Past President: Dr. V. L. Andrews

PAST PRESIDENT SPOTLIGHT: DR. V.L. ANDREWS (1999-2000)

By: Makenzie Dean, ODA Programs and Operations Manager

Dr. Victor Lynn Andrews served as ODA President during a time when people were worried about Y2K. The so-called Millennium bug was projected to cause havoc in computers and computer networks worldwide, and was probably the most pressing thing on many companies’ minds in 1999. It was during this consequential period that Andrews was occupied with something else: leading the Oklahoma Dental Association.

Andrews is a native Oklahoman. Born in Driftwood, he moved with his family to Newkirk when he was five years old. He grew up in Newkirk until moving to Stillwater to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Oklahoma State University. He then attended the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School, graduating in 1965. Shortly afterward, he joined the United States Army Dental Corps, during which he served at Ft. Benning, Georgia and completed a tour in Vietnam. After completing his military service, he returned to UMKC to teach at the dental school until 1968, when he finally returned to Oklahoma for good, establishing his dental practice in Ponca City for the next 47 years until his retirement.

Andrews and his wife, Jen, still call Ponca City their home to this day (although they have a condominium in Scottsdale, Arizona where they spend the winter months). Lucky for them, their children are split between Oklahoma and Arizona, so they always have family nearby. Their daughter, Lisa, lives in Scottsdale and their son, Todd, lives in Tulsa. Two other children, stepson Jeff and stepdaughter Julie, live in Ponca City. Andrews and his wife are thankful to be close to all their children (and seven grandchildren) and love spending time with them.

Andrews originally chose dentistry as a profession because of his interest in science and working with his hands, which was evident in his passion for woodworking and making model airplanes. He considers dentistry more of a cherished hobby than a job he had to go to every day. Because of that passion, he says that his 50 years in the profession just flew by.

After serving on numerous local and state dental committees, Andrews was interested in being ODA President and in doing all that he could for the future of dentistry in Oklahoma and the dentists who would come after him. During his 1999-2000 presidency, he considered his biggest challenge to be getting new and young dentists to become involved in organized dentistry. He feels that this is a necessary component for the continuation and the future of the ODA. Being ODA President gave Andrews the opportunity to meet and work with many outstanding dentists across the nation. From these many contacts, he has been able to develop lifelong friendships. Reflecting on his term as president, Andrews is most proud of giving his time and energy to make a difference in the profession.

Dr. V. L. Andrews

Dr. Andrews and his wife, Jen

Dr. Andrews oil painting in Scottsdale, AZ

FAST FACTS

Who is your Hero and Why?

My hero is the greatest man to ever walk the face of Earth: Jesus. Through following His guidance and teaching, I have experienced a very fulfilling life.

What Is One Thing That Most People Don’t Know About You?

I was the first dentist in the state of Oklahoma to receive a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry.