While serving as a general dentist to US marines, sailors, and their families, Dr. Schmidt began to appreciate the gap in pain education as well as the lack of pain resources for patients to include appropriately trained specialists in the fields of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD/TMJ) and non-tooth related pain.

 

Dr Schmidt went on to complete a 3-year orofacial pain residency at the Naval Postgraduate Dental school and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. In addition to pain management, Dr. Schmidt has extensive training in dental sleep medicine with award-winning research and a graduating thesis on the use of oral appliance therapy to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

 

Dr Schmidt is a subject matter expert in the diagnosis and treatment of head, neck, and facial pain. She has given numerous lectures to general dentists, fellow dental specialists, and non dental healthcare professionals throughout the US and internationally.

 

Dr. Schmidt is a fellow of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, a diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial pain and an active member of the American and Michigan Dental Associations. 

 

After 11 years as an Active Duty Naval Officer, Dr. Schmidt continues her service with the US Navy Reserve. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her husband and 2 children. Her interests include personal wellness, yoga, hiking, and exploring all that her home state of Michigan has to offer.