Dentist in Fredericksburg, VA
All our professionals at E. Thomas Elstner Jr., DMD maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in dentistry.
E. Thomas Elstner Jr., DMD
Since I began practicing dentistry, I have recognized dental medicine as an integral cornerstone of the healing profession. Possessing the knowledge and the skills to diagnose and treat oral diseases is a formidable responsibility that has led me to dedicate my professional life to treating such conditions — resolving problems, reversing damage, and restoring teeth and gums to the healthiest possible state. In addition, I help to educate all my patients, providing them with the practical daily guidelines necessary to maintaining good oral health.
In my practice, I meet people from all walks of life – each unique in his or her particular circumstances, age, health and needs. Many of my patients are families: I watch children grow into adults, and then bring their own children to see me for the first time. I pride myself in taking a special interest in all of my patients, working closely with each patient, and taking the time to develop an individualized treatment plan designed specifically to address his or her dental health concerns.
Although I realize that many people dread going to the dentist, I have developed a heightened sensitivity to my patients and how best to calm their anxieties. Thus, I am able to draw upon a number of techniques so that I can help anyone relax and allay his or her fears.
In short, I love practicing dentistry. I value and respect my patients, and take great pleasure in helping them to maintain oral health and to prevent serious dental problems; however, when cavities or other serious oral diseases do occur, I am always ready to respond with gentle hands, kind words and realistic solutions.
Indeed, my passion for dentistry, my unwavering professional integrity, my high standards of patient treatment and my attention to detail have earned me a reputation both for outstanding dental work and as one of the leading dentists in the Fredericksburg area.
Education and Continuing Education
I earned my Bachelor Degree in Biology from Gannon University , and my DMD from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine . I love learning about dentistry, and take many hours of continuing education each year. I specifically take courses in oral medicine, oral surgery, periodontics, operative dentistry, endodontics and cosmetic dentistry.
In addition to having my own practice, I am also Chief of the Dental Service Department of Surgery at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg. This additional responsibility is a great honor, and I make sure each patient I see receives the highest quality care available today. As a part of my continuing education, I have become a Fellow in the Academy of Dentistry International , and also a Fellow of The Royal Society of Medicine .
On top of my committment to life-long learning, I have a long history of teaching. I taught biology for Old Dominion University for two years, then taught Pharmacology for Northern Virginia Community College , then taught at the Medical College of Virginia Dental School for 16 years. I also hold the rank of Captain Dental Corps in the United States Naval Reserve.
Professional Affiliations
- Academy of General Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- Virginia Dental Association
- Northern Virginia Dental Society
- Rappahannock Valley Dental Society
- Reserve Officers Association
- American Society of Dental Anesthesiology
- Omecron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society
- Psi Omega Dental Fraternity
In the Practice
I opened my private practice in Fredericksburg in 1982, and have built some wonderful friendships with the people of our community through my work. Some of our new patients may be fearful or anxious of a dental office, and I enjoy helping them feel comfortable and happy here. When a patient is done with a procedure and looks up saying, "that was so easy!" it always makes my day.
The greatest emphasis of our practice is providing wonderful home care. We want our patients to understand how to take care of their teeth and gums on a daily basis, so they can avoid future complications. We can restore smiles and dental function, but without a commitment to preventive care, dental health can deteriorate quickly.
Family and Community
I am the son of an active duty Marine and moved frequently during my youth. I proudly served for our country myself, and after military service I returned to Fredericksburg in 1980. In my family, I have a lovely wife and two grown children. I am active in my church, volunteer to help treat the poor, and am a member of the Moss Free Clinic. In my free time, I enjoy road bicycling, sea kayaking, backpacking, and reading a good book.
