Local Grand Rapids Dental Office

What led you to seek a career in dentistry?

“I had the pleasure of shadowing a local dentist back in high school and instantly fell in love with it! Ever since then I knew what I wanted to do with my life.”

What are some of you achievements in dentistry?

“I consider myself lucky to have had opportunities to work with all patient populations including children, special needs, nursing home patients, and women in shelters through my General Practice Residency at the hospital.”

What volunteer work have you been a part of?

“I love volunteering my expertise, especially providing dental services to people who can’t financially afford the care that they deserve.”

What is your favorite part about working with patients?

“Educating patients about oral health care. I enjoy when patients are a part of the treatment planning process and they understand the equal role they play in determining the direction of their treatment.”

Who are your favorite musicians?

“John Mayer and Ed Sheeran”

If you could have someone narrate your life, who would you want it to be and why?

“Tom Hanks”

Do you have any exciting plans or any bucket list items you want to check off this year?

“Dream of a trip to Europe”

What is your favorite type of treatment to do?

“Crown/bridge”

What are your favorite Movies?

“Avengers and Spiderman”

What is your favorite movie quote?

“’There’s no place like home’ from Wizard of Oz”

If you could be an Olympic athlete, in what sport would you compete?

“Basketball”

Introducing Your Local Periodontal Specialist, Dr. Ashleigh Turows

Meet Dr. Ashleigh Turows, our dedicated Periodontal Specialist! Her strong commitment to science, healthcare, and her patients’ well-being truly shines in her care. She’s found her dream job in the super technical and surgical world of Periodontics. Early on, she was inspired to dedicate her life to making your smile the best it can be, with a philosophy that puts you first. She believes in keeping you comfortable, looking at your health as a whole, and always reminding you how important it is to keep those pearly whites clean!

Dr. Turows’ Periodontal Expertise: Her Educational Journey and Professional Affiliations

Dr. Turows started her journey with a degree in Biomedical Sciences from Grand Valley State University, before joining the proud ranks of University of Michigan School of Dentistry graduates. She dove deeper into the world of Periodontics with a residency at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. A big believer in always learning, she’s an active member of dental organizations like:

Experience Warm, Expert Periodontal Dental Care with Dr. Turows

Dr. Turows uses all her skills and training to give you the treatment you need and help improve your overall health. She loves staying on top of all the latest in dental technologies and techniques, so you’re always getting the most up-to-date care. Her success stories, from saving failing implants to perfecting a beautiful smile, show just how dedicated she is to making sure her patients get the best results.

Dr. Turows: A Veteran Committed to Excellent Dentistry

Alongside her impressive professional accomplishments, Dr. Turows shines with a dedication that goes far beyond dentistry. As a proud veteran of the United States Army, the tenacity and grit she showcased during her service are a huge part of who she is. These traits not only form the heart of her personal values but also shape her professional style, earning her respect and recognition in her field.

Beyond Dental Care: Dr. Turows’ Impact in the Local Community

But her work doesn’t stop at the office doors! Dr. Turows uses her skills to give back to her community. She’s an active member of the Michigan Mortuary Response Team and contributes to local outreach clinics. She’s also put her vast dental knowledge to good use, training dental assistants as part of a Red Cross initiative, and was the guiding force as the Infection Control Officer for the dental community in Fort Sill, OK. These roles highlight her dedication to the highest safety and cleanliness standards in dentistry, all while serving her community.

Passionate Dental Provider, Loving Mom, and Avid Outdoor Adventurer!

In her personal life, Dr. Turows cherishes moments with her six-year-old son, Dylan, when she’s not dedicating time to her patients or the community. She is a sports enthusiast (Go Blue!) who enjoys the great outdoors and values quality time with family and friends.

Experience Transformative Dental Care with Dr. Turows, MI Smiles Dental Periodontal Specialist

We’d love for you to meet Dr. Turows, a Periodontal Specialist serving the greater West Michigan area, and witness firsthand the transformative dental care she provides. From gum disease treatment to dental implants, her knowledge and skills cater to the specific needs of our local community. Feel free to give our friendly team a call to learn more!

Meet Dr. Lawrence Aitken

Dr. Lawrence Aitken is all about blending precision with artistry to create smiles that look as good as they feel. With an international background in restorative dentistry, he brings a world-class touch to every patient he treats. His journey started at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, followed by earning a Master’s in Fixed Prosthodontics from the University of Michigan—an experience that deepened his expertise and love for complex dental restoration.

Passion for Dentistry

Dr. Aitken has always been drawn to the technical and aesthetic side of dentistry. He built a thriving specialty practice in London from the ground up, transforming a small start-up into a busy restorative center that attracted patients from around the world—including Hong Kong, France, and Spain. Whether they were from the music, sports, finance, or film industries, or simply local residents, they all had one thing in common: a desire for great dentistry.

Whether it’s complex dental reconstructions or aesthetic enhancements, Dr. Aitken is passionate about helping patients regain confidence in their smiles.

Beyond clinical work, he’s contributed to the field as a lecturer in restorative dentistry and has been published in leading dental journals. He’s also been actively involved in professional organizations such as the American Dental Association and the American College of Prosthodontists.

A Personal Approach to Patient Care

For Dr. Aitken, dentistry is about more than just teeth—it’s about people. He takes the time to understand each patient’s goals, ensuring treatments are tailored for the best results. He believes great dentistry is a partnership, where patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident in their treatment. His favorite cases? The ones that transform not just smiles but lives, whether through aesthetic work or complex full-mouth rehabilitation.

Life Outside the Office

When he’s not perfecting smiles, you’ll likely find Dr. Aitken on a run—he’s an avid marathoner with a personal best of 3 hours and 9 minutes. He runs five times a week and loves ending the day with a good run (preferably followed by a cappuccino and a great book).

A lifelong lover of adventure, he enjoys skiing in the winter and sailing in the summer. He’s also a collector of stamps, antique books, and art. Originally from the UK, Dr. Aitken now calls Ada, Michigan, home, where he lives with his wife.

A Few Fun Facts About Dr. Aitken

Unexpected Jobs & Life Experiences

• Once worked in the Bonne Maman jam factory in France as a student.

Daily Rituals & Personal Favorites

• Loves a post-run cappuccino and a great book—especially on a rainy day.
• He enjoys a good movie, with Mississippi Burning, It’s a Wonderful Life, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and Sideways among his favorites.
• Appreciates a good red wine, especially Pinot.

Heritage & Travel

• Has an equal mix of Scottish, English, and Irish heritage.
• Looks forward to traveling to visit his children in Seattle, Boston, and San Rafael, as well as making trips back to the UK to reconnect with friends and family.
• The most beautiful place he’s ever been? Obergurgl, Austria—10,000 feet up in the Alps with absolutely stunning scenery.

Pop Culture & Entertainment

• If someone could narrate his life, who would it be? Ricky Gervais—because life shouldn’t be taken too seriously, and every story needs humor, even the ups and downs.
• Favorite movie quote? “Bond, James Bond.” – Dr. No (1963).

Dentistry & Technology

• Favorite office technology? Itero, Invisalign, and CBCT planning for implants.
• Favorite part about working with patients? Learning about their work lives and delivering great dentistry.
• Passionate about bringing world-class restorative dentistry to his community.

Dr. Aitken’s unique blend of experience, technical expertise, and genuine care makes him a trusted provider for patients looking for top-tier restorative and aesthetic dentistry.