Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Detrich Williams.
Hi Dr. Williams, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Everyone’s path is different, and mine certainly wasn’t traditional. I didn’t begin my journey as a standout student. In high school, my GPA hovered around a 2.9 or 3.0, and after graduation, I briefly attended St. Louis Community College. That experience ended quickly, and my first official college transcript showed a 0.0 GPA. In many words, I am a doctor and a college dropout.
Searching for direction, I enrolled in trade school for carpentry and graduated from Ranken Technical College. I took pride in working with my hands and building something tangible. Unfortunately my timing couldn’t have been worse, the Great Recession hit and brought everything to a standstill. Like many others, I found myself facing closed doors and limited opportunities through no fault of my own.
Instead of letting those setbacks define me, I allowed them to refine me. Years later, I returned to higher education with a renewed mindset and a deeper appreciation for the opportunity in front of me. I approached school with discipline, focus, and gratitude. That commitment carried me through earning a Master’s degree in Biomedical Science and ultimately completing my Doctorate in Dental Medicine.
I was the oldest person in my dental school graduating class, and I believe that worked to my advantage. Life experience gave me resilience, perspective, and an unshakable work ethic. My journey wasn’t the prettiest but even a rose has thorns.
Today, I am the proud owner of Smiles Dental in Florissant, Missouri. My story is proof that it’s not about how you start but about how you finish. With faith, persistence, and the courage to start again, it’s never too late to rewrite your story—and create something meaningful.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road at all.
I had to fight my way back from a 0.0 GPA, which meant rebuilding not only my academic record but also my confidence and belief in myself.
One of the hardest moments came while I was studying for the Dental Admissions Test, when my father suddenly passed away.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Smiles Dental is a patient-centered, family-focused dental practice located in Florissant, Missouri. Our mission is simple: we focus on quality over quantity. Our patient experience is centered around comfortability, and genuine care. We serve patients of all ages and pride ourselves on creating a welcoming experience from the moment someone schedules an appointment to the moment they leave our office.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Our Practice Info:
Smiles Dental
316 Rue Saint Francis St.
Florissant, MO. 63031
314-838-1167
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61573992440570/
