There’s always room to grow or learn more about something that keeps the mind entertained. When it comes to Jethroe Smith, working in the field of dentistry has been filled with exhilarating moments and evolution over time.
Born on the southeast side of Chicago, Smith went on to study at the University of Chicago Laboratory School. He received his undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis. After spending a year working for his biology professor, he would move forward within the College of Dentistry at the University of Illinois Chicago.
While dentistry has been a lifelong passion for Smith, he admires being able to learn new skills every day about the profession.
“Dentistry is not just all about science but also art,” Smith said. “I didn’t really start dabbling into the arts until a little over a decade ago.”
Working with artists has been a major success for Smith’s dentistry in recent years. He’s been a consistent supporter of the Diversified Art Visionaries (also known as DAVe), an organization committed to promoting the visual and performing arts in and around Northwest Indiana.
“When we first formed the organization, it was known as the Dyer Art Visionaries,” Smith said. “We wanted to do something that enhanced the town. We provide plenty of opportunities for artists to play at various locations. Our goal is to bring the arts to the people and provide artists with opportunities to hang out, exchange ideas and show their work.”
Becoming more acclimated to the arts has led Smith to utilize the arts as a way to make his own dentistry a place that the customers are intrigued to visit.
“Most people never really want to go to the dentist,” Smith said. “The goal for me is to do something that really impacts the lives of our customers. We have a display of artwork throughout the office for them to appreciate. Before people leave the office, we make sure they leave with a brownie or a cookie. We’re always finding ways to separate ourselves from the rest and allow our customers to have a relaxing experience.”
Smith has learned throughout his dentistry experience that while most people are looking for the bottom line with their teeth, he’s noticed how significant doing the little things can be for building long-term relationships with anyone who steps foot in his dental office.
“I think it’s important for people to find something that will make the customers comfortable,” Smith said. “Whether it’s spending more time with a person, the dentist making the first introduction or baking goods for the customers, there’s a variety of ways to make that happen. People are usually looking for businesses that can create a strong impression.”
Aside from dentistry, Smith always has an exhilarating yet relaxing experience when he takes his motorcycle on the road. He’s been riding them for more than 20 years and considers it to be one of the most relaxing things he enjoys doing. He goes to industrial auctions with his kid including nuclear power plants, coal-fired power plants and grain elevators. He also serves as an instructor for a Masonic lodge.
Smith plans to continue his dentistry work for the next several years. He plans to continue assisting various community groups while still exploring the arts.