Dr. Doug Pratt
DDS, PA, Diplomate
Pediatric Dentist
Get to know Dr. Doug Pratt, pediatric dentist at Great Smiles
What made you interested in becoming a pediatric dentist / orthodontist?
I always enjoyed working with children even before I went to Dental School. So when I was in school, the pediatric dentistry department was by far my favorite rotation. I really enjoy watching a child truly be themselves. One of the things we aim to do at Great Smiles is to really make kids feel comfortable. Seeing children laugh and having fun, even at the dentist, is my favorite part of working with kids!
What’s the best part of your day?
My favorite part of the day is seeing a child who was really worried coming into the office walk out with a balloon and a BIG smile! It happens every day and we love doing everything we can to make children love coming to the dentist! We have a great team of hygienists, dental assistants and front desk people who do everything they can to make going to the dentist an awesome experience that they look forward to.
Dr. Doug Pratt’s
Expertise
Master of Science (MS) in Pediatric Dentistry
University of North Carolina School of Dentistry
What’s a specific favorite memory from Great Smiles?
I’ll never forget the day that Dr. Bill tracked me down and asked me to join him in his practice. I practiced four years in the US Army Dental Corps after school and then did my Pediatric Dental residency. I had two very close roommates in dental school who went on to become pediatric dentists and they both said that Dr. Bill Chambers in Asheville had the best practice they had visited…by far! I truly feel honored to be on his team. Great Smiles is my extended family. I feel fortunate to be a part of a group that wants to stay locally owned and keep patient care focused on treating children.
What do you like to do when you aren’t helping people with their smiles?
My family is extremely important to me. My parents live close and our four children are in college. My wife, Samantha, and I have enjoyed the journey supporting them in activities, going to school events and watching them grow up in Asheville. One of the things I enjoy about pediatric dentistry is that I get to see other families go through similar things that we experienced raising children. Parents and children are all in a similar storybook of life.
Friends, Family & Experiences
with Dr. Doug Pratt
Fun Facts About Me
“Choose a Superpower: If I had a superpower it would be to make someone smile or laugh. I know when someone makes me smile or laugh it brightens my day and I feel like I give that gift forward.
Career You Thought You’d Have as a Kid: After changing my major a few times and my desired profession in college, I called my mom and told her I was applying to Dental School to which she replied, “That is the first thing you said you wanted to be when you were a kid”.
Favorite Phrase: “Pay it forward”
High School Nickname: “Hermey” because I resembled the Elf who wanted to be a Dentist in the cartoon “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”….I guess becoming a Dentist was my destiny.
