Dean Smith, DC, PhD
I am a Clinical Professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition and Health at Miami University.
My education includes a bachelor’s degree in human biology, a master’s degree in exercise science, and two doctoral degrees. I have a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and a PhD (from Miami U.) in brain and cognitive science with a focus on motor behavior and postural control.
I am honored and humbled to the the recipient of the 2018 Researcher of the Year award from the American Chiropractic Association, and the 2021 Ohio State Chiropractic Association’s (OSCA) Chiropractor of the Year.
Here at Miami University, I teach courses in functional anatomy, motor skills, exercise and health as well as musculoskeletal disorders and exercise. I also investigate the effects of chiropractic care and exercise on human performance.
A few years ago, I was project lead to get funding through the Miami University Technology Fee to obtain a ‘virtual cadaver’ for the KNH Department – a department within the College of Education, Health & Society. We were fortunate to get the funding and the table. Special thanks to all those who helped make the table a possibility for our students! The Miami University Student Technology Fee funds programs and services that support students in achieving their academic program goals and enhance their life at Miami. See the video above regarding this exciting new technology. We have upgraded our table to the newest technology in 2018.
I have played several competitive sports such as soccer, hockey and golf. I came to Miami University originally on a varsity golf scholarship in 1991. Over the years, I have been fortunate to provide chiropractic care to professional athletes including Women’s Tennis Association tour pros at the Canadian Open. I also work with varsity university and high school athletes. Several years ago, I was an expert guest on National Public Radio program “FitTalk” with Dr. Jay Kimiecik and more recently was quoted in Shape magazine regarding exercise and posture and fitness. I am also certified with the International Certificate in Sports Chiropractic (ICSC).
My private practice of chiropractic, Essence of Wellness is located in Eaton, Ohio.
I am member of and the research director for the Ohio State Chiropractic Association and am a member of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists, The International Federation of Sports Chiropractic, International Society of Motor Control, and World Spine Care.
Pre-Chiropractic Studies at Miami University
I am the Pre-Chiropractic advisor here at Miami University. To learn more about chiropractic and chiropractic admission requirements please visit here.
Research Interests
My research aims to investigate the effects of chiropractic care and exercise on sensorimotor control and human performance. My scientific articles have been published in such journals as Human Movement Science, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Chiropractic Research Journal, Chiropractic and Osteopathy, The Open Neurology Journal, and others.
Chiropractic Science Podcast
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