Resident Spotlight: Renée A. Smith, D.D.S.
Compiled by Dr. Priscilla L. Carpenter
Dr. Renée A. Smith is a second-year resident in the Air Force Postgraduate Advanced Education Program in Endodontics. The Paper Point’s Dr. Priscilla L. Carpenter recently interviewed her to learn more about her interesting path to endo.
The Paper Point: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview, Doc! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Dr. Renée A. Smith: Thanks for this opportunity! I’m the child of two Jamaican immigrants and was raised in Maryland. My parents work in the medical field, so I’ve been exposed to medicine my whole life. My career goal from a young age was to be a medical doctor. However, while in college, I had the chance to shadow some dentists and attend a pre-dental summer program at Columbia University. I soon fell in love with the procedures and the more relaxed lifestyle Dentistry affords compared to our medical counterparts. Pursuing dentistry is a choice I’ve never regretted.
The Paper Point: After dental school (well, during, in your case!), you joined the Air Force and completed an AEGD residency, even serving as the chief resident during your time in your program. Impressive! Tell us more about this experience, and thank you for your service!
Dr. Renée A. Smith: I applied for the Air Force Health Profession Scholarship Program during dental school and was accepted for the 2-year scholarship. After graduating from dental school and Officer Training School, I started an AEGD residency. It was eye- opening to learn more about all the different specialties while completing more complex procedures. I felt like I knew everything about dentistry when I graduated from dental school, but my AEGD experience taught me that I had so much more to learn.
The Paper Point: That’s awesome! How can other students who may be interested join military programs?
Dr. Renée A. Smith: If you are interested in military dentistry, there are Health Profession recruiters who can guide you through the accession process. There are also a lot of military bases that don’t have access to active-duty endodontists along with other dental specialists. They rely on the community for help with treating our patients in need. So, even if you don’t wear the uniform, you can still contribute to the mission.
The Paper Point: After such an amazing journey, what brought you to endodontics and how has your second year of residency been?
Dr. Renée A. Smith: During my AEGD residency, I worked one-on-one with an Endodontist and developed my knowledge of the specialty. I’ve been hooked on it ever since! 2nd year has been hectic now that I’m seeing patients full-time, but it’s exciting to learn and watch my hand skills grow. Now I’m just waiting for the part where my speed increases!
The Paper Point: So, tell us, what has been the best memory of your residency thus far?
Dr. Renée A. Smith: I’ve enjoyed attending AAE and Apices. It gave me a chance to meet other residents and practicing Endodontists. I’ve only ever attended virtually before I started residency, so going in person for the first time was an amazing experience.
The Paper Point: I love that! Let’s switch gears. Residency can be tough! It’s always nice to find something to do to wind down. What do you like to do in your spare time? I know that you enjoy reading, any recommendations or favorites?
Dr. Renée A. Smith: In my spare time, I love to travel, relax on the beach, and read books. All the things I can’t do during residency! Winding down time these days consists of me going on walks with my husband, son, and dogs. In terms of books, I love reading autobiographies. I think it is fascinating to learn about the lives that others live. Two favorites are You Don’t Look Like Anyone I Know by Heather Sellers and Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.
The Paper Point: I know you participated in a lot of leadership positions and volunteer work during dental school, why do you think it is important for students and residents to be involved in leadership?
Dr. Renée A. Smith: Getting involved with leadership shows us ways to improve our profession from the inside out. Also, as a student, it can be hard to see the larger organizational picture. Getting involved can metaphorically pull us out of the trenches of school life and help us gain perspective on why we do what we do.
The Paper Point: So true! What about professionally – what’s up next for you following residency?
Dr. Renée A. Smith: After residency, I’ll serve as an Endodontist wherever the Air Force needs me. Many graduates end up teaching at AEGD programs or practicing at bases overseas. Either way, I’m up for the adventure.
The Paper Point: Thank you so much, Dr. Smith for spending some time allowing us to get to know more about you and your journey! Before we go, do you have any final words of wisdom that you would like to share with our readers?
Dr. Renée A. Smith: I saw a quote by Adam Grant that said that the highest form of self-confidence is believing in your ability to learn. I’ve held on to that throughout this program. As residents, I may not know it all now, but if we continue to learn, we’re headed in the right direction.
Dr. Priscilla L. Carpenter is a member of the AAE’s Resident and New Practitioner Committee.