Born in Dallas in 1937, Dr. Anderton spent much of his time in the summers growing up caddying for his father, where he developed a life-long love for the game of golf. His mother had family with farms in east Texas, where he would also work summers in their fields picking watermelon, cantaloupe and corn.
He enjoyed a wonderful and fulfilled personal life raising his family in Argyle, Texas. He loved traveling and outdoor activities. He enjoyed countless excursions, experiences and vacations of skiing, golfing, hunting and adventures with his family and friends.
At an early age and as an exceptional student, he developed an interest in math and science. He was also a gifted and talented athlete and musician with many scholarship prospects. Inspired by family members connected to the dental industry, teachers, and a physician advisor, he found his path to the Baylor University College of Dentistry, where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1961.
Dr. Anderton established a successful general dentistry practice in Carrollton, Texas. In a profile published in the October 2005 issue of the Texas Dental Journal, Dr. Anderton said that his “proudest accomplishment, from a dental aspect, is the honor and privilege of practicing and serving in the same community for over 40 years.”
Dr. Anderton was president of the Texas Dental Association from 1989 - 1990. He received the Texas Dental Association’s Distinguished Service Award in 1986 and was named the 1993 Dentist of the Year by the Dallas County Dental Society. In 1995, he then became a member of the ADA Board of Trustees as 15th District trustee. Dr. Robert M. Anderton became the ADA president from 2000 - 2001.
As president of the Texas Dental Association and while tending to the critical issues facing the dental industry, Dr. Anderton recognized his need for a law degree as it pertained to the health industry. “At that time, managed care and dental HMOs were just beginning to get a foothold," he said. “I decided that it might be a good idea to learn more about these entities and get an education in law."
In 1995, he earned a J.D. from the Southern Methodist University School of Law and a master’s degree specializing in health care law in 1997. He was a member of the Texas State Bar and the Bar of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
He began his legal practice in 1996 while still practicing dentistry. “The practice of law has afforded many opportunities I never anticipated,” Dr. Anderton said. He was encouraged by colleagues to run for the presidency of the American Dental Association. Dr. Anderton’s campaign slogan for ADA president was “A Man for All Reasons.” He became president of the ADA from 2000 - 2001.
“While serving in the ADA, I was able to contribute to our legislative efforts in Washington by helping to write and comment on bills and programs.” As an attorney, he successfully maintained his legal practice until the day he died.
Helping people was his guiding principle throughout his career and personal life. With this core value, he made a positive and lasting impact on the dental and legal professions and the lives of his family, friends and colleagues. As his esteemed dental and law career ascended to the highest ranks, he became a member of the Board of Regents of The American College of Dentists.
Dr. Anderton, a resident of Argyle, Texas, was married to the late Eddie Bea Anderton, and father of his late daughter, Robin Anderton. He is survived by his son, Bryan, his daughter-in-law Lynn and their son Blake.
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