ODA RETIRED MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
DR. JAMES YEATS By: Makenzie Dean, ODA Programs & Operations Manager Dr. James (Jim) Yeats earned his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University and originally planned to pursue a career in medicine or veterinary medicine. But when a friend decided to apply to dental school, Yeats decided to follow suit. In 1973 he was accepted as a member of the new OU College of Dentistry’s second class, eventually graduating in 1977. For the next 35 years until his retirement in 2012, he practiced in Catoosa, a suburb of Tulsa. When Yeats entered dental school nearly 50 years ago, there were only 24 students in his class. He and his classmates had the unique experience of receiving most of their instruction from the new heads of the departments, including the founding dean of OUCOD, Dr. William Brown. Yeats went on to name other faculty members who impacted him while he was in school and noted that they achieved a status among the profession that makes him proud to have attended OUCOD. Some of these influences include Drs. Walt Dilts, Earl Collard, Stewart Shapiro, Kevin Avery, Herb Shillingburg, Dean Robertson, and Tom Glass. When asked who his role models have been, he mentioned some of the above and then went on to describe a faculty member who came to OUCOD just after Yeats had completed his first year of school. According to Yeats, this dentist had a southern California accent and “still looked like a kid.” When he saw this new faculty member’s work he realized he wanted to develop hands like that. Yeats recalled, “Dr. Frank Miranda had a friendly, calm and caring personality and built a highly respected career over his many years of teaching.” 40 journal | Nov/Dec 2021
Even all these years later, Yeats would advise dental students at OUCOD to start their careers with confidence knowing that they have received an excellent education. “Even though you may be done with school, never stop learning. And maybe add business to your education list!” Yeats met his wife, Martha, in 1985 and the couple later married in 1987. During their many years together, they have enjoyed traveling and finding time to give back to their community. Philanthropy plays a vital role in their lives. He and Martha have worked with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of America for twenty years and work on the annual “Walk MS: Tulsa” sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. They have also worked with St. Jude Hospital for many years. Since 2012, Yeats has also worn
several hats with Meals on Wheels, but notes that his favorite is delivering the meals to the elderly and disadvantaged. They always greet him with a smile and some conversation or a simple request, like bringing in the garbage cans, which Yeats is always happy to help them with. The couple also does work with the Tulsa Community Foundation. According to Yeats, giving back is the best joy of all! Yeats has been a loyal member of the ODA for 44 years and is now enjoying his lifetime membership. As a consistently active member for so long, he now gets to appreciate all the benefits of ODA membership for $0 dues. He believes membership is a “must” for young
Dr. Yeats’ last day at the office supervising the new dentist
Dr. Yeats with his wife Martha
Dr. Yeats Mountain Biking
