Granbury, Texas — The dental world is grieving the loss of one of its most influential figures. Dr. Bruce B. Baird, co-founder of the Productive Dentist Academy, passed away on the evening of January 7, 2026. He was 70 years old and widely celebrated for a career that blended clinical excellence with compassionate leadership and tireless mentorship.
For more than three decades, Dr. Baird was not just a dentist — he was a teacher, author, speaker, and mentor whose ideas helped reshape how dental practices think about leadership, teamwork, and purpose. Friends and colleagues say his work was rooted in a simple yet powerful belief: doing good for others and doing good in business can go hand in hand.
Dr. Baird’s journey began after graduating from the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School in San Antonio and serving in the United States Army. He returned to private practice in Granbury and over 36 years grew a solo dental office into a thriving multi-doctor practice. That hands-on experience gave him a deep understanding of both the technical and human challenges dentists face, and it became the foundation of his later work.
In 2004, Dr. Baird teamed up with Victoria Peterson to start the Productive Dentist Academy (PDA), a coaching and consulting organization designed to help dentists build healthier practices. What began as a bold idea became a global force, touching dentists and teams in all 50 U.S. states and nearly 20 countries. PDA’s teachings on leadership, communication, and business systems helped thousands of practices thrive.
People who worked with Dr. Baird often speak about his unique ability to make complicated issues simple and accessible. He was generous with his time, freely sharing lessons learned from both victories and setbacks. Through seminars, workshops, books, and podcasts, he offered guidance with humility and clarity, always focused on helping others grow.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Dr. Baird was a devoted family man. He cherished moments with his wife, daughters, and grandchildren, and those close to him describe a leader who led with both strength and kindness. His presence extended far beyond dental offices — he helped shape a community that values purpose as much as profit.
Though his passing marks the end of an extraordinary life, the impact of Dr. Baird’s work lives on. The organizations he helped build are structured to endure, guided by the core values he championed: clarity, accountability, generosity, and a commitment to serving others. His influence will continue through the leaders he inspired and the countless practices now poised for long-term success.
Dr. Bruce B. Baird’s legacy is not only measured in business success but in the transformed lives of dentists, their teams, and the patients they serve. His story is one of passion, leadership, and a heartfelt belief that meaningful work can create positive change far beyond a single lifetime.
