Why He Was Nominated

Dr. Young has given away more than $100,000 worth of full-mouth restorations to six lucky patients as part of Smile Makeover Giveaway, a program he runs annually. “Charitable dentistry is good for your community, good for our profession, good for your heart and good for your practice,” he says.

Favorite Aspect of Dentistry

“I do a lot of cosmetic dentistry and repair a lot of broken smiles that have been holding people back. Knowing that we’ve opened up new possibilities for them in happiness, self-esteem, job and love prospects is the greatest part of my job.”

Exciting New Trend

Advances in digital impressions. “I love the fit, feel and look of a milled dental restoration from the lab. If [labs] are scanning models from traditional impressions, we should instead be scanning the preparations directly in the mouth. It will only increase accuracy.”

Sage Advice

“Take time to do charitable dentistry. Your community will recognize your heart and trust you with their oral health.” In addition to Smile Makeover Giveaway, which Dr. Young runs with his colleague Paul Simpson, he also volunteers with Share a Smile With a Vet and Missouri Mission of Mercy.