Dr. Clayton L Ricks, DDS

A Virginia native, Dr Ricks love for Tampa’s weather, lifestyle and beaches led to establishing permanent roots in Bucanneer territory.  In 4th grade after visiting his local dentist the seed was planted for future aspirations of following suit in the dental profession.  An avid soccer player and multiple sport athlete combined with a perpetual thirst for learning synergistically presented opportunities of higher learning.  After attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, Dr. Ricks further discovered his devotion to serve his country and embarked upon a journey of military service. He proceeded to enroll as a cadet at The Virginia Military Institute in Lexington VA.  Upon graduating the 4 year Scholar Athlete, Letterman and Lacrosse team Captain was commissioned in the United States Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant.  This journey eventually led to the opportunity of embracing his childhood dream of becoming a dentist.   Upon gaining acceptance at the …University of Florida College of Dentistry in 1998 he successfully competed for an Air Force Health Professions Scholarship.  Upon graduating in 2002, he further competed for a competitive Post-doctoral  residency in Comprehensive Dentistry at Wright Patterson Medical Center in Dayton OH where he excelled in areas of Oral Surgery, Cosmetic Dentistry, Endodontics, Periodontics and Prosthodontics.  Dr Ricks’ passion for learning further led to his completion of an Advanced Clinical Preceptorship Certificate program in 2007 at Macdill AFB Medical Group.  His clinical performance further led to his selection as Air Mobility Command Clinical Dentist of the Year 2007.
Clayton L. Ricks, DMD
11210 S. Mobley Road
Tamp FL 33626
EDUCATION:
1990 John F. Kennedy High School, Advanced Studies Diploma, Suffolk VA
1994 The Virginia Military Institute, Bachelors of Science Biology, Lexington VA
1996 Troy State University, Masters of Public Administration Health Services Administration Concentration, Troy AL
2002 University of Florida College of Dentistry, Doctor of Dental Medicine Gainesville FL
2003 Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency, Wright Patterson Medical Center, Dayton OH
2007 United States Air Force Dental Corps Advance Clinical Dentistry Preceptorship Certificate, Macdill Medical Group Tampa FL
CERTIFICATES:
2003 IV/Conscious Sedation Certificate Wright Patterson Medical Center Dayton OH
2003 Nitrous Oxide Analgesia Certificate Wright Patterson Medical Center Dayton OH
AFFILIATION/CLINICAL HISTORY:
July 1990-July 1994 Cadet/Student The Virginia Military Institute
July 1994-July 1996 Asst. Chief, Personnel 53d Wing, Eglin AFB, FL
July 1996-July 1997 Officer In Charge, Ceremonial Guard and Protocol Flight,  11th Operations Group, Bolling AFB, DC
July 1997-July 1998 Commander, Customer Service Flight, 11th Support Group, The Pentagon
Aug 1998-May 2002 Health Professions Scholarship Student in Dentistry, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL
July 2002-July 2003, Resident, Advanced Education in General Dentistry I, Wright Patterson Medical Center Dayton, OH.
July 2003-December 2004 Staff General Dentist/Sedation Program manager 39th MDOS Incirlik, AB Turkey
December 2004-May 2009 Staff General Dentist/ Dental Lab Flight Commander, Orthodontic/Orthognathic Program Coordinator 6th Dental Clinic, Tampa FL
AWARDS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Clinical Dentist of the Year, United States Air Force, Air Mobility Command 2007
Company Grade Officer of the Year 2007, 6th Dental Clinic
Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Air Force Meritorious Service Medal
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
PROFESSIONAL/COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS:
American Dental Association
Florida Dental Association
Florida West Coast Dental Association
National Eagle Scout Association
INTERESTS:
People, Nutrition, Soccer, Jazz, Fitness, Fishing, Rollerblading
Our Mission at Highland Park Dental
“Provide the Finest  Dental Care and forging lasting relationships in a relaxed comfortable setting."