Paul A. Kennedy, DDS - Dentist - The Inner Circle (2024)

Corpus Christi, TX— Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Paul A. Kennedy, DDS is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member for his contributions as a Pediatric Dentist.

Dr. Kennedy, D.D.S., a distinguished pediatric dentist, is making significant strides in Texas by focusing his expertise on ensuring the dental health and well-being of children. With a commitment to providing top-quality dental services, Dr. Kennedy is dedicated to fostering healthy smiles in young patients.

Dr. Kennedy’s area of specialization lies in pediatric dentistry, where he excels in delivering comprehensive dental care tailored specifically for children. His mission is to create a positive and comfortable environment for children to develop good oral health habits that last a lifetime.

The doctor has held many significant leadership roles during his tenure as a dentist including serving in a hospital setting at Driscoll Children’s Hospital and Christus Spohn Hospital, both in Corpus Christi, Texas. He is also a successful entrepreneur providing services in private practice; as medical staff and owner of Saratoga Surgical Center; managing partner of Jetty Practice Management; and owner/CEO of Kennedy Dental Care. A recognized leader and expert in the field, Dr. Kennedy has been the Chairman of the Governing Board at Saratoga Surgical Center and Chair of the Department of Dentistry at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas.

His educational background is a testament to his dedication to pediatric dentistry. Dr. Kennedy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from Baylor University in 1996, followed by a Master of Science degree from Texas A&M Corpus Christi in 1998. He continued his academic journey by obtaining a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from the prestigious University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 2001 and also completed certification in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Texas Health Science, San Antonio, Texas in 2003. A testament to his mastery of the field of dentistry, Dr. Kennedy is currently an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Department of Pediatric Dentistry.
Furthering his scholarship, Dr. Kennedy is certified and permitted in numerous medical-related practices including Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association; PALS Certification Controlled Substance Registration Certificate from the American Heart Association Drug Enforcement Agency; Texas Controlled Substance Registration Certificate from the Texas Department of Public Service; and Diode Laser Certification from the International Center for Laser Education. He holds anesthesia permits for Enteral, Nitrous Oxide, Intranasal, Subcutaneous, Submucosal, Intramuscular, and Intravenous Levels 1-3 by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.

Striving to continually better his practice, Dr. Kennedy participates in various professional development opportunities including the TDA Executive Management Program at the University of Texas McCombs School of Business; Wharton School of management Executive Education Program sponsored by AAPD; Comprehensive Review of Pediatric Dentistry; Kellogg School of Management Leadership Training sponsored by AAPD; and Comprehensive review of Pediatric Dentistry. His practice also extends to considerable research advancing the field of dentistry. Dr. Kennedy has participated in collaborative research focused on Laser Pulpotomy of Primary Teeth: A clinical study, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Department of Pediatric Dentistry in San Antonio, Texas and Effectiveness of Safety of Tooth Bleaching in Teenagers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Department of Pediatric Dentistry in San Antonio, Texas. His university projects include studies on Dental Management of Patients of Coumadin Drug Therapy sponsored by the University of the Pacific, School of Dentistry, CA; Mandibular Tooth Eruption Studied by Implant Superimposition, Craniofacial University of the Pacific, School of Dentistry, CA; Fluoride testing of Corpus Christi City Water and Surrounding Area Ground Water, Tested Efficacy of Selected Water Filters for Removing Fluoride sponsored by Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, Texas; and OSHA Requirement for the Dental Office sponsored by Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi. Among his many accomplishments, the doctor is also a collaborative author with peer reviewed publications in the prestigious medical journal, Pediatric Dentistry, that include a focus on Effectiveness of Safety of Tooth Bleaching in Teenagers.

Furthering his influence in the field, Dr. Kennedy is a highly sought-after speaker. His presentations include numerous invited lectures on various subjects pertaining to the practice of dentistry including Pediatric Dentistry Update: Traumatic Injuries in Pediatric Patients at Del Mar College, Continuing Education Lecture, Corpus Christi, Texas; Nutrition and Dentistry: “What’s the Connection?” given two consecutive years at the Annual Nutrition Conference in Corpus Christi, Texas; and Lift the Lip, Dental Health Screening and Fluoride Varnish Application, Grand Rounds: Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. Additionally, he has spoken about other topics that include management of a non-erupting permanent molar in a growing patient; management of a patient with BCD Syndrome; management of the Frenulum in Pediatric Patients; and hands-on Diode Laser.

Dr. Kennedy is an esteemed member of several professional organizations, including the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) serving in numerous offices including At Large Federal Services Board of Trustees Member 2020-2023, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation Development Committee 2019 – Present, Counsel on Membership Chair 2009 – 2012, New Dentist Committee 2005-2006, Chair 2007-2009 and was awarded the 2012 Jerome B. Miller/Crest Oral-B for the Kids Award; the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (TAPD) where he served as PediPAC Chair 2015 – 2020, Past President 2011-2012, President 2010-2011, President-Elect 2009-2010, Vice President 2008 – 2009, Secretary/Treasurer 2007 – 2008, and At Large Board Member 2005-2007; the Texas Dental Association (TDA) where he held numerous offices such as TDA Delegate 2014-2016, TDA Alternate, 2011-2013, Committee on the New Dentist Member 2008-2010, and was awarded the TDA New Dentist Leadership Award in 2010. He is also a member of the Nueces Valley District Dental Society; a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry; and Southwest Society of Pediatric Dentistry where he was Den-Pac Chairman 2016 – 2021, Den-Pac Co-Chairman 2013-2016 Peer Review Committee 2012 – 2019, Peer Review Committee Chair 2017 – 2019, Past President 2011-2012, President 2010-2011, President-Elect 2009-2010, Vice-President 2008-2009, Secretary/Treasurer 2007-2008, At-Large Board Member 2005-2007, and Programs Chairman 2004-2005. The doctor has been a contributing member of the International Association for Dental Research; American Association for Dental Research; American Society of Dentistry for Children; and the California Dental Association. His affiliation with these organizations reflects his commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in pediatric dentistry.

When asked about his career accomplishments, Dr. Kennedy modestly states, “Taking care of children’s dental health.” His unwavering dedication to ensuring that children receive the best dental care is the hallmark of his professional journey. He also believes in giving back to the community through volunteer service and has worked with many groups, including T-MOM where he was the Corpus Christi Co-Chair; The Windsor Park Elementary Planning and Decision Making Team Volunteer; Medicaid and SCHIP Regional Advisory Committee; and T-MOM Corpus Christi Volunteer prescreening 180 children at Evans Elementary.

Beyond his dental practice, Dr. Kennedy values spending quality time with his family, cherishing moments with his wife Merritt and children Kate and Paul “Cuatro.” His parents, Dr. Paul Kennedy Jr. and Susan Kennedy, have been a source of inspiration throughout his life.

Throughout his career, Dr. Kennedy has been fortunate to receive guidance and mentorship from distinguished professionals such as Dr. Kevin Donly, Dr. Paul Kennedy Jr., and Dr. Phil Hunke, who have played pivotal roles in shaping his path as a pediatric dentist.

Looking ahead, Dr. Kennedy envisions a future where he continues to expand his dental practice and serve the community. His philosophy revolves around fostering patience and establishing meaningful connections with his young patients, especially when providing care to children.

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