RICHARD M. POTTER, DDS
Partner Dentist
Helotes,TX
Summary
Professional dental practitioner with strong background in patient care, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Adept at performing wide range of dental procedures, including restorative, preventive, and cosmetic treatments. Known for collaboration within multidisciplinary teams and adapting to changing needs to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and results-driven approach. Strong advocate for organized dentistry with the goal of protecting patient safety and protecting the profession of dentistry.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Partner Dentist
Heritage Dental Center
San Antonio, TX
02.2015 - Current
- Improved patient oral health by performing comprehensive dental examinations, diagnoses, and treatments.
- Developed long-lasting relationships with patients by providing compassionate care and addressing concerns promptly.
- Collaborated with multiple specialists when necessary for optimal patient outcomes.
- Increased patient retention rates by building trust through transparent communication regarding treatment options, risks, benefits, costs involved during consultations.
- Continuously updated knowledge in the field of dentistry through participation in professional development courses and conferences.
- Participated actively within community events promoting oral health awareness and offering dental screenings, highlighting the importance of preventive care measures.
- Managed busy appointment schedules while accommodating emergency cases as needed.
- Contributed towards practice growth through high-quality services, leading to increased patient referrals and positive reviews.
- Mentored junior dentists by sharing knowledge about best practices in dentistry and discussing complex cases together for better decision making.
- Actively contributed to the dental community through memberships in professional organizations and presenting at conferences.
- Supported practice growth by participating in networking events, building relationships with local schools and businesses.
- Mentored dental students during their clinical rotations, sharing expertise in various aspects of dentistry.
Associate Dentist
Blanco Family Dentistry
San Antonio, Texas
10.2014 - 02.2015
- Built strong relationships with patients, fostering trust and open communication regarding their dental concerns.
- Developed customized treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs, promoting overall oral health and wellbeing.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing comprehensive dental care and personalized treatment plans.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current on industry advancements and improve clinical skills.
Associate Dentist
Detailed Dental
10.2009 - 10.2014
- Built strong relationships with patients, fostering trust and open communication regarding their dental concerns.
- Developed customized treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs, promoting overall oral health and wellbeing.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing comprehensive dental care and personalized treatment plans.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current on industry advancements and improve clinical skills.
Associate Dentist
Heritage Dental Center
10.2005 - 10.2009
- Performed routine dental checkups, identifying and treating oral health issues promptly to prevent further complications.
- Built strong relationships with patients, fostering trust and open communication regarding their dental concerns.
- Consistently received positive feedback from patients for professionalism, empathy, and attention to detail throughout treatment process.
- Ensured accurate record-keeping by diligently updating patient files with relevant medical history, treatments, and progress notes.
- Created individualized dental care plans for patients.
- Provided mentorship to dental assistants and hygienists, fostering professional growth within the practice team.
- Served diverse populations with culturally sensitive care approaches, meeting the unique needs of each patient base served at the practice location.
- Assisted in expanding practice services through the integration of advanced dental techniques and technologies.
- Provided emergency dental care, addressing urgent issues in a timely and professional manner.
- Collaborated with fellow dentists to develop best practices for complex dental procedures, ensuring optimal outcomes.
Sole Proprietor-Owner
Lighthouse Dental
San Antonio, TX
10.1998 - 10.2005
- Educated patients and families about dental issues and proper oral care to prevent dental decay and disease.
- Communicated one-on-one with patients during consultative appointments to explain treatment plan and educate on upcoming procedures.
- Provided preventive care with regular checkups, educating patients on proper oral hygiene habits.
- Built long-lasting relationships with patients by consistently providing high-quality care tailored to individual needs.
- Implemented infection control protocols to maintain a safe and sanitary environment for both staff and patients.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current on industry trends and advancements in dentistry techniques.
- Actively contributed to the dental community through memberships in professional organizations and presenting at conferences.
- Supported practice growth by participating in networking events, building relationships with local schools and businesses.
- Mentored dental students during their clinical rotations, sharing expertise in various aspects of dentistry.
- Evaluated performance of all clinical staff to deliver constructive feedback and acknowledge strengths resulting in better working relationships and performance improvements.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with patients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
- Successfully navigated challenging economic conditions by making informed decisions that protected the business''s financial stability.
Associate Dentist
Deming Dental Services
San Antonio, Texas
01.1997 - 09.1997
- Performed routine dental checkups, identifying and treating oral health issues promptly to prevent further complications.
- Built strong relationships with patients, fostering trust and open communication regarding their dental concerns.
- Consistently received positive feedback from patients for professionalism, empathy, and attention to detail throughout treatment process.
- Reduced patient wait times by implementing effective time management strategies within the dental office.
- Ensured accurate record-keeping by diligently updating patient files with relevant medical history, treatments, and progress notes.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current on industry advancements and improve clinical skills.
- Maintained a safe and hygienic work environment by adhering to industry standards and protocols, creating a comfortable atmosphere for patients.
- Served diverse populations with culturally sensitive care approaches, meeting the unique needs of each patient base served at the practice location.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing comprehensive dental care and personalized treatment plans.
- Increased clinic efficiency by streamlining appointment scheduling and patient followups.
- Provided emergency dental care, addressing urgent issues in a timely and professional manner.
- Collaborated with fellow dentists to develop best practices for complex dental procedures, ensuring optimal outcomes.
- Extracted teeth, performed root canals, and filled cavities with dedication to pain management.
- Interpreted X-rays to make accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions.
- Restored teeth by fabricating crowns, bridges and other restorations.
- Performed root canal therapy to save teeth from extraction.
- Improved patients' oral health by educating on better brushing and flossing habits.
Education
Doctorate of Dental Surgery - Dentistry
University of Texas Health Science Center
San Antonio 08.1992 - 05.1996
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
University of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX 08.1988 - 05.1992
Skills
Comprehensive diagnosis
Clear and concise case presentation
Proficient in restorative techniques
Proficient in endodontic treatment
Oral surgery
Dental implant placement
Dental anxiety management
Clinical staff management
Honors and Awards
1995 1stPlace Caulk/Dentsply Southwestern Dental Meeting Table Clinic Competition San Antonio, TX
1991 Ralph D. Steiner, M.D. University of Texas at Austin Scholarship Austin, TX
1989 Dean’s List University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX
2023 and 2025 Texas AGD Texas Dentist of Year Nominee
Research Grants
1995 NIH/NIDR Summer University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School Research Fellowship
1994 NIH/NIDR Summer University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School Research Fellowship
1993 Health Promotion & Disease Prevention of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School
Research
Abstracts:
Potter, R. M., A. C. Trevino, E. Hildebrant, M.J. Novak. Lys-Gingipain is Partially Involved in Neutrophil Activation by Porphyromonas Gingivalis. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. AADR General Session and Exposition, San Francisco, California, March 13-17, 1996.
Trevino, A. C., Potter, R. M., E. Hildebrant, M.J. Novak. Arg-Gingipain Predominates in Membrane Vesicle of Porphyrmonas Gingivalis. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. AADR General Session and Exposition, San Francisco, California, March 13-17, 1996.
Potter, R. M., J. L. Ebersole, S.C. Holt, M. J. Novak. NIDDM in Hispanics: Increased Frequency and Severity. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. AADR General Session and Exposition, San Antonio, Texas, March 8-12, 1995.
Publications
Novak, M. J., Potter, R. M., Hansard, R., Ebersole, J. L., Holt, S. C. Periodontitis in Hispanics with Non-Insulin Diabetes Mellitus: Clinical and Laboratory Findings. J Periodontol. 1995.
Professional & Community Service
Membership, Leadership & Service in Professional Societies:
2025 - 2028 Texas Dental Association – Council on Governance
2025 – 2028 Texas Dental Association - Committee on Caucuses, Rules & Order
2025 - 2027 San Antonio District Dental Society – TDA Delegate
2024 – 2028 National Commission for Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards (NCRDSCB)
2024 – 2025 NCRDSCB Chair of Ad Hoc Committee on New Commissioner Credentialing and Selection Workgroup
2024 – 2025 TMOM, Inc Board of Directors – Secretary
2023 – Present San Antonio District Dental Society Foundation Board of Directors
2023 – Present Fellow, Pierre Fauchard Academy
2023 – 2026 San Antonio District Dental Society – 2026 TMOM Planning Committee
2023 – 2025 American Dental Association – Direct to Dentists (SW) Workgroup
2023 – 2024 Texas Dental Association – SW Division Vice President
2022 – 2023 Texas Dental Association – SW Division Senior Director
2021 – 2022 Texas Dental Association – SW Division Director
2021 – 2023 Texas Dental Association – Budget, Assets, & Finance Committee
2022 – 2023 Texas Dental Association – Board Liaison Council on Professions and Trends
2021 – 2024 Texas Dental Association – Board Liaison Council on Governance
2021 – 2023 Texas Dental Association – TDA Meeting Task Force
2020 – 2025 American Dental Association 15th District Delegate
2018 – 2021 Texas Dental Association – Council on Governance
2018 – 2021 Texas Dental Association - Committee on Caucuses, Rules & Order
2021 – 2022 San Antonio District Dental Society - President
2020 – 2021 San Antonio District Dental Society - President-Elect
2019 – 2020 San Antonio District Dental Society - Vice President
2018 – 2019 San Antonio District Dental Society – Secretary/Treasurer
2019 – 2021 San Antonio District Dental Society – 2021 TMOM Planning Committee Dental Chairman
2019 – Present Academy of General Dentistry
2019 – Present Fellow, American College of Dentists
2018 – Present Fellow, International College of Dentists
2018 – 2021. San Antonio District Dental Society – TDA Delegate
2016 – 2017 San Antonio District Dental Society – TDA Alt. Delegate
2015 – 2018 San Antonio District Dental Society-Membership Chairman
2008 – 2010 Academy of Osseointegration
2007 – 2009 San Antonio District Dental Society – TDA Delegate
2005 – 2007 San Antonio District Dental Society – Membership Chairman
2002 – 2005 San Antonio Dental District Society Board Member
1998 – Present San Antonio Dental District Society
1998 – Present Texas Dental Association
1997 – Present American Dental Association
1992 – 1996 American Student Dental Association
Student Organizations:
1993 – 1996 International Association for Dental Research
1992 – 1996 American Student Dental Association
1995-1996 Miles for Smiles Advisory Committee
1994-1995 Miles for Smiles Steering Committee Co-Chairman
1994-1995 Xi Psi Phi Social Co-Chairman
1994-1995 UTHSCSA Recreational Facilities Committee Member
1994-1995 UTHSCSA Clinical Case Conference Committee Member
1992-1996 UTHSCSA Dental Olympic Committee Member
1992-1997 Christian Medical and Dental Society
1992-1996 Class of 1996 Social Chairman
1992-1996 Xi Psi Phi Fraternity Member
1992 – present Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Member
1992 Pi Kappa Phi Social Chairman
1992 Pi Kappa Phi Secretary
Volunteerism:
Texas Mission of Mercy Amarillo 2024
Texas Mission of Mercy El Paso 2024
Texas Mission of Mercy Edinburg 2023
Texas Mission of Mercy Luling 2022
Texas Mission of Mercy San Antonio 2021
Texas Mission of Mercy Killeen 2020
Texas Mission of Mercy Kerrville 2019
Texas Mission of Mercy Houston 2019
Texas Mission of Mercy Dallas 2018
Texas Mission of Mercy Corpus Christi 2018
Texas Mission of Mercy Austin 2018
Texas Mission of Mercy Kerrville 2017
Texas Mission of Mercy Houston 2016
Texas Mission of Mercy San Antonio 2012
Texas Mission of Mercy Victoria 2012
ADA Mission of Mercy San Antonio 2014
SADDS Smiles for Hope 2016, 2018, 2022
Dentistry from the Heart 2017, 2018, 2019
UTHSCSA Great Expectations Mentor
Christian Medical and Dental Society
Xi Psi Phi Fraternity Member
Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Member
St. Dominic’s Catholic Church ACTS Retreat Team Member
St. Luke’s Catholic Church ACTS Retreat Team Member
University United Methodist Dental Missions
Christian Medical/Dental Society Medical Missions
Timeline
Partner Dentist
Heritage Dental Center
02.2015 - Current
Associate Dentist
Blanco Family Dentistry
10.2014 - 02.2015
Associate Dentist
Detailed Dental
10.2009 - 10.2014
Associate Dentist
Heritage Dental Center
10.2005 - 10.2009
Sole Proprietor-Owner
Lighthouse Dental
10.1998 - 10.2005
Associate Dentist
Deming Dental Services
01.1997 - 09.1997
Doctorate of Dental Surgery - Dentistry
University of Texas Health Science Center
08.1992 - 05.1996
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
University of Texas At Austin
08.1988 - 05.1992
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