Case Study

We’ve all been asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Dr. Alan Walker, DDS, FIDIA is the first to tell you he made three vows when answering the age old question of what his calling was, or rather, was not. “I vowed to never marry before the age of 27, never enlist in the Army, and never become a dentist. Life had different plans for me though, because all three of these ‘nevers’ came true.”

From the US Army Green Berets, to practicing as an Occupational Therapist, Dr. Walker has found success in many careers. In 2005, he saw an opportunity to enroll in dental school and recommit to serving in the US Army, and he hasn’t looked back. Dr. Walker, now a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel, served more than 30 years of combined military and civilian service, nine of which he spent practicing dentistry.

Dr. Walker’s time in the military taught him “to be a great dentist, I need to practice at the top of my scope. The Army encouraged me to specialize in different areas of dentistry.” His commitment to “true dentistry,” which he defines as providing in-house, high-end dentistry, made him an ideal fit for Smile Brands.

When asked about his decision to join Smile Brands, Dr. Walker said “I’m impressed with the commitment to brand growth and the available opportunities. The work-life balance and benefits that Smile Brands offered were almost too good to be true. But they’re not, that’s what I love.” To other dental professionals exiting the military, Dr. Walker encourages them to “seriously consider their future career goals and how an organization, like Smile Brands, can help make those dreams a reality.”

Smile Brands proudly hires active and retired members of our military.

For more information on Dentist careers for Veterans click here.