Biography
Dean W. Smith, MD, is an associate professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. (external link) He is an expert hand surgeon with more than 20 years of experience. Since 2001, he has provided advanced hand surgery and upper extremity care to patients in Houston and the Texas Medical Center. His goal is to restore function, alleviate pain, and help patients resume the activities they enjoy.
Dr. Smith graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Missouri School of Medicine. Before attending medical school, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Exercise Science from the University of Kentucky. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of New Mexico, where he gained a strong foundation in musculoskeletal and trauma care. He then completed fellowship training in hand and upper extremity surgery at the University of Florida. This training strengthened his skills in treating conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow, and arm.
As a highly experienced hand surgeon, Dr. Smith treats a wide range of problems. His clinical interests include hand arthritis, tendon and nerve disorders, fracture management, hand trauma, and hand reconstruction. He also performs endoscopic and arthroscopic upper extremity surgery, offering minimally invasive options when appropriate. He cares for both common and complex injuries, tailoring every treatment plan to the specific needs of each patient.
Dr. Smith remains committed to advancing the field of hand surgery. He participates in ongoing research and contributes to peer-reviewed publications. He also plays an active role in training medical students, residents, and fellows. Clear communication and evidence-based care are central to his approach.
Today, Dr. Smith continues to provide comprehensive hand surgery and upper extremity care at UTHealth Houston. He combines expertise, compassion, and modern techniques to support long-term recovery and better function for his patients.
He sees patients in Bellaire and Memorial Villages for comprehensive hand and upper extremity care. You can click here (external link) to make an appointment.
Education
- Undergraduate Degree
- University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
- Medical School
- University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
- Internship
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Residency
- Orthopedic Surgery, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Fellowship
- Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
Publications
PUBLICATIONS
- Smith DW: Scaphoid stress fracture in a 65 yo male with decreased bone mineral density: A case report. University of New Mexico Orthopaedic Research Journal. Volume 4: 61-63, 2015
- Smith DW: Distal Radius Fractures. In: Comprehensive Care of the High-Level Athlete: A Master Skills Publication. American Society for Surgery of the Hand. 2014
- Smith DW: Glomus Tumor of the Upper Extremity: An Under Recognized Cause of Pain. University of New Mexico Orthopaedics Research Journal. Volume 2: 52-54, 2013
- Smith DW: Boutonniere and Pulley Rupture in Elite Basketball. Elite Athlete’s Hand and Wrist Injury. Hand Clinics. WB Saunders. Philadelphia, PA. 28(3): 449-450, 2012
- Smith DW: ECU Tendonitis and Subluxation in Elite Basketball. Elite Athlete’s Hand and Wrist Injury. Hand Clinics. WB Saunders. Philadelphia, PA. 28(3): 359-360, 2012
- Smith DW: Breaking the Surface: Ganglion Cysts Don’t Have to Hinder Hand Function or Appearance. Advance for Directors in Rehabilitation, 15(11): 21-22, 2006
- Smith DW, Henry MH: Volar Fixed Angle Plating of the Distal Radius. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 13(1): 28-36, 2005
- Wright TW, Horodyski M, Smith DW: Functional Outcome of Unstable Distal Radius Fractures: ORIF with a Volar Fixed-Angle Tine Plate vs External Fixation. Journal of Hand Surgery, 30(2): 289-299, 2005
- Henry MH., Levaro F, Smith DW: Free Adipofascial Flap Interposition for Posttraumatic Forearm Synostosis with Closed Head Injury. Annals of Plastic Surgery, 53(5):506-509, 2004
- Smith DW, Brou KE, Henry MH: Early Active Rehabilitation for Operatively Stabilized Distal Radius Fractures. Journal of Hand Therapy. 17:43-49, 2004
- Henry MH, Smith DW, Masson MV: Reconstruction of Distal Radio-Ulnar Joint Instability. Journal of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. 4(1): 35-41, 2004
- Smith DW, Henry MH: The 45-degree Pronated Oblique View for Volar Fixed Angle Plating of Distal Radius Fractures. Journal of Hand Surgery. 29(4):703-706, 2004
- Clifton J, Smith DW, Henry MH: Symptomatic Progression of Congenital Ulnar Nerve Hypoplasia with Brachial Plexus Anomaly: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery, 20(6): 447-450, 2004
- Ilfeld BM, Smith DW, Enneking FK. Continuous Regional Analgesia Following Ambulatory Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery. American Journal of Orthopedics. 33(8): 405-408, 2004
- Smith DW, Drennan JR: Arthrogryposis Wrist Deformities: Results of Infantile Serial Casting. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics. 22(1): 44-47, 2003
- Smith DW, Henry MH: Comprehensive Management of Associated Soft Tissue Injuries in Distal Radius Fractures. Journal of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. 2: 153-164, 2002
- Smith DW, Henry MH, Beaver R: Internal Decompression of Dorsal Wrist Ganglions. Tech in Hand and Upper Extr Surg. 6(3): 145-151, 2002
- Dell PC, Smith DW: Combined Carpal Tunnel and Ulnar Nerve Release. Atlas of the Hand Clinics. WB Saunders. Philadelphia, PA. 7:273-276, 2002
- Hendricks A, Smith DW, Wright TW: Common Instability Patterns of the Wrist. Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Clinics of N. America. WB Saunders. Philadelphia, PA. 10(4): 541-556, 2001
- Miller SJ, Smith DW, Gaines RW: Intra-articular Osteoid Osteoma of the Acetabulum in a Six-Year-Old. Orthopaedics. 20(7): 654-655, 1997
- Childers MK, Smith DW, Rupright J: Post-traumatic Hyperthermia in Acute Brain Injury Rehabilitation. Brain Injury. 8(4): 335-343, 1994
POSTERS AND VIDEO PRESENTATIONS
- Smith DW, Ilfeld B, Enneking FK: Continuous Regional Analgesia in Ambulatory Pediatric Upper Extremity Surgery. Poster presentation. Presented at the 57th Annual ASSH meeting, Phoenix, AZ, October 2002
- Smith DW, Moneim M: Technique for Late Repair in Chronic Distal Biceps Tendon Ruptures Using Fascia Lata Autograft Through a Single Anterior Incision. Poster presentation. Presented at the 55th Annual ASSH meeting. Seattle, WA, October 2000
- Smith DW, Moneim M: Chronic Distal Biceps Tendon Ruptures: Technique of Delayed Repair with Fascia Lata Autograft. Video Presentation. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery. Orlando, FL, March 2000
Clinical Interests
- Hand and wrist arthritis
- Endoscopic and arthroscopic upper extremity surgery
- Hand, wrist, and elbow fracture management
- Complex hand reconstruction
- Hand and upper extremity trauma
- Tendon and nerve disorders of the hand and wrist, such Trigger finger and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Awards, Honors & Board Certifications
Board Certifications
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), 2003-Present
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), 2005-Present
- Texas Medical Board
Professional Organizations
- Harris County Medical Society, 2001-2010
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH)
Honors and Awards
- Graduate with Honors, 1991
- University of Kentucky College of Education
- Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, 1991
- University of Kentucky
- Physiology Award, 1993
- University of Missouri-School of Medicine
- Alpha Omega Alpha, 1994, Junior election
- University of Missouri-School of Medicine
- McGraw Wall Award, 1995
- University of Missouri-School of Medicine
- Summa Cum Laude, 1995
- University of Missouri-School of Medicine
- Houston Top Doctor, 2005-2009
- H Magazine
- Patients’ Choice Award, 2008-2020
- Vitals.com
- Compassionate Doctor Recognition, 2010-2020
- Vitals.com
- Outstanding Young Physician Award, 2011
- University of Missouri-School of Medicine
- Houston Top Doctor, 2013, 2023 – 2024
- Houstonia Magazine
- Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctor, 2018-2024
- Modern Luxury Houston Magazine
- Honorary Plastic Surgeon Educator of the Year, 2023
- UT McGovern, Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Team Physician Event Coverage
- Lone Star Ironman 70.3 Championship, Galveston, TX. 2010
- LPGA Tour Championships, Houston, TX. 2009
- VISA Gymnastics Championships, Houston, TX. 2008
- Wranglers Professional Team Tennis, Houston, TX. 2005-2007
- US Clay Court Men’s ATP Tennis Championship, Houston, TX. 2005-2007, 2009
- USTA Stanford Financial Tennis Champions Cup, Houston, TX. 2005
- Master Series, Master’s Cup Men’s Professional Tennis Championships, Houston, TX. 2004
Request Appointment
Whether you’re experiencing hand or wrist pain, finger injuries, elbow problems, or have suffered a hand fracture that interferes with daily activities, our orthopedic hand surgeons are here to help. We provide expert evaluation and personalized treatment plans for patients of all ages, from acute injuries to chronic disorders.
Book an appointment today (external link) to get the specialized care you need to restore strength, movement, and function.