My father was a dentist, he was a general dentist. And one summer, during a summer vacation, I got to work with him, to be his assistant. His assistant went on vacation, so I got to be his assistant and see what he did. And, actually, it was quite surprising. I hadn’t really any idea what to expect other than I was gonna work for my dad for the summer, and get a paycheck like anybody else.
And what I found was, is just how people were so appreciative of what he was doing and just how some of the different procedures he did, how it really changed their sort of whole outlook on themselves and how they felt about themselves. And I thought, wow, this was neat that I kept assisting my dad during summers and felt like this is definitely it. As I got into dental school, I decided that I really liked the field of periodontics, just basically helping people save their teeth and improving their health.
And so I really, really tuned into that and I found some mentors to help me. And that’s kind of the beginning of the story. For me as a periodontist, my whole goal is to really look at the whole patient, their overall health, because we know that periodontal disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis. So it’s kind of a systemic overall view that we look to patients to how can we help them?
Well, I definitely have a wealth of experience in the sense of, I’ve been doing this for over 30 years and I’ve seen my own self mature as a practitioner. There aren’t that many things that are gonna… Patients have different issues that come in that I’ve never seen before. So that’s a comfort to me, helping the patient. And I think it’s a comfort to the patient, but I’m always going to learning more things, the newer techniques.
So I’m keeping up with everything, going to a lot of continuing education, which I find exciting because it keeps me involved. And I don’t want to be doing just the same procedures that I learned how to do 30 years ago. Things have changed. I want to be able to help patients be on the cutting edge, which is what we’ve done with technology and other things in our office.
Dr. Bruce Crawford Cares About His Patients
Dentistry became Dr. Bruce Crawford’s passion during his college years, when he began assisting at his father’s dental practice. As a business major, he had trouble finding a job in his field. However, he soon realized he loved helping people who felt there was no hope for their teeth. He really cares about his patients. His mission, to help people restore and maintain their smiles, is based on his belief that having a healthy mouth leads to a healthier life.
Dr. Crawford has been a leading periodontist for over 25 years, providing treatment for gum disease and dental implants, among other services. He offers the latest treatment techniques to his patients, including the revolutionary pinhole gum grafting technique. He spent 10 years as a volunteer faculty member at the University of Florida teaching the residents. He then went on to become an Associate Courtesy Clinical Professor at the university, a position he’s held for over 15 years.
Voted the best practitioner in the field of periodontics in Tampa Bay Magazine since 2008, Dr. Crawford is the leading expert in periodontal disease and treatment solutions in the St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay areas. He has also been featured in publications including the Tampa Bay Times and Gulf Coast Family and has been seen on Bay News 9, CNN, and Fox News.
He is a longstanding member of professional organizations, including:
- American Dental Association
- American Academy for Implant Dentistry
- American Academy of Periodontology
Dr. Crawford Cares About Community Service
Dr. Crawford has participated in numerous short-term mission trips to Romania and Guatemala, helping people acquire dental care they couldn’t afford. He has also traveled to Belgium, Honduras, and Ireland to participate in charity work outside of dentistry.
Dr. Crawford has been married for over 25 years and has two children, Katelyn and Garrett. When Dr. Crawford is not treating patients, he enjoys golfing, skiing, wine country travel, and just relaxing with his family and friends.
Donna W.
Donna W.
Charles A.
Dr. Crawford provided exceptional and compassionate service by helping me fix my left front tooth, which is an implant that fell out of my mouth this morning. Dr. Crawford, accompanied by his wonderful wife, Madelyn came to the office, even during this Memorial Day holiday weekend to bring healing and to restore me to my former self.They were warm, kind, and I felt as if I were a family member. God’s blessings upon the entire Crawford family and office staff. I definitely recommend Dr. Crawford’s office to anyone looking for a highly skilled and empathetic specialty dentist. This is a holiday weekend and Dr. Crawford didn’t even charge me. That’s Grace from on high. Thank you God for giving Dr. Crawford wisdom and knowledge to do such intricate work.
Charles A.
Sandy B.
I’ve been a patient with Dr Crawford for nearly 25 years. He and his staff are very up to date on new procedures, very friendly, efficient easy to work with if you need to rearrange appointments and helpful dealing with insurance. I think you would have a hard time finding another office with more knowledge and experience to handle your periodontal issues.
Sandy B.
Carol
Dr Crawford and his staff are very professional yet very personal. They go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. They listen to your problem and try to find a quick solution. I am so happy that my dentist referred me to them. Choosing a dentist is an easy. They have opened up the office, especially for me to get some thing done hands-down the best.
Carol
Ayden S.
Dr Crawford and his staff are wonderful. They are friendly, competent, and compassionate. They make you feel comfortable and relaxed. The office is immaculate and the decor pleasing. They have taken care of my teeth for decades. I seriously doubt I would still have my own teeth if it were not for their care. And I am 80 years old!
I recommend Dr Crawford without hesitation.
Ayden S.
Rich T.
My whole experience has been amazing. The entire office is professional, friendly, and very talented. Dr Crawford is so kind. I feel so lucky to have found him. I had 2 implants and I couldn’t be happier!
Rich T.
Jerry C.
My procedure fixed a gum recession issue on my lower left. Dr Crawford and his staff were very thorough and all went well. It’s been two months now and the graft is healing up nicely. All of the follow up appointments went smoothly and on time. No issues what so ever.
Jerry C.
Mary H.
The most amazing dentist/surgeon! The entire staff works as a team and make me feel like family. Dr Crawford is the very best and does excellent work! They gave me my smile back! Highly recommended 10 star for sure!!
Mary H.
Charles W.
I loved the care and treatment I received on my teeth today but also the registered hygienist was very professional and personable. Really I felt a sense of relief and not downgraded as in the past. I want to work with her again! Dr Crawford was great as always!!! Thanks. For once I felt good leaving the dental office.
Mary Hinderscheid
Charles W.
Linda P.
I have been a patient and recommended patients to Dr. Crawford for many years. He and his staff have always been very professional and accommodating . The quality of his work is excellent. If you need a periodontist Dr Crawford is the Dr. to see.
Linda P.
Every single person in the office was so welcoming, attentive and personable. I felt that I had made new friends and not just met new staff. I am so very happy that I chose Dr. Crawford and his amazing staff!!
