Meet Expert Dickson and Belle Meade, TN Dentist
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 Expert
Dr. Gatgens is very involved with Smile Source Private Practice Network, a dental group that helps independent dentists ensure their viability with the ever-changing corporate dental groups.
Smile Source dentists are committed to educating and delivering the highest quality dental care. He helps mentor other dentists so they can reach their potential and have practices that are helping many patients achieve their oral health goals.
As an Advisory Board member for Smile Source, Dr. Gatgens helps make decisions to shape the future of independent owned dentist offices to make sure patients are cared for with the highest quality standards in the dental industry.
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 the 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.
In 2019, Dr. Gatgens completed a year-long 300 hour AAID Maxicourse to learn advanced surgical techniques for placing implants and grafting. The course Director, Dr. Bernee Dunson is recognized across the United States as a top implantologist and surgical dentist. IV Sedation training was completed in April 2021, to offer the best process for the advanced surgical techniques for the ultimate patient comfort. In May 2023, Dr. Gatgens and his assistants completed a week-long digital workflow training on implants and full arch rehabilitation. This techniques uses digital intraoral scanning, photogammetry, and 3-D printing to deliver a custom smile design for esthetics and function. The training allows for our practice to deliver precise and predictable teeth the same day as implants are placed. He’s also undergone extra training for CEREC same-day restorations to offer the Dickson area only the best care.
Professional Memberships
- AAID Academy of Implant Dentistry
- Academy of General Dentistry
- Academy of Laser Dentistry
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation
- Nashville Dental Society
- Tennessee Academy of General Dentistry
- Tennessee Dental Association
Giving Back
Helping others through charity organizations and volunteering is an important value for both Dr. Gatgens and Accent Smile Center. In February of 2023, Dr. Gatgens went on a medical mission trip to serve underprivileged people in Jamaica.
In October 2014, he 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's an amazing thing to get to experience other cultures and truly see how appreciative people are for the very little they have. It's a very humbling experience, and I feel blessed to use my talents to give back.”
While in Jamaica his dental team was able to serve hundreds of need based patients helping them with their dental health and mostly performing extraction to relieve pain and infections.
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 3 children, Chesleigh, Charlie, and Mackay.
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 is an avid Tennessee sports fan. You can usually find him watching — if not attending — games for the Tennessee Vols, Nashville Predators, and the Tennessee Titans.