North Dallas Pediatric Dentist

Get to Know Dr. Erik Harrington

My favorite thing about being a pediatric dentist is that I don’t just consider whether a child has a cavity or not. I have to consider their age, disposition, preferences in treatments, and most importantly, both the parents’ and child’s goals. No two patients or parents are alike, and that means that no two plans of care should be the same. The best part of my job is figuring this out, and it’s something I have loved doing for the past 25+ years!

Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?

I remember looking into the eyes of a medically compromised, scared, non-verbal patient when I was helping graduate residents as a second-year dental student on rotation. Even though she could not say anything, I could see how scared she was, so the dental assistant and I supported her with caring words and by rubbing her hands and feet to comfort her. It was a rewarding feeling to see her calm down and trust the team and her environment. That’s the moment I knew that I wanted to become a pediatric dentist.

Where Did You Study Dentistry?

I attended UT Austin for my undergraduate studies and Texas A&M Health Science Center for both dental school and my residency. I completed my fellowship at the Children’s Medical Center and Scottish Rite Hospital and have my DDS, PhD, and MBA.

I am the CEO and Founder of Oral Health Industries, as well as a pediatric dental surgeon and consultant with The Dental Ranch, which provides the general public with acute pediatric dental care anywhere where it’s needed. I also remain on-staff with Texas Dentistry/Texas Dentistry for Kids, which is a clinic that diagnoses and treats oral health pathology.

I have been recognized in Best in D Magazine, included in Child Magazine’s List of Best Pediatric Dentists in Dallas, and by the Texas Oral Health Coalition as an Oral Health Champion.

I am a member of the Credentialing Committee for Children’s Health, as well as a member of Children’s Health Our Children’s House and a Medical Executive Committee member. I hold professional memberships in the following organizations:

  • American Dental Association
  • Texas Dental Association
  • American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
  • Texas Association of Pediatric Dentistry
  • Academy of General Dentistry
  • Academy of Laser Dentistry
  • Dallas County Dental Society
  • Greater Dallas Pediatric Dentistry
  • Conscious Capitalism
  • Texas Oral Health Coalition

In addition to my commitment to continuing education and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in pediatric dentistry, I also have several publications.

Outside of the Dental Office, What Do You Like to Do?

My hometown is Dallas, where I live with my wife and two sons. An interesting fact about me is that I am a quarter Japanese.

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