Although none of my family members are involved in dentistry, I became interested in the profession at an early age, 13. My own family dentist gave me a good impression of the career as he was always pleasant, happy, and seemed to enjoy his work. Being interested in the life sciences and biology as a child, and one who liked to ‘build things’ and was always using my father’s tools, dentistry became very appealing. I entered college with the agenda of continuing onto dental school. In 1980, after 3 yrs. of undergraduate studies in a pre-dental curriculum at Anderson College, Anderson, Indiana, I was accepted at IUSD as an out of state student.
During 4 yrs of dental school, thought was given to specializing in different aspects of dentistry, oral surgery or orthodontics being the most likely. By the end of dental school, I realized there were too many facets of dentistry I found enjoyable and rewarding to eliminate by specializing in just one field. Considerable time and effort has been given to continuing education that has provided a fulfilling career. Being limited to just straightening teeth, just restoring teeth with crowns and bridges, or just doing implants, (although enjoyable and rewarding in itself) would be frustrating as a clinician and practitioner when dentistry has so many aspects to offer those wanting to restore and/or beautify their smile.
My first experience in “private practice” took place at a small school/orphanage in an impoverished village on the island of Haiti. While waiting for the required state board exam results I accompanied a church group to Haiti and provided much needed dental care to an otherwise neglected community. I was able to return to the village the following year with three additional dental school classmates and provided more care for the people. Since living in Greenwood, Indiana, I’ve been a part of several similar medical - dental outreaches to El Salvador, Central America, Haiti, and Africa. This has always been a rewarding and eye opening experience. Their intent is to help improve the quality of life for the poor and suffering there, but more importantly they are a witness to the love of Christ and to assist in evangelical outreaches of the established churches and missionaries there.
Professional Practice Timeline
1984-87: Associated in a family practice with emphasis on orthodontics and craniofacial pain (TMJ) in Clinton, Indiana. During this time I was also able to further my education by studying implant dentistry at the Midwest Implant Institute in Columbus, Ohio.
1987: relocated to Indianapolis and assumed continuation of the practice of Dr. Jordan Scull upon his retirement.
1989, awarded the Fellow of Midwest Implant Institute. I have since assisted in teaching other clinicians implant dentistry, lectured and presented at meetings and chaired this annual symposium in 1998.
1990, awarded Fellow, Academy of General Dentistry.
This is achieved by accumulating a considerable amount of continuing education credits beyond the required, passage of a day long, all inclusive written exam. I currently serve on a national committee that prepares, reviews, and helps in writing this exam.
1995, awarded Master, Academy of General Dentistry.
Achieved by lengthy and in depth study of all aspects of dental care. Currently serving as director for the state wide Mastership Continuing education program that meets twice a year to study all the different aspects and disciplines of dentistry.
1995, awarded Fellow, American Academy of Implant Dentistry
An international academy promoting the excellence in Implant Dentistry services. Fellowship status requires written and oral examination only after achieving a certain level of experience in the field.
“My career in dentistry has been the culmination of a desire since early childhood.. It is the perfect blend of art, science and surgery that fits my aptitudes, thirst for knowledge, and desire to be a fine surgeon/ operator and ‘artisan.’”
- Ted Reese
Academics
Anderson College, Anderson, IN 1977-80
Phi Eta Sigma Freshman Honor Society
Sigma Zeta Science Honor Society, Vice President
Delta Kappa Alpha Dativus, Men’s Social Fraternity, Vice President & President
Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, IN 1980-84
Honors graduate, Class of 1984
Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Society
1983 Recipient of Michael T. Wilson Scholarship
Elected to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges, 1983
Dental Professional Involvement
Full time private practice in general and implant dentistry, Indianapolis
Member: Academy of General Dentistry since 1985
Indiana AGD, CE co-chairman since 1990, directing the Hoosier Concept 90’s Mastership program at IUSD
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
American Dental Society of Anesthesiology
Christian Medical Dental Association
American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Central Indiana Dental Implant Society, Past President
American Dental Association & Indiana component
Indianapolis District Dental Society, past newsletter editor
Fellows, Midwest Implant Institute, past treasurer
American Association of Functional Orthodontics
Hospital Staff: St. Francis Hospital, Indianapolis, IN
Professional Accolades
Fellow, Midwest Implant Institute, 1990
Fellowship, Academy of General Dentistry, 1990
Fellow, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 1994
Mastership, Academy of General Dentistry, 1995