Donald Ross

2007 Outstanding Alumni
Dr. Donald L. Ross '67

Dr. Donald Ross began his career in veterinary medicine with the U.S. Air Force in 1967. He was assigned to the Military Working Dog Hospital, and for three years, performed dental services for the canines. During his time in the military, he developed his dental skills by working with the base endodontist.

Upon leaving the armed services, Ross earned his master's degree in dentistry in 1972. His plan was to return to Texas A&M University and open up a dental program at the veterinary college, but the college was short on funds and space. Instead, Ross opened the Houston Veterinary Dental Clinic that continues to provide dental care for small animals in the Houston area. In 1976, with three classmates, Dr. Ross started a group of small animal hospitals in Houston and Dallas that now function under the PetVet name. The same partners also developed multiple veterinary facilities within the PetsMart stores in six states that eventually became a part of the Banfield group.

Ross has authored dental chapters in four textbooks, had articles published in several veterinary journals, has lectured widely and mentored many veterinary dentists during his time in practice.

He is a member of five different professional organizations and held leadership positions in three of them. He is the founder and first president of the American Veterinary Dental Society (1976), the founder and honorary charter member of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry (1986), and a charter diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College (1988). Earlier this month, Dr. Ross received the Medical Specialty Practitioner of the Year award given by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association.

Because of his strides in both private practice and academia, his peers have dubbed him "The Father of Veterinary Dentistry in Texas," and they describe him as a pioneer that was truly ahead of his time.

Ross currently resides in Sugar Land, TX, with his wife, Debra Ann. Together, they have a son, Kevin Andrew Ross who is now a junior at Texas A&M Corpus Christi. His family and dental practice continue to be the main focus is his life. He remains active in the American Veterinary Dental College, continuing the process of advancing dental techniques within veterinary medicine and mentoring those striving to enter this area of veterinary specialization.