When Dr. Tim Smith opened his dental practice at 6439 Old Jacksonville Highway, he wasn't just establishing another business in Tyler—he was continuing a lifelong commitment to the community that shaped him. This commitment is deeply rooted in his personal history and professional journey, intertwined with the fabric of Tyler, Texas, for decades.

"I was born and raised in Tyler, TX, graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, and attended Texas Tech University," Dr. Smith reflects on his deep East Texas roots. His connection to the area is not just geographical but emotional and cultural, nurtured by the community throughout the years. After completing dental school at the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston in 1991, he could have practiced anywhere. The opportunities were vast, and the allure of big cities was tempting. However, he chose to return home, bringing his expertise back to the place where his story began. This decision was not just about career but about giving back to the community that had given him so much.

The decision to stay local reflects Dr. Smith's understanding of what truly matters. My favorite part of living in Tyler is the community. It is a great place to raise a family. Tyler has a lot to offer but still has that hometown feel which I enjoy. Tyler has been a great place to practice dentistry and has been very good to my family. I enjoy giving back to the community by volunteering at Bethesda, Saint Paul's Pediatric Dental Clinic, and Texas Mission of Mercy along with being on several boards in the community.

With roots firmly planted in Tyler and after 35 years of marriage to his wife Jennifer, he's built a family legacy that spans generations. Their three grown children—Trent, his wife Sydney, and new grandson in Florida, Clayton in Dallas, and Lindsey in Fort Worth. This family-centric approach is a cornerstone of his life and work.

"My family is my pride and joy! I love spending time with my children at the lake, golfing, hunting on my family's land in West Texas, and visiting Florida!" Dr. Smith shares with a smile.

This appreciation for family time translates directly into how Tim Smith Dental approaches patient care. The practice philosophy centers on treating families, and meeting the needs of each individual family member. The practice is committed to providing quality healthcare to families located in the Tyler area and treat patients of all ages, emphasizing their comprehensive approach to dental health. This philosophy is not just a mission statement but a daily practice, ensuring that every patient feels like part of the family.

The Tim Smith Dental family also includes Dr. Jerrod Odette. Dr Odette was also born and raised in Tyler, Texas. As Dr. Odette transitioned from his soccer-playing days alongside his brother and began thinking about life beyond sports; he found himself drawn to the medical field. He found his passion for working with his hands, and dentistry stood out as a perfect blend of art, science, and service— allowing him to help others by creating healthy, functional, and beautiful smiles. 

Dr. Odette attended East Texas Christian Academy and then transferred to All Saints Episcopal School, where he completed his high school education. He then moved to San Antonio to pursue a degree in biology, and upon graduation began dental school in Houston. In July 2021, he returned to Tyler to continue his professional journey in the community he’s always considered home. “Growing up in Tyler, I always felt a deep appreciation for the area-it was safe, welcoming, and full of friendly faces. Some of my best memories come from spending time on Lake Tyler with family and friends— tubing and just being competitive with my friends. Those experiences left a lasting impact on me and solidified my love for this community. So when the opportunity came to return to Tyler with my family and practice dentistry in the place that shaped me, we didn't hesitate.”

Dr Odette also prioritizes family values. He proudly states, “I'm blessed with a wonderful family. My wife, Mikayla, whom I met while attending UIW in San Antonio, is not only incredibly talented but has been a constant source of support throughout my career. Together, we have two beautiful daughters, Haddie and Sadie. His parents also live in Tyler, so they are a very close bunch.

Dr Odette is a valuable asset to the Tim Smith Dental team.

Located on Old Jacksonville Highway, the office has become a trusted destination for Tyler-area families seeking personalized dental care. Dr. Smith, Dr. Odette and their team understand the unique needs of their community because they're part of it. This local insight allows them to tailor their services to meet the specific needs of their patients, fostering a sense of trust and reliability.

The practice offers everything from routine checkups to advanced procedures like dental implants, crowns, and smile makeovers. But what sets Tim Smith Dental apart isn't just their range of services—it's their commitment to making quality dental care accessible. They accept various insurance plans and payment options, ensuring that cost doesn't become a barrier to good oral health. This accessibility is crucial in a community where Dr. Smith believes everyone deserves the best care possible.

Dr. Smith's journey from Robert E. Lee High School to Texas Tech, through dental school in Houston, and back to Tyler illustrates something special about this community. It's the kind of place that calls you home, where the values of family, service, and genuine care for neighbors create lasting bonds. These values are not just abstract concepts but are lived out daily in the interactions between Dr. Smith, his team, and their patients.

At Tim Smith Dental, patients aren't just appointments—they're neighbors, and neighbors deserve the very best. This is reflected in every aspect of the practice, from the warm welcome at the reception to the personalized care in the dental chair.

For those interested in learning more about their services, visiting www.timsmithdental.com provides a comprehensive overview of what they offer. The website will help potential patients to understand the full scope of their commitment to dental excellence and community care. Dr. Smith and Dr. Odette's stories are testaments to the power of returning to one's roots and the impact of serving the community with dedication and heart.