Sometimes a journey unfolds exactly as it should, shaped by timing, chance, and the quiet forces of fate. At West Lake Dentistry in Denver, three women—Drs. Nicole Naylor, Amber Brooks, and Alexandra Murtagh—have each brought their own experiences, talents, and passions to a practice that continues to grow stronger with every passing year. Their paths converged in ways that seem almost destined, and together they’ve built more than a dental practice. They’ve crafted a space where expertise, compassion, gratitude, and innovation meet. Through the years, each woman’s story has added a layer to the practice’s identity, creating a legacy that reflects resilience, vision, and the subtle magic of timing.

Once Upon a Time
It all began with Dr. Nicole Naylor. Growing up in Parkersburg, West Virginia, a young Nicole discovered early on that dentistry would be a rewarding career choice. At West Virginia University, she excelled in her studies, graduating with honors and earning accolades for her research in endodontics. But beyond the awards and academic achievements, Dr. Naylor’s vision for a dental practice was clear: leadership meant inspiring a team to deliver compassionate, whole-body care.

“It’s staggering to look back through the years,” she smiles. “With hundreds of 5-star reviews and nearly a decade of winning the Best of Lake award, leadership is about setting the standard for excellence while treating every patient with dignity and respect. When you approach dentistry with empathy and a genuine desire to help, you realize it’s not just teeth you’re caring for, it’s people, families, confidence, and self-esteem. That’s what drives me every day.”

Outside the office, Nicole’s life is full of energy and warmth. She and her husband, John, are raising two lively children, ages 10 and 8. “I love to cook and make it a family event,” she shares. “Whether it’s weeknight tacos or a holiday feast, meals become memories. Sharing joy, whether at the table or in the dental chair, is what makes life meaningful.”

The Journey Continued
A few years later, Dr. Amber Brooks brought her own sense of adventure and compassion to the team. Growing up in a military family, Dr. Brooks learned resilience and adaptability through frequent moves, finally settling in Chesapeake, Virginia. After graduating summa cum laude from Virginia Tech and earning her dental degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, she traveled extensively, visiting 13 countries in Europe—where she met her future husband along the way.

“Six years later, we returned to Italy for our honeymoon,” she says. “Those experiences taught me to embrace life fully, but today, everything I do is for our children, Cash (4) and Eliana Grace (2). Dentistry gives me a way to help others in a tangible, meaningful way. Every time I see a patient leave the office confident in their smile, I feel like I’ve contributed to something bigger than myself. That’s why this work is my passion … it’s about changing lives one smile at a time.”

A Full-Circle Moment
The team’s story came full circle when Dr. Alexandra Murtagh joined the practice in 2021. She and Dr. Naylor first crossed paths back in 2010 when Alexandra was a receptionist at a Charlotte dental office, and the two instantly clicked. A Huntersville native and proud UNC-Chapel Hill graduate, Dr. Murtagh later headed to Boston, where she met her husband and honed her craft in private practice. Now raising three sons, she finds deep fulfillment in a life rooted in family, community, and purpose.

Empathy defines Dr. Murtagh’s approach. “Live and Let Live is my motto,” she says. “You never know what someone is going through. Dentistry gives me a way to offer care that extends beyond teeth. It’s about dignity, comfort, and humanity. Helping people feel at ease and confident in their smiles is deeply fulfilling. It’s why I love this work so much. It’s immediate, personal, and meaningful every single day.” 

A Shared Mission
West Lake Dentistry has grown into more than a dental practice … it’s a center for community and connection. The team dedicates countless hours to programs like Mission of Mercy, bringing free dental care to underserved communities.

“It’s important for us to pay it forward and give back,” Dr. Naylor says, “and we want our patients to feel heard and supported in every way … from their dental needs to their comfort and peace of mind. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing the work we do can truly change someone’s day, or even their life.”

Dr. Brooks adds, “Being able to serve others in this way reminds me that the most meaningful work is the work that lifts people up.”

Nodding in agreement, Dr. Murtagh concludes: “We’re fortunate to do what we love, and giving back with genuine care is just part of who we are. It’s gratitude in action.”