My name is David Wilkinson.  I grew up in Wyoming, the Dakotas, and Montana. From my earliest memories, my goal was to become a dentist. In high school I enjoyed and excelled in science. At Union College in Lincoln, NE, I changed my major to music education with trumpet as my major instrument. I taught high school band for five years in Oregon. I enjoyed helping teenagers succeed academically, learn new skills, and achieve goals they thought were impossible.

The early goal to become a dentist returned to me, and I entered dental school in 1989. I trained at Loma Linda University in Southern California where I received the Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree with numerous academic and clinical achievement awards. Academically, I graduated second in my class and was inducted into the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society. While at LLU I served as Class Chaplain and later Senior Class President. LLU offered many opportunities to gain clinical experience in other countries and the seed was planted for a career of service; so, I travelled to Mexico several times and spent one summer in Zimbabwe, and I fell in love with Africa. Upon completion of my dental studies, I worked in Nairobi, Kenya as a general dentist. The beautiful people, interesting safaris, and overwhelming need helped my family and me in the decision to accept a request to study orthodontics and work in Zimbabwe. Once again at LLU, I completed an additional 2-year residency specializing in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.  I graduated in 1996 with a Master of Science in Orthodontics.

I practiced orthodontics in Harare, Zimbabwe, for six years. While in Zimbabwe, I facilitated the formation and funding of scholarships at three African universities, the building of five churches, refurbishing and equipping of two schools, and worked to raise the awareness of AIDS by printing and distributing 1.5 million AIDS prevention posters. I joined Rotary, an international service organization, and became an active member and leader in the Harare Central Rotary Club. I also traveled to Kenya and Malawi to provide dental care.

My patients can rest assured that they are receiving the best in orthodontic health care. My goal is to provide the most up-to-date technology and techniques using the best materials available.  I am devoted to life-long learning and to furthering my education through reading, attending conferences, continuing education courses, and the Seattle Study Club.

My family and I have lived in Lewiston since 2003, where I maintain active membership in Rotary, the American Association of Orthodontists, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, the Idaho State Orthodontic Society, the American Dental Association, the Idaho State Dental Association, and the Lewis-Clark Dental Society. I have been the featured speaker three times for both the Zimbabwean Dental Association and the Lewis-Clark Dental Society.  I have also served as President of the LCDS.

I feel blessed to be an orthodontist. I love talking with people and solving the variety of challenges they present in fitting their teeth together to create beautiful smiles that function well. It is truly rewarding to watch a patient who is insecure and shy grow to become outgoing and confident. This amazing transformation is rewarding and will never cease to fascinate me.

I have an intense passion for my profession, and I look forward to coming to the office to see the joy my patients feel as their smiles improve and their self-esteem grows. The office environment is African themed and designed to be warm and friendly complimenting my similar personality. I have strong clinical skills and often receive many compliments for being gentle and spending time with each patient. Patients consistently write on evaluations that they are happy with their experience and new smile. As a father, I want the best care for my children, and I know the parents of my patients feel the same.

When not practicing as an orthodontist, I like to spend time with my wife Pamela and three sons, Michael, Daniel, and Paul. Outdoor activities including skiing, playing ball, and gardening, along with reading and worship also compliment my free time. My service continues with many local organizations and helping individual. Travelling has also been a staple in my free time with two trips to Guyana to build a house and provide dental care to the people who live there.

• AAO
• ADA
• ABO

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