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Jesup, Georgia 31545

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

75

This orthodontist will make his patients and the community smile
Every morningMonday through FridayI saw him coming, sauntering up East Orange Street. As our children clambered out of the car, I watched his gaitslow and easy, always stepping inside the elementary school just before the bell rang. At the time, I didnt know his name, but I knew who he was. His mannerisms gave his identity away. You cant hide genes and chromosomes. As he walked, I could tell he was thinking, probably dreaming, too. I wondered what was going on inside his 6-year-old brain. A dozen years later, I found out. His daddy was a star quarterback. His brothers were scholar athletes. But he chose books over cleats. And he hit studies hardas hard as any linebacker ever hit a running back. Thats why he called me. He had scholastics on his mind. Midway through his first college semester, he realized a freshman mistake. Despite the exceptional scholarship that lured him to one university, he needed to be at The University of Georgia. Can you help me? he asked. I explained that I didnt have a key to the admissions office, but Id be glad to provide a recommendation. Really, I didnt do anything. Quality speaks for itself. Seeing his stellar academic achievements, UGA

My Opinion

sprang its doors open. In no time, he was on an aceroll through pharmacy school. He chomped through the DINK curriculum NeSMITH the way stuChairman dents get after chili dogs and onion rings at the Varsity. With his white coat, mortar and pestle, he had a bright future. And he went to work, getting his financial legs up under himself. But his dreaming wasnt over. He didnt saunter into medical collegehe marched. Working for pharmacies, he studied as hard as any med student. Like his dad and brothers, he knew how to hustle, even if he wasnt wearing a helmet and shoulder pads. And when hed come to see me, I knew he was scrambling, getting by on scant sleep. The dark circles under his eyes told me that, but I could also see that familiar Im-chasing-mydreams gleam in his eyes. During his residency, I got another call. Dental school was next. I was honored to be an advocate, again. Before long, he was racking up honors

on that campus and filling prescriptions, in between studies and leadership roles. He was elected national president of the student dentistry association. One time the dean told me, Hed make a great faculty member. He has so much talent and so much to give. The students would love him. One day, he might be a professor, but right now, hes in the final days of orthodontic studies in Denver. The day after Christmas, he sauntered into my office, wearing jeans and sneakers, just like the first time that I saw him. His gait still gives him away, but the dental dean was righthe has so much to give. Thats his dream, and its about to come true. He couldnt hide the gleam in his eyes. This soon-to-be orthodontist doesnt want to just straighten teeth. He wants to help his patientsyoung and oldsee straight paths for their lives. To him, medicine is a ministry. His practice will be his pulpit. As he worked the Brumby Rocker in my office, he said, Im 36, and Im finishing my 31st year of class. Im coming home. Hes ready to find somewhere in Georgia and make a difference. And after watching him for 30 years, I promise: Some community is going to be lucky very luckyto welcome Dr. William Bennett.
dnesmith@cninewspapers.com