The Charlotte community is grappling with the heartbreaking news of the passing of Dr. Carson Rutledge, a distinguished pediatric dentist and founder of The Airway Center, who passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the age of 37. The news, which surfaced via social media, sent shockwaves through the many lives he touched, both personally and professionally. While the cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed, the impact of his loss is profoundly felt by his colleagues, patients, and the broader community he served with such dedication.
Carson Rutledge was not just a pediatric dentist; he was a beacon of hope for countless children and families, particularly those facing complex challenges related to pediatric airway, sleep, and feeding disorders. His life’s work was a testament to his deep commitment to the health and well-being of children, and he had an unwavering passion for advancing knowledge and treatment in pediatric care.
Born and raised in the Carolinas, Carson found his calling early in life through volunteer work that allowed him to mentor children with unique needs. This experience sparked a lifelong passion for pediatric care, leading him to pursue a career where he could make a tangible difference in the lives of children. Carson’s journey into dentistry began after earning his undergraduate degree in psychology from Clemson University in 2010. His interest in the psychological and developmental needs of children informed his approach to pediatric dentistry, emphasizing the critical connection between oral health, general health, and development.
Carson furthered his education at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. His pursuit of excellence did not stop there, as he was committed to gaining specialized knowledge in pediatric dentistry. Carson completed a rigorous two-year postdoctoral residency in advanced pediatric dentistry through the prestigious NYU Lutheran Medical Center in collaboration with Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California. During this period, he developed a particular focus on the intricate needs of children, ensuring that he could provide the highest level of care to his young patients.
In the years that followed, Carson quickly emerged as a leader in pediatric dentistry, with a particular emphasis on the treatment of pediatric airway disorders, sleep disturbances, and feeding-related challenges. His expertise in these areas made him a sought-after specialist, and his practice, The Airway Center, became a hub for families seeking solutions for their children’s complex health needs. Carson was known for his patient-centered approach, treating each child with compassion, patience, and a determination to help them reach their full potential.
Central to Carson’s practice was his deep understanding of the role that oral health plays in overall well-being, particularly in young children whose development is ongoing. He was a firm believer in early intervention, and he was at the forefront of advancing treatments such as laser tongue-tie releases (frenectomies) and growth-related guiding therapies. These treatments, often misunderstood or overlooked, are critical for ensuring that children develop properly, both physically and cognitively. Carson’s work in this field helped improve the lives of countless children, many of whom were struggling with issues that traditional medical approaches had failed to address.
Carson’s expertise extended beyond his clinical practice. He was a dedicated educator, spending significant time teaching parents and other healthcare professionals about the importance of pediatric airway development, tongue-tie complications, and feeding-related issues. His work often involved collaboration with a network of specialists, from lactation consultants to speech therapists, as he believed in a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to pediatric care.
Carson’s professional accomplishments were widely recognized, and he held numerous certifications and affiliations that underscored his leadership in the field of pediatric dentistry. He was an American Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, a prestigious designation that speaks to his exceptional skills and knowledge in the field. He was also a member of the American Laser Study Club, an ambassador of The Breathe Institute, and an international affiliate of Tongue-Tie Professionals, among many other affiliations. Carson’s participation in various educational programs, such as the Tongue-Tied Academy: Live Patient Course and Airway Health Solutions’ Airway Palooza, reflected his commitment to continuing education and staying at the cutting edge of pediatric healthcare.
One of Carson’s most significant contributions to the field was his advocacy for early diagnosis and treatment of airway and sleep-related disorders in children. He was a tireless advocate for expanding the understanding of these conditions within the medical community, and he worked to raise awareness among parents about the potential impacts of undiagnosed airway issues. Carson believed that early intervention could prevent a host of health problems later in life, from developmental delays to chronic sleep disorders. His work was transformative for many families, who often came to him after months or even years of struggling to find answers.
In addition to his clinical work, Carson was known for his warm and engaging personality. He had an innate ability to connect with children, putting even the most anxious patients at ease. Parents frequently praised Carson for his ability to explain complex medical issues in a way that was both accessible and reassuring. His kindness, coupled with his deep knowledge, made him a trusted figure in the community, and his loss is being deeply mourned by those who knew him.
Beyond his professional life, Carson was a devoted husband and father. He often spoke about the importance of family, and he brought that same sense of care and compassion to his work. His wife, Robin, and their two young children were his greatest joy, and his family was the cornerstone of his life. Carson was a man of faith, and he was actively involved in his local church, where he volunteered his time and talents to help others. His dedication to his family, his patients, and his community was a defining feature of his life, and his sudden passing has left a void that will be difficult to fill.
As news of Carson’s death spread, tributes began pouring in from colleagues, patients, and friends alike. Many expressed their shock and sadness at the loss of such a dedicated and compassionate professional, while others shared personal stories of how Carson had made a difference in their lives. His patients remembered him not just as a skilled dentist, but as someone who genuinely cared about their well-being and went above and beyond to provide the best possible care.
One former patient’s mother shared on social media, “Dr. Carson was a gift to our family. Our daughter struggled with feeding issues for months, and no one could tell us what was wrong. Then we found Dr. Carson, and he immediately knew what needed to be done. He treated our daughter with such kindness and expertise, and she’s thriving now because of him. We’re heartbroken by the news of his passing. The world has lost a truly wonderful man.”
Carson’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, both in his professional capacity and through his personal relationships. His work in pediatric dentistry, particularly in the areas of airway and sleep health, has left an indelible mark on the field, and his contributions will continue to benefit children for years to come. As his family, friends, and colleagues mourn his loss, they are also reflecting on the incredible impact he had during his time with us.
The Rutledge family has requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. In the meantime, the community is coming together to remember Carson and to celebrate the life of a man who was truly dedicated to making the world a better place, one child at a time.
As Charlotte and the broader pediatric dental community mourn the loss of Dr. Carson Rutledge, they do so with the knowledge that his legacy of compassion, dedication, and innovation in pediatric care will continue to inspire future generations of healthcare professionals. His life’s work, which focused on giving children the tools they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives, will undoubtedly continue to have a lasting impact on countless families in the years to come.
