Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Carmen Blunt- Davis.
Dr. Carmen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Initially, as a child, I was among the ones who said: “ I hate the dentist”. I had a very common fear which was due to young age and comfortability. While growing up, I was pretty set on being a Veterinarian but I also knew that I could not handle the fact of an animal possibly dying on the operating table. Life proceeded and by the 7th grade, my parents and I decided it was time for me to get braces.
It was at this time that I witnessed, through my Orthodontist, the magic of what two years of minor movements with brackets and wires could do to recreate with my smile. It enhanced my smile for the better and forever. This moment changed the entire trajectory of my life. I knew at this moment that it was bigger than me. I knew that through this blessing that was given to me that I wanted to bless the masses with the same smile enhancement. Ultimately, this would change their perspective on dentistry, on their smile, and potentially enhance their self-esteem.
Fast forward, I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree from Hampton University. I obtained my Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. When I look back over my life since that moment of identifying my career path, it is evident that this was all apart of God’s Plan. I have always and still do ‘just pray, let God, and jump out on faith’. A number of decisions I have made seemed unorthodox to my parents, family, and friends but with prayer and guidance, I just knew and felt that it was right. I had mentors who have guided me so effortlessly along the way and even to this very moment of practicing in the DFW as general dentist. This whole journey has been a ‘God and I’ thing.
Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not! The journey has not been smooth, but that is all apart of the process. Trusting the process is how we grow as individuals. At the moment, the struggles seem as though they were doomsday but in reflection, you grow to understand that those same struggles empower and equip you for the next step. Overall, they prepare you to fulfill your God-given purpose. My junior year at Hampton University, I changed my major from Chemistry to Biology. I then began to take 19- 21 credit hours to catch up, ensuring that I graduated on time.
As we all do, we have a plan for our lives and sometimes we forget to put God’s plan first. My plan was that I graduate on time and go straight into dental school. Reality set in my second semester of senior year. I learned that I would be eligible to walk at graduation, but I would not fully graduate until the summer after completing six more credit hours.
That was one of the struggles during this journey that, at the time, was very devastating. I literally would cry and pray in my room not understanding why me God. All because my plan was failing but God plan was prevailing. I went on to finish the few credit hours needed to graduate and moved to Atlanta in which my cousin who housed me was another testament to God’s timing and plan. It was there, in Atlanta, that I took that year off. While working, I studied for the DAT and applied to dental school.
In retrospect, that one year off was truly a blessing from God. Only he would know that from taking 19-21 credit hours that I would be so exhausted. The break was definitely needed. However, that work ethic definitely prepared me for the course load I would have and stamina I would need in dental school. I honestly believe, though, when you’re in your purpose the highs outweighs the lows.
Tell us about your business/company. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
My other passions and purposes is what I believe sets me apart from others. These passions encompass community service and reaching back to young girls to help them reach their fullest potential just as my mentors have done for me. In the future, I am working towards creating a dental outreach that will help serve rural communities where patients are uninsured and have emergency dental needs. I am also working towards a platform to expose young girls to different career industries and help guide them to their purposes.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Dentistry is definitely heading for a major progressive shift. In the next 5-10 years, I believe the field will become less invasive and more technology-based. For instance, they are creating and testing robots to do procedures (i.e., fillings) with laser drills in certain parts of the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mypeppermintdental.com
- Instagram: @dr.carmen.d
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
