Dentist – Boston, MA
Get to Know Dr. Jill Smith
As founder of Dental Health & Wellness Boston in 1998, Dr. Smith is accomplished in all areas of general dentistry ranging from sedation procedures for fearful patients to restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Since graduating from Boston University School of Dental Medicine as class Valedictorian in 1996, Dr. Smith’s passion for dentistry and her background in psychology have helped build trusting relationships with her patients, including those with dental fear and issues that affect overall health. Dr. Smith creates natural, radiant smiles for all her patients, and specializes in complex cases for patients with eating disorders, medical issues, or addiction issues that have adversely affected their teeth.
Why Did You
Want to Become a Dentist ?
During her high school and college years, Dr. Smith excelled in both the arts and sciences, sparking an interest in a career that seamlessly blended her passions. Guided by a close friend’s advice, she discovered that dentistry offered the perfect fusion of these fields. Dr. Smith attributes her success to numerous mentors, particularly Dr. Hyman Smukler, a distinguished periodontist and prosthodontist from South Africa and Boston University, whose passion and expertise ignited her commitment to dentistry. Interestingly, Dr. Smith’s connection to her office space began before she became a practicing dentist, working closely with Dr. Jack Share during dental school and later practicing together once she founded Dental Health and Wellness Boston.
Throughout dental school, Dr. Smith gained invaluable experience working as both a Dental Assistant and a Dental Hygienist, enriching her practical knowledge. Collaboration and shared learning profoundly shaped her professional development, setting the foundation for her distinguished practice.
“I absolutely love what I do! I feel lucky to have the opportunity to help people stay healthy and preserve their teeth for their lifetime. My aptitude for cosmetic dentistry has allowed me to change people’s lives with increased confidence, comfort, and self-esteem. I am so fond of the patients whose lives I have touched, who in return have touched mine.”
Do You Have Special Training and Special Interests in Dentistry ?
While pursuing excellence and techniques for optimum patient satisfaction at Dental Health and Wellness Boston, Dr. Smith has continually developed her training. She has advanced training in cosmetic dentistry, TMJ and occlusion, participating in hands-on medical courses - alongside plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and physicians - to study the latest appearance enhancement techniques. She works with sleep medicine physicians to fabricate oral appliances as an alternative to the CPAP in the treatment of sleep apnea.
Dr. Smith is also certified in advanced dental procedures including laser dentistry, Invisalign® (invisible braces) for over 20 years, KOR whitening, Dermal fillers, and Botox treatment for TMJ. In Boston, Dr. Smith has pioneered the Age Defying Dentalift: a smile design technique that restores a more youthful appearance to the smile, face and lips without surgery.
Always committed to advancing the field of dentistry, Dr. Smith is very engaged in oral health research and development. She collaborated with scientist David Bloomfield to simulate the tooth decay process and analyze the efficacy of preventive treatments. Her clinical knowledge and expertise is often requested by researchers developing new products, particularly in oral cancer prevention and beta testing new dental technologies.
As her philanthropic passion, Dr. Smith is involved in community activities and volunteer outreach programs to bring dentistry, education, and dental hygiene supplies to those in need. Additionally, Dr. Smith gives back to her community by welcoming college students, dental students and interns into her practice to share her knowledge and passions in hopes of inspiring them into this great career path.
Outside of the Dental Office,
What Do You Like to Do ?
When not at the office Dr. Smith, keeps very active with outdoor activities, and primarily spends her time riding horses with her daughters. Once an active equestrian competitor, she continues to ride several times per week. Her personal horse is MS Royal Z. The pair was featured in Warmbloods Today magazine and they once were nationally ranked on USEA leaderboard for BN Masters Division.
Her other hobbies are playing pickleball with her husband and friends, learning to play golf, acrylic painting, and participating in book clubs.
What are your Memberships and Awards ?
Dr. Smith is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, the Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity, and DOCS oral conscious sedation. She has been recognized in her profession with several distinguished awards for her clinical and academic achievements including:
- American Association of Women Dentists Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Leadership and Academic Excellence
- American Academy of Oral Medicine Certificate of Merit for achievement, proficiency and promise in the field of Oral Medicine
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Implant Award
- American College of Dentists Award for outstanding performance and professionalism
- American College of Prosthodontists Achievement Award for high academic and clinical achievements in Prosthodontics
- Department of Periodontics Award for Outstanding Achievement in Periodontics
- Department of Restorative Sciences Award for outstanding performance in the art and science of Operative Dentistry from Boston University
- Golden Key National Honor Society Member Certificate for scholastic achievement and excellence; Omicron Kappa Upsilon Award 1996
- Alpha Omega International Fraternity for highest academic standing Class of 1996