We’re excited to welcome another compassionate, talented dentist to our team — Dr. Zach Ashcraft! 

Dr. Ashcraft joins us in our Madison and Flowood offices and brings a contagious enthusiasm we know you’ll appreciate. Our whole team already has such nice things to say about Dr. Ashcraft, and we want our patients to know him even better!

Keep reading to learn more about Dr. Ashcraft and his thoughts about joining The Winning Smile Dental Group.

So, tell us about yourself and where you’re from!

I’m from Clinton, MS. I went to high school and college in Clinton, and after spending 4 years in South Carolina for dental school, I’m happy to be back home.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

I enjoy lifting, running, hunting, fishing, shooting — pretty much anything outside! I also spend a lot of time with my wife Kaitlin and my son, Hudson. And of course our Rhodesian Ridgeback, Nolie.

Take us back to the beginning — how’d you get interested in dentistry?

In 7th grade, we had to do a project for Career Discovery where we shadowed someone in a profession of our choice. We had some pretty cool neighbors who were both dentists, so I decided to observe them. I really enjoyed it and actually observed a few more dentists throughout high school.

I really liked the idea of working with my hands and improving people’s lives through science and oral medicine.

What was your favorite thing to learn in dental school?

Operative and extractions — two things that can either be very simple or very complicated! What I love about dentistry is that there’s so much to learn in breadth and depth. And there is so much variety in what you might do in a day.

What do you think will be the biggest change in dentistry during the course of your career?

I think digital dentistry is a big frontier and we’re still just seeing the beginning of where this will lead. Scanning, milling, printing, planning — there is tons of potential there and it’s growing every year. This is not just exciting for dentists — these advances are creating much more comfortable experiences and even better results for patients!

What are you looking forward to most here at The Winning Smile Dental Group?

Honestly, getting to be part of a team that’s passionate about being good at what they do. I don’t know that I’ve seen a group of people who seem more excited about their work, and that’s contagious.

What are you excited to learn from the rest of the team?

I’m most excited to learn how to work in a team. Coming from dental school where it’s just me and the patient from beginning to end, I’m eager to see how the team works together in the real world and be a positive addition.

What do you think is the coolest thing about our practice?

Good things rarely happen by accident, and that’s especially true with dentistry. I think the coolest thing about The Winning Smile Dental Group is the intentionality with everything. Everything has a process, and that benefits both patients and staff.

What are your biggest dental health tips for patients?

Everybody hates flossing, but it really is important. Another good tip — drink water after you eat. It’s good for your mouth and the rest of your body too!

What’s something patients are often surprised to learn about their dental health?

Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body. (I promise I’m not being sarcastic. Okay maybe a little!) From diabetes and cancer to your bite — your oral health has a huge impact on your systemic health and vice versa. That’s why it’s so important to give your dental health the care and attention it deserves.

Why should patients come to see you and the rest of the team at The Winning Smile Dental Group?

Everyone here cares about the patients. I chose this practice for much the same reason I chose the dental profession — to help people. From the way people are greeted up front to the advanced, evidence-based materials and methods used for treatment — everything is done because we genuinely care about patients and want to be great at what we do. 

If I were selecting a dentist, that is exactly the type of practice I would entrust my oral health to. I hope to see you soon !