Meet the Southern Smiles Family
Welcome to Southern Smiles, your trusted dental home in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. At Southern Smiles, we believe in the power of a warm and welcoming environment, where patients become a part of our extended family.
Our commitment is simple yet profound: to provide exceptional dental care that places your needs at the forefront. We understand that the journey to optimal oral health is a partnership between you and your dentist, and we strive to make every step of that journey as comfortable and effective as possible.
Our practice is led by Dr. Jennifer Hughes, D.M.D., and Dr. Mimi Hoang, DMD, dedicated professionals committed to lifelong learning and continuing education. With a focus on excellence in treatment and a genuine concern for your oral and overall well-being, Dr. Hughes and Dr. Hoang are your trusting guide to achieving the smile you've always dreamed of.
Our Team
Jennifer Ingels Hughes
D.M.D.
Dr. Hughes is a proud Hattiesburg native who has dedicated her life to serving the community she calls home. She graduated from Hattiesburg High School in 1991 before attending Baylor University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. Driven by a passion for healthcare and helping others, she continued her education at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine in 1999 before returning home to begin her family and career.
Early in her career, Dr. Hughes practiced in a Community Health Center, gaining valuable experience caring for patients from diverse backgrounds. This experience strengthened her commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality dental care to families throughout her community. In 2003, she fulfilled a longtime dream by opening her own dental practice, Southern Smiles, PLLC. Here, Dr. Hughes has built a welcoming environment where patients of all ages and backgrounds feel comfortable, valued, and well cared for. She takes great pride in building lasting relationships and helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles.
Dr. Hughes is committed to lifelong learning and staying actively involved in the dental professional community. She is an active member of the South Mississippi Dental Society, the Mississippi Association of Women Dentists, the Mississippi Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. Through these organizations, she pursues the latest advancements in dentistry while she stays connected with colleagues who share her dedication to exceptional patient care.
Outside the office, Dr. Hughes enjoys a full and rewarding life centered around family, hobbies, and the outdoors. She is the proud mother of two adult children and shares her home with three beloved dogs. In her free time, Dr. Hughes enjoys scrapbooking as a way to preserve meaningful memories with family and friends. She also values staying active and loves spending time outdoors. She has a passion for plants and gardening, and her home, garden and office feature a growing collection of plants and succulents. Her adventurous spirit has taken to many
unique locations including underwater through scuba diving, and she enjoys traveling whenever possible to experience new places and cultures.
As a lifelong resident of the Mississippi Pine Belt, Dr. Hughes embraces the vibrant traditions of her community. She enjoys spending time in Downtown Hattiesburg, particularly events like Live at Five, as well as enjoying the community of the Midtown and Oak Grove areas. She especially appreciates the energy and sense of community surrounding Mardi Gras festivities. Whether she is caring for patients, spending time with family, tending her garden, or experiencing new adventures, Dr. Hughes values a life centered on connection, balance, and purpose.
Mimi Hoang
D.M.D.
Dr. Hoang is a proud Hattiesburg native who loves serving the community she calls home. After graduating from Oak Grove High School, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with honors from the University of Southern Mississippi, followed by a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Mississippi Medical Center before completing her dental training.
Dr. Hoang truly enjoys getting to know her patients and believes dental visits should feel comfortable, positive, and stress-free. She is passionate about helping each patient feel confident in their smile and takes pride in providing gentle, personalized care. During dental school, she was recognized for her clinical excellence, receiving the Outstanding Achievement Awards in both Periodontics and Operative Dentistry.
When she’s not in the office, Dr. Hoang loves spending time with her husband, Daniel, and their two golden doodles, who keep life fun and full of energy. She also enjoys gardening, cooking, crafting, and spending time outdoors. As a Hattiesburg native, she loves exploring around town with her husband, discovering local spots, and unwinding at home with her favorite hobbies. She is currently trying her hand at watercolor painting.
Dr. Hoang looks forward to welcoming you to the practice and helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile.
Jaime
Office Manager
Jaime serves as the Office Manager at Southern Smiles Dental, bringing over 25 years of experience in dental administration to her role. She is known for her leadership, organization, and genuine passion for patient care, playing a vital part in ensuring the office runs smoothly while creating a welcoming and supportive environment for both patients and team members.
With a keen attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills, Jaime oversees scheduling, insurance coordination, and daily operations with efficiency and care. She is dedicated to helping patients navigate their treatment and benefits with clarity and confidence, making each visit as seamless as possible.
Guided by her Catholic faith, Jaime approaches her work with compassion, integrity, and a deep sense of service to others. She believes in treating every patient with kindness and respect, creating an atmosphere where people feel genuinely cared for. Jaime is especially passionate about building relationships—whether it’s supporting her team, encouraging a positive workplace culture, or making patients feel right at home from the moment they walk through the door.
Outside of the office, Jaime enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren, embracing her role as “Lovey,” and creating meaningful moments with the people she loves most.
Angela
Hygienist
Angela is a dedicated dental hygienist known for her gentle, compassionate approach and unwavering commitment to patient care. A Hattiesburg native and proud graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi, she is also a lifelong advocate for the growth and vibrancy of downtown Hattiesburg. Angela balances her professional life with a full and rewarding home life, raising her three daughters—two in elementary school and one currently attending USM—alongside her beloved family dog.