Fenton to Lead Department of Pediatric Dentistry
at the UT Dental Branch
HOUSTON – (Oct. 31, 2008) – Sanford J. “Sandy” Fenton, D.D.S., has a vision for the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston that includes initiating an infant oral health program and expanding community outreach.
Sanford J. “Sandy” Fenton,
D.D.S.
As the new chair of the department, Fenton wants to build on its strong foundation with ample resources and collaborative opportunities at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the Texas Medical Center.
“Dr. Fenton is a nationally known expert in pediatric dentistry and understands the unique challenges of caring for our youngest patients, who depend on their families for access to dental care,” said Catherine M. Flaitz, D.D.S., dean and the William N. Finnegan III Professor in the Dental Sciences at the UT Dental Branch. “I’m confident he will continue to advance real-life solutions for families who want the best for their children. He has a history of working closely with special-needs children in particular, and we’re excited about continuing that work and building on it.”
Fenton’s strategic plan also includes a “dental home,” a place where a family can go for all of their dental health needs: preventive care, comprehensive dental services and early dental health education. The goal is continuity of care, rapport between parents and health care providers and educating parents and patients about prevention. “The ‘dental home’ is a concept that goes beyond pediatric dental care. It seeks to address the whole child. We encourage parents to bring their child to their primary care physician for regular checkups and vaccinations. If help is needed locating a family doctor, we point them in the right direction,” Fenton said.
Fenton received his dental degree from New York University College of Dentistry and earned a certificate and master’s degree in pediatric dentistry from the University of Pittsburgh. Fenton was most recently a tenured professor and chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Dentistry. He also serves as Global Clinical Advisor for Special Olympics International’s Healthy Athletes Special Smiles Program.