Name: DeWayne McCamish, DDS, MS
Spouse: Marilyn Moreland McCamish
Occupation or former occupation: Dentist - Orthodontist
City of residence: Chattanooga
Alma Mater: MTSU (1967 BS major in Chemistry and Math; minor in Biology)
University of Tennessee College of Dentistry (1970 with DDS Degree)
University of Tennessee College of Orthodontics (1973 with MS Degree in Orthodontics)
Why did you decide to join the Mocs Club and support Chattanooga Athletics?
I have enjoyed sports all my life. Having played football four years at MTSU, I have memories of playing on Chamberlain Field two of those four years. I also remember traveling back to Chattanooga and watching UTC (UC at the time) play MTSU in basketball in McClellan Gymnasium. It was natural when I returned to Chattanooga in 1973 to take my two young sons (Troy and Michael) to all UTC football and basketball games. My wife played basketball at Two Rivers High School in Nashville so going to the games became a family affair. As our family grew, my daughter, Kristin (Bell), loved to also go. This was when the games were in McClellan Gymnasium where the bleachers were really close to all the action and excitement in the air. This became a family tradition and I feel contributed to my children enjoying and playing various sports in High School and College. I now enjoy going to games with my grandchildren (both to football and basketball games), my UTC alumni brother, Mickey, and several friends.
What is your favorite memory as a Mocs fan?
Without question, it would be the Mocs advancing to the 1982 NCAA Basketball Tournament and claiming a victory for the very first time. I remember driving to Indianapolis with my two sons and a former UTC basketball player, David Bryan, to watch the Mocs. They defeated N.C. State in the first round (58-51) and then lost to Minnesota 62 -61 missing on a last second shot by Russ Schoene. Two of my favorites all time UTC players were on that UTC team - Willie White and Nick Morken. I might mention that N.C. State then won the 1983 NCAA Tournament the next year with virtually the same players under the coaching of Jim Valvano.
What would you tell others in the Chattanooga community to get them involved in the Mocs Club and supporting Chattanooga Athletics?
Even though I am not a UTC graduate, I enjoy and look for activities and events that involve family time together. Having athletics as a part of my life, I have always wanted my children to have the opportunity to enjoy those activities as well. UTC provides that opportunity on a level involving skilled athletes on the college level. I am proud of our City and supporting UTC is just another way to show how great our City really is.
What would be your advice to current Chattanooga student-athletes?
Wow what a great question. First, I would advise all student-athletes to give 100% whether it be in the sports arena or in the classroom. Never be afraid to fail and always work as hard as you can. Never look back and have regrets because you didn't give it your all. Second, in this day of times of "screens, video games, fortnite, etc., it is easy for time to "fly by" and to not always make good use of our time. Time is the one thing that once it is gone it never comes back. My advice, as it is to my grandchildren, is to always make good use of your time.
What is the most important lesson you have learned in life?
I am certainly still learning from the mistakes that I have made and still make along life's way. You must always have a positive attitude and accept that you are certainly not perfect. You have to learn to forgive yourself when you fall short of perfection.
What are two fun facts about you?
Activities - I enjoy tennis, golf and snow skiing especially with my family, my lifetime friends (Nelson and Pam Bowers) and other friends. Spending more time with my 5 Grandchildren is my goal going forward.
Professionally - Having the privilege to serve and travel throughout the world as the President of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO); Interviewing Andre Agassi for an hour during the AAO's Annual Excellence in Orthodontics Luncheon; and being honored with the UT Dental School Alumni of the Year are certainly highlights in my life. Recently, I have been asked to represent North American in the World Federation of Orthodontists.
Final thoughts?
Prior to my retirement, I had been in the practice of Orthodontics for 45 years. I have learned and always tried to be a good listener to my patients. I especially like the saying that "Patients do not care how much you know; until they know how much you care". This will never happen unless you listen to what is said. This applies to not only the practice of Orthodontics but to everyday relationships and friendships.
