(This week The Columbian-Progress spotlights Chandler Humphreys, D.M.D., of Columbia Family Dental.)
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg on March, 11, 1978.
Q: Where did you attend school?
A: I did my undergraduate at USM and did my doctorate at the University Medical Center in Jackson. I went to Hattiesburg High School.
Q: Where all have you lived?
A: I’ve lived in Hattiesburg and Madison.
Q: Where do you work? Tell us about your job/company.
A: I do general family cosmetic dentistry at Columbia Family Dental. We’re providers for the majority of the insurances for people here in Marion County. We’re also the only Medicaid provider in Marion County. Daily, we do everything from root canals to crowns, extractions, cleanings and pretty much everything that general dentistry entails. We also do same day crowns. We have a lot of state-of-the-art equipment that can do digital impressions and that sort of thing.
Q: What led you to your profession?
A: I always liked science and when I was 10 years old, I had my front tooth knocked out. The dental team that took care of me over several years were able to finally restore it, and it did a lot for my self-esteem. After that, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: Being able to provide a service to patients in need, getting to work with my hands and being able to see the products of my labor.
Q: What was your first job? Most unusual job?
A: I was a runner at a law firm in Hattiesburg in high school. I don’t know if I’d had an unusual job, but there was one that was neat. I got to work for Gene Taylor in D.C. for a summer as an intern.
Q: Who is the person who has been most influential in your life?
A: It would be my father, Ray, without a doubt. He’s just a self-made man who grew up real poor, and he excelled. He was a hospital administrator and went to the top of his profession. He made me who I am today.
Q: If you could relive one day from life over again, what day would you choose?
A: It would be my wedding day. We got married three years ago, and it’s been one of the best decisions of my life.
Q: What is your spouse’s name? What does she do for a living?
A: Her name is Lindsey. Right now, she’s a student. She’s taking some online classes. She was formerly a dental assistant.
Q: Do you have any children?
A: I have an 18-year-old son, Brad, who is a senior in high school at Oak Grove. He is the joy of my life.
Q: If you could have anything for your last meal on earth, what would it be?
A: That is a no-brainer. It would be a steak from Doe’s in Greenville. That is my favorite restaurant.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: I’ve been dying to go to Greece. It’s a beautiful country, and I’ve never been overseas.
Q: What hobbies/activities do you like to do in your spare time?
A: The only thing I do in my spare time besides spending time with my family is play golf. I’m not very good at it, but it keeps me coming back.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working in Columbia and Marion County?
A: It’s the people. They’re so genuine, kind and nice that it makes it a pleasure just to be around them. It’s that small-town atmosphere that you get that I wouldn’t be getting in Hattiesburg. You really feel a connection to the community.
Q: Would you rather read a good book or watch a good movie and why?
A: I’d rather watch a good movie. I’m a movie buff; I love it. I have one of those Amazon Fire Stick and get on Kodi all the time. My favorite movie is probably Tombstone.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone from your life or history, who would it be and why?
A: There was a professor in dental school that I never got to have. He actually wrote what is internationally renowned as the physiology textbook. His name was Arthur Guyton. I got to know his son, but he was stricken with polio when he was in medical school. He was going to be a surgeon. He was confined to a wheelchair, so he couldn’t become a surgeon. But he actually developed the patent for the electric wheelchair, and his children are doctors now that went to all these Ivy League schools. They actually built their house and did their pool that were like a living extension of his mind. It was just so fascinating to learn about him, and I have always wished I could have met him.
Q: What moment in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
A: Probably the birth of my son. It totally realigned my priorities and was a huge wakeup call.
Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: I’d like to be remembered as someone who was honest, fair, someone people enjoyed being around and treated people the way I’d like to be treated.
— Joshua Campbell
Pictured Above: Chandler Humphreys is able to utilize Columbia Family Dental’s state-of-the-art equipment to help with a litany of its patients’ needs, including same-day crowns. | Photo by Joshua Campbell
