Carson was born to Nancy and Terry Hopkins in southeastern Idaho and is the second of five children. On several family lines, his ancestors have been members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for seven generations. Born into the faith, Carson has remained an active member throughout his life.
He spent his early childhood on farms until age 11, when his father took a job in Nevada’s mining industry and the family moved to Battle Mountain. There, Carson thrived in a vibrant Boy Scout troop and earned his Eagle Scout Award. He lived in Battle Mountain through high school before attending Idaho State University. During college, he received a life-changing call to serve a two-year mission in Zimbabwe.
After returning home, Carson worked in mining for a time before continuing his education, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from BYU. While at BYU, he met and married Jennifer Kunz—though it’s worth noting that she asked him out on their first date! Together, they began building a family and are now the proud parents of six children, ranging in age from 11 to 22.
Carson attended the UNLV School of Dental Medicine, graduating in 2009. He worked for Dr. Ron Ingram in Pratt, Kansas for 3 months before he purchased the practice and has owned Pratt Family Dental ever since.
Over the years, Carson has worked in a variety of fields including farming, retail, mining, surveying, landscaping, daycare, and dentistry. He has also faithfully served in many Church callings—sometimes more than one at a time. His service includes roles in Scouting, multiple Elders Quorum presidencies, teaching assignments, counselor in bishoprics, Young Men counselor and president, branch president in Pratt, and currently as a high councilor and second counselor in the stake Young Men presidency.
