Dr. Houston Symmes was born and raised in Winston Salem, NC. He attended R. J. Reynolds High School and went on to North Carolina State University where he majored in Biology and graduated valedictorian in 2006. Dr. Symmes then attended The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for dental school, graduating in 2011. In 2015, Drs. Wilkinson and Symmes teamed up to create what is now Peace Haven Family Dentistry. He stays current with all phases of general dentistry and is a member of the American Dental Society, North Carolina Dental Society, and Forsyth County Dental Society. He is also an active member of the Spear Study Club.
In his free time, Dr. Symmes enjoys spending time with his wife Bethany, a real estate agent in town, and their two children, Catherine and Henry.
Q & A with Houston Symmes, D.D.S.
Q: What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you in your professional dental career?
A: One time when I was checking a patient’s teeth, I stood up thinking I was finished. The patient asked another question and when I went to sit back down to take a look, the hygienist had already moved the chair and I fell backwards on the floor. The only thing everyone in the room could do including myself was start to laugh!
Q: What’s one thing a new patient would be surprised to know about you?
A: I love sweets! Especially Sour Patch Kids and Gummy Bears!
Q: Were you ever afraid of the dentist? Why/Why not?
A: I remember when I was a kid and had to get a couple of teeth extracted. I remember being very afraid to the point where the dentist had to tell me to be still. Before I knew it he was done and the teeth were out! I couldn’t believe it!
Q: Why is Dentistry important?
A: Dentistry is important because healthy teeth give you the confidence to smile and succeed in life.
Q: When did you know you wanted to be a dentist?
A: I always wanted to be an airline pilot growing up. When I got to college I excelled in the sciences and decided to go into something in the medical field. I chose dentistry because I liked working with my hands and helping people!
Q: What do you like most about the dental profession?
A: Getting to know my patients and forming lasting relationships with them.
Q: Why should I go to you for my dental care?
A: I am caring and compassionate and will always treat my patients as I would treat my family.
Q: What’s your dental philosophy?
A: Only floss the teeth you want to keep.
Q: What are some of your interests outside the office? Volunteer/hobbies?
A: Outside of the office I love spending time with friends and family. My wife Bethany and I have a beautiful little girl named Catherine and a little dog named Twiggy. I volunteer at the Community Care Clinic for the underprivileged. I also have a passion for aviation and use it as an excuse to fly anywhere I can!