Biography
Dr. Blanton has practiced dentistry in Collierville, TN (subburb of Memphis) since graduation from the University Of Tennessee College Of Dentistry in 1983.
In May of 2005 he received a Masters degree from the department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Research in the College of Education at the University of Memphis. He has lectured nationally on various topics for dental professionals and dental students and continues to study and write on topics concerning the emotional and physical well-being of those involved in the healthcare professions. He also has lectured on Dental Sleep Medicine and the use of Oral Appliances to treat Sleep Apnea to medical professionals.
In his leisure time, his hobbies include; woodworking, home improvement projects, art, golf, playing the guitar, fly-tying and fly-fishing and traveling with his wife.
He holds active memberships in many professional organizations including:
- The American Dental Association
- The Tennessee Dental Association
- The Memphis Dental Society
- The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
- The American Academy of Sleep Medicine
- The Tennessee Sleep Society
- The American Academy of Orofacial Pain
Dr. Blanton is currently the only Board Certified Sleep Dentist in a 200 mile radius of the Memphis Area having received his certification from the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) in 2014, the only recognized certification by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). He is currently on the Annual Meeting Committee of The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) and serves as the Course Chair for the AADSM’s Board Review Course. This course assists other qualified dentists in preparation for their certification Board Exam administered by the ABDSM.
In 2016 he was elected to the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He has taught in both the Essentials Course and the Practical Demonstration Course as well as being involved in the faculty of the AADSM Study Club.
He was recently appointed as Associate Professor and Director of the Dental Sleep Medicine and Orofacial Pain program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry and Director of the William F. Slagle Center for Dental Sleep Medicine and Craniofacial Pain.