Snodgrass incorporated orthodontics and general dentistry and became the first multi-specialty practice in Tennessee.
Unlike other dentists who referred patients out for orthodontic work, Dr. Snodgrass and Melody opened their first office in Hermitage, Tennessee. Snodgrass had two patients that left such an impact on him that he was determined to learn all he could about pediatric growth and development. To that end, while in his residency program, he simultaneously took a two-year course to learn orthodontics that led to the invention of the “Snodgrass Appliance.” This ultimately eliminated the need for pulling multiple teeth, as it offers the benefit of two appliances in one and is still used around the country 30 years later.ĭr. I would do it all again.” After he returned to school, he met his future wife, Melody, a surgical nurse at Baptist East Hospital.Īs chief resident during his second year of residency at Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Dr. He lost vision in his left eye and was forced into a year long delay, but was determined that nothing was going to keep him from his dream of becoming a dentist. “Having vision in one eye has made me a better dentist and a better person. Snodgrass grabbed the aggressor, but in doing so was shot, with one of the bullets striking him in the left temple. While in his second year of dental school, he witnessed a stranger being beaten “within an inch of his life.” Dr.
He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Tennessee in 1984, but not without another detour in the midst of his schooling. He re-enrolled in college with more focus and a vision to become a pediatric dentist. His second detour occurred when he was laid off due to the economic downturn in 1976. Snodgrass was awarded a music scholarship to attend college, but his first detour, poor grades because of a lack of motivation, ultimately led to leaving college and enlisting in the US Army Reserve where he proudly served for 8 years. In 1970, he went to work at Mason Dixon Truck Lines as a special equipment coordinator. In the evenings and on the weekends he continued his love of music, playing trumpet alongside some of the best musicians in the industry and with his own band, The Castaways. His experiences with Mary Louise shaped him into the man he is today - a compassionate champion for individuals with differing abilities - where they are seen as equals, where time and attention are freely given, and patience, grace, and understanding are always extended.ĭr. Snodgrass became aware of how those with differing needs were viewed and treated unfairly. She was often mocked and picked on due to a rare birth defect. He grew up modestly in Gate City, Virginia, and Kingsport, Tennessee with his cousin, Mary Louise, living next door. Snodgrass’s journey to dentistry did not come without detours. Snodgrass-King is one of the country’s largest multi-specialty dental practices, typically seeing 40,000+ patients a year in their four offices. David Snodgrass has chosen to look for those opportunities when faced with adversity throughout his personal life and career. Sometimes life's journey has unexpected detours that can be blessings if you just look for the opportunity in the adversity.
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