Austin TX New Dentist of the Year 2011 - 2012

Hello blogosphere,

This is my second blog. My first blog is lifefax, which covers the facts of life. This blog is austintxdentist, about the views of one Austin, TX dentist. Here is a really really brief history covering my professional career as a dentist. My name is Dr. Russell McFarlane. My father is Dr. John McFarlane, (he is a semi-retired Ear, Nose and Throat physician). I graduated from UT with a BA in Biology. Patients often ask, "Don't you need a BS (bachelor of science)?" I always tell them that you still need all the prerequisites to get into dental school. For me the only difference between getting a BS in Biology versus a BA in Biology, was the choice between taking Calculus 2, or taking Spanish 4. I chose espanol, y todo siguiendo es historia. I graduated a semester early from UT, in December 2003. So during the spring of 2004, while I awaited starting dental school, I took 1 more class that Houston UTDB required biochemistry, and worked part-time at my father's ENT clinic. Upon entering dental school, I took the lead as the class president for our first year from 2004-2005. I passed the reigns off to Melissa Lent, and never looked back. I considered specializing while I was in dental school. I took a special interest in oral surgery, pediatrics, and orthodontics. I decided that since I really enjoy doing all those different things that I would choose to be a general dentist. This choice was perfect for me since it allowed me to do all kinds of different procedures, I can continually explore and never get bored. This week our office has done root canals, extractions, invisalign, fillings, implant procedures, crowns, esthetics, and even a denture. We really have a good time keeping all our skills fresh. This past year (2012) I received 2 awards the Capital Area Dental Society New Dentist of the Year, and the James R Fricke Jr Mentoring Award. I was recognized this past weekend as a nominee for the TAGD New Dentist of the Year. This brings us up to date.