Apr 18 2024 6:45 PM
Dr. Alison Abell Simpson, DMD, an alumna of the Washington County High School Class of 2003, has become a dentist. After high school, Dr. Simpson attended the University of Kentucky, earning a Bachelor of Science in biology in 2006. She went on to dental school at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, where she graduated in 2011, earning a Doctor of Dental Medicine. “I wanted to be an orthodontist at first,” she says. “I had braces twice, once around 7th grade and then during my sophomore/junior year in high school. I loved the environment in my orthodontist’s office. It was fun, there was music, and the people were nice and looked happy. I remember being in high school and talking about what we might want to do for a living and thinking I wanted to work somewhere that feels like that. When I got into dental school, I found out general dentistry was really where my heart was. Seeing a problem and fixing it is very rewarding. Getting to know your patients and building those relationships is very meaningful. I love the variety of treatment a general dentist gets to do. Every day is different, and I love that.”

After dental school, Simpson worked in Lawrenceburg for Dr. Lea Fowler as an associate in her private practice for three years, and later worked for Mortenson Family Dental in its Shelbyville and Versailles practices for three years, and then in its Louisville practice for four years. Simpson now owns her own practice in Springfield, after purchasing retired dentist Dr. Ben Smith’s practice upon his retirement. The practice is now Springfield Family Dentistry. “Working at Dr. Ben’s practice was always my dream as a dentist,” she says. “When I heard the he might be interested in retiring, I jumped at the chance to come home and it has been amazing! We have been so happy to be close to family and friends. Small towns are the best, and I don’t think you can beat Springfield in my opinion.”

Looking back, Simpson says former WCHS teachers Mike Pennock and David Gibson were two of her favorite teachers. “They were both invested in their students and gave real life advice that went beyond the subjects they taught,” says Simpson. “Mr. Pennock encouraged us to think big and layout plans to reach our goals. He prepared us for real-world things like interviews and resumes and opened the door to travel through DECA’s competitive events. Mr. Gibson was a great math teacher who I just happened to have all 4 years of high school. He always found ways of throwing real-world advice into his teaching that was fun and useful, and really just about being a good person.”

Looking ahead, Simpson says she plans to continue learning and growing in her career as a dentist. “There are more exciting advances in implant and digital dentistry, and I see those taking off even more in the future.”

Dr. Alison Abell Simpson, DMD. (Photo provided)