Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Justin Warcup.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m the son of a dentist and spent my entire childhood swearing I would never follow in my father’s footsteps. Yet here I am. I was accepted into dental school and, in the very first week, proudly announced I would never become a pediatric dentist. Then something unexpected happened, I fell completely in love with the specialty. The energy, the growth and development, and the profound impact we can have on a child’s health and confidence won me over.
Now, 14 years after finishing dental school and my pediatric dental residency, I can honestly say I’ve eaten every one of those words and I couldn’t be happier about it. What started as resistance has become a true calling. I feel incredibly blessed to walk into my office every day and work with these amazing children. There’s nothing quite like helping a child breathe better, sleep better, smile with confidence, and grow into a healthier version of themselves.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Owning a practice for the past 13+ years has brought plenty of ups and downs. There have been seasons that tested me deeply; financially, emotionally, and even spiritually. Some challenges brought me to my knees in prayer, unsure how we were going to make it through. My dad once gave me some simple but powerful advice during one of those hard times: “Son, sometimes you just have to get up and go to work, not knowing if or when it will be okay.”
I’ve had many mornings where that was exactly what I did; just get up and show up.
Every struggle and every “failure” taught me valuable lessons that shaped me not only as a dentist and business owner, but also as a husband and father. Those difficult seasons forced growth I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. By working through each challenge, we’ve built a stronger practice and I’ve gained a quiet confidence that only comes from walking through the fire.
As you know, we’re big fans of North Texas Smiles. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am the owner of North Texas Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in Fort Worth, Texas.
While I am a pediatric dentist by specialty, my true passion and focus is the growth and development of the growing child. I founded the BRĒTH Method, a whole-body, non-surgical approach to identifying and treating developing airway issues in children.
What sets me apart from most pediatric dentists is my emphasis on looking at the entire child, not just their teeth. I believe every dental decision should consider how it affects breathing, sleep, facial growth, and overall health. When we intervene early, we have the opportunity to positively change the trajectory of a child’s life.
I am most proud of the success stories we hear from families: children who are now sleeping better, breathing easier through their nose, more focused in school, and simply happier. Knowing we’ve helped improve a child’s quality of life and set them up for healthier years ahead is incredibly rewarding.
When a family comes to us for an airway assessment using the BRĒTH Method, they can expect us to take the time to truly listen, perform a thorough evaluation, and create a personalized plan that’s in the best interest of their child. Our goal is always the same: to help their child breathe, sleep, and grow better, often transforming their life for the better.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
One book that significantly shaped both my clinical philosophy and my practice is “Breath” by James Nestor. It was a major catalyst in my decision to develop the BRĒTH Method and deepened my understanding of the critical role airway health plays in overall well-being.
However, the most impactful book in my career has been “Let My People Go Surfing” by Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia. This book profoundly influenced how I built the culture at North Texas Smiles. It helped me define what kind of practice I wanted to create; one centered on purpose, integrity, quality care, and doing the right thing for patients and families, even when it’s not the easiest path. I’ve returned to its pages multiple times over the years, and I continue to find its insights incredibly valuable. It’s a constant reminder that business can (and should) be about more than just profit; it can be a force for good.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://northtexassmiles.com/breth-dental-airway-therapy/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northtexassmiles
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northtexassmilespediatricdentistry#
Image Credits
North Texas Smiles
