Resident Spotlight: Jeremy C. Sprouse, DDS, PhD
Compiled by Dr. Priscilla Carpenter Lockhart
Dr. Jeremy C. Sprouse is currently a first-year resident at the University of Texas, Health Science Center at Houston. The Paper Point‘s Dr. Priscilla Carpenter Lockhart caught up with him recently to learn more about his journey to endo and other passions.
The Paper Point: Thank you so much for taking time to do this interview and sharing your journey with us, Jeremy. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Dr. Jeremy C. Sprouse: Thank you for this opportunity! I’m excited to share about my journey so far. I’m currently a first-year endodontics resident at UTHealth Houston, but before starting this training program, I practiced as a general dentist in the greater Nashville area and most recently spent time as an Assistant Professor. Outside of my career, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love speaking, reading, and learning, not only about dentistry, but also personal growth and historical events. I grew up in Atlanta, GA, where my love for music and sports began, and those passions are still a big part of who I am today.
The Paper Point: Dr. Sprouse, you were Meharry Medical College’s 1st DDS/PhD recipient, and you were the first DDS/PhD recipient from an HBCU. That is incredibly impressive!!! What encouraged you to pursue a combined DDS/PhD training program?
Dr. Jeremy C. Sprouse: From a young age, I’ve had a curiosity for dentistry. I spent quite a bit of time in the dental chair that extended beyond routine check-ups, like chipped teeth, fillings, and even a bloody frenectomy. Those experiences sparked my fascination with dentistry. During my time in undergrad, I developed a genuine appreciation for research and began to see how essential it is to the advancement of healthcare. I realized that for me, dentistry and research are inseparable—both contribute to patient care in unique and powerful ways. So, when the opportunity to combine my love for clinical work with my passion for research came along, it was a no-brainer. This path allows me to not only impact my patients directly but also contribute to the broader understanding and innovation within the field of dentistry.
By the time I reached my senior year at Morehouse College, I was presented with an incredible opportunity to pursue a dual DDS/PhD degree program at Meharry Medical College, an HBCU renowned for training the most African American and minority dentists, physicians, and public health and biomedical science researchers in the country. I knew I would be the guinea pig for the 8-year endeavor when I entered, and was very grateful for the chance to pioneer, and set the framework for navigating the rigors of both programs and am happy to see more young students pursuing similar paths.
The Paper Point: What an incredible opportunity! Did you always know that you wanted to become an endodontist or what led you to specialize?
Dr. Jeremy C. Sprouse: Like many dental students, I entered school with a lot of ideas about what I wanted my career to look like. Dentistry offers so many paths, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the possibilities. But as you progress through dental school, it sculpts and molds you in ways you could never anticipate – all pun intended. Early on, I didn’t have my sights set on endodontics. In fact, I used to think of root canals as ‘abstract dentistry’—a procedure that had more mystery and stigma than appeal. Root canals often get a bad reputation, and it wasn’t something I was initially drawn to. However, it wasn’t until I began practicing as a general dentist that I truly found my passion for endodontics. Helping patients of all ages find relief from dental pain and preserving their natural teeth sparked something in me. I realized that the intricacies of root canals, which I once viewed with great hesitation, were now the procedures that excited me the most. Endodontics isn’t just about fixing a problem; it’s about giving patients their quality of life back.
Specializing was a significant decision, and for those in dental school who feel uncertain about their path, my biggest advice is to work as a general dentist first. This experience gave me the time and space to explore all facets of dentistry and discover what I genuinely love, and may help you in a similar way. You don’t have to have everything figured out while navigating clinics, exams, the INBDE, and licensure. Give yourself the chance to evolve and the opportunity to find what truly excites you. When the right path presents itself, you’ll know, and it will make all the hard work worthwhile.
The Paper Point: I love that! What advice would you give others interested in pursuing a DDS/PhD program?
Dr. Jeremy C. Sprouse: My advice is simple: go for it. If a DDS/PhD is really on your mind after learning about it, it’s probably because you’re meant to pursue it—and once you begin, you owe it to yourself to see it through. This journey will shape you in ways that will forever impact both your personal and professional life. It’s not easy—balancing clinical training with the demands of research takes grit, determination, and an unwavering commitment. But the rewards? They’re beyond worth it. You are not just learning to care for patients; you are contributing to the future of dentistry and driving innovation in the field.
Yes, the road is long and challenging, but if you have the passion and persistence, the possibilities are limitless. Embrace every challenge as a steppingstone toward your growth, and don’t let the intensity of the journey hold you back. Remember, you’re not just pursuing degrees and extensive training—you’re becoming a leader who will help shape the future of healthcare. Stay focused, stay resilient, and trust that the impact you’ll make is well worth the effort.
The Paper Point: That’s a great point to always keep in mind: If it were easy, everyone would do it. Speaking of not so easy things… How is residency going so far and what has been your favorite part since starting this summer?
Dr. Jeremy C. Sprouse: Residency has been an amazing experience so far, and these first few months have been incredibly rewarding. We started with a combination of intense re-introduction to didactic courses, entered the world of Current and Classic Endodontic Literature, paired with hands-on work using mummified extracted teeth. About a month ago, we first-year residents began treating clinical patients, which has been both exciting and fulfilling. One of the biggest adjustments has been getting used to the microscope for my procedures, but it has drastically improved my precision with treatment. Honestly, after just a few months, I can’t imagine doing a procedure without it! Residency is challenging, of course, but I am incredibly grateful to be at UT Health Houston. The environment here is so supportive, and the faculty is truly dedicated to the growth and success of their residents, students, and institution.
The Paper Point: That’s awesome! Your dedication to both research and dentistry is phenomenal. You have won grants and research awards, tell us more about that; also give us some insights into what, if any, research you are working on now?
Dr. Jeremy C. Sprouse: Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m proud and beyond blessed for the research I’ve been involved in so far. During dental and graduate school, I had the chance to work on a wide variety of projects, from studying how hormones regulate orofacial pain to exploring the oral and gut microbiome, as well as looking at salivary gland and gut function. These experiences gave me the opportunity to showcase my interests, win grants and research awards, and publish in peer-reviewed journals, all of which have been incredibly rewarding.
Now that I’m in residency, I’m excited to focus on a study related to endodontics. I’ve started conversations about potential ideas in bacterial and inflammatory profiles in treated teeth among patient populations and overall treatment outcomes in endodontics. My past work has mostly been in basic science and animal models, so transitioning into clinical research is a new and exciting challenge for me. I’m looking forward to seeing how these studies can directly impact patient care in endodontics.
The Paper Point: When you aren’t busy saving teeth, what do you enjoy doing with your free time?
Dr. Jeremy C. Sprouse: I’m a proud husband and father, sharing my world with my incredible wife, who I met in dental school, and our two young kids—a lively 3-year-old daughter and a curious 1-year-old son. We are still adjusting to our new home in Houston, but it has been a thrilling transition looking for parks, family-friendly activities, a new church, and becoming “regulars” at the nearby food spots. Our family is happiest outdoors, that’s whether we’re on walks, at baseball games, or out hiking with our Black Labrador, Batman.
Outside of family time, I’ve developed a passion for golf. I only picked up the sport a couple of years ago, but now I jump at any chance to hit the course or the driving range. And when I’m not golfing, you’ll catch me cheering for the LA Lakers. I’ve been a fan since the early 2000s, but my excitement grew when LeBron James, who’s my all-time favorite player joined the team. Balancing my career with family and my love for sports has been an incredible journey so far, and I’m excited for everything that lies ahead!
The Paper Point: I hear you love to cook. Tell us about your favorite dish to make! What got you interested in cooking?
Dr. Jeremy C. Sprouse: Yes, I love to cook! Both parents passed a love for cooking and outdoor grilling, and it’s something I carry with me ever since. If I had to pick a favorite dish, it would be my signature Southern shrimp and grits. It’s become a bit legendary in my family—I get requests for it all year long! There’s something special about perfecting that balance of flavors and sharing it with the people I love. I also enjoy spending time in the kitchen and out by the grill with my kids, teaching them the basics and nurturing their inner chefs. It’s a great way to bond and pass on a tradition that’s meant so much to me.
The Paper Point: Now I wish a taste test was a part of our interview! As you go into your first year of residency, what are you most excited about?
Dr. Jeremy C. Sprouse: As I step into my first year of residency, I’m genuinely excited about every aspect of this journey of personal and professional growth. I’m happy to be training at UTHealth Houston. As the program has so many strengths, and I’m amazed at my fellow co-residents, our accomplished faculty, and the research enterprise within the Texas Medical Center.
Furthermore, the American Dental Association (ADA) states that only 3.8% of dentists in the U.S. are Black, and an even smaller percentage are specialists. To become part of that small group of African American endodontists is incredibly meaningful to me, my family, and my community. I realize it’s not just about honing my clinical skills—though I’m extremely eager to help many patients, tackle complex root canal anatomy, close open apices and really clean those C-shaped canals—but it’s ultimately about making a lasting impact within the greater endodontic community.
This residency journey is so much bigger than my own personal growth. It’s about opening doors for future generations of African American scientists, dentists and specialists, showing them that they, too, can excel in fields with historic underrepresentation. I’m here to learn to help shape the future of endodontics by contributing to a legacy of excellence and progress. That’s what truly motivates me and fuels my passion for this specialty.
The Paper Point: That was beautifully said! Dr. Sprouse, thanks so much for taking the time to sit down with us! Any last words for our readers?
Dr. Jeremy C. Sprouse: Thank you for having me! As I continue this journey, I ask you to keep my family and me in your thoughts and prayers. Residency is challenging, but having a strong support system, both spiritually and emotionally, makes all the difference. I also want to extend encouragement to each of you navigating the process, whether pre-dental student, dental student, curious GP, or someone pursuing a specialty like I am. This path is not easy, and will require an open mind and a ton of perseverance, but I want you to know that I’m proud of you. We’ve chosen a noble profession, and I believe in both our abilities to succeed. Keep pushing forward, stay focused, and never forget why you started.
