Meet Dr. Forth

The state of Oklahoma requires dentists to attend 20 hours of continuing dental education a year. Dr. Michael Forth meets that requirement on the average some time around the end of February each year, and he goes on to spend over 100 hours a year in courses. But those who know Dr. Forth aren't surprised to learn this. His pursuit of perfection and professionalism is intense, and he has surrounded himself with people who share that passion.

Dr. Forth obtained a Bachelor's Degree from Central State University here in Edmond. He then received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia. After graduating, he completed a general practice residency at Fort Leonardwood General Army Hospital in Fort Leonardwood, Missouri. Since then, he has continued to pursue advanced training in several areas. He is a graduate of the LD Pankey Institute in Florida, where he received training in complex oral reconstruction. He is also the only dentist in Oklahoma to earn accreditation in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

His AACD accreditation may be his most demanding accomplishment. The cosmetic dentistry accreditation examination is stringent, requiring not only a written examination, but an examination of photographs of his work under 100x magnification by a panel of accreditation examiners, and an oral defense of his clinical techniques. Many "good" cosmetic dentists are so intimidated by the examination that they never attempt it. Of those who attempt it, a fairly high percentage fail the examination.

Dr. Forth also believes in professional involvement and giving back. He is a member of the following professional associations:

• American Dental Association
• Oklahoma Dental Association
• Oklahoma County Dental Association
• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
• American Society of Aesthetic Dentistry
• Academy of General Dentistry
• Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation
• John H. Kolmer Honorary Medical Society
• Stomatognathic Honor Society for Excellence in Restorative Dentistry
• Oral Surgery Honor Society
• Periodontal Honor Society

He also contributes his services by providing cosmetic dental care to victims of domestic violence through the "Give Back a Smile" program of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Another passion of his is making his patients comfortable. For him to do his best work, he wants his patients to be comfortable. He accomplishes this by listening carefully to you and by understanding any anxieties you may have. He provides spa amenities in the office to help create a relaxing environment. He is skilled in anxiety management techniques. And, if necessary, he will use oral conscious sedation to insure that you are comfortable.

Because of this, if a patient is uncomfortable during treatment, it is difficult for him to concentrate on his work. So he will go to whatever lengths he needs in order to help

What does this mean for you, the patient? It means that you can trust Dr. Forth on every level to know how to treat your problem, to have the skill necessary to bring about the results you want, and to care.