Kind Dentist in Richardson
Get to Know Dr. Garrett Folks
Dr. Folks says it is a great honor to be in a position to help the community and build relationships through aiding people with their dental health. Nothing feels better than making a connection with a patient and seeing them realize their goals, both when it comes to their health and confidence. He’s eager to show you what’s possible for your smile, and you can start getting to know him below.
Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?
Dr. Folks decided to become a dentist during his undergraduate studies when he was considering whether he wanted to go into dentistry or medicine. After shadowing both physicians and dentists, he had the pleasure to spend a lot of time with his childhood dentist. Seeing the way he was with patients and the attention to detail he had let Dr. Folks know that dentistry was for him. He says it offers a unique opportunity in a career because you get to be a clinician, an artist, and an engineer all at the same time.
Where Did You Study Dentistry?
Dr. Folks graduated from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) School of Dental Medicine in 2018 and immediately joined the workforce in Sarasota, FL. He began his career in the corporate dental world and knew that he would one day own and lead his own practice. But before that, he wanted to further harness his skills as a general dentist.
So, he threw himself into continuing education. He attended courses through Spear Education and the Pankey Institute, but most notably he became a Dawson Scholar and graduated from the prestigious Dawson Academy. The Dawson Academy teaches the highest quality of restorative dental care while instilling core values that can make you one of the best dentists in the country. While there, he met Dr. Mark Elfervig, who was in the latter seasons of his career. Dr. Elfervig had studied under Dr. Pete Dawson and was one of the most well-known dentists in the Sarasota area. He offered Dr. Folks the opportunity to purchase his practice once he retired, which was something he was very quick to say yes to.
After owning Peachtree Dental for four years, Dr. Ben Donnelli and Dr. Kyle Baginski offered him a partnership position at Dentistry by Canyon Creek. Dr. Folks felt this was a great time to return closer to home, be near family, and join two lifelong friends in practice after being in Florida for 12 years.
Professional Memberships:
- American Dental Association
- Texas Dental Association
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- Academy of General Dentistry
Outside of the Dental Office, What Do You Like to Do?
Dr. Folks loves spending time with friends and family watching sports, and he also likes to do anything that takes him outdoors, including golf, soccer, and snowboarding. While he and his girlfriend, Bridget, do try to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, they do still enjoy a calm night in at times, ordering Chinese food, then watching movies or TV shows until they fall asleep. Life is about balance!