OUR TEAM
MEET OUR ANESTHESIOLOGISTS
Dr. Braxton M. Henderson is a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology and founder of Southern Office-Based Anesthesia (SOBA). He established SOBA to expand access to safe, high-quality anesthesia care and help patients receive necessary dental treatment in a comfortable, compassionate setting.
A native of Covington, Tennessee, Dr. Henderson earned his bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences and Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pittsburgh, where he also completed a three-year postdoctoral residency in dental anesthesiology.
Dr. Henderson is extensively trained in providing all levels of anesthesia for pediatric and adult patients, including individuals with special healthcare needs and medically complex conditions. His practice focuses on office-based anesthesia, allowing dental professionals to concentrate fully on treatment while he manages the patient's anesthesia care.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Henderson is committed to education and advancing anesthesia within dentistry. He lectures on sedation, medical emergencies, office-based anesthesia, and medically complex patients; serves as an Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor in the University of Pittsburgh Department of Dental Anesthesiology; and serves as an Oral Board Examiner for the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology.
He maintains current ACLS, PALS, and BLS certifications and holds a General Anesthesia permit from the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners. Outside of work, Dr. Henderson enjoys spending time with his wife, Chalis, and their three sons, exercising, reading, traveling, and smoking meats.
Dr. Jessica Lempa is a highly trained dentist anesthesiologist committed to safe, compassionate, and individualized anesthesia care. She completed a three-year postdoctoral residency in dental anesthesiology at NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn, a Level I trauma center, designated stroke center, and bariatric center.
A native of New Orleans, Dr. Lempa earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in 2017. Before specializing in dental anesthesiology, she practiced general dentistry for five years in Louisiana, Texas, Washington, and Arizona, giving her a valuable understanding of both dental treatment and the anesthesia needs of patients.
During her anesthesiology training, Dr. Lempa gained extensive experience providing all levels of anesthesia for pediatric and adult patients, including individuals with complex medical histories and special healthcare considerations. She brings a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to care and emphasizes clear communication and reassurance for patients and families throughout the anesthesia experience.
Dr. Lempa maintains current ACLS, PALS, and BLS certifications. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, Emersyn, as well as hiking, rock climbing, scuba diving, and rollerblading.
Dr. Erica Simms is a highly trained dentist anesthesiologist dedicated to providing safe, compassionate, and comfortable anesthesia care. She completed her dental anesthesiology residency at Stony Brook Medicine, where she served as Chief Resident and trained extensively in caring for pediatric, adult, and special-needs patients.
Dr. Simms earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Howard University College of Dentistry after graduating with honors in Biology from Bennett College. She also completed a General Practice Residency at BronxCare Health System.
Her clinical experience spans hospital, ambulatory surgery center, and office-based settings, including Capital Children's Surgery Center in Maryland. Dr. Simms cares for patients across a broad range of ages and medical complexities and is particularly passionate about helping those who may have difficulty receiving dental treatment because of anxiety, special healthcare needs, medical complexity, or extensive treatment requirements.
Known for her calm and reassuring presence, Dr. Simms emphasizes patient safety, clear communication, and individualized care. She maintains current ACLS and PALS certifications. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, event planning, and traveling.
OURTEAM
.jpg)
