(This is one of our profiles on this year’s recipients selected by an anonymous committee out of an extensive list of nominees for the 2024 Lincoln Leader Award. The Lincoln Parish Journal thanks Mayor Ronny Walker and the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce for their support of this award. We would like to thank Kevin Hawkins at HawkinsPhoto.com for the headshots).
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Name: Thomas (Trey) Hanna, III
Age: 33
Employer: Self-employed
Title: Dentist/Owner Ruston Smiles
Hometown: Meraux, LA
Years Living in Ruston: 2005-2013, 2022-present
Civic Volunteer Organizations: The American Legion – Louisiana Dental Association – Louisiana Mission of Mercy – Temple Baptist Worship Team (Drums)
Professional Highlights: -LSU Dental School graduate 2017 – Advanced Education in General Dentistry graduate US Army 2018 – Brigade Dentist for 1st BCT 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg 2018-2022 – Owner/Dentist Ruston Smiles 2022-present
Dr. John Ward on Trey Hanna, III:
“I cannot brag enough about Dr. Hanna. He’s conscientious. He aims at excellence. And generally speaking, the patients who were a part of our practice all stayed with him! That comforting to know our patients are being served and well cared for by someone like Trey.
“He is also keeping up with current technology and techniques. We talk regularly and he’s eager to share the new areas of learning. In summary, if I were speaking about a tennis match, having Dr. Hanna and his family in 71270 is definitely “Advantage Ruston“!
Q&A with Trey Hanna, III:
What makes Lincoln Parish special?
I saw firsthand what makes Lincoln Parish special during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Quite simply, it is the people and community we have here. When our family arrived to the area, we had evacuated from Meraux, Louisiana. We had lost absolutely everything. During the year after this event we were living in an RV at the Lincoln Parish Park. So many people came to talk with us, check in on us, and fed us delicious meals during this time. We were actually made to feel welcome. I had other friends who relocated to different areas, and did not get the same reception! We were very blessed to have landed in Lincoln Parish.
As a business owner in Lincoln Parish, the community and camaraderie between small business leaders is very refreshing. Everyone wants to see each other succeed, and that creates an environment that benefits all of our residents in the Parish.
How do you see your role/place in making our parish such a wonderful place to call home?
I am fortunate to be in a position where I provide the service of dental care to patients in this community. My team and I am absolutely committed to providing extremely high quality and compassionate care to those who visit our office.
As a veteran, I am a proud supporter of Veteran Service Organizations such as the American Legion and the VFW post.
I actively mentor students from our local high schools and colleges who are considering a career as a dentist.
As a father of three young girls, I see my role in Lincoln Parish as of someone who is rooting for and supporting the next generations. I embrace opportunities to support student clubs and groups at our local schools and to directly interact and mentor with those who are considering careers in the military or in dentistry.
Who has played a role in your professional development and why?
There have been too many people to count that have been instrumental in how I have gotten to where I am in my life and career. I have always believed in being “coachable” and to understand that you can learn something from anyone.
A recent example would be Dr. John Ward. When I made the transition from active duty military to private practice, there were a lot of unknowns and things that I didn’t know how to do, especially when it comes to understanding how to operate a business! So on that note, thank you Dr. Ward! Most importantly, thank you to my wife Ashley, my family, friends, colleagues, and mentors who have allowed me to be where I am today!
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