Carson Rutledge Charlotte NC Obituary, Death: Beloved Founder of The Airway Center and Distinguished Pediatric Dentist in Charlotte, North Carolina, Dr. Carson Rutledge, Passes Away on Saturday, August 17, 2024, Leaving a Legacy in Pediatric Dentistry and Airway Health – Cause of Death Remains Unknown as the Community Mourns the Loss of a Visionary Leader and Advocate for Children’s Oral Health and Development

Carson Rutledge Charlotte NC Obituary, Death: Beloved Founder of The Airway Center and Distinguished Pediatric Dentist in Charlotte, North Carolina, Dr. Carson Rutledge, Passes Away on Saturday, August 17, 2024, Leaving a Legacy in Pediatric Dentistry and Airway Health – Cause of Death Remains Unknown as the Community Mourns the Loss of a Visionary Leader and Advocate for Children’s Oral Health and Development”

Carson Rutledge, a cherished name in the field of pediatric dentistry and the esteemed founder of The Airway Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, has passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Dr. Rutledge’s sudden death, which was reported on social media, has sent waves of shock and sorrow throughout the community he served with such dedication. As a pediatric dentist whose expertise and passion centered on the well-being of children, his loss is not only deeply felt by his family and friends but also by the countless families and children whose lives he touched over the years. At the time of this report, the exact cause of his death remains unknown, adding an element of mystery and concern to an already heartbreaking event.

Dr. Carson Rutledge’s journey into dentistry began from a place of compassion and an innate desire to uplift those around him. His career was not just a profession but a calling, one that took root early in his life when he volunteered his time mentoring children with special needs. This formative experience revealed to him the power of guidance, care, and understanding when working with children, especially those who face unique challenges. It was this experience that set him on the path to becoming a trusted figure in pediatric health, specifically focusing on the interplay between oral health, airway development, and overall well-being in children.

Dr. Rutledge attended Clemson University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in psychology in 2010. His academic background in psychology provided him with a robust foundation in understanding behavior, human development, and the critical role of mental health – all of which played significant roles in his later work with children. His pursuit of academic excellence didn’t end there; Dr. Rutledge’s thirst for knowledge and passion for making a difference led him to Virginia Commonwealth University, where he obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. His rigorous education and training were just the beginning of a journey that would see him becoming a leader in pediatric airway health and a key figure in the fight to ensure that children could grow and thrive without the burden of untreated developmental issues.

Following dental school, Dr. Rutledge undertook a two-year postdoctoral residency in advanced pediatric dentistry through the NYU Lutheran Medical Center, which collaborated with Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California. This program was specifically designed to prepare him for the unique challenges faced in pediatric care, and it was during this time that Dr. Rutledge honed his skills and specialized in working with children. His residency was more than just training; it was a time of transformation, where he developed the specialized knowledge that would later make him a respected name in his field.

Throughout his career, Dr. Rutledge remained unwavering in his commitment to helping children achieve optimal oral health and overall well-being. His clinical approach was holistic, with a particular emphasis on pediatric airway, sleep, and feeding-related treatments. He believed that proper airway development was crucial for a child’s growth and was among the first in his community to champion the importance of early intervention in these areas. Dr. Rutledge’s dedication to his field extended beyond the treatment room. He was committed to educating both parents and healthcare providers about the importance of pediatric airway health, the consequences of untreated conditions, and the steps that could be taken to address them. His commitment to continuing education was evident in the significant postgraduate work he completed in areas directly related to pediatric airway and feeding health.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Rutledge was a passionate advocate for proper education regarding tongue-ties and other developmental issues. He invested a considerable amount of time and energy into teaching parents about the significance of pediatric development and growth, particularly as it related to tongue-tie management and airway health. His clinical expertise in performing laser tongue-tie releases (frenectomies) set him apart from many in his field. Dr. Rutledge was known for using growth-related guiding techniques and state-of-the-art technology to ensure that children had the best possible outcomes in terms of their health, comfort, and overall development. The results of his work can be seen in the lives of the many children who, thanks to his care, now experience better health, sleep, and quality of life.

Dr. Rutledge was more than just a practitioner; he was a thought leader and a connector in the pediatric health community. He built a broad network of interdisciplinary support providers to ensure that his patients received comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs. By assembling a team that included pediatricians, speech therapists, lactation consultants, and other professionals, he provided a level of care that went beyond what is typically offered in pediatric dentistry. His vision was one where collaboration and shared knowledge could lead to better outcomes for children and a deeper understanding of how interconnected the different aspects of pediatric health truly are.

His professional accomplishments speak volumes about his commitment and expertise. Dr. Rutledge was an American Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, a mark of distinction that highlighted his extensive training and clinical skill. He was also an active affiliate of the American Laser Study Club, where he continued to refine his knowledge and share his experiences with other professionals. His role as an ambassador for The Breathe Institute further underscored his dedication to improving pediatric airway health on a broader scale. Internationally, Dr. Rutledge’s expertise was recognized through his affiliation with Tongue-Tie Professionals, a network of specialists who collaborate to provide the best care for children with oral restrictions. His involvement in the Tongue-Tied Academy: Live Patient Course and Airway Health Solutions’ Airway Palooza demonstrated his commitment to staying at the forefront of pediatric airway and feeding health innovations.

The passing of Dr. Rutledge has left a void in both his professional community and among the many families who relied on his care and expertise. His contributions to pediatric health and his compassionate approach to treatment made him a trusted figure in Charlotte and beyond. For those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him, his loss is deeply felt. As word of his passing spreads, the tributes pouring in from colleagues, patients, and community members paint a picture of a man who was not only highly skilled but also deeply compassionate and dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of children. The impact he had through his practice, The Airway Center, and his broader professional work is undeniable, and it is a legacy that will continue to influence pediatric care for years to come.

Dr. Rutledge’s obituary and details about his funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date as the family, friends, and community come together to celebrate his life and honor the immense contributions he made. His death marks the end of a remarkable journey, but the impact of his work, teachings, and care will live on in the countless lives he touched. His story is one of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of better health outcomes for children – a pursuit that he lived out every day through his practice, his teaching, and his advocacy.

In the days, weeks, and months to come, his colleagues and the broader medical community will undoubtedly reflect on the lessons he shared, the advances he championed, and the children whose lives are better because of his care