WHY HE WAS NOMINATED:

Dr. Chamberlain has been shadowing dentists since he was in high school; he opened his own new practice at age 27 in the summer of 2012. He has expanded it to include four treatment and two hygiene rooms. In addition to incorporating the latest technology, Dr. Chamberlain’s training in sedation means he can better treat phobic patients. In 2013 he founded a nonprofit, Believe in Smiles, which enlists local dentists to provide full-mouth rehabilitation to patients selected by his pastor.

ON STARTING A NONPROFIT:

“I’ve always wanted to do pro bono work, but I can’t save the world — and who am I to make decisions about who is ‘truly in need’ of dental work? So I delegated that responsibility to my pastor, Randy Evans, at Grace Christian Fellowship. This helps those in need by having a third party decide who is in need of care.”

SAGE ADVICE:

“Love what you do, or you’ll hate your career. As dentists, it is very difficult to say no to helping others — but you have to remember that in order to help others, you must take care of yourself first.”

SOMETHING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW:

“If I told some of my old classmates and professors that within five years, I would start my own dental practice from scratch, get married, buy a house, have two kids and juggle everyday life,no one would believe me. I’m amazed at what five years can do to someone. ”