Please welcome Dr. James Oliver to the local dental community. Dr. Oliver purchased Dr. William Covington’s practice in July 2019 and is excited and eager to meet you.
Dr. Oliver is a Richmond native!! Born in the beautiful countryside of Amelia, Virginia where he has instilled with a loving nature and the importance of hard work. During his younger years, he moved with is family to Henrico County where he graduated from Collegiate in 2007.
From there he moved to Farmville, Virginia earning his bachelors degree from Hampden-Sydney College, graduating with honors in 2011. He worked for Pharmaceutical Product Development in Richmond for two years until his persistence paid off with an invitation to dental school!
He received his dental training at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, established in 1888. Ranked #13 in the Nation for dental schools, above our local VCU at #23, the University of Minnesota is known for producing leaders and innovators in the healthcare industry, including the invention of the electronic toothbrush!! (https://dental-colleges.com/)
During his four years in Minnesota he had the unique privilege of living and studying dentistry abroad in Denmark for five months. Dr. Oliver also participated in a two week mission trip in Guatemala educating and providing dentistry to those who are less fortunate. These worldly experiences widened his general scope of dentistry, which makes him all the more empathetic and compassionate to his patients. He graduated with his Doctoral of Dental Surgery degree in 2017 from the University of Minnesota before returning to his home state of Virginia. Since his graduation, Dr. Oliver worked as a general dentist in the Charlottesville area and at a pediatric office in Hanover, Virginia before purchasing Dr. Covington’s practice.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Dr. Oliver recognizes that as a leader in the ever-changing healthcare field, it’s important to stay on top of the latest techniques, materials, and sciences. With just a year into the practice, Dr. Oliver was invited to the American Society Dental Aesthetics annual conference as a Smigel Scholarship recipient.
“The American Society for Dental Aesthetics was established forty years ago by the “Father of Aesthetic Dentistry,” Dr. Irwin Smigel, and was the first aesthetic dental society of its kind. Together, we are cosmetic dentists who are committed to excellence in our field through continuing education. For decades, we have facilitated the exchange of best practices and innovations in cosmetic and restorative dentistry through our engaging learning events.” (http://www.asdatoday.com/)
Through his ASDA connections, Dr. Oliver was invited to participate in the Young Dentist’s program with Dr. David Hornbrook. Dr. Hornbrook is known as a world-renowned lecturer and educator, Dr. Hornbrook has to lead the cosmetic dental industry for nearly two decades. Because Dr. Hornbrook is one of only 62 Fellows of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry — the highest recognition among the most prestigious aesthetic dentists in the nation. Dr. Hornbrook has been ranked by his peers as one of the world’s top 3 cosmetic dentists, and as the area’s top dentist in another peer survey by San Diego Magazine. (https://www.hornbrook.com/)
Leadership & Service
Dr. Oliver has a history of service and leadership, as demonstrated in his work with Missions of Mercy projects, Give Kids a Smile, Special Olympics, Donated Dental Services, and multiple free community clinics that he has volunteered his time and talents for around the Commonwealth. He also served as president of both his professional dental fraternity and the school’s sports dentistry club. In dental school, Dr. Oliver was honored for his service with the Delta Sigma Delta Professional Dental Fraternity Outstanding Member of the Year award in 2017. And today, he continues to be engaged and dedicated to the dental and healthcare industry with an ongoing commitment to life-long learning and development.
Membership
- American Dental Association
- Virginia Dental Association
- Richmond Dental Society
- American Society for Dental Aesthetics
- Blue Ridge Mountain Therapy Dogs of Virginia, Member, and Trainer
Family & Community
When Dr. Oliver isn’t practicing dentistry, you can find him spending time with family, friends and his black lab Ashby. Chattam was our therapy dog trained to decrease dental anxiety and enhance the dental experience for his patients, after having to put him down from cancer in January 2020 he has begun training Ashby to take his place as Evolve’s next therapy dog.
Dr. Oliver also loves the outdoors and can be found from the beach to the mountains enjoying hikes, fishing, surfing, snowboarding, biking, etc.
”I’ve always considered Richmond “home” and thrilled to be back, doing what I love best! I look forward to getting to each of you personally and professionally!”
-James Oliver, DDS
