FERRIS DENTAL - Key Persons

Dr. James S. Ferris joined his father's practice in the summer of 1982, having just graduated from his father's alma mater, Loyola University, Chicago College of Dental Surgery. James' father, Dr. John F. Ferris, had been practicing dentistry in Sterling since he graduated in 1949. Following his father's 32 years of dental service in the Sauk Valley area, Dr. James Ferris continues the family tradition. Dr. Ferris graduated with honors from Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, earning a bachelor of arts degree in chemistry. During his time in college he completed an internship at the National Bureau of Standards near Washington, D.C., where he performed research at the American Dental Association Research Unit analyzing the crystalline structure of hydroxyapatite, the main component of tooth enamel. This research led to two published papers and the added honor of being a finalist in the Hatton Awards Competition for excellence in dental research at an annual meeting of the International Association for Dental Research. He then received a National Science Foundation Scholarship from Northwestern University, Chicago, to perform research on the development of catalysts for chemical reactions. Dr. Ferris received his doctorate of dental surgery from Loyola University, Chicago College of Dental Surgery and immediately joined his father in Sterling to form Ferris and Ferris Dentistry. After several years of practicing together, the senior Dr. Ferris decided the kid was capable of handling things on his own and retired to Texas, periodically returning to check up on things and help out where needed. In addition to hundreds of hours of continuing education, Dr. Ferris has completed a two-year program in Orthodontics and is in an Implant Mentor Program at University Associates in Dentistry in Chicago where he studies under Dr. Russell Baer, a leader in dental implant surgery education.