A specialist who's done this 50,000 times.
Dr. Rod Griffeth has performed nearly 50,000 wisdom tooth removals over his career, and he specializes in teens ages 15–18, the window when timing is right and recovery is fastest. His reputation is built on turning a dreaded procedure into something patients walk away genuinely surprised by.
- Board-certified by the American Board of OMS
- Specializes in teens ages 15–18 and IV sedation
- The Wasatch Front's dedicated oral surgery practice
General dentists do excellent work. But oral surgery is its own specialty—and the difference in training is significant.
General dentist
- Two to three years of dental school beyond undergrad
- Trained primarily for restorative and preventive care
- May perform straightforward extractions in-office
- Complex or impacted cases are typically referred out
- Sedation options often limited to nitrous or oral medications
- No dedicated surgical residency training
Your dentist is the right first call. When they refer you to a specialist, this is who they're sending you to.
Dr. Griffeth—specialist
- Four years of dental school plus a five-year hospital residency
- Trained specifically for surgical procedures of the jaw, face, and mouth
- Handles impacted, complex, and high-risk extractions
- All four wisdom teeth removed in a single visit
- Full IV sedation administered and monitored in-office
- Qualified to perform surgery in a hospital operating room
Board certification from ABOMS means Dr. Griffeth has met the specialty's highest standard—written and clinical exams beyond residency.
Rod grew up in Idaho and spent years practicing in Montana before settling in Utah, drawn by Bear Lake, a lifestyle built around the outdoors, and the chance to be closer to family. He's found his people here. Utah's mountains, trails, and water fit exactly the way he likes to spend time off.
Over the course of his career, he's removed nearly 50,000 wisdom teeth, a number that reflects both longevity and focus. His specialty has always been teens, particularly in that 15–18 window where timing is ideal and recovery is fastest. He approaches each appointment with the same calm, steady confidence he'd want if it were his own kid in the chair.
"The part of this job I love most is when a patient who came in genuinely terrified walks out and says, 'That really wasn't as bad as I thought.' Getting someone to that point—that's the whole thing."
After completing his DDS and a five-year hospital surgical residency, he pursued board certification through the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, a voluntary examination process beyond residency that only a portion of oral surgeons complete. He sees every patient himself: the same person at your consultation is the one who will operate.
Outside the office, you'll find Rod camping or hiking, on a dirt bike, water skiing or wake surfing, or out hunting. He's a devoted Steelers fan and will openly admit he can't make it to the end of a movie. He likes a good steak and a simple Friday. His approach to patients isn't complicated: he treats them the way he'd want his own family treated.
Education & credentials
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Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
Four-year professional degree in dentistry with a strong foundation in oral anatomy, pathology, and clinical care.
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Five-Year OMS Hospital Residency
Comprehensive hospital-based surgical training covering wisdom teeth, implants, facial trauma, pathology, and anesthesia management.
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ABOMS Board Certification
Certified by the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery—written and clinical examinations beyond residency completion.
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Teen Specialist—Ages 15–18
Nearly 50,000 wisdom tooth procedures over his career, with a particular focus on the timing and sedation considerations specific to teenage patients.
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Continuing Education
Ongoing training in implant techniques, sedation protocols, and surgical advances, required for board certification maintenance.
Dr. Griffeth performs the full range of oral surgical procedures that general dentists refer out, all in one office, with the same surgeon, every time.
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Procedure 01
Wisdom Tooth Removal
All four in one visit. Simple erupted teeth through fully impacted surgical extractions. Dr. Griffeth handles every level of complexity, including cases other dentists decline. What to expect →
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Procedure 02
Dental Implants
Titanium implant placement to replace one tooth or many. Dr. Griffeth works with your restorative dentist on timing and coordinates placement to set up a long-term result.
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Procedure 03
Bone Grafting
When extraction leaves insufficient bone for an implant, bone grafting rebuilds the foundation. Often performed at the same time as extraction to minimize total procedures.
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Procedure 04
Extractions & Surgical Removal
Straightforward and complex extractions, including broken or retained roots, failed teeth, and pre-implant site preparation. All anesthesia options available in-office.
Anesthesia—all options, one office
Dr. Griffeth administers all anesthesia himself—no anesthesiologist referrals required. Local, nitrous, and IV sedation are all available for most procedures. See what a procedure day looks like →
Local anesthesia
Complete numbness for the procedure area. You remain awake and aware, with no pain. Suitable for most routine extractions.
Nitrous oxide
Added relaxation on top of local anesthesia. Wears off quickly—many patients can drive themselves home. Ideal for mild anxiety.
Most popularIV sedation
Deep relaxation administered intravenously. You'll have little to no memory of the procedure. Requires a driver. Preferred for wisdom tooth removal and complex cases.
Dr. Griffeth built Brightside Oral Surgery with the referring dentist relationship in mind. When you send a patient our way, you'll receive a full consultation report and procedure notes, and your patient comes back to you for their restorative work.
We accept most insurance plans and provide itemized written estimates before scheduling. Your patients will know what to expect financially before they commit to anything.
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Consultation notes returned promptly
We send a full written report to the referring dentist after every consultation and procedure—no chasing records.
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Your patient, your relationship
We handle the surgery. Restorative and ongoing care stays with you—no competition, no overlap, no awkward handoffs.
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Straightforward scheduling
Appointments available within one to two weeks for most cases. Urgent referrals for infection or trauma are prioritized.
Send us a patient
Call or send us a referral form and we'll follow up with your patient directly to schedule.
(801) 555-1212Or use our online referral form →
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Griffeth?
No. Many patients come directly based on a recommendation or after doing their own research. A referral from your dentist is helpful—it often means we already have your X-rays and records—but it's not required. Call or submit an estimate request and we'll get you scheduled.
What's the difference between an oral surgeon and a dentist who does oral surgery?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon completed dental school plus a five-year hospital surgical residency, the same pathway that qualifies surgeons to operate in a hospital OR. General dentists who offer "oral surgery" typically completed limited additional training after dental school. For straightforward extractions this difference may not matter much. For impacted wisdom teeth, implants, bone grafting, or anything complex, the training gap is significant.
Does Dr. Griffeth see patients of all ages?
Yes. We see teens for wisdom tooth evaluations and removal (often the right time to act), adults for implants and complex extractions, and older patients managing tooth loss and bone preservation. Each age group has specific considerations and Dr. Griffeth addresses those directly during the consultation.
Will Dr. Griffeth be my surgeon, or could it be someone else?
Dr. Griffeth performs every procedure at Brightside. There are no rotating surgeons or associates—you'll meet him at your consultation and he'll be the one operating. For some patients this is a significant factor in their decision, and we think it should be.
Is board certification required to practice oral surgery?
No—and that's exactly why it matters. Board certification from the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is voluntary. It requires passing rigorous written and clinical examinations after completing residency. Surgeons who pursue it choose to be held to a higher standard. Dr. Griffeth is board-certified and maintains that certification through ongoing education requirements.
Does Brightside accept my insurance?
We accept most major dental and medical insurance plans. Many oral surgery procedures—especially wisdom tooth removal when medically necessary—are covered in part by both dental and medical insurance. We verify your benefits before your procedure and apply them to your written estimate so the out-of-pocket number you see is accurate. See our financing page →
Ready to meet Dr. Griffeth?
Dr. Rod Griffeth, DDS
Board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon with nearly 50,000 wisdom teeth removed. Specializes in teens ages 15–18. Sees every patient personally—from consultation through procedure.
Questions? We're easy to reach.
Mon – Fri · 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat – Sun · Closed
5682 S 3500 W, Suite 200
Roy, UT 84067