Bruce Smith is a great believer in "no pain" dentistry. That alone should qualify him for an award, but that's not all Dr. Smith has done to deserve our notice. The dentist, who began his career by doing service work in rural Waller County, came to Houston in 1981 — the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. When Smith saw the incredible need for quality dental care for HIV/AIDS patients, who often had no medical insurance, he helped found the Bering Dental Clinic, which provided free services. He also developed a universal precaution standard that he taught to other dentists so that they could safely care for HIV/AIDS patients. His current practice includes people from all walks of life.