Each month an ADEA Connect Ambassador will be highlighted based on their contributions to ADEA Connect. Learn more about ambassador responsibilities in the ADEA Connect Ambassador Overview.
Dr. Carlos Smith is the Community Ambassador for the ADEA Section on Minority Affairs, Diversity and Inclusion. Read more about Dr. Smith and his professional experience below.
Say Hello to Carlos Smith, D.D.S., MDiv, FACD
What professional tips or advice would you like to share about your profession?
The professions of both dentistry and dental hygiene are richly rewarding. As someone who is now a mid-career professional, having practiced in community health, private practice and academic center settings, dentistry and even oral health at large provide a wide array of opportunities. My key advice would be to never forget your passion, purpose and “why.” Your “why” is that which can often center you, redirect you, and course correct you when the challenging times present themselves.
What is your #1 reason for becoming an ADEA member?
I have been an ADEA member since my days as a predoctoral student at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. I learned the invaluable importance of ADEA dating back to the groundbreaking work of Dr. Jeanne Sinkford with the support of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation encouraging dental schools to grow their own future faculty. After nearly a decade in community dentistry and private practice, I returned to academics full time in 2015 and rejoining ADEA was a priority. Building camaraderie with like-minded colleagues, with our role as educators who are dedicated to shaping inclusive, compassionate, and equity-minded professionals and learning environments, is a community I remain excited to be a part of.
What has been the most rewarding experience of your career?
I have had the honor of working with many students and colleagues over the years. I would say making an impact, in whatever way that is meaningful to others is a career highlight. Whether it's students who remain in contact with me and share news about weddings, children and career success or colleagues who have shared that my words, presentations or writings have honed, shaped or evolved their understanding of ethics, professionalism, inclusion, wellbeing, equity and belongingness - my goal is simply impact. A close second would be the honor of being the inaugural ADEA Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Faculty Leadership Award recipient in 2023.
How has ADEA Connect been useful to you?
Communicating with our members is a top priority. ADEA Connect provides an opportunity for engagement with colleagues but also sharing information, programs and insights across our specific special interest groups and sections and the ADEA membership broadly.
What is your favorite hobby or place to travel?
As a husband and girl dad of three, most of my time is spent with family, however, I am a history buff that loves genealogy and am an avid Lego brick builder.