Family Dentist Greenville South Carolina
Meet Dr. Keenan Smith
Dr. Keenan Smith’s inspiration for dentistry is deeply rooted in both his faith and his passion for caring for others. One of his favorite passages of Scripture, John 15, describes Jesus as the vine and His followers as the branches. This message has profoundly shaped Dr. Smith’s perspective on dentistry and the way he serves his patients. He sees every interaction as an opportunity to nurture that same sense of restoration, helping people not only regain their oral health but also their confidence, peace of mind, and joy in smiling again.
Every day, Dr. Smith strives to make each appointment a positive and uplifting experience. Many of his patients come to him after years of anxiety or fear surrounding dental visits. By focusing on kindness, empathy, and communication, he aims to help them rediscover what compassionate dentistry can be. For Dr. Smith, the most rewarding moments happen when a patient who once felt nervous says, “That was so easy. I can’t believe I was dreading this!” Changing someone’s perception of dentistry – and helping them feel seen, safe, and cared for – is what defines success in his eyes.
Before discovering his calling in dentistry, Dr. Smith spent eight years working as an actuary with major life insurance companies in both North Carolina and South Carolina. While he excelled in the corporate world, he realized his heart was elsewhere. He wanted a career that allowed him to make a direct impact on people’s lives, and dentistry offered the blend of problem-solving, precision, and personal connection that he had been seeking.
In 2007, Dr. Smith and his family moved back to his hometown of Greenville. He began his dental career working with children and young adults in a pediatric dental practice, an experience that taught him patience, adaptability, and the importance of creating a positive first impression for young patients. Just two years later, he purchased a long-established general dentistry practice founded by Dr. Bob Wallace, a respected figure in the local dental community. Since then, Dr. Smith has continued to build upon that legacy, serving Greenville with skill, compassion, and integrity.
Education
Dr. Smith is a proud graduate of Wade Hampton High School and Clemson University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and graduated with honors. His strong analytical background would later become a valuable foundation for the precision required in dentistry.
At age 31, Dr. Smith pursued his dream of becoming a dentist, enrolling at the Medical University of South Carolina. During dental school, he was an active member of the Psi Omega Dental Service Fraternity and graduated among the top of his class in 2007. His time at MUSC deepened his appreciation for both the science and artistry of dentistry – a combination that continues to shape his approach today.
Professional Affiliations
Dr. Smith is an active member of these prestigious organizations:
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
- Greenville County Dental Society
- South Carolina Dental Association
These affiliations provide opportunities for Dr. Smith to stay connected with peers, learn from leaders in dentistry, and continually elevate the quality of care he offers to his patients.
Personal Life
Keenan is known for his generosity, enthusiasm, and dedication to service. He regularly volunteers his time providing emergency dental care at the downtown medical clinic and has served on mission trips, including a recent outreach to Kenya with his church.
Faith, family, and community are at the heart of Dr. Smith’s life. He and his wife, Christina, are proud parents to five children and active members of Grace Church, where they participate in various ministries and outreach programs.
When he’s not caring for patients, Dr. Smith enjoys staying active – whether that means exercising, reading, participating with his family in the neighborhood swim team, or challenging himself on his Peloton bike. At home, you’ll often find the Smiths gathered around the table for a board game night or out enjoying their favorite local restaurants.
“Dr. Smith and his team are the best. Very informative and use the latest technology to provide excellent service and keep my teeth healthy.”