Talented Dentist Waco

Get to Know Dr. Kuma

Reception area in Waco dental office

Born in sunny South Florida and raised in the heart of New Jersey, Dr. Scott Kuma brings a coast-to-coast perspective and a deep commitment to compassionate care to Heart of Texas Smiles. He earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology and Anthropology from Rutgers University, where his curiosity about human behavior and cultural diversity laid the foundation for his empathetic approach to dentistry.

Becoming a Dentist

After college, Dr. Kuma followed his love for travel to San Francisco. It was there—surrounded by new experiences and inspired by the city’s vibrant community—that he felt called to the medical field and ultimately discovered his passion for dentistry. That journey brought him full circle back to Florida, where he attended Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale and earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine.

To further expand his clinical expertise, Dr. Kuma completed a General Practice Residency in Denver, Colorado. There, he received advanced training in restorative dentistry, oral surgery, and comprehensive care for patients with complex needs. His focus on patient comfort and building genuine, trusting relationships has become the cornerstone of his practice philosophy.

A New Chapter: From Florida to Waco:

After completing his residency, Dr. Kuma made the move back to Florida—where life took a wonderful turn. He met his then-girlfriend and now soon-to-be wife. Together they uprooted from South Florida and brought their talents to Waco!

Now proud to be part of the team at Heart of Texas Smiles, Dr. Kuma is excited to bring his skills and passion for dentistry to the Waco community. Whether helping patients overcome dental anxiety or restoring confidence through personalized smile makeovers, he believes every visit should be as comfortable and positive as possible.

Life at Home

When he’s not in the office, Dr. Kuma enjoys spending quality time with his fiancée and their two dogs—Oliver, a lovable pug with lots of attitude, and Eloise, their sweet aussie-doodle. Together they love cooking at home, diving into binge-worthy series, tackling DIY projects, and making memories in their new home. He’s also a big foodie who’s always down to try a new spot—though Opal’s Oysters is currently at the top of his list. And when it comes to vacation, nothing beats the beaches and beauty of Bali.

Dr. Kuma is excited to serve the Waco community and looks forward to welcoming you to Heart of Texas Smiles—where comfort, care, and community come together.