Dr. Douglas Cross

Forty years of dedication to improving oral health in Louisiana

Location: Louisiana
Website: EXCELth
Donation amount: $10,000

For over four decades, Dr. Douglas Cross has been a beacon of hope for underserved communities in Louisiana. His journey began with a simple yet powerful vision: to bring quality dental care to those who need it most in Louisiana, regardless of their ability to pay.

After graduating from LSU School of Dentistry, Dr. Cross established a private practice in New Orleans East while simultaneously working with mobile dental units through the city’s health department. His commitment to public health was put to the test in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, where he played a crucial role as a lead dentist for the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team and worked tirelessly to help rebuild the city’s dental infrastructure.

As Dental Director at EXCELth, Inc., Dr. Cross works to expand access to dental services across the state. His innovative approach led to the implementation of Louisiana's first teledentistry program and the state’s first residency program through NYU-Langone, addressing dental shortages in rural areas. His combined efforts has positively affected the dental health of over 5,000 individuals across the state.

Dr. Cross' dedication hasn't gone unnoticed. He is a recipient of the Louisiana Dental Association's Humanitarian Award and the Louisiana Primary Care Association's Healthcare Provider of the Year Award. These accolades recognize not just his clinical expertise, but his embodiment of selflessness, integrity, and compassion.

He served as the chair of the policy and workforce committees in the Louisiana Oral Health Coalition and has been instrumental in improving access to oral health services statewide.

From leading dental triage at Louisiana Mission of Mercy events to spearheading the "Back to School Cavity Free Program," Dr. Cross continues to demonstrate that dentistry is more than just a profession, it’s an opportunity to serve others.