Dr. Gordon Austin is a distinguished Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon who has provided his natural skills in complex surgery to the people of his community and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Now retired from private practice, he offers his services to the community in new ways. As a former Senior Naval Officer and political figure, Dr. Austin continues his distinguished career with pride.
Specializing in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, Dr. Austin is also Board Certified in Dental Anesthesiology. As he no longer is in private practice, he is able to pass his knowledge and wisdom on to the next generation of surgeons. His fine-tuned skills and political prowess make him a force to be reckoned with. Dr. Austin takes great pleasure in working to improve the world of oral health and comprehensive medical hygiene.
Dr. Austin now sits as an Honorable Fellow and Emeritus Member of the Georgia Dental Association, an organization for which he was once served as President of the Northwest District. He is also a member of a number of Congressional advisory committees serving the 3rd and 11th Congressional districts. His role in these administrations is that of a medical professional and Military Veteran. Serving the Military Academy Selection Board as chairman, his experience provides an unparalleled source of knowledge. Within the same districts, he also sits on the Medical Advisory Committees.
Captain Gordon T. Austin served the Reserve Officers Association as Vice President Naval Services 2011-2013 and continues to serve as Treasurer of the ROA STARs Foundation. The STARs Foundation is a not for profit charitable organization providing Education, Legal and Social Services to Military members and their families.
A third generation dentist, Dr. Gordon T. Austin graduated at the top of his class from the Medical College of Georgia. Completing his degree in 1976, he went on to perform his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at the Naval Hospital of San Diego serving as Chief Resident in 1983. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology.
Being a Surgeon was always the plan for Dr. Austin and he began his studies from an early age. Following in his family footsteps, he spent his summers assisting his Uncle who was an Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon and his other Uncle who was a General Dentist but he most enjoyed working in a very busy Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons practice.
Earning his first degree in Chemistry, Gordon graduated magna cum laude in 1973. Receiving this degree from the University of Georgia, he enjoyed the many benefits the university had to offer. Founded in 1785, today the university offers over 140 degree programs. Ranked as 21st in Overall Public University nationwide, this school has a history just as distinguished as Dr. Austin’s.
Further pursuing his academic career, he went on to study at the Medical College of Georgia. The 13th oldest continuously operating medical school in the nation, this college has served students since 1828. Graduating summa cum laude in 1976, Dr. Austin earned his title as a Doctor of Dental Medicine.
In 1973, Austin joined the US Navy, where he worked his way up to Captain before retiring his position in 2011. While serving, he made great waves and left an impressive legacy. Originally commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy Reserve while serving at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta Georgia, Dr. Austin’s initial active duty assignment was at the Naval Regional Dental Center in Guam. There, he provided his skills and cared for his fellow servicemen.
Once again on the move, he was selected for an Oral Surgery Fellowship at the Naval Regional Dental Center at Parris Island, South Carolina. A dental fellowship allows those who have already practiced, or plan on practicing, to receive additional training in a specific specialty area. These allow for real-world experience, with the guidance of more experienced staff. Though he was given ample opportunity for growth, the additional support from his colleagues did not go unappreciated.
Following his work at Parris Island, LT Gordon T. Austin went on to San Diego. There, he was a participant in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at the Naval Hospital. His skills were easily recognized by his colleagues and superiors, so Dr. Austin continued to move to where he could provide the most support.
Following San Diego, LCDR Austin moved to Okinawa, Japan. There, he was the Oral Surgeon to the 3d FSSG FMF PAC and Clinic Director at Camp Hansen. During this tour DR. Austin completed his Board Certification in Dental Anesthesiology. This United States Marine Corps base is the second-northernmost major installation on Okinawa. Named for the Medal of Honor recipient Dale M. Hansen, this base currently serves approximately 6,000 marines.
That was not the end of his travels, though. Dr. Austin was next assigned to the Philippines where he was the Dental Department head at the Naval Hospital in Subic Bay. While here, he refined his medical skills and received valuable experience as a leader as the Philippine Revolution occurred during this time period. LCDR Austin was directly involved in the medical care of deposed President Ferdinand Marcos who was very ill at the time of the Revolution. He also completed his Board Certification in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Gordon Austin was twice asked to address the Annual Philippine Dental Association national meeting in Manila as a distinguished speaker on TMJ Disorders and Infections of the Head and Neck.
Returning to San Diego, DR. Austin put his skills to the test as an Oral Surgeon for the Naval Dental Clinic. The Naval Dental Clinic provides care to soldiers and valuable instruction to advanced students. They offer two training programs that consist of rigorous study with enveloping attention to detail. While studying, students receive hands-on training in either the advanced clinical program in general dentistry or as a resident.
After over 11 years of Active Service in the US Navy LCDR Gordon T. Austin transferred to the Navy Reserve and was promoted to Commander and assigned as a Priority Medical Specialist.
As a recognized leader in WAR Trauma, Dr. Austin was mobilized during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. There, he provided Maxillofacial Trauma care for patients who were in desperate need. Called to action again in 2003, Captain Gordon T. Austin was mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom where he was supervising surgeon for head and neck gunshot and war trauma. Just a year before this, he had served in combat aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
Captain Gordon T Austin was appointed by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, the Honorable “Barney” Barnum to serve as the Chairman of his Readiness Working Group at the Pentagon.
Captain Gordon T. Austin’s final assignment was as the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Specialty advisor for the Navy Reserve Force.
From 2002 until 2005, Dr. Austin served as the Reserve Officers Association National Dental Surgeon. The Reserve Officers Association, ROA, is a professional association of current and former officers and NCO’s of the uniformed services and their spouses. Founded in 1922, the ROA advocates for adequate funding for equipment and training. The work has also improved employment rights for all members of the Reserve. Advising Congress, the President, and citizens on the importance of national security, this position was beneficial to Dr. Austin’s service aspirations.
For over a decade, Dr. Austin served as the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery representative to the Georgia Medicare Carrier Advisory Committee, who develops the Georgia Medicare policy. His work in the Armed Forces has given him the required skills to properly analyze a public system. By taking a logical approach, he is able to appropriately asses a situation and then plan a course of correction.
Following his retirement from the military, Dr. Austin received the distinct honor of a letter from the President. This was much more than a typical “thank you” letter though; it was to announce a formal breakfast to be held in honor of Gold Star Families. This invitation was sent by President Obama, who invited Dr. Austin as well as 50 family members and 12 service organization representatives to the White House.
While a student at the University of Georgia, Dr. Austin met the love of his life, Meredith, with whom he had two lovely girls. Both of his daughters have gone on to lead successful lives like their father. His daughter Lindsay, who worked as a Legislative Assistant to Congressman Lynn Westmoreland for six years, now is the manager at Troutman Sanders Strategies, a full-service government relations and issue management firm. His other daughter, Courtney, after working for Senator Johnny Isakson and Congressman Tom Price MD, currently works for Rep. Bill Cassidy as his Legislative Director in Washington, where she advises on all governmental issues with special expertise on health issues. Courtney is married to Jason Lawrence who serves as Deputy Chief of Staff to Congressman Tom Graves.
Proud father and retired dental practitioner, he continues to go out of his way to serve both his community and nation. As a member of over a dozen associations, he has offered his services to all those in need. Constantly on the move, Dr. Gordon Austin continues his efforts to lead the way in the world of medicine.
Dr. Austin looks forward to advancing his career in leadership and as a role model for future dentists. His numerous roles in the military have given him a deep understanding of his field, and a humble acceptance of his role as a healthcare provider. He especially looks forward to playing more roles in government as an advisor and committee member.
As a former Senior Naval Officer, Gordon encourages youth to become involved with the Armed Forces. The discipline and skills they teach can guide any professional to a successful career. The benefit of being a member of the armed services continues to grow as well. With more and more veterans, Dr. Austin is proud to see an increase in services and programs dedicated to them.
Because Dr. Austin sits on the 3rd Congressional District’s Medical Advisory Committee, he has a special interest in public health. This carries over to his membership in the Georgia Dental Association and encourages him to continue his career as long as he can. By staying an active member of the medical community, he is able to lend a helping hand that is well experienced in dentistry.
Finally, Dr. Austin plans on submitting more medical research for academic review. His work has already been a part of multiple publications, but he would like to take a more active role. Dr. Gordon T. Austin believes offering his wisdom can encourage others to not only continue their pursuit of medicine, but strive to improve on a deeper level.