Meet Dr. Ford Gatgens

Education

Dr. Ford Gatgens graduated from the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry in 2006 and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at the University of Tennessee, which focused on comprehensive dentistry and implant placement and restoration.

Smile Source Experts

Dr. Gatgens is very involved with Smile Source, a dental group that helps independent dentists to ensure their viability with the ever-changing corporate dental groups. Smile Source dentists are committed to educating and delivering the highest quality dental care to their patients. He helps mentor other dentists so they can reach their potential and have practices that are helping many patients achieve their oral health goals.

Expertise

Before opening Accent Smile Center in December 2009, he practiced dentistry in East Tennessee and the Green Hills area in Nashville, TN. Continuous learning is a lifelong passion for Dr. Gatgens and he and his team regularly attend continuing education courses to ensure they have the knowledge and training to offer to best quality dentistry for their patients.

In 2014 Dr. Gatgens completed a fellowship with the WCLI World Class Laser Institute where he took an additional 50 hours of CE in laser dentistry, completed a written and verbal test, and presented two cases displaying clinical competency.

He uses his knowledge of lasers to help his patients receive the best outcomes possible in all areas of dentistry. In addition, he enjoys lecturing students at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry regarding lasers and their use in the dental field.

Giving Back

Helping others through charity organizations and volunteering is an important value both Dr. Gatgens and his wife Erin believe. In October 2014 they went on a medical mission trip to the countries of Kenya and Tanzania in Africa where they helped others receive medical and dental care while also spreading God’s love to the tribal people.

“It is an amazing thing to get to experience other cultures and truly see how appreciative people are for the very little they have. It is a very humbling experience and I feel blessed to use my talents to give back.” See photos from their trip.

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Outside the Office

When Dr. Gatgens isn’t making you smile, he loves outdoor activities like water and snow skiing, biking, running, swimming, hiking and camping, and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Traveling to continuing education meetings takes the majority of his vacation time but he also enjoys time to see different places around the country and world.

Dr. Gatgens and his family are also avid Tennessee sports fans. You can usually find them watching, if not attending, games for the Tennessee Vols, Nashville Predators, and the Tennessee Titans.

Professional Memberships

  • The American Academy for Oral Systemic Health
  • American Dental Association
  • Academy of General Dentistry
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Christian Medical & Dental Society
  • Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation
  • Nashville Dental Society
  • Tennessee Academy of General Dentistry
  • Tennessee Dental Association
  • Academy of Laser Dentistry