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Dr. Tom F. Cockerell, Jr. is a 1979 graduate of the Dental School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He also earned his M.Ed. degree at Texas Christian University. Since 1980 Dr. Cockerell has conducted a practice in Fort Worth, Texas with a particular focus on patients with special needs. Texas Special Care Dentistry was established in 1981.
He and his wife Patti have been married for 43 years, and have three children and one grandson. He plays bass guitar in the TCC jazz band and a few scruffy rock bands. And he is currently learning ancient Greek and continues to study sciences and history. He and his wife dutifully and affectionately care for a 110 year old home near the TCU area of Fort Worth.
Dr. Cockerell is the primary designer of Dental Symphony, an online software used by dentists around the U.S. to enable safe care of dental patients. His experience dealing with the medically-compromised and challenging patient led to his conception and development of Dental Symphony. He also assembled and convened the Clinical Team and serves as its moderator.
Dr. Cockerell continues a legacy of health care in Fort Worth. His father, Tom Cockerell, Sr. D.D.S. has practiced dentistry in Fort Worth for over 60 years and his mother, Gwendolyn Fouts, practiced as a Registered Nurse for many years also while maintaining a home for five children.
My patient was new and was referred because of medical history issues that included a seizure disorder. No sooner had I entered the room to visit with the patient and her mother then indeed she had a seizure. Her mother assured me that it was typical and would resolve shortly. Forty five minutes later she was transported from my office to the hospital. Still seizing.
During the first few minutes we provided supportive care allowing her to seize without hurting herself. We were calm because her Mom was calm. But after a few minutes her Mom began to say she was a little surprised that the seizure had not ended. I directed my staff to attach a blood pressure cuff and pulse oximeter and we began low volume O2. Vital signs were normal and O2 saturation was within normal limits.
EMS arrived at about twenty minutes into the episode. The patient was still seizing. The first question the EMS technician asked was about the medical history.We were ready.Available to me at the chair was a complete medical history and drug history. I had it printed and recited it to the EMS technician.
While we were waiting for the EMS to arrive we followed an on screen prompting program for managing a patient having a seizure. The program was initiated during the first few minutes of the episode and the entire office was quietly informed that there was an emergency occurring and each persons job was put in front of them on each computer monitor in the office. Rather than scurrying down the hall causing alarm, in the patients room we pressed the emergency button and the process was followed. We were practiced and ready.
As soon as one pressed one of these buttons a pathway is taken to manage the patient. And importantly as one moves from this point all computers in the dental office will have a notice popup informing of the emergency and providing prescribed job of each staff person.
Using a prescribed and practiced system to prepare for emergencies just makes sense. Having your staff ready for emergencies takes some time but it well worth it. All emergencies should be prepared for. Know how your staff will manage chest pain,
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 83 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJan Marshall
2 years ago
Getting a new crown is never an experience to look forward to, but Dr. Cockrell and his amazing staff make it a pleasant visit with an excellent outcome.
Lola Carr
2 years ago
My son has autism & Type 1 Diabetes. Doctors are very caring of him and his disabilities. Today CGM came off and they were very worried of his glucose levels. I really appreciate their concern and efficiency.
Reyaansh Singhania
2 years ago
One of the most friendliest dental practice I have ever been in. I had the pleasure of getting my teeth cleaned and x rays taken care off by RDA Melissa at this practice. She made sure to listen to my concerns and work around it through our whole appointment. Dr. Tom Cockerell also made sure to address basically every single question I had during my scheduled time. Thank you for such a great experience, definitely would recommend for people, to go get their dental procedures taken care off at this practice.
S. LaVonne Cockerell
2 years ago
Great dentist. Great dental hygienist.
Timmy Pendleton
2 years ago
Wonderful experience for us here! Staff is super attentive and friendly. Dr. Cockerell is so knowledgeable about ALL dental issues. Great job with my son getting fillings done and appreciate his referral for a potential root canal. Would reccomend to all my friends if they asked about a great dentist for children.
Shun Hall
2 years ago
Dr. Cockerell is the best dentist. He listens to you and doesn't make you feel less than because you haven't taken care of your dental health. Dr. Cockerell and his team are very professional and kind. The white coat Dr. Cockerell wears is Angel wings. :) Treat your self and make an appointment!
Adrian Silva
2 years ago
I always come here every six months for dental cleaning plus really clean and really friendly as well
Phoebe Brown
2 years ago
So grateful I found this dentist. I'm terrified of going to the dentist and they make it really easy, all the staff is really nice.
Lola Carr
3 years ago
My son has autism & Type 1 Diabetes. Doctors are very caring of him and his disabilities. Today CGM came off and they were very worried of his glucose levels. I really appreciate their concern and efficiency.
Tara McMillen
3 years ago
Dr. Cockerell was kind and patient. But can you STOP with ALL text messaging please. Thanks Tara McMillen
Bill O'Dell
3 years ago
This team is great. Very patient with my son, who fights to sit still.
Juan DeLeon
3 years ago
Dr. Cockerell is truly exceptional, very professional and friendly and empathetic. It's like conversing with your favorite uncle when he describes procedures and concerns.
greg shock
3 years ago
Highly recommend dr. Cockerell to anyone looking for a new dentist. Staff is very helpful and nice.
cathyschuchman
3 years ago
Been going here for years. Always love !
lauren dulweber
3 years ago
Fantastic experience here! Everyone was so patient, nice, and explained exactly what would happen before they did it. As an anxious person, this will be my dental practice for as long as I am in Fort Worth!
Catherine W
3 years ago
Thank you Dr. Cockerell, VeeJay & Theresa! I'm so glad I found you all for my special needs son! You are all awesome! So caring and great at what you do. Sorry Dr. Cockerell that my son left you with a whack to the head. I really appreciate you guys!. So caring and such great work! I can't thank you enough! See you next time!
dariela
3 years ago
I really love Dr. Cockerell and all his staff everyone is super nice and sweet. I highly recommend Dr. Cockerell
chayson ross
3 years ago
A terrible dentist and human being. He YELLED at me when I was having dental anxiety and not even a year later I had to have over $16,000 of dental work redone that he had just done improperly. He still owes me thousands of dollars for ones that were never properly fixed. I would absolutely not recommend him and his employees who saw him yell at me (which my husband came in to make it clear it was not ok) were clearly very uncomfortable. Not a stand up guy. I would never let anyone I care about get treated by him.
Bill O'Dell
3 years ago
This team is great. Very patient with my son, who fights to sit still.
Tara McMillen
3 years ago
Dr. Cockerell was kind and patient. But can you STOP with ALL text messaging please. Thanks Tara McMillen
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