Episode 192: Building Smiles & Changing Lives w/ The Purpose-Driven Dentist, Dr. Aaron Pryor

Episode 192 of The Hitstreak, a podcast where we talk about anything and everything!  

This week we are joined by the Owner of Pryor Family Dentistry and Founder of Smiles For Recovery, Dr. Aaron Pryor!

Episode in a Glance:

Check it out! This episode of The Hitstreak explores the profound impact of dental care on recovery from addiction, highlighting the mission of Smiles for Recovery, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring smiles and lives. Dr. Aaron Pryor shares his journey from military service to dentistry, emphasizing the importance of community support, the psychological aspects of dental health, and the innovative approaches to patient care. The conversation delves into the challenges and successes of building a dental practice and nonprofit, showcasing the transformative power of a smile in the recovery process. In this episode Dr. Pryor shares insights on scaling a dental practice, addressing the opioid crisis through the Smiles for Recovery initiative, and building careers for recovery patients. Finally, we highlight the need for community support and funding to sustain these efforts.

Key Points:

- Addiction often leads to severe dental issues that affect recovery.

- Restoring smiles can significantly boost confidence and motivation in recovery.

- Building relationships with patients is essential for effective dental care.

- Understanding the psychological aspects of dental health is vital for treatment.

- Scaling a business requires careful consideration of space and resources.

- Family involvement in business can enhance the work environment.

- Patient education is crucial for long-term dental health.

- The opioid crisis is a pressing issue that needs addressing.

- The impact of a smile can change a person's life. 

About our guest: 

Dr. Aaron Pryor is a Lebanon, Tennessee native, general dentist, and U.S. Air Force veteran committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care. A graduate of Cumberland University and Meharry Medical College (top of his class), Dr. Pryor completed a two-year AEGD residency at Eglin AFB, earning the Meritorious Service Medal during his 9/11 deployment. With a dental lab background and extensive surgical training, he provides comprehensive, on-site care across Lebanon, Mt. Juliet, and Watertown. 

He is the founder of Smiles for Recovery, a nonprofit offering dental care to individuals in addiction recovery. Now operating in five states and expanding, the program is transforming lives by restoring both health and confidence. Dr. Pryor also runs The Digital Implant Lab alongside his son, Owen, a third-generation dental technician. 

Outside the office, he’s a devoted husband and father who enjoys outdoor sports, backyard beekeeping, grilling, and cheering on the Titans and Big Orange football.

Follow and contact:

Instagram: @smilesforrecovery | @pryorfamilydentistry

smilesforrecovery.org | pryorfamilydentistry.com 

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