A native of Victoria, Dr. Rick H. Heard received his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He continued training there for three more years to receive his Certificate and Masters of Science in Periodontics and Implantology. Following his residency, he became a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, meaning he has fulfilled the highest standards of his profession.
Dr. Heard is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, American Dental Association, Southwest Society of Periodontists, Texas Dental Association, Texas Society of Periodontists, Guadalupe Valley Dental Society, and North-Side Rotary Club. He has held numerous positions in some of these societies as a means of service to his professional community. He is the founder of the Gulf Coast Study Club, an Interdisciplinary Dental Study Club comprised of local restorative dentists and specialists. The function of the club serves to coordinate and continually improve the quality of the dental care provided to the Victoria area.
Dr. Heard is honored to be part of The McGuire Institute, a select group of fellow periodontists organized into a practice-based research network. The McGuire Institute is transforming a passion for evidence-based dentistry into a unique vision for advancing the practice of dentistry through clinically-relevant research. The institute is a not-for-profit organization with the mission of providing research at the highest level of skill and integrity. This institute allows clinically relevant questions to be evaluated and applied to the everyday delivery of periodontal therapy.
Prior to returning to Victoria, Dr. Heard was the course director and clinical professor of periodontics and implantology at the UTHSCSA Dental School in the General Practice and Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residencies. Dr. Heard also enjoys lecturing on his specialty to local societies and within the community of Victoria.
As an experienced periodontist, it is his goal to provide exemplary care for his patients and raise the level of awareness in our region for oral health care needs. This can only be accomplished through his ongoing efforts with continuing education thereby staying abreast of state of the art treatment modalities, educating each person as to their individual oral healthcare needs, and being given the privilege to treat each individual in an ideal manner.
Atour periodontalpractice, we are proud to deliver comprehensiveservices to our patients. Our staff is committed to providing exceptional care and takes the time to explain all aspects of treatment to our patients. We genuinely care about your health and wellbeing, which is why we work together to design the most effective treatment plan for your needs.
Rapidly evolving dental technology has allowed for vast improvements in patient experience. At Gulf Coast Periodontics, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care. We have invested intools such as BioLase Express, LANAP, and CEREC for our Victoria, TX, practice. Dr. Rick H. Heard and his team incorporate these technologies into treatment whenever possible to provide increased precision, gentler procedures, and exceptional outcomes you can rely on.
Not only do digital x-raysemitlower levels of radiation than traditional x-rays, they also provide highly detailed images that allow us to diagnose oral health concerns like gum disease and jawbone atrophy, as well as determine if oral medicine is the best solution in certain cases. Digital x-rays also make it much easier for patients to visualize their oral health, laying the groundwork for more thorough education about their dental health and improved decision-making for their treatment.
In addition to the higher quality imaging capabilities of digital x-rays, we also use cone beam computed tomography (CT) to gather 3-D images to view your teeth, bone, nerves, and jaw. This is especially valuable when planningdental implantsurgery. Using 3-D images, thedoctor can evaluate your bone density and other factors that will determine whether preparatory proceduressuch asbone graftingare needed, as well as where implants should be placed.
CEREC is a powerful tool that can be used during both the planning and implementation phases. First, CEREC can take digital impressions, eliminating the messiness of traditional impressions. Your impressions then serve as the basis for a surgical guide. Dr. Heard will use this guide during your implant surgery to place the posts at the exact location in the jawbone that will provide the most durable results.
CEREC is also an in-office milling machine. With this, Dr. Heard can design and fabricate customized, secure abutments which connect yourdental implantsto the restoration of your choice. If you are a candidate forsame day dental implants, it can also create acustom healing prosthetic in a single visit.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 22 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestTom Hawes
a year ago
In a world where customers have so often become just another live body, at GPC you realize from day 1 that they truly care about what they are doing and want the best for you the customer. The really good news is they can deliver the best.
susan cain
2 years ago
The TEAM at Gulf Coast Periodontics is first class. Dr. Rick is the VERY BEST!!! Victoria is so lucky to have such a talented and kind periodontist.
Michelle Owens
2 years ago
Most friendly and helpful staff ever! Stellar care AND timely appointments. No one wants to have to go to an oral surgeon, but this group works hard to make the best of it.
Angela Matula
2 years ago
Staff and Doctor is always kind and professional...
mikeyswayk
2 years ago
I've been seeing Dr. Heard for almost a year now and every appointment has been great. Every person on the staff is welcoming. Also, his hygenist Cali is the best I've ever been to. Awesome place!
Mike Buie
2 years ago
Rick is a true Professional. His staff are friendly and great practice for oral care.
Elizabeth Cheng
3 years ago
Dr. Heard is so caring, professional and very knowledgeable. I had a gum grafting surgery with sedation and I never felt any pain during or afterwards. Wonderful care and results! You'll be in good hands here. I drove 2 hours to come here!
mikeyswayk
3 years ago
I've been seeing Dr. Heard for almost a year now and every appointment has been great. Every person on the staff is welcoming. Also, his hygenist Cali is the best I've ever been to. Awesome place!
Mike Buie
3 years ago
Rick is a true Professional. His staff are friendly and great practice for oral care.
Kaden Treybig
3 years ago
Great people. Very professional an efficient. They understand that your spending a lot of money so they give you your moneys worth!
Lee Bryant
3 years ago
I did not feel comprised after my appointment.
Sonya Holesovsky
3 years ago
Thank you! Everyone at Gulf Coast Periodontics are just the BEST! Taking care of everyone is a priority, that's OBVIOUS from the time you arrive - until you are out the door! I appreciate the extra care and my expectations are always met and surpassed from the front desk to the fabulous Dr. Heard. Guess what! While I was writing this review, Lacy from GCP called t check on me after my visit yesterday! WOW! If YOU are in need of special dental care, I highly recommend GCP! Remember, stay healthy everyone - GCP can sure help with that!
Elizabeth Cheng
3 years ago
Dr. Heard is so caring, professional and very knowledgeable. I had a gum grafting surgery with sedation and I never felt any pain during or afterwards. Wonderful care and results! You'll be in good hands here. I drove 2 hours to come here!
Stacey Rangel
4 years ago
The staff are so nice. Dr. Heard made sure I knew everything I needed to know going forward. It was a very comfortable and stress free appointment
Sonya Holesovsky
4 years ago
Thank you! Everyone at Gulf Coast Periodontics are just the BEST! Taking care of everyone is a priority, that's OBVIOUS from the time you arrive - until you are out the door! I appreciate the extra care and my expectations are always met and surpassed from the front desk to the fabulous Dr. Heard. Guess what! While I was writing this review, Lacy from GCP called t check on me after my visit yesterday! WOW! If YOU are in need of special dental care, I highly recommend GCP! Remember, stay healthy everyone - GCP can sure help with that!
Kaden Treybig
4 years ago
Great people. Very professional an efficient. They understand that your spending a lot of money so they give you your moneys worth!
Lee Bryant
4 years ago
I did not feel comprised after my appointment.
Tiffany Webb
4 years ago
I've had the pleasure of 'working' with Dr. Heard and his great staff. Makes you feel comfortable and laid back feel. Never leaves in waiting rooms long. I'm a complex case and incredibly pleased with my results. Thank you Rick for being part of the plan/outcome of my dream to have a beautiful smile agian! Such an incredible journey and I thank you all, sincerely.
Amner Reyes
4 years ago
Very very nice staff, give you the best care for you
Kim Murphy
4 years ago
Dr Heard and his team are superb. Very thorough and very sensitive to a person's unique needs. If you need this kind of work, Dr Heard is the man to see! I would definitely go back.
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