By Haley Mitchell Godwin

Luverne’s own Dr. Daniel C. Hudson, DMD, was inducted into the esteemed International College of Dentists (ICD) on Sept. 7 during a special ceremony held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville. The ICD fellowship, awarded to less than 3% of dentists nationwide, recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, professional service and contributions to the field of dentistry, as well as humanitarian efforts benefiting communities worldwide.

“Being inducted into the ICD is a tremendous honor,” Hudson said. “It wasn’t until after the ceremony that I fully grasped the significance of this achievement. I’m deeply honored and feel privileged to serve this community.”

Hudson, who has been practicing dentistry for over two decades, took over a well-established practice in Luverne in February  2020, following the retirement of Dr. Tom Sanders. Since then, he and his team have provided a wide range of dental services, from routine care to specialized treatments like implants and same-day crowns. 

Abigail Wood, a patient from Brantley, expressed her appreciation for Hudson’s care.

“Dr. Hudson fixed issues caused by my previous dentist and crafted the perfect partial for me,” Wood shared. “He also took extra time to ensure my chipped tooth was just right.”

Patients like Candice Keeton of Andalusia have also praised Hudson and his team. 

“Dr. Hudson and his staff are the best — very thorough, kind and professional,” Keeton wrote in a recent review. “My whole family, ages 10 to 36, sees him and we wouldn’t trust anyone else!”

Hudson, originally from just across the Crenshaw County line in Covington County, emphasized his deep connection to the area and its people, and said that his patients are the best part of his job. 

“I love my patients here in Crenshaw County,” Hudson said. “Being near my roots and getting to know the community has been a blessing. I’m also thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to detect head and neck cancers in several patients, which had previously gone undetected.”

His journey in dentistry began in 1989 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a dental specialist. After earning his degree from the University of Alabama in 1994, where he served as class president and was named a ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate, Hudson went on to serve as the general dentist for the 10th Special Forces Group. Today, he continues his military service as a dentist in the Army Reserve, commanding the 407th Medical Detachment in Tuscaloosa.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Hudson has been heavily involved in humanitarian dental work, leading teams in Germany, Venezuela, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Turkey,  Armenia, Arkansas and most recently Athens, Georgia, working to provide dental care, establish dental clinics and train local dental personnel. 

In 2015, Hudson testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee about his team’s work rescuing victims of ISIS slavery, contributing to a successful mission that rescued several families in Turkey.

Hudson  worked with the Denver Medical Outreach for several years and has coordinated and managed other dentists to help the underserved through local churches and community centers through the Montgomery Alabama Medical Outreach Program.

Dr. Hudson was nominated for the ICD fellowship by his former commander at Fort Carson Colorado, Colonel Robert Meyer, a West Point graduate and dental leader who praised Hudson’s career-long commitment to service and leadership.

“Dr. Hudson has been an outstanding leader, mentor and servant to mankind,” said Col. Meyer. “His contributions to dentistry and humanity continue to inspire.”

Recently, Dr. Hudson collaborated with the Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe of Alabama, working with a tribal citizen who incorporated his insights, research and knowledge on Native American Dentistry into an educational presentation given to Crenshaw County students via Success Quest, a Crenshaw County student development program.

Dr. Hudson continues to provide top-tier dental care to patients age three and older. For more information call call 334-335-3697.