Why did you decide to become a pediatric dentist?
Dr. Russell has always enjoyed working with children. He knows that most adults who are afraid of the dentist’s office develop that fear early on in life, and being able to reshape those experiences for young patients and make them enjoyable instead is his favorite part of this job. Plus, his brother Dr. Michael is an orthodontist, so their specialties are an excellent match!
Where did you study dentistry?
Dr. Russell’s undergraduate studies took place at the University of California in Santa Barbara, where he achieved his Bachelors of Science in Biopsychology. He then moved to Los Angeles and attended the prestigious University of Southern California School of Dentistry for his Doctor of Dental Surgery. Finally, he completed his specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry at Tufts University in Boston. During this experience, Dr. Russell received extensive training in pharmacologic sedation, hospital dentistry, child psychology/behavior management, and interceptive orthodontics. He became officially Board-Certified in 2014.
What do you like to do outside of the office?
When he isn’t busy at OPD Smiles, Dr. Russell spends his free time crossfitting, eating, golfing, and traveling with his wife Annie. He also recently got a new goldendoodle named Curry who you may see around the office.