Associate’s in Science and Dental Assisting diploma. After college she became DANB certified (Dental assisting National Board).
Throughout her 24 years as a Registered Dental Assistant, she has earned many certificates including Radiology, Invisalign, Zoom Whitening, and CPR certification through the American Heart Association.
She has been married 22 years and has 3 beautiful children and a precious grandbaby. In her spare time she loves being active outdoors with her amazing family. Her favorite outdoor sport is hiking the beautiful trails of Utah with her kids and family.
Desiree Russell
Administrative Assistant
