Record details
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Tyler Junior College has made a great impact on many lives, and mine is no exception. It actually began before I was born! My father was an outstanding athlete at Arp High School. He was encouraged by one of the early benefactors and supporters of TJC to accept an athletic scholarship – making him the first in his family ever to attend college. The man who encouraged him to further his education at TJC was Smith County judge, and later U.S. representative, Brady P. Gentry, after whom I would be named. As I recall, the old Gentry Gymnasium (now Wagstaff Gym) stood where the student center is now. Thanks to Mr. Gentry and TJC, my father was able to go on and fulfill his dream of teaching and coaching.
When I was six, we moved from Arp to Tyler. I went through TISD and graduated from Robert E. Lee, where I played on the golf team. I attended Texas A&M on a golf scholarship, and had no particular goals in mind, except possibly to become a pilot or even a professional golfer (quite an unrealistic goal in retrospect!). Uncertain about declaring a major, I sought parental guidance. When Mom and Dad suggested I consider becoming a dentist, I saw no reason to question or object. At that time, A&M did not have a dental school, so I transferred to The University of Texas to complete my studies. I did eventually earn my pilot’s license, and I continue to enjoy recreational golf, so I guess it all worked out!
Starting out in dental practice, I had some time on my hands and jumped at the chance to teach part-time at TJC. The dental hygiene program was just getting started, thanks to the wisdom, dedication, and determination of two men in particular; TJC President, Dr. Harry Jenkins and Dr. Eugene Allen, TJC Board member and leader in the dental community. Teaching was a great experience. As my father had coached and my mother would eventually retire from 30 years of teaching in TISD, I was proud to be following in my parents’ footsteps.
One day, Dr. Jenkins summoned me to his office and asked me to consider a full-time position as head of the dental hygiene department. Who ever said “no” to Dr. Jenkins? Not me. I proudly served two years in that capacity then cut back to part-time teaching to resume my private practice in Troup, where I remained for 33 wonderful years. During that time, our children “picked up the torch” and attended TJC. When the time comes, we certainly hope our grandchildren enroll there as well!
I had always wanted to put my dental expertise to good use in a faith-based setting. Then, at an age when most people are contemplating retirement, my dream to finish out my dental career doing good works was realized. I had the opportunity to come work with St. Paul Children’s Foundation helping children in need with dental care. In addition, I have been able to resume my professional relationship with TJC. Not only do TJC dental hygiene and assisting students come into our clinic as part of their training, but I also have the pleasure of working with TJC in support of community efforts to provide dental care to underserved people in our area through events such as East Texas Mission of Mercy and the Give Kids a Smile program.
All of us in the East Texas dental community are blessed and extremely grateful for the excellence and consummate professionalism displayed by the dental hygienists and assistants who have come from TJC. These fine young men and women have made such a positive impact on our practices and within the community for more than 40 years. Our new TJC Community Dental Clinic being developed in the Robert M. Rogers Nursing and Health Sciences Center, will enable us to build on the legacy of providing excellent care to the community and those in need for decades yet to come. I shall always be thankful for the many friends I have made along the way through my association with this fine institution.
- Biography
- Dr. Brady Swinney has a sincere passion for providing access to dental services for those in need. Dr. Swinney is head of the pediatric dental clinic with St. Paul Children’s Foundation that provides low-cost dental care for children. He and his staff, along with students and faculty from TJC, participate in statewide activities to provide free dental care to those in need. He is a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School and The University of Texas. Dr. Swinney currently serves on a development task force for the new TJC Dental Clinic as well as the TJC Dental Hygiene Advisory Committee and the TISD Head Start Advisory Committee. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, East Texas Dental Society and Smith County Dental Society. He and his wife, Judyth, have five grown children, and are active members of Christ Episcopal Church in Tyler. In his not-so-spare time, he enjoys golf, classic cars, reading and the many performing arts events in Tyler.
