Ross Named as topDentist ™

Dr. Douglas K. Ross, DDS of Farmington, Mo. was recently selected by a vote of his peers to be included in the list of topDentists™ throughout the St. Louis/Eastern Missouri region, as listed in the January issue of St. Louis Magazine.

More than 1,500 dentists and specialists in the St. Louis area (including counties in the three dental society districts on the east side of the state) were asked which dentist they would refer patients to. Peer recommendations were based on years of experience, continuing education, patient manner, use of new techniques and technologies, as well as actual physical results.

More than 800 dentists were nominated during the selection process, and the list was narrowed down to 177 topDentists ™.

Ross commented about what this listing means to him: “There are several commercial designations that professionals can pay for, such as being listed in several "Who's Who" directories, being listed in 1-800-DENTIST, and a multitude of other "pay as you go" designations,” Ross stated. “Other actual professional honors are earned through the completion of a regimented and well-documented educational process, being designated first as a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) and then with a continuation of the strict standards, a Master (MAGD).”      
Ross has earned both the FAGD and MAGD designations.

Ross stated, “Other dentist honors are purely political in nature and are very socially exclusive, requiring considerable financial investments. This topDentist ™  honor, however, is so very special to me because I had absolutely no idea the selection process was occurring. I was not asked to purchase anything, pay any fees, or submit any type of application or questionnaire, or supporting documentation of accomplishments or activities.

“It was a complete surprise when I received notification of the award, and I was even more amazed at the scope of the honor. I'm actually flabbergasted.”

Ross is in his fifth decade of full-time general dentistry practice in Farmington. He has no immediate plans for retirement, as Ross has indicated that he truly loves dentistry, and one should always be able to do what one loves. He mentioned that until he is no longer able to do an excellent job for his patients, or until it is no longer fun, whichever comes first, he will continue doing what he most enjoys: dentistry.

“I appreciate being entrusted with my patients’ dental care, and I take the personal and professional responsibility very seriously,” Ross stated. “This recognition by my peers has brought my job into even sharper focus.”

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Farmington Dentist Receives Dr. Roger L. Parrott Award for Child Advocacy

Dr. Doug Ross, Farmington, and his “First Dental Visit Program,” were acknowledged with the first Dr. Roger L. Parrott Award for Child Advocacy, presented by the Missouri Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (MoAPD) at the 2007 Missouri Dental Association (MDA) House of Delegates.

This award was created by the MoAPD to recognize individuals who are in fields other than pediatric dentist who have devoted their time and efforts to promote children’s oral health advocacy. The award is named after Dr. Roger Parrott, an individual who upon graduation from dental school (Washington University 1953), dedicated his dental practice solely to pediatric dentistry, even though there was no specialty training at that time. He was “grandfathered” into the profession and was a pediatric dental pillar in the St. Louis community and held several leadership positions on the state level.

Dr. Ross’ First Dental Visit Program integrates his zeal for children’s dental health into his daily practice. The program acts on recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry that children should start visits to the dentist between 12 and 24 months of age to prevent the decay that can begin as soon as teeth erupt.

The First Dental Visit Program invites parents to introduce their children under the age of three to the dentist’s office for a free first visit that aims to “set the stage for a lifetime of excellent dental health,” according to a practice brochure. There are “no invasive procedures like X-rays or cleanings; it’s just a child’s chance to meet the staff, see what’s in the office, hear the equipment sounds and experience the customary smells found in a dental office.”

Dr. Ross personally meets with every toddler, taking pictures that will later be made into a collage to hang in the waiting room. Of the kids featured on the wall for their participation in the program, 70 percent return six months later to begin a normal schedule of examinations, cleanings, fluoride applications, sealants, and X-rays, for which regular charges apply.

Dr. Ross received his DDS in 1963 from Washington University School of Dentistry and has been in private practice since 1965; prior to this he was in the US Army Dental Corps, Paris, France, from 1963-65. He was a clinic instructor at Washington University, in both periodontics and pediatric dentistry.

Dr. Ross was awarded his Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 1973 and his Mastership in 1990. He served as president of the Missouri AGD from 1983-85.

Among various volunteer leadership roles, Dr. Ross is a past president of the Southeast Missouri Dental Society and has been treasurer of the Mineral Area Dental Study Club since its inception in 1970. He has also served as a delegate to the MDA House. Currently, Dr. Ross serves on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Dental Advisory Group.

Dr. Ross and his wife, Pamela, have five children and three grandchildren.