ODA Retired Member: Dr. James Yeats

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.” 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

dentists. “The ODA helps with your continuing education, socializing with colleagues, insurance of all kinds and giving back to the community with events like OkMOM.” Dr. Jim Yeats is an excellent example of someone who has devoted his working life to the care of his patients, while still finding time to give back to his community.

Fun Facts

If given the chance to skip work for a day, how would you spend that day?

In 35 years of dentistry there were many opportunities to skip work, which I did a lot (with suitable cancel time) to snow ski, backpack or play golf. I did skip work at the last minute (canceling patients) only once and played golf all day!

What books are you reading?

I just recently finished “The Brothers” by Stephen Kinzer (a history of John Foster Dulles and Allen Dulles) and “Grant” by Ron Chernow (about Ulysses S. Grant). I’ve just started reading “Killing Crazy Horse” by Bill

O’Reilly & Martin Dugard.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

Woodworking (joinery is my favorite activity.), golf (I played weekly while in practice, then almost daily when I retired. Now, it’s much more fun when I only play once in a while!), biking (I have a number of bikes and ride all summer.), and hiking.

Oklahomans know all too well that you can never be too prepared for severe weather, but where do you turn when you need immediate relief in the aftermath of a devastating storm? Help is available! The Oklahoma Dental Relief and Disaster Grant Program (RDGP) is a charitable trust established to provide aid to dental professionals affected by natural disasters, physical disability, chemical dependence, or other The Yeats Family at the MS Walkhindering conditions. Over the last three years, the RDGP Yeats’ OUCOD Graduating classawarded $28,000 in disaster assistance to individuals and dental organizations affected by severe weather. Aid is provided confidentially and without remuneration. Whether you are affected at home or office, contact the RDGP to apply for immediate assistance 800-876-8890. The RDGP accepts tax-deductible donations from individuals and dental organizations from around the country to provide aid after devastating destruction caused by tornadoes and other natural disasters across the state. Funds are awarded to dental professionals who are victimized by the storms. Additionally, the funds are used for programs like the Oklahoma Dental Foundation MobileSmiles Program to aid in relief efforts in several Oklahoma communities. The RDGP relies solely on contributions from individuals and dental foundations. The donations received help prepare & provide for those Oklahoma dentists and dental foundations in need of resources after destructive storms. DO YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW STRUGGLE WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE? The RDGP also contributes to the Oklahoma Health Professionals Program which is an outreach program designed to support and monitor medical and allied health professionals throughout Oklahoma who are experiencing difficulty with substance abuse. The services provided by the OHPP are confidential and at no cost. Services include expert consultation and intervention designed to encourage healthcare professionals to seek help for substance abuse and behavioral concerns. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the 24-hour confidential direct line (405-601-2536). The RDGP voluntary section on the ODA dues statement funds the ODA’s contribution to the Health Professionals Program.

Whether you need help or want to provide help, don’t wait!

Contact the RDGP manager today at sfrantz@okda.org or call 800-876-8890 Tax-deductible donations to the program can be mailed to: OK Dental Relief and Disaster Grant Program 317 NE 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73104 For grant application and program guidelines, visit okda.org/programs/member-support/