Experienced Grand Prairie, TX Special Needs Dentist
Get to Know
Frank E. Ford DDS
Dentist Anesthesiologist
Since opening our special needs dental office 14 years ago, Dr. Ford has gathered a talented and dedicated team of like-minded dental professionals who have a passion for serving special needs patients. A dental anesthesiologist with almost 50 years of experience, his mission is to enable our patients to receive their routine dental care in a friendly, welcoming environment that can adapt to any situation. To learn more about Dr. Ford before coming to see us, read on below.
Why Did You Want to Become a Dentist?
After practicing as a general dentist for 9 years, it became apparent to Dr. Ford that taking care of special needs adults is very difficult, if not impossible, without additional training and skills. The necessity of anesthesia being required to treat patients with mental and physical disabilities motivated him to seek out and become certified in providing a wide range of sedation services, ensuring that everyone could enjoy a calm and productive trip to the dentist.
Where Did You
Study Dentistry?
Dr. Ford earned his Bachelor of Science in Dentistry from Baylor University, and then he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston in 1972. He then began caring for special needs patients as a staff dentist at the Mexia State School for the Mentally Handicapped from 1977-1981. He continued his education, completing a Medical Anesthesiology Residency program at the Baylor College of Medicine at Houston from 1981-1983.
Dr. Ford went on to serve as a staff anesthesiologist at the John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth for 14 years, during which he became vice-chairman of the Anesthesiology Department. In the years that followed, he provided weekly anesthesiology services to multiple dental offices in the area, eventually opening Disability Dental Services in 2007.
Dr. Ford is always striving to improve himself, which is why he is a member of several professional organizations:
- American Dental Association
- Texas Dental Association
- American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists
- American Dental Society of Anesthesiology (Fellow)
- American Dental Board of Anesthesiology (Diplomate)
- National Dental Board of Anesthesiology (Diplomate)
Outside of the Dental Office,
What Do You Like to Do?
Away from work, Dr. Ford primarily enjoys spending time with his family, consisting of his wife of 48 years, their 3 grown sons, and 5 grandchildren. He enjoys boating and jetskiing on Cedar Creek Lake and spending time with the grandkids.