Leadership is something that has always come naturally to Mark Crabtree, D.D.S., (D.D.S. ‘85). It’s been a guiding beacon in his career and something he hopes to teach to the next generation of dental professionals.

Since graduating from VCU School of Dentistry in 1985, Crabtree has made waves in advocating for his profession. As the co-owner of Martinsville Smiles, a private practice located in Martinsville, Virginia, Crabtree has been helping patients achieve healthy smiles for 41 years.

“I knew that I wanted to go into the medical field from an early age,” Crabtree recalled. “I was inspired by my mother going through nursing school when I was growing up and a surgeon who provided me with a life-changing surgery on my hip when I was in high school. It wasn’t until I went to college and was given the opportunity to shadow Dr. Fred Caffey that I realized dentistry was my calling.”

He recalled the early mentorship of Fred Caffey, D.D.S., who took him under his wing in many ways. Caffey allowed Crabtree to shadow him at his practice, gave him insights into treating patients and running a practice, and encouraged him to apply to dental school.

Flash forward years later, Crabtree would eventually join Caffey’s practice and work alongside him for 10 years until he eventually became co-owner of the very practice that he learned from.

 

As a dental professional, it is a duty and responsibility to pass on knowledge to the next generation.  Working in private practice is only one aspect of a meaningful career in dentistry, according to Crabtree.

“Being involved with your community and helping people is something I’ve always valued, Crabtree said. “It’s a pillar of our society. We should all be actively trying to make our community better. When you walk out of the door to dental school, you’re walking into being a part of a community and it's your responsibility to use those hard-earned skills to help others.”

Early in his career, Dr Crabtree shared his gifts and leadership skills as President of the Kiwanis Club and Chamber of Commerce.  Also, his belief that public service is important as a citizen motivated him to serve as Mayor of Martinsville and various College and State Boards.  Being involved as a member of the Wake Forest Board of Visitors and Rector of Longwood University gave him a unique perspective to offer the dental profession. His service as President of the Virginia Board of Dentistry and the Virginia Dental Association, the ADA House of Delegates and as Chairman of the ADA Council on Access, Prevention Interprofessional Relations and as a member of the Council on Government Affairs on the national level rounded out a lifelong devotion to “pro humanitate” service to others.

A lack of access to dental care can be a pressing issue in many communities, especially rural areas where insurance and accessibility can prevent a person from seeing a dentist regularly. Crabtree observed a need in his hometown of Martinsville, where many people were losing access to dental care as a result of a shift in the job market.

In order to address this issue, Crabtree established a committee with Dr. Edward “Chopper” Snyder to explore solutions to local healthcare needs. The group set up a Missions of Mercy project to not only help people in need of affordable dental care, but also to prove to the local government that there was a significant need.

“People lined up for hours to get help for their pain, it shows that there is a significant need that needs to be addressed,” Crabtree said. “How can we meet this need?”

Crabtree decided that the best way to help people was to open a community clinic. He researched what needed to be done, set up a budget of a million dollars and got to work. Crabtree worked closely with local organizations, congressmen and even VCU School of Dentistry to pull together funding and resources.

Finally, Crabtree and Snyder founded the Piedmont Virginia Dental Health Foundation. The organization ran the Martinsville Community Dental Clinic with Crabtree as president. Through the organization, hundreds of patients receive free or reduced-price dental care that makes a tremendous difference in their lives.

“It is a tremendous blessing to the people receiving the care and to the people giving it. We were able to help people get the help they needed and teach students how to be exceptional dentists,” Crabtree said.

 

As a part of the VCU School of Dentistry external rotation program, fourth year dental students travel to Martinsville to work and learn in the clinic. Dental students partake in public health and community engagement courses throughout their time at VCU; it is considered to be one of the strongest pillars of dental education.

“It’s important for students to get that real world experience while they are in school,” Crabtree said. “It’s rewarding to see them continue to advocate for others and give back to their communities even after they graduate. It’s about instilling those ideas and showing them the value of service.”

Crabtree’s longstanding dedication to his community and profession has not gone unnoticed. In 2015, The Virginia Dental Association awarded him with its most prestigious award: the Emmanuel Michaels Distinguished Dentist Award.

He has also received fellowships by the American College of Dentists, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the Academy of General Dentistry, the International College of Dentists, the Virginia Dental Association. In 2008, he was honored by the Virginia Section of the Pierre Fauchard Academy with their Award of Honor. During the VCU 2008 Commencement Ceremony, Dr. Crabtree was honored as the 2008 VCU School of Dentistry Alumni Star.

But for Crabtree, being a leader is about helping patients and educating others.

“Dentistry is unique among the health professions. We have to advocate for ourselves and for our patients because it is not always included within the system, with resources and priority,” Crabtree said. “It is important for dentists to get involved and step up as leaders, so that we can give the best care possible to our patients.”