MPDKIDSMILES.COM - Key Persons
Dr. Craig "Volk" Vinall grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex playing whichever sport was in season and attending as many Texas Rangers baseball games as possible. He graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington and then attended the Baylor College of Dentistry.
Upon graduation from dental school, Dr. Vinall served 5 years in the United States Air Force treating military members. During this time he completed a 1-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program and met his wife, Abbey, who is also a dentist. After their military service, the Vinalls moved to Memphis where he received a Master of Dental Science and certificate of Pediatric Dentistry from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center. After graduation, he remained at UTHSC as faculty and is currently the Program Director of the Predoctoal Pediatric Dentistry Program. Dr. Vinall and his wife have four children. They enjoy spending time together outside, anything Mickey Mouse related, and watching their children play soccer, basketball, and gymnastics.
Job Titles:
- Certified Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Todd Smith is a board-certified pediatric dentist with more than ten years of experience in both teaching and practicing the pediatric dentistry. He is a proud graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he received his Bachelor of Science in biology. Following college, he was accepted into the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and completed his training in 2007. During his matriculation through dental school, Dr. Smith received numerous honors for both academic and clinical accomplishments.
After graduation, he became a full-time faculty member at the college of dentistry because of his passion for teaching students. His passion for children led Dr. Smith back to school to complete a residency in pediatric dentistry in 2010. He is also a fellow of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and currently serves as both a writer and oral clinical examiner for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
On a personal note, Dr. Smith is an active outdoorsman who loves to ride bikes and to fish. He stays very active in his community and his church. He volunteers for numerous health fairs and mission trips and heads up the pediatric dental section of Mid-South Mission of Mercy on a yearly basis.
Espe began her dental career 20 years ago as a dental assistant, in Anaheim, CA. She later transitioned to the front office and joined our clinic in February of 2016. Esperanza loves our patients and is passionate about making sure they receive quality service. She and her husband live in Memphis with their four children, and five grandchildren who enjoy outdoor activities.
Liz joined our clinic in October of 2019. She has 2+ years of experience in pediatric dentistry and is bilingual. Her priority is to ensure that all of our patients have a comfortable and fun experience. When she's not working, she loves to spend time with friends and watch sunsets.
Lyric is born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee and a graduate from Concorde career college. She joined our team in November 2020. She enjoys the teamwork and friendships that exist with her co-workers. Her favorite aspect as a dental assistant is improving your little ones overall oral health and giving them a positive experience. Lyric loves children and is dedicated to developing trustworthy and healthy relationships with them. She is a proud mother of a handsome baby boy (Levi) . When she's not working she enjoys baking, cleaning, and spending time with her family
Stephanie began her dental career 3+ years ago. She happily graduated from Concorde career college in 2018. Stephanie shows great empathy and is passionate about making sure our children receive gentle, quality care and leave with a smile. Her bilingual abilities have been a huge help in breaking the language barrier with our Spanish speaking families. Outside of work she loves to travel and spend time with her fur baby (Alita).