Norman, OK Dentist

Why Did You Want to Become a Dentist?

Dr. Carmen first decided to pursue dentistry as a teenager in high school. He had his parents’ full encouragement, who always stressed the importance of education and making the most of opportunities. Due to their hard work as a mechanic and machinist, he was able to attend college – and the rest is history.

Where Did You Study Dentistry?

Dr. Carmen achieved his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, followed by the completion of a General Practice Residency at Naval Hospital Great Lakes in Illinois. During that time, he completed rotations in anesthesia, oral surgery, exodontia, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, and comprehensive dentistry. In dental school and his residency, Dr. Carmen was honored with multiple recognitions, including participating in the Honors Pediatric Dental Program at the University of Oklahoma, giving him the opportunity to take care of medically-complex children and develop skills to treat them in his own dental office. From there, he served in the Navy, moonlighting for two years at a pediatric dental practice in Arizona. In 2003, he returned to Oklahoma from deployment in the Middle East and worked as an associate dentist before finally opening his own dental practice in 2006 – and that’s where he still is today!

Dr. Carmen is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, a Fellow of Pierre Fauchard Academy, a Fellow of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, a Fellow of the American College of Dentists as well as the International College of Dentists. He has completed state-of-the-art continuing education at prestigious institutions, including the Dawson Academy, Scottsdale Center for Dentistry, the Pankey Institute, the LSU Cosmetic Dentistry Continuum, and the Misch International Implant Institute. Dr. Carmen has also been recognized for his contributions to the dental profession internationally, being awarded the Academy of General Dentistry’s Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition in 2026, an award fewer than 500 dentists worldwide have received since the Academy’s inception. He currently serves as a board member on both the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry and the American Association of Dental Boards. Finally, he serves as an examiner for ADEX, which ensures that safe and competent dental care is provided by qualified dental practitioners in places like the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica.

Outside of the Dental Office, What Do You Like to Do?

Dr. Carmen met and married his wife Samantha during his undergraduate years at the University of Oklahoma – they’ve now been together for over 30 years! Together they have three grown children. Taylor has graduated from dental school and now practices alongside Dr. Carmen in the office. Brooks is finishing up his service in the Marine Corps and plans to move back to Norman next year.

Reece is entering his last year of law school at the University of Oklahoma College of Law and is planning a wedding for next summer!

When he isn’t busy caring for teeth, Dr. Carmen’s work as a board member and an examiner takes up a lot of his time. He also enjoys mentoring young, aspiring dentists who are just beginning their careers! As for personal hobbies, he likes playing guitar, spending time at the lake with loved ones, boating, surfing, keeping up with physical fitness, grilling, and watching/listening to live music performances.