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Meet Our Doctors – Dr. Bill Childress

Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga [Formerly East Brainerd Oral Surgery]

Restoring
Confidence & Smiles

Dr. Bill Childress’ daily routine begins with a workout and a Christian devotional. “Then once I get to work, I review the day’s surgeries and meet with the team to go over each case,” he shares. Consultations and surgeries take up the remainder of his day. No matter the size or scope of the surgery he’s performing, Dr. Childress tries to see things from his patient’s perspective. “I do surgery all day long, and it’s easy to take the small procedures for granted,” he explains. “But for each patient, that surgery is a big surgery – and that’s exactly how I treat it.” Putting patients at ease is important to Dr. Childress, starting with the initial consultation. He says, “I always look my patients in the eye, introduce myself, and ask how I can help. And then I listen.”

It means a lot when a patient says that they were really dreading a procedure, but we made it pleasant.”

My Credentials

Dental Degree:

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center – Memphis, TN

Medical Degree:

University of Texas Health Science Center – San Antonio, TX

Certifications:

Board-Certified, American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

My Specialties

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

1. What do you love most about your profession?

I get to relieve pain and suffering – and see immediate results most of the time. By collaborating with general dentists, I’m able to help restore a patient’s confidence and smile.

2. What is one of your happiest professional moments?

Retiring from the U.S. Air Force after 21 years, as well as starting a private practice in 2010 that is still going strong after 11 years and a tornado.

3. What do you see as the most exciting new development for your profession?

Digital X-rays and scanners replacing film and impression materials. Rather than having a big gloopy tray of play-doh in a patient’s mouth, we can now scan with a handheld device and produce a model for restoring teeth.

4. What would you consider to be your main strengths?

I’m grateful to God for my talents and gifts, and I offer prayer with each of my patients. I sincerely think prayer before surgery helps with a positive outcome and recovery.

5. Why did you choose to become an oral surgeon?

I spent a lot of time with two of my uncles growing up, both of whom practiced dentistry into their 80s. While I always admired their work ethic, I’ll probably retire before that!

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