Dr. Joseph V. Franco, Jr. received his undergraduate degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska while lettering four years in baseball and achieving Academic All-American honors his senior year. Dr. Franco graduated from the Creighton University School of Dentistry and following graduation completed a General Practice Residency program at the V.A. Medical Center in Omaha. Following completion of his residency program, Dr. Franco worked as a private dentist for 29 years while also teaching part time at Creighton University Dental School. Dr. Franco transitioned into full time academics, taking a faculty position in the Department of Oral Diagnosis in 2013 at the Creighton University Dental School. In 2016, Dr. Franco was named assistant clinical director followed by becoming Associate Dean for Clinics and Chief Dental Officer in 2018. Dr. Franco also served twice as Interim Chair of the Department of Oral Health Promotions. Dr. Franco retained these positions until July of 2024 when he accepted the position of Assistant Dean of Clinical Affairs at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry.
During his academic career, Dr. Franco completed the Orofacial Pain Continuum from the L.S.U. School of Dentistry enabling him to educate students concerning Temporomandibular Joint Disorders and overseeing all patient care involving Temporomandibular Joint diseases within the adult clinic. Dr. Franco also taught all practice management courses to both the junior and senior dental students during his tenure.
Dr. Franco has a strong service commitment to his community. Dr. Franco was Director of the One World Dental Program organizing student and faculty volunteers to provide low cost monthly dental care for those less fortunate. Dr. Franco also initiated the Exploring Dentistry Program for high school students interested in dentistry as a profession at Creighton Dental School. Dr. Franco served as Director of Nebraska Special Olympics Special Smiles Program. Dr. Franco developed the After Hours Dental Emergency Clinic to ease the burden off hospital Emergency Departments by setting up a direct after hours referral to the school from the local hospital emergency rooms. Dr. Franco was also the Director of the VETMOM program in Nebraska coordinating free dental care provided by volunteering Nebraska dentists and dental students for all Nebraska veterans and their families on a yearly basis.
Organizations and Professional Associations:
American Dental Association
Oklahoma Dental Society
Oklahoma County Dental Society
Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Society.