A native of Columbus, Ohio, Maurina L. Brooks, D.D.S. began her dental career at a young age working as a dental assistant here at Hot Smile Dental, her mother’s general practice.  As a home-schooled student for her primary and secondary education, at 14 years old, Maurina began taking collegiate classes at Columbus State Community College as part of the Post Secondary Educational Opportunities (PSEO) Program. 

At age 16, Dr. Brooks earned her Dental Assistant Radiographer License, allowing her to expose dental x-rays in the state of Ohio. In 2010, Maurina graduated high school with a 4.0 GPA and received an Associate of Science degree from Columbus State Community College, earning Magna Cum Laude distinction. In 2013, Dr. Brooks received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish, specializing in Peninsular Literature and Culture, with a minor in Biology from The Ohio State University. During her gap year, Dr. Brooks taught elementary school as a Certified Substitute Teacher.  

Upon entering dental school in 2014, Dr. Brooks became the first, Black female, mother/ daughter legacy student at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, as her mother, Dr. Susan K. Wilson, received her doctoral degree from the same institution in 1983. During her doctoral studies, Maurina served as chapter president for the Student National Dental Association, participated in numerous community service events, and received multiple awards for her community outreach efforts and professional conduct. She is currently serving as Vice President of the Columbus Association of Dentists (CAD), the local chapter of the National Dental Association (NDA).