2012 Dental Alumnus of the Year

Dr. John Smith received his bachelor’s degree at Mississippi College in 1974 before joining the School of Dentistry’s first graduating class of1979. After graduation, Smith returned to his hometown of Forest to open a general dentistry practice, though he has remained very active with the school throughout his career.

Smith has served on the School of Dentistry’s admissions committee,and he has served as a clinical instructor for the school as well as for the Dental Hygiene program. Since 2004, he has been a part-time associate professor in the department of Care Planning and Restorative Sciences.

Committed to supporting current students, Smith recently helped raise funds to help more than a dozen students attend the annual meeting of the Hinman Dental Society in Atlanta. He has received both the Part-time Faculty Award and the D-3 All Star Faculty Teaching Award multiple times.

“Dr. John Smith is an individual who exhibits the traits and work ethics that have allowed him to have a successful career in dentistry and serve as a leader in his community,”said Dr. Daniel Quon, also a 1979 graduate and last year’s Alumnus of the Year.“As a member of the first graduating class Dr. Smith recognizes the importance of a strong undergraduate dental education and generously gives his time, money and expertise to the UMC School of Dentistry to help provide our students with a quality education.”

A member of the Guardian Society at UMMC, Smith also participates in the American Dental Association, Mississippi Dental Association, American Orthodontic Society, Pierre Fauchard Academy, Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the Deans Dental Reserve and the American College of Dentists. Among his many involvements with in his home and alumni communities, Smith is a past president of the Forest Rotary Club, the Forest Chamber of Commerce and the Dental Alumni Association.

Smith met his wife, Diane, while they both attended Mississippi College. Together, they have three sons, Tyler, Thomas and Taylor. Recently,Smith sold his practice in Forest, and he plans to join the School of Dentistry as a full-time faculty member.