Dr. Carmen was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio.  He is graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and biology. After completing his studies at Ohio State, he received a Doctor of Dental Science degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.  Dr. Carmen then served in a federally sponsored experimental medical and dental clinic in Boston for two years.

During that time, he was also a staff member of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and the Boston University School of Graduate Dentistry.  Dr. Carmen was awarded a HEW Fellowship and began a one year study of biostatistics and public health at the University of Minnesota.
              
After returning to Case Western and completing a two year residency, he was awarded a Masters Degree from the Graduate School and a Post Doctoral specialty certificate in Orthodontics.  Dr. Carmen then established his orthodontic and TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) treatment practice in Columbus