Welcome to Bonaventure Dental Care in Baton Rouge, LA! Our team is made up of dedicated professionals who truly care about your health and well-being. We believe every smile tells a story, and we’re here to support yours with compassionate, personalized care you can trust. Together, we’re committed to making your dental experience comfortable, positive and tailored just for you.
Meet Our Dentists
Dr. Justin K. Bonaventure
Owner & DDS
When you visit Bonaventure Dental, you’ll feel right away that you’re not just another patient. You’re someone who deserves genuine care, personal attention and a dentist who truly listens.
That’s exactly what you’ll find with Dr. Justin Bonaventure, a Baton Rouge native who takes pride in helping you feel confident every time you smile. Whether you’re here for a simple cleaning or a complete smile transformation, you can relax knowing that your comfort, your goals and your results always come first.
Dr. Bonaventure earned his Bachelor of Science from Louisiana State University and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from LSU’s School of Dentistry. But what really sets him apart is how he keeps learning, constantly refining his skills to give you the very best that modern dentistry has to offer. Every recommendation he makes is designed around what’s best for you, not just what’s possible.
You’ll also have peace of mind knowing your dentist is a respected leader in his field. Dr. Bonaventure is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Louisiana Dental Association, and the Greater Baton Rouge Dental Association, where he served as President in 2012. His dedication to excellence means you can trust that your smile and your oral health are in expert hands.
Outside the office, Dr. Bonaventure’s world revolves around his family: his wife, Lindsey, and their daughters Layla, Anna Kathryn, Reese and Mary Mims. When he’s not caring for patients, you’ll find him duck hunting, saltwater fishing, playing golf or cooking something delicious for family and friends. At heart, Dr. Bonaventure believes that a confident smile can change everything. His goal is simple: to help you feel at ease, look your best and walk out of every visit knowing you made the right choice for your health and happiness.
Dr. Austin Safford
DDS
When you visit Bonaventure Dental, you’ll quickly see that Dr. Austin Safford is all about you: your comfort, your confidence and your health. As a Baton Rouge native, he loves helping people right here at home enjoy smiles that look great, feel natural and stand the test of time.
Dr. Safford’s journey into dentistry began with a lifelong fascination for how the human body works. After graduating from Dunham High School, he earned a degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Biology from Louisiana State University, an education that gives him a deep understanding of the connection between your oral health and your overall well-being.
When you’re in his chair, you can expect a calm, attentive experience. Dr. Safford takes time to understand your goals and makes sure you feel completely at ease before, during and after every appointment. His mission is simple: to help you keep your smile strong, healthy and radiant.
Outside the office, Dr. Safford finds balance in the great outdoors. He loves hunting, playing golf, staying active at the gym and spending time with his wife, Rebecca, and their dog, Sammy. Those quiet, joyful moments fuel his energy and remind him why caring for your smile matters so much, because it’s about living life with confidence and joy. At the end of the day, Dr. Safford’s goal is to make sure you love the way your smile feels and the way it makes you feel about yourself.
Our Friendly and Skilled Support Team
Jodi Runfalo, Operations
Manager, EDDA
When you visit Bonaventure Dental, you’ll quickly notice how smoothly everything runs. That’s thanks to Jodi Runfalo, who makes sure your experience feels effortless from start to finish. As our Operations Manager since 2016, Jodi brings more than 13 years of dental expertise to helping you feel comfortable, cared for, and confident in every part of your visit.
Jodi’s background in leadership and communication, through training with Dale Carnegie, LSU’s HR Professionals program, and the Ascension Parish Leadership Program, shapes the way she supports both our team and our patients. She’s also an active member of the American Association of Dental Office Management, which means she’s always finding new ways to make your time with us even better.
What matters most to Jodi is you. She takes pride in making sure that every interaction is warm, genuine and personal. Whether she’s helping you navigate scheduling, answering questions or simply greeting you with a smile, Jodi’s goal is to make your dental experience as welcoming and stress-free as possible.
Outside the office, Jodi loves spending time with her husband, Dr. Clay Runfalo, and their daughters, Carlyle and Josie. You’ll often find them exploring new places together and creating memories that fuel her passion for connection and care. At the heart of it all, Jodi believes every patient deserves to feel valued, and she’s here to make sure you do.
Alexis Shelton
Clinical Coordinator, EDDA
When you’re in the treatment room at Bonaventure Dental, Alexis is the friendly face making sure you feel comfortable, cared for and completely at ease. As our Clinical Coordinator, she sees to it that every visit runs smoothly so you can fully relax knowing that everything is handled for you.
Originally from Arkansas, Alexis moved to Baton Rouge to attend LSU, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and her Master’s in Healthcare Administration. Her background helps her bridge the gap between clinical excellence and personal care, making sure you always get the best of both worlds.
What Alexis loves most about her work is connecting with patients: answering your questions, easing any worries and helping you feel confident about your care.
When she’s not in the office, Alexis enjoys, spending time with her twins, Paisley and Presley, traveling with her husband, Alex, and their two black labs, Brody and Riley. Those adventures remind her of what truly matters: time, connection and the little things that make people smile. At Bonaventure Dental, Alexis is here to make sure you always feel seen, supported and comfortable.
Dani Ahrens
RDH
When you come in for your cleaning at Bonaventure Dental, Dani is the one who’ll make you laugh, feel at ease and leave with a smile that shines inside and out. As one of our experienced dental hygienists, she’s been helping patients like you feel comfortable and cared for since 2015.
Originally from Maurice, Louisiana, Dani spent 20 years in Chicago, where she earned her RDH degree before returning to Baton Rouge in 2014. Her experience and warmth help turn what could be “just another dental visit” into something personal. She takes time to listen, educate, and make sure you feel completely comfortable throughout your appointment.
Dani believes that great care starts with connection, and she’s known for her cool dad jokes, quick wit, and her uncanny ability to make Dr. Bonaventure shake his head and laugh.
When she’s not in the office, Dani enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, exploring new wines and soaking up every moment with her family. At Bonaventure Dental, Dani’s goal is simple: to help you love your smile and enjoy the time you spend caring for it.
Kaitlyn Schexnayder
EDDA
When you walk through the doors at Bonaventure Dental, Kaitlyn is often the first smiling face you’ll see. She’s part of our front desk team and makes it her mission to help you feel relaxed, cared for and right at home from the very start.
Kaitlyn has worked alongside Dr. Bonaventure in many roles over the years, so she understands exactly what it takes to make your visit smooth, comfortable and stress-free. Whether she’s helping you schedule an appointment, answering questions or simply brightening your day, Kaitlyn’s focus is always on you and your experience.
A proud Ascension Parish native, Kaitlyn began her dental career through the Dental Assisting Academy of Louisiana right here at our practice. Her passion for helping patients feel confident and cared for continues to shine every single day.
Outside the office, Kaitlyn enjoys spending time with family and friends, and she brings that same warmth and positivity into every interaction at work. At Bonaventure Dental, Kaitlyn’s goal is simple: to make sure every visit starts and ends with a great smile … yours.
Jenna Hood
RDH
When you’re in Jenna’s chair, you’ll feel instantly at ease. As one of our talented dental hygienists, Jenna takes time to get to know you, not just your teeth. Her gentle approach, easygoing nature, and genuine care make every visit feel comfortable and personal.
Jenna joined the Bonaventure Dental team in 2021, bringing with her over a decade of experience and a true passion for helping patients feel confident about their smiles. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from LSU School of Dentistry in 2009 and loves using that knowledge to educate and empower you to take great care of your oral health.
Originally from Donaldsonville, Louisiana, Jenna values family, connection, and community. When she’s not caring for patients, she enjoys spending time with her son, Ethan, as well as her family and friends and recharging with the people who mean the most to her. At Bonaventure Dental, Jenna’s goal is simple: to help you feel relaxed and proud of your smile every single day.
Lauren Barrere
EDDA
When you’re in the treatment room with Lauren, you’ll immediately feel her calm, caring energy. She’s there to make sure you feel comfortable, informed and supported throughout your visit, because your experience matters as much as your results.
Lauren began her career in dentistry in 2018 and joined the Bonaventure Dental team in 2021. A proud graduate of the Baton Rouge Dental Assistant Academy, she combines technical skill with a genuine passion for helping you achieve your healthiest and most confident smile.
Originally from Marksville, Louisiana, Lauren now lives in Walker with her husband, Lane, and their two children, Asher and Amelia. Family time keeps her grounded, and she brings that same warmth and connection into her work each day. At Bonaventure Dental, Lauren’s goal is simple: to help you reach your smile goals while enjoying a positive, stress-free experience from start to finish.
Madison Alfred
Front Desk
From the moment you walk through the door, Madison is one of the friendly faces ready to make your visit easy and enjoyable. As part of our front desk team since 2021, she’s here to make sure you feel comfortable, supported and confident from scheduling your appointment to waving goodbye with a smile.
Madison has a true passion for dentistry and loves being part of a team that cares deeply about each patient’s experience. Her warmth, attention to detail and upbeat personality help set the tone for the kind of visit you’ll actually look forward to.
Outside the office, Madison enjoys spending time with her friends and family and doting on her beloved lab mix, Beaux. Her joyful energy carries through everything she does, especially when it comes to helping you feel right at home. At Bonaventure Dental, Madison’s goal is simple: to make your first impression a lasting one, filled with kindness, comfort and care.
Nancy Bueche
HSC
When you schedule your hygiene visits at Bonaventure Dental, Nancy is the one who makes sure everything fits seamlessly into your life. As our Hygiene Scheduling Coordinator, she’s here to make your experience easy, organized, and stress-free, from your first phone call to your next cleaning.
With over 15 years of dental experience, Nancy brings both skill and heart to every interaction. She knows how important consistency and trust are when it comes to your care and she loves helping you stay on track with healthy habits that will keep your smile shining year after year.
A Baton Rouge native and longtime Prairieville resident, Nancy has been married to her husband, Kerry, for 35 years. They have two grown children and love traveling together, creating new memories wherever they go. At Bonaventure Dental, Nancy’s goal is simple: to make sure your visits feel effortless, your schedule works and your smile always comes first.
Brittany Mixon
RDH
When you sit down for your cleaning, Brittany is the kind of hygienist who instantly puts you at ease. She’s passionate about helping you understand your oral health, feel comfortable during every visit, and leave with a smile you feel proud of.
Brittany joined the Bonaventure Dental team in 2022 and has been a registered dental hygienist since 2018. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Mississippi Medical Center and loves combining her clinical knowledge with a personal touch that makes your experience relaxed and enjoyable.
Originally from Thibodaux, Louisiana, Brittany brings her southern warmth and upbeat energy to every interaction. Outside the office, she’s a proud LSU fan and loves spending time with her husband Reed and daughter Annie. At Bonaventure Dental, Brittany’s goal is simple: to help you feel confident, cared for and excited about keeping your smile healthy for life.
Nancy Dupre
Hygiene Assistant
When you’re in the chair, Nancy is one of the friendly faces who makes sure you feel comfortable and cared for. As our Hygiene Assistant since 2021, she’s dedicated to helping you have a smooth and stress-free visit.
Originally from Juarez, Mexico and raised in El Paso, Texas, Nancy brings warmth, kindness and attention to detail to everything she does. She earned her certification as a Dental Assistant from Trident Technical College and has spent her career helping patients like you feel relaxed and at ease during their care.
Outside the office, Nancy loves spending time with her husband, Todd, of 34 years, and their three grown children. She enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and sharing laughs with family and friends. At Bonaventure Dental, Nancy’s goal is simple: to make your visit comfortable and filled with the personal touch that makes you feel right at home.
Anna Cook
EDDA
When you’re in the chair with Anna, you immediately notice her calm presence and genuine kindness. With over four years of experience as a dental assistant, she’s passionate about making you feel comfortable and confident throughout your visit.
Anna loves being part of a team that delivers top-quality dentistry with a personal touch. Whether she’s assisting during treatment or checking in to make sure you’re at ease, her goal is to create a smooth, positive experience every time you visit.
A proud native of Iberville Parish, Anna brings southern warmth to everything she does. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Harlee, relaxing with friends, and exploring new places through travel. At Bonaventure Dental, Anna is dedicated to one thing above all else: helping you feel comfortable, supported, and happy.
Valerie Bourgeois
RDH
When you sit down for your cleaning with Valerie, you feel right away how much she cares about your comfort, your confidence and your smile. She loves getting to know each patient personally and making sure every visit ends with you feeling refreshed and proud of your healthy smile.
Valerie joined the Bonaventure Dental team in 2023 after earning her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from LSU School of Dentistry in 2022. Originally from Crowley, Louisiana, she brings a warm, welcoming spirit and a genuine love for helping people feel their best.
Whether she’s sharing tips to keep your smile bright or taking the time to listen, Valerie’s goal is to make your visit feel positive, and empowering.
Outside the office, Valerie enjoys spending time with family and friends and never turns down a good shopping trip! Her joyful energy and easygoing personality make every appointment feel a little lighter and a lot more fun. At Bonaventure Dental, Valerie’s focus is simple: to help you enjoy a beautiful smile and have a great experience every time you’re here.
Aya Mire
Dental Assistant
When you meet Aya, you notice right away how much she cares about your comfort and experience. As one of our dedicated dental assistants, she makes every visit feel easy and stress-free from the moment you sit down to the moment you leave smiling.
Aya joined the Bonaventure Dental team in 2023 and brings skill and enthusiasm to her role. A proud Geismar native and Dutchtown High School graduate, she earned her Dental Assisting Certification from the Baton Rouge Dental Assistant Academy. She’s committed to continuously learning and growing so she can give you the very best care possible.
Her favorite part of the job? Seeing you feel more confident after your visit.
Outside the office, Aya enjoys boating, relaxing with a good Netflix show, and spending time with her cats and her boyfriend. Her warm, friendly personality makes patients of all ages feel comfortable and cared for.
Saylor Chanthavongsy
Dental Assistant
Saylor is one of our dental assistants and joined Bonaventure Dental in January of 2025. She grew up in Maurice, LA and later graduated from Louisiana State University in December of 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. Saylor enjoys growing as an assistant with the goal of helping patients feel comfortable during their visits. In her free time, Saylor likes to spend time with her friends and family, listen to music, and try new restaurants.
Ali Bourgeois
RDH
Ali Bourgeois joined the Bonaventure team in 2024. She is from Plaquemine, Louisiana, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the LSU School of Dentistry in 2022. She enjoys getting to know each of her patients and making sure they feel at ease during their appointments. In her spare time, Ali loves traveling, walking her dog, Poppy, and spending time with family and friends.
Victoria Church
Dental Assistant
Victoria graduated from Baton Rouge Dental Assistant Academy in 2021 where she earned her dental assistant certification. She strives to make every dental visit a comfortable and positive experience. She enjoys volunteering in her community, baking, reading and spending time with friends and family.
Joanna Payne
Front Desk
Joanna joined Bonaventure Dental Care in May 2025, bringing over 20 years of dental experience to our team. She has a true passion for dentistry and is dedicated to making sure every patient feels comfortable and cared for from the moment they walk through the door.
Outside the office, Joanna works as a local real estate agent serving the Greater Baton Rouge area since 2022. She enjoys spending time with her husband Chris, her three stepchildren, and dog Roxie, together they love camping and traveling. Joanna is also active in her church, where she serves in the music ministry.
Ali Stuntz
Hygiene Assistant
Ali is committed to learning new things. Her goal is to see patients leave with a beautiful smile!
She enjoys fishing, nature, watching Netflix, and spending time with her husband, Roger, and her daughter, Willow.
Ready to experience exceptional dental care? Connect with us at Bonaventure Dental Care. Give our office a call at (225) 753-0123 or visit us at 13431 Tiger Bend Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70817. Your smile deserves the best care, today and always!
