Meet Dr. Rico Short…

Dr. Short was born in Columbus Georgia on June 29, 1974. He was reared from a single family household by a mother who worked 35 years on the floor in a textile mill. Growing up, Dr. Short said he did not have a lot of “things” but he had a lot of love from his family. One day he decided that he was going to break the poverty cycle in his family by pursuing higher education.

Dr. Short was awarded a presidential scholarship and studied at Morris Brown College, from 1992-1995 to achieve a Bachelor of Science degree in 3 years. He graduated valedictorian with a 3.98 GPA. Dr. Short attended the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry from 1995-1999 and attained a Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree in which he graduated with honors. He went back home to practice general dentistry in Columbus Georgia for 2 years. Dr. Short’s compassion lead him to treat underserved children who had less access to dental care and help those who wanted to save their teeth. It birthed the desire for him to become excellent in one particular area in dentistry: root canal therapy. Dr. Short furthered his education to become a root canal specialist (Endodontist) at Nova Southeastern University in 2002. In the process he performed externships at Miami Children’s Hospital in Miami Florida (pediatrics) and even abroad to Universidad Autonoma de Tlaxcala in Tlaxcala Mexico (apical microsurgery).

Dr. Short worked as an associate endodontist for approximately 3 years. He then opened his own practice (Apex Endodontics P.C) located in Smyrna Georgia in 2004. Dr. Short’s drive for excellence steered him to become a diplomate (board certified specialist) in Endodontics in 2009. This was a long and arduous process that few endodontist achieve (only about 25% in the United States). Dr. Short wanted to achieve the highest level of knowledge and skill possible ensuring the highest quality of care for his patients. This care, skill, and expertise that he has with patients have created a niche for Dr. Short. Dr. Short is known among some of his colleagues as the Root Canal Specialist to the Stars. He has treated numerous celebrities from actors, producers, writers, comedians, television anchors, sports professionals, and music artists. Even though he has treated several celebrity clients, Dr. Short has never lost the common touch. In fact his goal is to make everyone feel like a “star” while in his office and under his care.

Dr. Short has also been featured in several publications, magazines, radio, television, internet, and journals. In addition, Dr. Short serves as an Expert Endodontic Consultant to the Georgia Board of Dentistry. He is also an associate clinical professor at the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry and Meharry Dental School.

Dr. Short is a featured clinician and lecturer all over the country discussing the importance of maintaining your natural teeth and dispelling the myths of root canal treatment. Dr. Short conducts continuing education courses to dentist on contemporary endodontic treatment (root canal therapy) nation and world wide. His goal is to inform dentists as well as the public on the importance of maintaining proper oral health through maintaining the natural dentition as long as possible.

Dr. Short has membership in several honorary dental societies. Some of them include: American Association of Endodontists, American Board of Endodontics, American Dental Association, National Dental Association, The Hinman Dental Society, Southern Endodontic Study Club, and many more local and national dental membership societies. In addition, Dr. Short has received numerous awards and recognition for his contribution to dentistry and society such as Lifetime Alumni of the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry; Leading Dentist In Continuing Education; The Top 40 Dentist Under 40 in America; The Character, Commitment, and Dedication Award from Morris Brown College, and many others.

Dr. Short is also active and philanthropic in the community and affiliation with his church. Some of his volunteer activities are: Ben Massell Dental Clinic (give dental services at no charge); Good Samaritan Dental Clinic (give root canals at no charge); CAP (volunteer root canal treatment to underserved kids in the community); Dental Mission Trips; and Mentorship Programs. He has also partnered with Camp Kudzu in Atlanta to bring awareness of diabetes in our youth today.

Dr. Short is also a well noted motivational speaker and author. His new book “Getting to the Root of Your Problem” has opened doors for him to speak to youth groups all over the United States. His main focus is to encourage the youth to set goals and give them realistic advise on how to achieve them. Since Dr. Short was one of the first in his family to attend college moreover than to become a doctor, he encourages the youth that they can do the same if they remain focus and work hard.

Dr. Dr. Short is married to Angela Short who is a dental hygienist by profession. They have two children: Jayla and Ava. Dr. Short attributes his success to an understanding and loving wife and kids but most of all to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.