Our Smile-Makers
J. Roger Smith, DMD
Co-Founder
In 2005 there was a great deal of talk throughout our nation that “Access to Dental Care” was a real problem in many areas. Dr. Roger Smith, a practicing dentist in the Birmingham area, began to look at his own state of Alabama and found that not only did the poor West Alabama Counties have a problem with “access” to care, even large cities like Birmingham had many underserved communities that had a difficult time attracting quality dentists to come into those needy areas and provide dental services.
Dr. Smith shared this idea with Mary McSpadden, one of his patients at that time, and before you know it, the two joined forces to establish a top-notch office in the heart of Woodlawn to serve children and teens, many of whom did not have “access” to dental care, because of the type of insurance they had or simply because they did not have dental insurance at all.
As the Co-Founder of Smiles for Keeps, Dr. Smith serves as the clinical conscience. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Smith has an abundance of knowledge and skill. He is always willing to be a sounding board for the Smiles for Keeps dentists as they can sometimes benefit from consulting a more experienced dentist on those difficult and unusual cases they may encounter. In addition, Dr. Smith is willing to provide some behind-the-scenes pro-bono services to Smiles for Keeps patients that need dental treatment that may not be offered at Smiles for Keeps.
Mary McSpadden
Co-Founder
Mary McSpadden is a woman with a mission at Smiles for Keeps. She wants every child that comes to Smiles for Keeps to have an opportunity for a bright, beautiful smile, because she recognizes that a healthy smile can be a real difference-maker when it comes to a positive self-image. That healthy smile can also open the door to many wonderful opportunities that might not otherwise present themselves.
Mary grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Tennessee. Mary taught for four years right out of college, but IBM recruited her to move to Alabama where she was responsible for the sales and marketing of educational technology for K-12 schools throughout the state.
In 2005, Mary met Dr. Roger Smith and listened intently as he discussed his vision for creating a first-rate dentist office in an area that would normally attract only a public health dental clinic with minimal types of services provided. As a person who is motivated by making a difference in the lives of others, Mary was “in” almost from the start. Ten months after Mary discussed the opportunity with Dr. Smith, Smiles for Keeps became a reality. She’s never looked back as she is certain Smiles for Keeps is her “calling.”
Beau Bradford, DMD
Dentist
Dr. Robert (Beau) F. Bradford is an absolute “natural” with children at Smiles for Keeps! His compassion, his great sense of humor, his patience, and his willingness to “coach” children to become good dental patients are all qualities that make it fun to visit our office as a patient, a parent, and a staff member.
Dr. Bradford is a native of Alabama and grew up in Montgomery. He attended Birmingham-Southern College where he was a Biology/Psychology major. Upon graduation, he entered the University of Alabama Dental School and graduated in 2007. It was during his dental school experience that he developed a true passion for treating children. Like everyone at Smiles for Keeps, Dr. Bradford believes in treating children, not teeth. He treats each patient the same way he would want his own children to be treated.
Dr. Bradford loves spending time with his beautiful family – wife Brandy and children Beckett and Anna Brittan. If Dr. Bradford were to choose a career other than dentistry it would be performing on stage as a guitarist and a singer. He makes everyone at the office smile when he plays the guitar and serenades the children. He also enjoys playing golf, spending time at the beach and dining with friends and family.
Carolyn Jones, DMD
Dentist
Dr. Carolyn Jones grew up in Daphne, Alabama, where she spent most of her free time on golf courses learning to play the game like a pro. Dr. Jones spent her college years at the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) where she was on a full golf scholarship. In addition to playing golf, she found time to be an outstanding student. Upon her graduation from UAB with a major in Biology, she entered UAB’s Dental School Program and graduated in 2015. Having experienced extensive dental work herself, with the end result being the realization that a beautiful smile can improve one’s self-esteem, Dr. Jones joined Smiles for Keeps as a general dentist where she focuses on teenagers and adults. Even though many of her patients are older, Dr. Jones recognizes that many adults have some of the same fears as young children. She takes the time to coach them and treat them with great kindness.
Dr. Jones does not spend a lot of time on the golf course these days, but she can beat any member of the Smiles for Keeps team when we have an outing at TOP GOLF. Dr. Jones and her husband Dustin enjoy traveling and spending time with their “children” -- Abbie, their beloved dog, and Shakira and Little Bit, their cats. In addition, Dr. Jones uses the same dexterity she has developed for dentistry to make beautiful earrings in her spare time. She also enjoys finding great bargains at thrift stores and estate sales.