So how I got into dentistry, the funny part of the story is when I was a little kid, I used to love watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Hermie wanted to be a dentist. And that was the first time I decided I wanted to be a dentist too. I had a brother-in-law who was a dentist and we had talked and so I decided to go to dental school because of that.
Once I got to dental school, however, I started learning more about orthodontics and that was where my passion lied. So my education background, I did my undergraduate at Brigham Young University in biochemistry and then I went to the University of Louisville in Kentucky and did dental school and actually remained there for two more years and did my residency program at the University of Louisville Orthodontic Residency. I think continuing education is extremely important.
It seems like technology changes all the time and new things are coming out, new ways to treat that are a little bit better but also more comfortable for the patient. So for me, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest technology. I like to bring my team to learn more about orthodontics as well to help make sure that they’re trained and know what they’re doing as well.
So we do a lot of continuing education. Two or three times a year, we’re going to courses and then of course, just keeping up on the journals and the articles and stuff that we can research at home as well. I think for me, the most rewarding part of orthodontics is seeing the transformation of not just their smile but of their confidence level and their character.
I’ll give you an example. I had a man come in one time who told me he had been passed up for promotion time and time again and he felt like it was because of his smile and he did have some really crooked teeth and a bad bite. So we did orthodontics on him and the very next year he got the promotion and he actually came back to me and told me all this and wanted to start a scholarship fund for kids who didn’t have the opportunity to have braces, wanted to start a scholarship fund to help kids out with similar situations.
So seeing that transformation, not of just the smile but of the confidence level and how that changes their lives, to me that’s the most rewarding and important aspect of orthodontics.
Dr. Russ Ford Loves Improving Patients’ Smiles
Dr. Russ Ford first thought of becoming a dentist while watching Hermey the Elf on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. As he got older, his brother-in-law, a practicing dentist, encouraged him to pursue his dreams of dentistry.
Dr. Ford earned a bachelor’s of science degree from Brigham Young University. He then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. During his second year of dental school, he had the opportunity to observe orthodontic offices. He loved the atmosphere and how the orthodontists were changing the lives and smiles of children. That’s when he knew he would specialize in that field.
In 2001, he completed his DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. He also earned his Master’s of Dental Biology and completed an orthodontic residency in 2003 at ULSD.
Dr. Ford loves seeing the impact his orthodontic care has on his patients’ lives. Not only does it improve smiles, but patients gain more confidence and self-esteem. They love the friendly environment and their overall experience at his practice.
Dr. Ford has achieved numerous accomplishments throughout his career:
- Board Member, Colorado Orthodontic Association, 2011-2017
- President, Colorado Orthodontic Association, 2017-2018
- Board Member, First Tee-Southern Colorado, 2018-2022
- Vice Chairman, First Tee-Southern Colorado, 2022-2023
- Platinum Provider, Invisalign
- Colorado Springs Style Magazine Top Dentist
- 5280 Magazine Top Dentist
- Seventeen Magazine: The Best Orthodontists in Colorado
Away from his practice, Dr. Ford enjoys playing golf, flying airplanes, hiking, camping, and spending time with his amazing wife and two sons.
M. M.
I am so glad I found Dr. Ford when we moved to Colorado Springs so many years ago. He is so kind and gentle with my kids and his knowledge and experience creates the most beautiful smiles. He knew exactly what my daughters needed to help with their bites and alignment. All of my children receive compliments on their smiles daily. I love the confidence it gives them because they know they have beautiful smiles. I give all the credit to Dr. Ford.
S. M.
Great experience with Dr. Ford and his staff! We were treated like family every time we were in the office. Our son had a difficult case and the coordination between Dr. Ford, his general dentist, and oral surgeon was completely seamless. We couldn’t recommend Dr. Ford more highly!
C. R.
Dr Russ Ford and his team have perfected six smiles through traditional braces and Invisalign in our household! His professionalism, expertise and demeanor differentiate him from any other provider we have worked with. He is truly the BEST of the BEST.
K. P.
Dr. Ford is a phenomenal orthodontist. He is extremely knowledgeable and cares about his patients immensely to provide the best transformative results. I highly recommend him for your family and friends. A true gem of our community!
T. C.
We’ve been patients of Dr. Russ Ford for 15 years. His attention to detail and quest for creating a beautiful smile is why our family has treated with him. He knows how to tackle difficult oral problems by finding long lasting solutions that will ensure a healthy outcome and beautiful results. Dr. Ford stays on schedule and respects your personal time by making your appointment quick and efficient. Dr. Ford is friendly and personable. He knows how to ease a nervous child’s apprehension about getting braces on and makes the entire process enjoyable. He is the best orthodontist and I highly recommend him!