Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Oxley.
Hi Eric, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m originally from Tennessee, and after dental school I began my career in the U.S. Navy, where I completed an AEGD in DC and was later stationed in eastern North Carolina at Camp Lejeune.
From early on, I knew I wanted to practice comprehensive, high-level general dentistry, so I invested heavily in continuing education, study clubs, and hands-on experience in both military and private practice settings.
Before COVID, I found a small practice for sale and officially opened Oxley Comprehensive Dentistry (OCD) in August 2020. Since then, we’ve modernized the space inside and out to reflect the kind of care we believe in — advanced technology, thoughtful design, and a patient-focused experience.
Today, I’m still deeply involved in education through study clubs, lecturing, and the University of Florida CDP Mastership program. I love what I do. My approach blends strong fundamentals with modern techniques, and I’m proud of the team, culture, and level of care we provide every day — dogs included.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Ha — I don’t think any business owner or dentist would call it a smooth road. I’m still on a not-smooth road, and honestly that’s part of the job.
Clinically, dentistry keeps you humble. Just when you think you’ve seen everything, something new walks through the door. On the business side, dental school doesn’t teach you how to run a company, so a lot of it has been learning, building the right team, and figuring things out as you go.
Even though we take Fridays off, I’m never really “off” as an owner. But I love what I do, so it doesn’t feel like a burden — it’s just part of building something meaningful and finding balance along the way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve always seen dentistry as both science and art.
I’m very detail-oriented, and a big part of my growth has come through photography. I document many of my cases — before, during, and after — not for marketing, but to critique my own work. Photography helps me slow down, study the details, and constantly refine my technique.
Clinically, I focus on comprehensive and minimally invasive care, often taking on more complex cases and creating restorations that look completely natural. Even posterior fillings matter to me — I want them to disappear and look like real teeth, not “dental work.” I spend much of my free time studying, taking courses, and practicing ways to make my work more lifelike and functional.
I also use my photography when lecturing, and I’m working toward publishing and contributing to the profession in the future.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I’d tell anyone starting out to focus on becoming strong clinically before rushing into ownership. Confidence comes from competence, and that only comes from reps, mentorship, and continuing education.
Find people who are better than you and learn from them. When something stumps you, don’t avoid it — study it and grow from it. Always do your best, and when you learn better, do better.
On the business side, surround yourself with the right team — a good banker, good advisors, and a team you actually enjoy working with every day. This career is challenging, but if you stay curious and keep improving, it can be rewarding.
Pricing:
- Annual Adult Membership $550
- Bleaching $500+
- Esthetic Consult-Free
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ericoxleydmd.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxleydentistry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oxleydentistry/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-oxley
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@oxleydentistry
- Yelp: https://www.youtube.com/@oxleydentistry
