Best Dentist in Metairie
5213 West Napoleon Ave. Metairie, LA 70001
Monday — Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm
MEET THE FOUNDER
DR. TROY MICHAEL VERGES, DDS
Dr. Troy Verges, native of New Orleans, graduated from LSU Baton Rouge in Microbiology. Then he attended Louisiana State University Dental School completing his DDS degree in 1997.
Read More About Dr. Verges
In his second year as a dentist, he owned his own practice in Kentwood, Louisiana, where he practiced for 20 years. Constantly growing and expanding Dr. Verges opened a new location in downtown Amite, Louisiana in 2017. The new dental office is a renovation of the town’s original pharmacy and post office building and is over 100 years old. He is proud to be part of the history of Amite.
Dr. Verges has 23 years of experience. His passion for the more challenging fields of dentistry include oral surgery, root canals and orthodontics. He takes great pride in the care that his entire team has for each other and their patients. Dr. Verges and his staff are highly trained and are always mindful of their patients’ needs and comfort. They pursue continuing education voraciously with monthly and quarterly office meetings and even traveling for specialized training. Dr. Verges is most proud of Lotus Dental google reviews because they are a reflection of how great his office and team are.
Dr. Verges lives in Covington, LA. He loves spending time with his 2 sons, Owen and Spencer. He runs in the mornings with his Goldendoodle, Shep. His hobbies include being outdoors, running, watersports, skiing, camping, and most recently learning the guitar. Among his many personal interests, health and wellness are a top priority, which overflow into his interactions with his staff and patients. He is always concerned with the health of the whole person.
MEET THE DENTISTS
DR. CALEB CLARK
Dr. Caleb Clark is excited to join our growing team! Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, he graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelors in Biochemistry and then attended the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry.
His goal in dentistry is to help patients understand their oral care while building trust and beautiful smiles. Every person has a different experience and expectation about their dental health and it’s very important that their story is heard.
Dr. Clark recently moved to New Orleans and is learning to enjoy our New Orleans culture. While learning the area he enjoys cooking, golfing, and spending time with his friends, family, and his wife who is attending LSU School of Dentistry for orthodontics.
Make sure to share your favorite New Orleans event or activity to experience with him when you see him!
MEET THE TEAM
BETHANY SHEPARD – DENTAL ASSISTANT
Bethany attended the Dental Assisting program at Unitech Training Academy from August 2024 to February 2025. She chose to pursue a career in the dental field to help people feel more confident in their smiles and appearance. What she loves most about the job is assisting patients with dental anxiety, offering comfort when they feel overwhelmed or anxious. Bethany also enjoys the work environment, where everyone is like family and steps up to help each other when needed. In her free time, Bethany enjoys taking naps, cooking, or going for boat rides at the lake.
JOLIE ST. GERMAIN – DENTAL HYGIENIST
We’re so excited to introduce Jolie, who brings over 35 years experience in the dental field and 29 years as Dr. Russo’s hygienist! Jolie received her degree in dental hygiene from LSU School of Dentistry in 1994 and has been practicing hygiene since. She is passionate about helping patients achieve healthier smiles and educating them on the importance of oral hygiene.
AKIRA POSEY – SCHEDULING COORDINATOR
Akira is our Scheduling Coordinator and she can’t wait to welcome you into Lotus Dental with a smile! While she is new to the field of dentistry, she has shown great determination in learning all the skills needed to make sure that our patients are promptly seen and taken care of. Her excellent teamwork with the dental staff has already begun to ensure that patients are comfortable and knowledgeable when they come to see us.
In her free time, Akira enjoys night out with friends, vacationing with family, and cooking for others.
VALERIE DUCOTE – DENTAL ASSISTANT
Valerie was born and raised in New Orleans and has over 15 years of experience in Dental Assisting. She graduated from Blue Cliff College in 2010, earned her EDDA certification in 2013, and then her CDA in 2025. Valerie’s fascination for dentistry sparked when she had her braces done as a teenager, and reignited when she found the Dental Assisting program in 2009. She enjoys connecting with patients on many topics to put them at ease in the dental chair while helping them achieve their best smile.
Valerie was recently married in 2025 and enjoys running, travel, singing, and time with her family.
KYRY AINSWORTH – DENTAL ASSISTANT
Kyry has been employed full-time with Lotus Dental since July of 2026. She entered the dental field early 2024 and found a career she loves. Some of Kyry’s most admirable qualities are her work ethic, dedication, and the exceptional care and compassion she demonstrates toward her patients. In only three months with our practice, she earned her state certification as an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant, reflecting her initiative, determination, and dedication to advancing her skills. She regularly works between our Metairie location as well as our Amite location. During her free time she enjoys traveling, spending time with her children, eating chips and queso, eating fajitas, and watching LSU in the Saturday night lights of Death Valley. Her favorite thing about Lotus Dental is the teamwork her co-workers demonstrate.