This column highlights GDA members talking about their path to dentistry and the value they find in GDA membership. This month, we hear from Dr. ​Ash Walker in the ​​​​Central District. 

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be in the medical profession. My dad, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother were all in the medical field. As a child, I remember going to the hospital with my dad when he was called for emergencies back in the days when there were beepers and car radios before cell phones.

What was your first job?
My first job was at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, Georgia. I sold sodas and snacks to the 4-H campers at the canteen, which is still there after all these years. I also worked at the local Piggly Wiggly in the produce department and bagging groceries on the weekends.

Why did you decide to become a dentist?
I decided on dentistry as a career when I was a sophomore at University of Georgia. One of my fraternity brothers worked for a dentist, and when he graduated, I took his place. The dentist was the team dentist for the University of Georgia football team and I quickly realized that I really liked dentistry. He was a great role model, and I was able to get a broad understanding of what dentistry was about.

How did you become a GDA member?
I was introduced to the GDA by Dr. Rush Peace and Dr. Ty Ivey after finishing dental school in 1995. When I joined Dr. Peace’s dental practice as an associate, he was a member and encouraged me to join.

What was your first experience with GDA?
My first meeting was actually a Central District dental meeting that I attended in Macon shortly after I arrived in the city. That same year, Dr. Rush Peace took our entire office to Amelia Island for the annual GDA convention. I would say the most memorable thing that has happened to me as a GDA member is being able to network and catch up with former classmates and friends at the annual dental meetings.

What advice would you give a dental student about GDA?
Get involved with organized dentistry! There is no better way to know what is going on in our profession than being a part of the GDA. My advice would be to attend a district meeting or have lunch with a current GDA member to get all of the information about what the GDA offers. There are so many services that can help dentists—from someone who has just graduated to a dentist who is transitioning to retirement. Being a part of a professional group is important for many reasons. The GDA offers affordable group health insurance, the ability to buy dental supplies through a member exchange at deeply discounted prices, affordable dental continuing education and business classes, and many other insurance services. The GDA is also a voice for dentistry at the state capitol, where the GDA works tirelessly to pass legislation that helps dentists offer the best care to our patients.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Or how do you spend a typical weekend?
I enjoy spending time with my wife and twins and our dog Bandit. Most of my weekends are either spent with military drill duty at the 116th ANG unit at Robins AFB and on the ice with the Macon Mayhem hockey team. I am the team dentist for the team and attend all of the home games.

Have you made any friends or long relationships because of GDA?
I met many of the dental friends I have in Georgia through the GDA. I also met most of the specialists I refer to through Central District meetings and have become close friends with many of them. I feel the quarterly dental meetings allow us to come together to socialize with each other and discuss important issues in our community.

What is the single most important thing, in your opinion, the GDA can do to help members?
Protect our profession through legislative work and serve as an advocate for all
dentists in the state.

What advice would you give to people aspiring to go to dental school to become a dentist?
Shadow as many dentists as you can. I shadowed both general dentists and specialists while I was in college and it really helped me decide on dentistry as a
career. Also, there are many free clinics or reduced fee clinics in Georgia, and I would highly recommend volunteering in one of them. These clinics are a great resource for what our profession stands for: helping those in need and to relieve suffering.

Another great way to see dentistry up close is to volunteer in the Georgia Mission of Mercy events GDA holds. This event offers donated dental care to those most in need and students can volunteer and can work in all aspects of dental care.

What is your all-time dream vacation?
A trip around the world visiting Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Greece, Prague, Maui, Spain, Israel, Egypt on a private jet!

What is one fact people might be not know about you?
I have also worked with the military as a civilian and as Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves, and I have performed over 20,000 military dental exams for deployment over the last 17 years in my Guard and Reserve job.

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