Dr. Ray Scott Smith DMD

Media Releases

Get to know Orthodontist Dr. R. Scott Smith, who serves patients in Springfield, Massachusetts. 

With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Smith is an orthodontist who loves the ongoing challenges, intricacies, and biomechanics of tooth movement. He enjoys combining medicine, science, and art in order to  craft a smile that is stable, functional, and will last a lifetime.

Dr. Smith is currently serving patients’ dental needs at his private dental practice Smith Smiles in Massachusetts. Since 1979, he and his team have delivered advanced orthodontic care for the purpose of crafting amazing smiles and forging lasting friendships with their family of patients. “We offer experience, compassion, ethical care, and a listening ear. Each team member brings their own personality and knowledge to the office, and together, we deliver a treatment experience and results that have our patients smiling!” as stated by Dr. Smith.

In addition to his private practice, Dr. Smith has been a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Orthodontics at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine for more than 35 years, with his specialty being Invisalign® and clear aligner therapy. Teaching the next generation of orthodontists keeps him engaged and excited. He also has access to leading-edge research and evolving techniques. In addition to teaching, Dr. Smith regularly attends and participates in study clubs, forums, and summits. He strives to stay current on the newest developments in his specialty. 

Dr. Smith is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Northeastern Society of Orthodontists, the Massachusetts Association of Orthodontists, the Massachusetts Dental Society, the Hartford Dental Society, and the Valley District Dental Society.

Dr. Smith earned his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He also holds certifications in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics from the same University. It is important to Dr. Smith to be involved in his community, as he wants to leave this world knowing that he made a difference. He is a board member of the Boy Scouts of America, Springfield Technical Community College, and CityStage. He also serves as the Director of Public Safety for Groton Long Point Association, where he oversees the police and fire department.  

Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, formerly referred to as orthodontia, is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws. Orthodontists are responsible for locating problems with the positioning of patients’ teeth and with their oral development. “As an orthodontist, it is intensely gratifying to me to help people feel better about how they see themselves and how others may see them. I can sometimes change a personality — with the patient not realizing it’s happening!” as stated by Dr. Smith.

Dr. Smith’s grandfather was a dentist. His father was a physician, as were his two uncles. Choosing to go into healthcare seemed right to Dr. Smith, and he has never doubted his decision. Now, he even has a son in dental school.

Dr. Smith grew up in Longmeadow, lived in Springfield from 1952 to 1961, and has been back in Longmeadow since then. He has two sons and a dog. In his spare time, he enjoys being outside. He loves anything to do with the water, sailing, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, surfing, and waterskiing. Dr. Smith also plays golf and tennis and, in the winters, paddle tennis. During the warmer months, he usually bikes 18 to 40 miles before breakfast. In addition, he enjoys cooking, grilling, and entertaining at home.

Recommended Articles

• Dental Sealants May Present BPA in Saliva

  Dental fillings for children were worrisome because of the presence of mercury in the amalgam. The latest addition to this fear is the chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) in dental sealants and white fillings. BPA is a resin used in plastics, including water bottles and metal food can liners. Many studies...

• What Are the Causes of Receding Gums?

  As the margin of teeth recede, the roots of the teeth are exposed. Receding gums are a very common oral problem and are of concern as it may be the warning signs of many gum diseases. Gum deterioration occurs gradually with time and creates small pockets or gaps between the tooth and the gum, which...

• Severe Stress and Depression May Cause Gum Disease

  According to a review published in the Journal of Periodontology, studies show a strong link between stress and gum disease. About 57% of the studies conducted displayed an accurate association between gum disease and stress-related symptoms, including distress, anxiety, depression, and...

• Get a Better Smile with Licorice Root

  According to a new study published in the Journal of Natural Products, licorice, the main ingredient in candy, may help to keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay. Teeth protection is provided by the compounds found in the dried root of licorice plant. Chinese licorice, found in northern mainland...

• How Can I Reduce the Pain of Sensitive Teeth?

  If you can’t enjoy a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold juice without getting that stinging pain in your teeth, those are symptoms of sensitive teeth. Moreover, eating, brushing and flossing may also lead to the sharp pain. Sensitivity to the cold and heat may be caused by a number of reasons...

• What Is Pituitary Dwarfism?

  IntroductionPituitary dwarfism, also called growth hormone deficiency, is a medical condition wherein the pituitary gland does not produce sufficient amounts of growth hormone. This deficiency often results in children’s slow growth or short stature.An adult with pituitary dwarfism has an average...